12 Best Small Towns to Retire in Ohio in 2024

If you are looking to substitute the tumult and turmoil in the city with the quiet and tranquility in the countryside during your retirement years, Ohio may just be the ideal destination! The Buckeye State is home to delightful small towns surrounded by natural beauty, providing a slow pace of life that favors retirees. They are cheaper to live in and offer more affordable housing options, allowing pensioners to live a decent life on a budget. 

From scenic riverside villages to laidback lakefront communities, each has a unique vibe with friendly locals who will welcome visitors with open arms. Thanks to their strong sense of community, senior citizens feel a sense of belonging even in their vulnerable years. Whether you are seeking safety, affordability, health access, or culture, these hidden gems have all the hallmarks of an ideal retirement home. So, prepare for smooth sailing into your sunset years in these small towns in Ohio. 

Chagrin Falls

This cozy village in Cuyahoga County offers retirees a safe and serene setting to spend their golden years. It is unique for the Chagrin River passing through its downtown and the gorgeous waterfall providing a dramatic scene in the heart of the town. Seniors enjoy several green spaces around Chagrin Falls that allow them to commune with nature, including the laidback Riverside Park. The area is perfect for lazy walks along quiet nature trails and relaxing on picnic benches. Theater lovers constantly gather at the historic Chagrin Valley Little Theater to enjoy live performances in a venue that has operated since the 1930s. Chagrin Falls is a very safe community, with a crime rate 50% below the national average. Its proximity to Cleveland allows ready access to top-notch amenities, including the many health centers in the metro area. The same applies to multiple assisted living communities, including the Hamlet at Chagrin Falls. But there is a small price to pay, as the cost of living and housing costs are slightly higher than the national average. 

Milan

This sleepy village is known for being the birthplace of Thomas Edison. It oozes a quintessential small-town vibe, welcoming newcomers to explore the legacy of its famous son at the Thomas Edison Birthplace Museum. The historic home was built in 1841 and displays several memorabilia related to the Edison family. More interesting local history awaits exploration at the Milan Museum, which showcases the town’s colorful past through a collection of old structures, artifacts, and relics. Also, senior citizens can look forward to numerous recreational opportunities at Edison Park, home to amenities like picnic tables, ball fields, a playground, a skateboard park, and a sledding hill. 

Retirees don’t have to lose sleep over their safety in Milan; the town’s crime rate is over 50% below the state and national averages. Houses here sell for around $200K, making Milan a safe and affordable community, ideal for senior living. 

Yellow Springs

Retired professionals craving natural surroundings can start planning to settle in this charming Greene County community. Yellow Springs delivers wild outdoor opportunities in the belly of Mother Nature thanks to state parks like Glen Helen Nature Preserve. This sprawling park is famous for housing the natural wonder that inspired the town’s name. The adventure doesn’t stop there; inside the 700-acre John Bryan State Park, pensioners can choose from fishing and rock climbing to hiking and wildlife viewing for some fun in the great outdoors. When not exploring the open spaces, you can channel your inner child to enjoy an ice-cold treat at Young’s Jersey Dairy. 

The crime rate in Yellow Springs is half the national average and living in the town is cheaper than in most places in America. However, the tradeoff is you have to pay a little bit more for a home in Yellow Springs, with houses costing upwards of $400,000K. 

St. Clairsville

One of the safest towns in Ohio to spend your retirement, St. Clairsville is a hidden gem in the Ohio Valley with delightful shopping and dining opportunities. It houses a mix of attractions, led by the Belmont County Heritage Museum, where you can learn about the area’s historical and cultural heritage. Recreation opportunities abound at St. Clairsville Memorial District Park, which houses a hiking trail, swimming pool, tennis courts, and a picnic pavilion. Seniors can also stay in shape at Evolve Fitness and learn to protect themselves at Olympic Tae Kwon Do Academy.  Clairsville rarely experiences crime, a credit to the close-knit community ties encouraging harmony amongst members. The living cost is slightly higher than the state average but lower than America’s average, with the median house price at around $200K. Townsfolk also enjoy access to several health centers in and around, including St. Clairsville Health Center. 

Berea

Senior citizens with academic aspirations can find lifelong learning opportunities in Berea, home to Baldwin Wallace University. The presence of the college in the town has elevated the local arts scene, which comes to its own during the Berea Arts Festival. Berea also offers lovely outdoor opportunities in its numerous open spaces. Rocky River Reservation is perfect for adventures like hiking, fishing, cross-country skiing, mountain biking, and bird-watching. Meanwhile, Coe Lake invites picnickers to spend the day in a tranquil atmosphere with superb water views.  As part of the Cleveland Metropolitan Area, pensioners only have to travel a short distance to access the premier health facilities in the city. Locally, they can choose from several senior living communities for assistance, including Generations Senior Living of Berea. Finally, the crime rate and living costs are below the national average. 

