9 Senior-Friendly Towns In Ohio

The state of Ohio offers plenty of options for those looking for a safe, friendly, and affordable small Midwest town in which to retire. The Buckeye State’s blend of low living costs, access to top-notch healthcare, and lively communities make it a prime choice for retirees seeking the perfect retirement destination.

The best of these towns also feature pleasant scenery, historic charm, and first-rate modern amenities, with plentiful opportunities for volunteering, joining senior clubs, and staying active being just a handful of other benefits. Add to the mix an emphasis on low crime rates, and these nine senior-friendly towns in Ohio are ideal locations for those entering their golden years.

Granville

Located just 30 miles from Columbus, Granville is known for its charming New England-inspired architecture. The town’s numerous walking trails, along with seniors’ clubs like the Licking County Community Center for 60+ Adults, make it an attractive destination for retirees who enjoy staying active. This top-notch facility offers weekly events for seniors, including fitness classes and crafting workshops, encouraging both physical and social engagement.

Granville’s proximity to first-rate healthcare services, such as those available at Licking Memorial Hospital, as well as its low crime rates, low property taxes, and moderately priced housing market, are also key reasons why retirees are drawn to the area. Fun things to do and volunteering opportunities (sometimes both together) are also plentiful, with facilities like the Granville Center for the Arts providing a cultural backdrop for seniors looking to stay active.

Oberlin

Just 30 miles west of Cleveland, Oberlin is a quaint town best known for its liberal arts college, a facility that provides a fun cultural atmosphere with art galleries, music performances, and educational opportunities for residents. Retirees certainly appreciate the town's commitment to lifelong learning with opportunities for auditing classes (courses that don’t result in a credit) at Oberlin College, as well as engaging in intergenerational volunteer programs.

Access to the Oberlin Senior Center is another perk and offers fitness classes, crafts, and social events, making it easy for retirees to stay connected with likeminded individuals. Oberlin is also affordable, with reasonably priced housing and a relatively low cost of living. The town’s crime rate is also lower than the national average, and its Mercy Health-Allen Hospital provides retirees with access to quality healthcare services when needed. Add to this list the town’s immensely walkable downtown area with its cafés and shops, and seniors are guaranteed a leisurely retirement lifestyle.

Yellow Springs

Drive 30 minutes east of Dayton, and you’ll find yourself in Yellow Springs, a unique and progressive town known across Ohio for its creative community and welcoming atmosphere. Seniors here can enjoy a wide range of activities, from joining the Yellow Springs Senior Center to volunteering at community art festivals like the popular Yellow Springs Art Show and the Fine Arts & Craft Show. The town is also popular for its abundant walking trails, including those through the scenic Glen Helen Nature Preserve.

Yellow Spring’s historic downtown, coupled with its affordable living, draws retirees seeking a progressive and engaged community, as does lower than average crime rate. As for healthcare, the Kettering Health Greene Memorial Hospital is just a short drive away in Xenia.

Hudson

Its location in Summit County between Akron and Cleveland makes Hudson a perfect spot to settle for those wanting to remain close to some of Ohio’s bigger cities. In addition to its charming historic downtown with its brick sidewalks and friendly local shops and restaurants, retirees are also drawn for the safe streets, low crime rates, and access to high-quality healthcare at UH Hudson Health Center.

Regularly listed as one of the best places to live in Ohio, a range of senior services are available, including programs for assisted living. Wellness and other healthy living programs are available through the Hudson Senior Network (HSN). Speaking of education, mature students are welcome at nearby Kent State University, while the University of Akron offers a 60-plus program. Hudson's real estate market, though slightly pricier than elsewhere in Ohio, is balanced by the town’s high quality of life and easy access to numerous parks and walking trails, such as those in nearby Cuyahoga Valley National Park.

