8 Top-Ranked Towns in Ohio for Retirees
After a lifetime of diligently working a 9 to 5, it comes a time when you have to hang the boots and bid farewell to your career. A good retirement plan starts with finding an ideal home to spend your sunset years in, and Ohio offers plenty of charming communities waiting to take you in. Beyond the glitz and glamor of big cities like Cleveland and Columbus, the Buckeye State is home to lovely little locales that shield you from the hustle and bustle of urban living, providing the laid back atmosphere that many senior citizens crave.
Despite their rural locations, these small towns in Ohio provide access to urban comforts like quality health care and vital social amenities, delivering a balance tailored to retirement living. From sleepy lakefront villages with affordable housing to close-knit communities surrounded by lush nature, they have all the ingredients for a good quality of life as pensioners. If you are open to a change of scenery in your post-work life, these Ohio destinations will be an excellent option.
Sandusky
This picturesque Lake Erie port town draws retirees with a serene setting and lovely waterfront scenery. It is famous for hosting Cedar Point, a sprawling 364-acre amusement park with over 70 roller coasters and other rides, great for seniors who don’t mind an occasional thrill. Its rich nautical heritage is well preserved at the Maritime Museum of Sandusky, which exhibits shipwrecks, old fishing vessels, fishing artifacts, and other interesting relics. Forbes magazine ranked Sandusky among the “cheapest'' small towns in America in 2011, and this hasn’t changed much, with the current cost of living almost 20% below the national average.
Senior citizens can own a decent home for less than $200,000, emphasizing its affordability. It also enjoys a safe atmosphere, with a crime rate significantly lower than America’s average. Firelands Regional Medical Center offers ready healthcare for seniors in Sandusky, who can join other community members at the Sandusky Speedway when they yearn for a sense of belonging.
Maple Heights
This Cleveland suburb offers a quiet escape from the city, ensuring a tranquil, rural setting curated for retirement living. The small-knit community of about 24,000 takes good care of its senior citizens with several assisted living communities, including Senior Centers of Ohio. With Cleveland sitting only 20 minutes away, there is quick access to top-notch health facilities and essential social amenities. Retirees can choose from several venues to interact with peers, including Farmer Jones Indoor Market, where they can shop for healthy, farm-fresh groceries.
The crime rate in Maple Heights is lower than the national average, and residents enjoy affordable living, with a living cost 3% below that of America in general. It is surrounded by multiple healthcare facilities in the large Cleveland metropolitan area and enjoys a well-developed transport network. Meanwhile, a median house price of about $100,000 means that pensioners don’t have to spend a fortune for a retirement home.
Trotwood
Over 20% of the population in Trotwood is 65 years or older, inviting retirees to be part of a delightful senior community. Thanks to numerous green spaces with miles of hiking trails and wildlife viewing opportunities, Trotwood has a magnetic effect on pensioners looking for a rural destination to call their forever home. A suburb of Dayton, the town is less than ten minutes from Sycamore State Park, home to recreation opportunities like hiking, hunting, boating, and camping. Those who prefer indoor pursuits will enjoy acclimating to local history at the Trotwood-Madison Historical Society.
Homes in Trotwood sell for less than $150,000, and the living cost is lower than most places in the country, which favors the low income of retirees. Given its proximity to Dayton, the local community enjoys easy access to urban comforts like good hospitals, developed transport networks, and other social amenities.
Lima
If you picture yourself sailing into the sunset years in a peaceful rural community with lush natural scenery, Lima makes a compelling case for a retirement destination. It harbors multiple nature spaces, including the 36-acre Lippincott Bird Sanctuary. The park is home to a 0.6-mile trail that seniors can lazily hike along to explore the rich ecosystem and enjoy excellent bird-watching opportunities. More outdoor options exist at Faurot Park, ranging from skating, picnicking, trekking, and playing games like volleyball and baseball.
