8 Budget-Friendly Towns in Ohio for Retirees

Ohio, also known as “The Buckeye State,” is a wonderful reprieve of charming proportions in the Midwestern United States. Whether it is the scenic Ohio River and its waterside parks or the iconic exhibits at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, there is lots to see and do. Along with tourist activities, Ohio is also a great place to retire, with amenities like hospitals, airports, and small towns that offer peace during one’s golden years. To top it off, many of these small towns offer affordable living so seniors can enjoy budget-friendly living. From Yellow Springs with its artistic flair to the outdoors in Ashtabula, here are eight budget-friendly towns in Ohio for retirees.

Yellow Springs

Yellow Springs offers retirees a reprieve from urban hustle and bustle while still remaining connected. Nestled in Greene County, this town is an outdoors person’s dream, with tons of opportunities to stay fit in your golden years. The top spot is the Glen Helen Nature Preserve, a 1,000-acre expanse full of lush forests, hiking trails, and wildlife. It also features the Raptor Center, Ecological Center, and Outdoor Education Center, which offer everything from education on raptors to an outdoor auditorium. Back in town, Antioch College creates a youthful environment that will make you feel young again. Whether it is events like the Yellow Springs Street Fair or lively outlets such as the Yellow Springs Brewery, there is always something fun to do in Yellow Springs.

Along with the activities, retirees will adore the connectivity, as the larger cities of Dayton and Cincinnati are within an hour’s drive away. Thus, you won’t have to travel far to reach urban facilities like the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport and Kettering Health Greene Memorial Hospital. Moreover, Yellow Springs Senior Center entertains residents with activities like Monopoly, bridge, and bingo, as well as grocery delivery aid.

Ashtabula

Ashtabula is a lovely town resting along the shores of Lake Erie. To this end, waterside views are prevalent, and beauty is all around. Retirees planning to buy a home will adore this town thanks to its average housing value of $145,000, which is $85,000 less than the state average. Moreover, plenty of coastal properties are available, so you can relax with a view. If you don’t plan on staying home much, there is always someone to meet, as more than 19% of Ashtabula’s 18,000 residents are over the age of 65. So, whether it's a game of golf or a pint of beer, you won’t have to do it alone.

Speaking of activities, Ashtabula is a wellspring of choice with all kinds of ways to spend your days. Those interested in history can explore sites like the Hubbard House Underground Railroad Museum with its intricate exhibits or the Benetka Road Covered Bridge, a rustic memento of the past. On the other hand, one can enjoy a walk while picking fresh apples at Brant’s Apple Orchard, a local favorite with seniors. With further outdoor areas like Lake Shore Park, Ashtabula is the perfect destination for anyone looking to settle down in Ohio.

Mason

Often ranked among the best places to live for families in Ohio, Mason is a fantastic place to consider for retirement. The town’s 35,000-strong community is full of friendly vibes, and you will feel at home from the moment you arrive. Once you make some friends, be sure to hit one of many local hotspots such as the Lindner Family Tennis Center to watch the Cincinnati Open tennis tournament, Cottel Park for some outdoor fun, or The Common Beer Company for a pint. Apart from this, Mason’s Senior Center also has tons of opportunities, from gathering rooms where you can plan events to game tables ideal for a game of dominos or cards. The center also has a Health Lifestyles Program offering access to walking trails, indoor pools, and more so you can stay fit in your retirement.

While housing is on the pricier side, senior living communities are a budget-friendly alternative. Arts Senior Living is a great option, with a 24-hour on-site licensed nurse, a quiet environment, and secure outdoor space. Similarly, BrightStar Senior Living and The Landing of Long Cove offer comfortable accommodations and great staff. In case you ever need professional medical assistance, Mercy Health - Kings Mill Hospital is just 10 minutes from the town center.

Marion

Marion is a history lover’s dream, beckoning people with rustic experiences. Retirees interested in tales of old can choose between one of many museums in town, such as the Huber Machinery Museum, Buckeye Telephone Museum, and Popcorn Museum. From antique tractors to old-school operator switchboards, these sites are a blast to the past. For a different kind of history, the Marion Palace Theatre & May Pavilion is a 1928 venue showcasing films, plays, and other performances that you’ll surely enjoy. On the other hand, those looking for a more vibrant event will adore the Marion Popcorn Festival. Ode to the town’s nickname of the “Popcorn Capital of the World,” this event is full of live music, games, and, of course, tons of popcorn.

