14 Best Places To Live In Ohio In 2025

Ohio is the 7th most populous state in America and one of the most desirable to stay in, stemming from its affordable cost of living, vibrant cultural scene, and beautiful natural landscapes. Additionally, Buckeye State has renowned universities and a thriving business environment, assuring incoming residents ample opportunities to network and improve their careers. This post highlights exciting destinations that make for an ideal home, scattered between the Lake Erie shoreline in the north and the Ohio River bank in the south.

For those planning a move to Ohio, the state provides various options to cater to your unique needs, whether you prefer relaxed suburban communities, bustling cities, or isolated villages teeming with greenery. Here are some of the best places to live in Ohio in 2025 worth considering before moving.

Toronto

This eastern Jefferson County municipality presents an enticing option for those who appreciate low-cost living and a strong sense of community. It offers a median home price of $149,000, which is way below the United States average, and harbors enough recreation spaces where children can play and adults can relax their minds. This includes Newburg Landing, a lovely oasis on the Ohio River banks with a tranquil environment and magnificent water vistas.

Toronto's modest downtown areas harbor a lively restaurant scene, with establishments like Rusty Bull Taco Co. providing a chill meeting point where townsfolk can catch up over luscious Mexican cuisine. Most job opportunities are in the healthcare and manufacturing industries, while Provisions Health guarantees access to ready medical care.

Cambridge

This small town lies in the Appalachian Plateau, approximately 75 miles from Columbus, and boasts a large footprint in the glass manufacturing industry. Cambridge City Parks provide more than 100 acres of recreational space to address the townsfolk's need for activity, with opportunities for anglers, walkers, picnickers, and sightseers. The Great Guernsey Trail spans about 7 miles and is perfect for stretching your legs while discovering the great outdoors.

With a median home price of about $169,900, Cambridge is way cheaper than America as a whole. Even better, residents enjoy access to reliable health attention at the Southeastern Medical Center.

Eastlake

This quiet suburb of Cleveland provides idyllic waterfront living, where residents wake up to majestic views of Lake Erie. Eastlake maintains a low living cost despite the proximity to big-city amenities, evidenced by a local median housing cost of $177,500. The town boasts a strong sense of community, fostered by social facilities like the Houston-Fisher Pool at Jakse Park. This applies to the Eastlake City Hall, which hosts various community-based events and serves as a gathering spot for concerts.

Outdoor recreation is readily available at Bruce Yee Park, which offers hiking, picnicking, and bird-watching opportunities. Generally, Eastlake has a budget-friendly cost of living compared to most of Ohio, allowing residents to live comfortably on the median household income of almost $60,000.

Sandusky

Sandusky is another beautiful destination on the scenic Lake Erie shoreline, known for its amusement parks and laid-back pace of life. It is the ultimate place to raise a family, considering the limitless access to fun thrills at Cedar Point. This 364-acre park houses a mix of coasters, water slides, thrill rides, and restaurants, delivering unadulterated entertainment. Life in Sandusky means ready access to the beautiful beaches of Lake Erie, with residents finding time to chill and unwind at Shoreline Park.

Meanwhile, Firelands Regional Medical Center is the primary healthcare provider, boasting an almost 300-bed capacity. Sandusky's low cost of living takes it easy on your finances, and those planning to buy a home only to spend an average of $224,500 for a decent property.

Dover

This diverse community in Tuscarawas County impresses potential residents with a cosmopolitan flair, which shows through the distinct museums dotting its downtown areas. The corridor has a pedestrian-friendly atmosphere that allows you to explore quirky attractions like the Ernest Warther Museum & Gardens and the Toland-Herzig Famous Endings Museum. Dover is home to numerous nature areas for whenever you crave the great outdoors, led by the serene sanctuary of Boone Hollow Wildlife Preserve.

Every year, the Tuscarawas County Italian-American Festival brings the community together with an immersive cultural celebration in a family-friendly atmosphere. A local median home cost of $234,900 makes Dover one of the cheapest places to live in Ohio in 2025, while quality health access is guaranteed by the Cleveland Clinic Union Hospital.

Clyde

Designated a Tree City USA by the National Arbor Day Foundation, Clyde provides an appealing rural flair with many park spaces and greenery for outdoor moments. It has a Community Park for residents to spend quality time in the open spaces, whether through uninterrupted picnics with family or solo walks along its peaceful walking paths.

Downtown Clyde has a modest yet welcoming atmosphere with an eclectic mix of eateries and amusement centers. Families can enjoy delicious pizza at the Pizza House whenever they are in the area. Also, the median home price of $230,000 makes Clyde cheaper than most of America.

Xenia

It takes less than 30 minutes to commute from Xenia to Dayton, which allows residents to enjoy a mix of suburban life and urban comforts. This Miami Valley community lures residents with its historical flair, preserved through attractions like the Historic Stevenson Road Covered Bridge and the 19th-century Xenia Station. It has adequate green spaces for outdoor recreation, led by the Narrows Reserve Nature Center. This boasts six picturesque miles of trails that provide terrific views of the Little Miami River.