Lima is home to several assisted living communities where seniors can find necessary health and wellness support in vulnerable moments, including Loch Haven Assisted Living. Also, the cost of living is below the state and national averages. Culture enthusiasts will enjoy exploring local heritage at the Allen County Historical Society and Museum before admiring lovely visual art pieces at ArtSpace.
Marion
Marion is among the six Midwestern localities in America claiming to be the “Popcorn Capital of the World.” It backs this up with quirky attractions like the Wyandot Popcorn Museum, which exhibits the world’s largest collection of popcorn poppers. It is also known as the former home of President Warren G. Harding and honors its famous son’s legacy with the Warren G. Harding Presidential Sites. This historic home houses personal and presidential artifacts about the public figure. Marion has several yearly events showcasing its close community ties, highlighted by the Marion Popcorn Festival.
There are fewer crimes reported in Marion compared to America as a whole. Additionally, the cost of living is below the national average, and the median home price is around $157,000, offering an affordable life in retirement. Finally, the local Senior Independent Living organizes community programs and social events that bring together pensioners to dine, interact, and make lasting friendships.
Berlin
Seniors seeking a serene town with a simple lifestyle will find delight in the setting of Berlin and its location in Amish Country. With a solid Amish population, the city boasts a thriving sense of community and a friendly atmosphere despite its traditional nature. Berlin welcomes every newcomer with one of the lowest crime rates in Ohio, significantly below the national average. This safety provides peace of mind for retirees, and living costs are also very reasonable compared to many other regions.
Despite its small-town charm, Berlin does not lack the services that retirees may need. Healthcare and other amenities are easily accessible. The cultural influence of early German and Swiss settlers also remains, like in the rich programs presented at the Amish Country Theater. Seniors and locals frequently organize social gatherings at the historic Berlin Farmstead restaurant. The classic yet comfortable lifestyle has undoubtedly drawn many to retire in this scenic northeast Ohio locale.
Ashtabula
Ashtabula offers a laid back setting along the scenic shores of Lake Erie, making it one of the best towns in Ohio for senior citizens. Over 16% of its residents are 65 years or over, drawn to the appealing natural scenery. The town has multiple open spaces providing retirees diverse recreational opportunities, including Walnut Beach Park. These include swimming, boating, kayaking, basketball, tennis, and volleyball. American historians will be intrigued by the Hubbard House Underground Railroad Museum, an 1800s gem that once served as a stop along the Underground Railroad.
Seniors who prefer a healthy and active lifestyle can slip into their trainers to hike along the Western Reserve Greenway Trail. Meanwhile, Ashtabula residents enjoy affordable living, with the cost of living being 9% below the national average and homes costing under $150,000. Furthermore, the town is three times safer than the United States and cares for its seniors with assisted living communities like Lantern of Saybrook.
Cambridge
Cambridge interests senior citizens with multiple outdoor opportunities and a fascinating glass-making heritage. Many people visit the National Museum of Glass to browse the world’s most comprehensive collection of glass artifacts by the Cambridge Glass Company. The town also ensures enough outdoor spaces for pensioners to stay active, with the Cambridge City Parks managing at least 100 acres of parkland. Meanwhile, retirees who yearn for a sense of purpose can volunteer at different community programs, including mentoring youth at the Cambridge Little League.
The crime rate and median house prices are lower than the national averages, making Cambridge an affordable and relatively safe territory to call home. However, retirees can make the most of cheaper home options at Cambridge Height Apartments, doubling up as a senior living community. And where there is a need for medical care, locals can access quality services at the Southeastern Ohio Regional Medical Center.
Final Thoughts
With so many places making a case of the best towns in Ohio for retirees, these rural localities are among the frontrunners when selecting a place to call home permanently. They perfectly exemplify the diversity within the Buckeye State, each offering a different experience that best fits senior living. They all enjoy a low cost of living, affordable housing, low crime rates, and close-knit communities that care about the wellness of the aging populations. If you plan to spend your golden years in Ohio, any of them will make a promising prospect.