Berea

Considered one of the best college towns in Ohio, Berea is located on the outskirts of Cleveland and is home to Baldwin Wallace University, an educational facility that contributes greatly to the town’s lively cultural scene. Seniors can enjoy free or low-cost access to performances, lectures, and events hosted by the university, with some also presenting interesting volunteer opportunities. The town’s Active Senior Network offers various programs, from fitness classes to hobby groups, and is worth connecting with when you move to town.

Berea’s proximity to Southwest General Health Center, an easy two-mile drive away, ensures access to top-notch healthcare services, while the town’s walkable layout encourages leisurely strolls. Add to this mix a low crime rate, a small-town feel, and affordable living, and Berea is an attractive retirement destination for those seeking a balance of activity and relaxation.

Marietta

Considered one of the prettiest small towns in Ohio for its lovely riverfront, Marietta has a strong connection to Ohio’s earliest history. Established in 1788 and the oldest town in the state, its location on the Ohio River continues to be a draw, though now not so much for river transportation (though the Valley Gem Sternwheeler does offer scenic riverboat cruises) but for tourists and retirees. Adding to the town’s scenic allure is the fact it’s also set in the Appalachian foothills ensuring nature is never far away.

Marietta also offers plenty of programs for seniors with events, historical tours, as well as regular fun social gatherings on offer at the O'Neill Senior Center. As for the cost of living, Marietta is lower than the state average, and the town’s affordable housing market is certainly a draw for those on a fixed income. Marietta Memorial Hospital provides excellent healthcare services, and the town’s low crime rate also helps ensure peace of mind.

Coshocton

Located 90 minutes east of the state capital of Columbus, Coshocton offers a mix of rural charm and modern convenience that certainly appeals to retirees. The town’s affordable housing, combined with its low crime rates, makes it a practical choice, as does the first-rate care provided at facilities such as Coshocton Regional Medical Center. The community hub for retirees here is the Coshocton Senior Center, a great facility offering fitness programs, social events, and day trips.

Historic Roscoe Village, a restored canal town, offers historical tours and volunteer opportunities for those looking to get involved in the community. Other popular activities here include exploring the walking trails in Coshocton Lake Park, a spot that’s also popular for on-water sports such as kayaking and canoeing.

Cambridge

Its location on the I-70 mid-way between Columbus and Pittsburgh, PA, makes Cambridge an excellent choice as a place to spend your golden years. Well-known for its historic downtown and lovely setting in the scenic foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, the town’s peaceful atmosphere and strong sense of community is everywhere evident, in particular at facilities such as the Guernsey County Senior Citizens Center. This welcoming venue for the over-60 crowd offers regular fitness programs, social events, and day trips to nearby attractions such as Salt Fork State Park.

Concerned about access to healthcare services? The town’s got you covered and is home to OhioHealth Southeastern Medical Center and Emergency Department which provides an array of healthcare services, including many geared specifically to seniors. Its affordable housing and low crime rates also make Cambridge an appealing option for retirees. Volunteer opportunities are also plentiful with a popular option being the festive Dickens Victorian Village event in December (it’s also a fun chance to dress up in Victorian-era costumes).

Port Clinton

No list of great places to retire in Ohio would be complete without Port Clinton. Located mid-way between Toledo and Cleveland, this lovely town on the shores of Lake Erie offers scenic views and plenty of outdoor activities for seniors including fishing, boating, and birdwatching, with nearby parks and beaches providing a perfect backdrop for retirees who enjoy nature.

Other fun activities can be enjoyed at the Port Clinton Senior Center, with fitness classes, social gatherings, and volunteer opportunities all geared toward keeping seniors active and connected. Affordable housing and low crime rates also make Port Clinton a practical choice for retirees, as do healthcare faculties such as Magruder Hospital.

The Final Word

As these small communities clearly show, those seeking a great place to retire in the Midwest couldn’t do much better than Ohio. The state’s small towns, in particular, offer retirees a mix of affordability, safety, and community engagement, making them ideal destinations for seniors looking for an active yet peaceful place to spend their retirement. From lakeside retreats to historic downtowns, these nine senior-friendly towns in Ohio have everything needed for a comfortable retirement.