The Kil-Kare Raceway entertains residents with thrilling races in a family-friendly atmosphere that attracts enthusiasts of all ages. Those seeking medical attention can find it at Kettering Health Greene Memorial while aspiring homeowners need about $224,700 to invest in a lovely real estate property.

Marion

This lively city of Marion County is known for its historical heritage and exciting festivals, which are a source of pride for the local community. Marion hosts several markers offering a glimpse into its past, including the Huber Machinery Museum. The Marion Palace Theatre & May Pavilion is listed on the National Register and serves as the local cultural hub, hosting plays, musicals, and other stage productions for the public's entertainment.

Every year, the Marion Popcorn Festival adds a spark to the town as residents come together to celebrate an enduring tradition. Meanwhile, Marion General Hospital provides swift medical attention, and a well-developed transport system gets you to Columbus in about an hour. Lastly, the median home price is $183,000.

Maple Heights

Convenient access to downtown Cleveland is one reason people are drawn to Maple Heights, as well as an opportunity to enjoy small-town life. The town has an impressive sense of community that results in a generally safe environment, and residents constantly converge at Farmer Jones Indoor Market to shop for groceries. Meanwhile, critical social amenities like the Maple Heights Football Field encourage amicable relations among community members as they gather at the arena to watch entertaining games and support local talent.

With a median home price of about $139,900, Maple Heights is one of the cheapest Cleveland suburbs you can settle in. The cost of living is also lower than the national average, and the major employers are in the healthcare and manufacturing sectors.

Wickliffe

Wickliffe is an adorable community on the western side of Lake County with an impressive number of parks. This makes it a great area to raise a young family, offering adequate space for the young ones to play. Orlando Park is among the most favored in the town, hosting amenities like a baseball field, tennis court, and multiple playgrounds. Residents can also find isolated trails throughout Pete's Pond Preserve, tailored for lonely walks to meditate and allow the mind to relax.

Meanwhile, a lovely aquatic center at Coulby Park allows residents to get together and mingle in a family-friendly setting. Wickliffe's median home cost is below $200,000, putting it below Ohio's average, despite the proximity to all the creature comforts Cleveland offers.

Wauseon

Wauseon is a friendly town in Fulton County that makes newcomers feel at home from the moment they arrive. This warm attitude is apparent at the Museum and Welcome Center of Fulton County, which documents the region's cultural and natural history across a 4,000-square-foot exhibition space. Wauseon hosts a lively downtown area with several family-centric attractions, including Skye Cinema, where townsfolk enjoy a modern movie experience.

Meanwhile, young families can find the ideal location for outdoor recreation at Reighard Park. It has walking trails, picnic areas, playscapes, and an aquatic center. Wauseon has a thriving manufacturing industry that provides jobs for most locals, and its median home price of $215,000 makes investing in a home a comfortable endeavor.

Tiffin

This developed municipality on the banks of the Sandusky River lures residents with a promise of low-cost living, access to high-quality education, a vibrant cultural scene, and pleasant outdoor spaces. It is home to Tiffin and Heidelberg Universities, which are part of a highly rated public school district. The two institutions have contributed to a rich local arts community, allowing townsfolk to congregate for enthralling stage performances at the Ritz Theatre.

Those who love the great outdoors can stretch their legs while exploring isolated trails throughout Howard Collier State Nature Preserve. Tiffin's median home cost is $162,200, which speaks to a generally cheaper way of life than the average Ohio town.

Shelby

Shelby is a charismatic community near Mansfield that takes pride in its close-knit associations and small-town flair. It boasts a variety of social amenities that improve the welfare of the citizens, starting with the Shelby Community and Senior Center. Here, the elderly meet to exercise, socialize, and find a sense of belonging. Meanwhile, there are more than 50 acres of recreational space at the Shelby Reservoir, where residents can make the most of fishing, picnicking, and hiking opportunities.

Also, downtown Shelby features an eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, and museums, resulting in a socially charged environment. The Little Shops of Shelby cover all your household needs. Finally, a decent home in the town costs an average of $172,200.

Willard

Willard is a welcoming town in the southwestern corner of Huron County with an affordable cost of life, where residents can buy a home for an average of $142,200. The presence of several notable businesses, like LSC Communications and CSX Willard Rail Yard, increases opportunities in the local job market, making the town an enticing option for young professionals. Mercy Health is the hub for medical access, employing cutting-edge technology to offer advanced treatments.

Outdoor recreation is available at the Willard Golf Club, a 9-hole course with terrific views. The downtown district hosts an array of attractions that are easily accessible on foot, including the family-friendly Buckeye Subs & Pizzeria.

Choosing Your Ideal Ohio Home

While there are numerous factors to consider while searching for an area to settle down, most people focus on the cost of living, access to quality education, and overall safety. The best places to live in Ohio in 2025 offer all these while providing much more to ensure a comfortable lifestyle wherever you put down roots. Whether you are a young professional planning to start a family or a retiree looking to spend your golden years in peace, there is something for everyone in the Buckeye State.