12 Best Places to Live in Ohio in 2024

Given its exciting mix of natural beauty, communal diversity, and thriving industries, Ohio is an excellent state to establish a home and raise a family. One of the primary pull factors is the overall affordability, with the cost of living for most areas being lower than the national average. The school system is also appealing to many parents, with Ohio State University ranking among the best academic institutions of higher learning in the country.

Nature lovers also fancy the wealth of green and open spaces, while Ohioans' friendliness and hospitality appeal to many Americans looking for a new home. While there are numerous places to choose from, some areas have proven to be more charismatic than others. So, if you plan to move to the Buckeye State in 2024 from out of state, here are possible options to live in Ohio you might want to consider.

Bexley

Bexley is a quaint suburban community neighboring Columbus that guarantees residents the best of both worlds. Its modest population of about 13,800 offers an appealing small-town vibe that balances out with access to high-quality urban amenities in the capital. The town is pedestrian-friendly and features lovely green spaces like Jeffrey Park, where locals enjoy different amenities. The close-knit community has several trendy establishments, including Mees Hall, where they can enjoy family-friendly live performances. 

A good percentage of the demographic own their homes, with the median home price at an affordable $469,000, considering the proximity to the capital. Meanwhile, the local crime rate is below the national average. Bexley is also an excellent option for young families due to its quality public school system. 

Beavercreek

As the second-largest suburb of Dayton, Beavercreek enjoys an array of urban comforts despite its small-town atmosphere. The community hosts about 47,000 residents and features an impressive mix of shopping centers and restaurants. Retail therapy opportunities abound at venues like the Greene and The Mall at Fairfield Commons, with joints like Kings Table Bar & Grill acting as the ideal hangout. Residents also enjoy a couple of urban oases like Overlook Reserve, where families can enjoy a fun day out. 

Beavercreek is one of the safer options, as it has a lower crime rate than the national average. Like most people in the town, owning a home would not be too challenging as the median housing price is an affordable $289,000. 

Dublin

Dublin has previously been voted among the best places to live in Ohio, a credit to its friendly residents and safe neighborhoods, which spur a strong sense of community among locals. The town also charms with a plethora of green spaces and parklands, allowing diverse recreation opportunities. Indian Run Falls is an excellent spot to hike and picnic amidst lush natural beauty, whereas Coffman Park offers various amenities for children to play. You can also find several shopping and dining opportunities at North Market Bridge Park. 

Dublin’s safety stands out as a pull factor for people trying to move into the town, with the crime rate being way below the national average. The home median price is a reasonable $422,000, so owning a home is not out of reach. 

Mason

If safety is a primary concern when moving to a new neighborhood, you would not have to keep on looking over your shoulder in Mason. This town has an impressive safety record below the state average. Despite its proximity to big cities like Cincinnati (22 miles away), Mason maintains a small-town feel and rural atmosphere featuring green spaces like Corwin-Nixon Park. The town also boasts the largest theme park in the Midwest, Kings Island, providing endless fun for the whole family. 

The Mason Historical Society is an ideal venue for those interested in the area’s history. For a town close to the big city, the median home price of $470,000 can be considered a steal with easy access to various urban amenities. 

Granville

People like Granville for its scenic natural surroundings, which provide a charming escape from the busier life of neighboring Columbus. Situated in the serene Welsh Hills region, you will find rolling landscapes dotted with lakeside picnic spots and peaceful hiking trails amidst dense woodlands. Among its top nature spaces are Spring Valley Nature Preserve, a sanctuary for observing wildlife, and Lake Hudson, a hub for swimming or relaxing on warm summer days. Granville has a rich heritage that is well preserved at the Granville Historical Society Museum. 

The town enjoys a safe environment and features a median home price of around $618,000. It is also home to Denison University, so children need not leave the town when it's time to go to college.

Sandusky

Everyone seems to know everyone in this picturesque Lake Erie port town, contributing to its small-town charm and friendly atmosphere. While renowned for hosting Cedar Point - a sprawling 364-acre amusement park - Sandusky draws families looking to settle down in a serene waterfront setting with lovely water views. It maintains a rich nautical heritage preserved at gems like the Maritime Museum of Sandusky. As a relatively affordable place to call home, Sandusky has consistently ranked among America's most cost-effective towns to live, with the median home price at only $210,000. 