Centerville

With over 25% of the population in Centerville being 65 years and above, this Montgomery County town is a haven for retirees. Many are drawn to the impressive balance between rural serenity and urban convenience. The town has multiple parks for outdoor enthusiasts, including Forest Field Park and Stubbs Park. On the other hand, its proximity to Dayton enables senior citizens to enjoy urban comforts without leaving the comfort of the backcountry atmosphere. Aircraft enthusiasts can tour the Asahel Wright Museum to admire antique plane artifacts, and when the grandkids visit, be sure to entertain them at the Activity Center Park. Exploring downtown Centerville reveals a National Register of Historic Places gem, home to Ohio’s largest collection of old stone houses. The town’s crime is also significantly lower than the national average and pensioners can own a home for under $300K. 

Eastlake

A safe escape from the violent streets of Cleveland, Eastlake offers a laidback suburban atmosphere curated for retirement living. This quaint community houses a mix of attractions, such as Bruce Yee Park, the ideal venue to spot bald eagles. The town is also known for its sporting culture, with several venues bringing together locals in a family-friendly environment. Classic Park is one of the most popular spots and fans gather here to enjoy a Minor League baseball game. Also, the thriving restaurant scene promises seniors a rich cultural experience. At Severino’s Restaurant & Lounge, they can tickle their taste buds with sumptuous Italian cuisine. 

Despite enjoying easy access to quality amenities in Cleveland, Eastlake doesn’t experience a high crime rate. Less than two people per one thousand report cases of violent crime. The cost of living is at par with America’s average and seniors can find a decent home for just over $150K. 

Hudson

This tiny village in Summit County boasts a rich historical heritage, intertwined with John Brown and the Underground Railroad. You can enjoy an exciting journey back in time by strolling through the Hudson Historic District, which preserves homes and commercial structures from the bygone eras. Hudson also houses almost twenty parks, presenting endless outdoor opportunities to keep retirees active. The 260-acre Hudson Springs Park is an excellent venue for those looking to relax, stroll lazily, or fish for bass in the 50-acre lake within the park. However, art lovers will gravitate towards Uncommon Art, where a unique collection of works await inspection. 

The median home price listing in Hudson is over $350K and the cost of living is higher than the national average. However, retirees who can afford it enjoy a safer environment and access to the premium healthcare facilities in nearby Akron. 

Lebanon

Lebanon traces its beginnings to the early 1800s when it was founded and maintains a historic charm that will appeal to senior citizens. It is home to the Warren County Historical Society, which documents the storied past of the town and the surrounding region. Exploring the historic downtown exposes you to the oldest operating business in Ohio. The Golden Lamb Restaurant & Hotel dates back to 1803 and continues to delight locals and visitors with wholesome meals and a rustic vibe. Pensioners will also want to check out the Lebanon Theater Company, a great place to enjoy a family-friendly live performance. 

There is no need to worry about safety when strolling through the town streets; Lebanon experiences less than two violent crime incidents per one thousand residents. With the housing and living costs below the national average, pensioners won’t burn through their retirement savings when living in Lebanon. 

Perrysburg

This laidback Maumee River village boasts a balanced mix of attractions, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Retirees can spend their free time on diverse experiences depending on their preferences. History enthusiasts can tour Fort Meigs Historic Site to discover 19th-century war history. Outdoor lovers will prefer the W.W. Knight Nature Preserve where recreational opportunities like fishing, hiking, and picnicking await. Meanwhile, culinary connoisseurs will enjoy scrumptious seafood at Claude’s Prime Seafood, and down it with a refreshing glass of cocktail. 

Perrysburg also enjoys a relatively safe environment, with crime rates impressively lower compared to the national average. Several senior living communities in the town, such as the Commons A ProMedica, ensure that the elderly population’s well-being is catered for. Finally, the cost of living and housing are lower than the United States average. 

Cambridge

Cambridge draws retirees with its abundance of outdoor activities and cultural attractions. With over 100 acres of parkland to explore, seniors can look forward to endless outdoor opportunities in delightful green spaces.  Meanwhile, the National Museum of Glass houses the world's largest collection of pieces by Cambridge Glass Company, which should interest those curious about local history. Whenever the grandkids visit, you can take them to Escape Zone for a wholesome family day out. 

Living affordably and safely in Cambridge is made possible by its lower crime and median home prices compared to national averages. However, budget-conscious retirees can opt for the Cambridge Height Apartments, which offers cheaper housing. Convenient access to quality healthcare is also a draw, with the Southeastern Ohio Regional Medical Center providing needed medical services locally. 

Wrapping Up

Retirement is a time to kick back, relax, and make the most of your sunset years. The small towns in Ohio featured above offer just the right environment and amenities to do so comfortably and affordably. Between the social opportunities, cultural activities, accessible healthcare, affordable housing options, and natural beauty in each location, retirees are sure to thrive. Whether you enjoy volunteering, exploring outdoors, visiting museums, or simply relaxing at home, these top Ohio towns will allow your retirement dreams to come true.