If the activities seem enticing, the amenities in Marion follow suit. In terms of affordability, Marion is a hit, with a median housing price of less than $160,000. Compared to the state average of $230,000, retirees won’t have any trouble buying their dream home to settle down in. Healthcare is another worry that Marion covers thanks to the OhioHealth Marion General Hospital, which has a full-service emergency department for any urgent needs. If you ever need to go in for a regular checkup, Marion Area Transit (MAT) runs regular shuttles starting at just 60 cents for seniors.

Steubenville

Retirees are sure to fall in love with the budget-friendly town of Steubenville. As the county seat of Jefferson County, urban amenities are plentiful, from the Steel Valley Regional Transit Authority and its public bus service to the Trinity Medical Center West for healthcare. Thanks to this, seniors are drawn to Steubenville, and more than 19% of the population is over the age of 65. Even with so much on offer, the town has an affordable median housing value of $124,000, more than $100,000 below the state average in Ohio.

Those who decide to settle down in Steubenville are in for a fun time with loads of opportunities. Seniors interested in the past can spend their time at the 1786 Fort Steuben, a military fortification made by Great Britain along the Ohio River. With tours and a visitor center, it is a blast to the past. Further history exudes from spots like the Union Cemetary and Antique Warehouse, an antique shop with hundreds of items across multiple floors. If you’re looking for a more relaxing experience, tee off at the Steubenville Country Club, where most local retirees spend their mornings.

Centerville

Home to around 8,000 seniors, Centerville is a place where you’ll never feel lonely. Due to its robust population of senior citizens, plenty of spots are catered to their needs, such as the range of senior living facilities. The top names include Symphony at Centerville and The Courtyard at Centerville, offering comfortable living with professional assistance. If you plan on living alone, the town has a Well-Being Call-In program wherein residents contact the police dispatch center daily, and if no contact is made, a police officer will visit for a well-being check. So, all the basics are taken care of when retiring in Centerville.

After settling in, retirees can head to Stubbs Park, a large nature area with tons of space for walking, chatting, and even some games. Plenty of families spend their time here playing sport or picnicking creating a serene environment in the middle of town. Seniors interested in golf can opt for a visit to the Yankee Trace Golf Club, which is well-maintained with friendly staff. End your days with a meal at The Brunch Pub or Old Scratch Pizza & Beer for a wonderful retirement in this Ohio town.

Berlin

This quaint community of 1,500 is a great getaway from urban living. Nestled in Ohio’s Amish Country, culture exudes from each corner, creating a unique environment. Those interested can grab some authentic cuisine from the 1940s Boyd & Wurthmann Restaurant, known for its house-baked pies. For seniors, shopping needs are covered at local stores like Sheiyah Market and Country Gatherings, where one can find everything from small items to home accessories. For an even more Amish experience, catch a show at the authentic Amish Country Theater or check out the Amish and Mennonite Heritage Center in town.

Residents living in Berlin are within a short drive of many major amenities in the town of Millersburg. Here, one can find assisted living facilities such as Greenridge Assisted Living and Danbury, which are perfect for a social environment. Furthermore, the Pomerene Hospital is nearby, offering amazing healthcare assistance. To keep yourself fit, the Berlin TWP Park is also open for all with plenty of green space for exercising.

Sandusky

As the county seat of Erie County, many people expect that Sandusky is not a budget-friendly town, but this is not true. This lively destination boasts a median housing value of around $140,000, $90,000 below Ohio’s average. To this end, you can enjoy the coastal scenery of Sandusky Bay from your dream home without having to break the bank. With its affordable housing, the town attracts seniors from all around the country, and more than 17% of locals are above 65. So, no matter how you plan on spending the day, someone like-minded will always join you.

Speaking of activities, Sandusky is a great place to call the family over for vacations. This is because the Cedar Point amusement park will keep the kids busy. It is one of the country’s most famous parks, with 70+ rides, including the 1964 Blue Streak rollercoaster and the new 2013 GateKeeper steel coaster. You can also join the family for a wholesome time out at the Lagoon Deer Park, where you can feed, pet, and meet friendly deers. Meanwhile, when it's just adults, the Firelands Winery is a great place to drink and talk.

Wrapping Up

Ohio offers an array of budget-friendly towns perfect for retirees seeking affordable living without sacrificing access to amenities, nature, and community. From Yellow Springs’ artistic environment and its proximity to nature preserves to the scenic shores of Ashtabula on Lake Erie, these towns provide a mix of outdoor activities and small-town charm. Seniors can enjoy affordable housing, local healthcare facilities, and vibrant social opportunities while still being close to larger urban centers for more extensive services. Each town highlights the balance between peaceful living and cultural engagement, making Ohio a fantastic destination for your golden years.