Safety is not a big issue in this friendly community, as the crime rate is below the state average. Overall, this close-knit port community offers residents a relaxing pace of life alongside access to generational thrills and small-town fellowship.

Hudson

This friendly suburban community falls within the Akron metropolitan area yet charms with its small-town feel and green surroundings. Hudson boasts a rich historical heritage that is felt through diverse experiences, including walking through the Hudson Historic District, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The vibrant downtown hosts a mix of family-friendly spots where residents meet often to interact, including Regal Hudson and the Hudson Farmers Market. Residents also enjoy serene green spaces like the Hudson Springs Disc Golf Course. 

Hudson is also one of the safest towns in the Buckeye State and features an impressively low violent crime rate. Meanwhile, the median listing home price is about $467,000, a small price to pay, with Akron being a stone’s throw away. 

Aurora

Tucked within the greater Cleveland metro area is the enchanting suburb of Aurora, attracting families with its ideal blend of suburban comforts and open green spaces. Consisting predominantly of single-family homes, Aurora is a quiet and safe community of over 17,000 residents. Residents also enjoy peace of mind from Aurora's low crime rate. When seeking recreational respite, residents utilize the town's abundance of green spaces like Aurora Sunny Lake Park, a relaxing retreat for picnickers and lazy hikers.

An added advantage is the suburb's strategic location, with easy access to Cleveland's abundant urban amenities. Proximity to major urban facilities and the airport only enhances Aurora's appeal. Finally, the median home price is about $489,000.

Worthington

This laidback Columbus suburb balances small-town vibes with urban comforts, welcoming newcomers to join its friendly community. The town houses a cluster of fun attractions for all types of interests, like the High Road Gallery and Studios, inviting connoisseurs to inspect intricate art pieces. The close-knit community also assembles at friendly venues like the Worthington Community Center and the Worthington Farmers Market for fun socialization. 

Senior citizens have access to independent living communities like Griswold Center, which guarantees support in their sunset years. The crime rate is pretty low, and the home median price in Worthington is around $433,000. 

Cambridge

Outdoor enthusiasts find much to appreciate about Cambridge, as the small city offers multiple recreation avenues. Cambridge boasts a comprehensive network of parks, trails, and recreational programs that keep residents of all ages active and engaged. The Cambridge City Parks maintain over 100 acres of scenic green space for hiking, biking, and exploration. Additionally, families rest assured that children have plenty of play time to make the most of playtime at the local Cambridge Little League. The Escape Zone is also a popular spot for families in Cambridge looking for fun. With a very affordable median home price of around $154,000, Cambridge draws families and individuals looking for towns offering low-cost living.

Berlin

Berlin sits in the heart of Ohio's Amish Country, charming those seeking a simple lifestyle with its strong sense of community. Home to a thriving Amish population, the town maintains a traditional yet welcoming small-town character. Residents feel at ease knowing the crime rate here is among the lowest in Ohio, well below national averages. This safety, coupled with reasonable costs of living, provides peace of mind. 

The cultural influences of early German and Swiss settlers also endure, evidenced by offerings like the Amish Country Theater and the Behalt-Mennonite Heritage Center. Lastly, with a median home price of about $257,000, Berlin is a generally affordable place to settle in. 

Marion

Marion is famous for being the former home of President Warren G. Harding, whom it honors through several interesting monuments, such as the Warren G. Harding Presidential Sites and Harding Tomb. Historically, it was a vital industrial center in Ohio, a heritage you can uncover by perusing diverse artifacts at the Marion County Historical Society and Huber Machinery Museum. Townsfolk can access several green spaces for outdoor recreation, from picnicking across the 93 acres of Veterans Memorial Park to hiking and biking along the Marion Tallgrass Trail. 

The local community maintains strong ties through various annual festivals and events, highlighted by the Marion Popcorn Festival, which celebrates local culture. Marion’s crime rate is below the national average, and the median home price is around $150,000. 

A Guide to Ohio's Finest: Where to Call Home in 2024

Choosing the ideal neighborhood to raise a family or settle into retirement goes a long way toward quality of life. While options abound in the Buckeye State, these towns have proven to be highly desirable places to call home. Whether you value community, affordability, outdoor beauty, or small-town living, the top-ranked places to live in Ohio are always a priority for persons relocating to the state. By offering a mix of amenities, cultural events, recreational activities, educational excellence, and safety, they continue to attract new families and residents looking to plant roots.