When discussing the best places to live in Ohio, most people likely first think of the major metro areas like Cincinnati or Cleveland. But don’t overlook the small cities like Youngstown, Ohio, ranked the fourth best place to live in Ohio. Not only that, but it’s the 10th cheapest place to live in America and the ninth best place to retire, according to U.S. News & World Report. These indicators hint that living in Youngstown could deliver an excellent quality of life at an affordable price.

What is it about Youngstown that makes it rank so highly? Maybe it’s the location between Pittsburgh and Cleveland or the cultural renaissance happening in the wake of the collapse of the steel industry. Perhaps it’s the friendly people or the affordable cost of living that has made people realize living in a small city is worth it.

Whatever the reason is, we see Youngstown has landed on your radar! Our breakdown of the real estate market will give you helpful information about living in Youngstown, Ohio.

What Is The Cost of Living in Youngstown, Ohio?

Your dollar definitely goes further when you live in Youngstown. As one of the cheapest places to live in the US, the overall cost of living is 25% cheaper than the national average. Low housing expenses was a big reason why, scoring an impressive 80% under national prices. However, every major expenditure category indexed beneath what you’d expect to pay nationwide, from groceries to health care costs.

A single adult could expect to pay about $30,000 annually for essential living costs, including housing, taxes, and transportation expenses. However, with a lower cost of living in Youngstown comes lower salaries. The average annual salary for Youngstown is $43,550, below the national median household income of $69,392 in 2020.

What is the average price of a home in Youngstown, Ohio?

Affordable housing is one of the things that stands out about this Northwest Central Ohio town. For an idea of where the market stands, September 2024 had 340 homes for sale at a median list price of $133,500, which was up 21% year-over-year. Compare that to the national median home price of $412,300 in Q2 2024. Low housing costs are a definite plus for living in Youngstown. Your housing budget will afford more here in a state already prized by retirees for its affordability.

At that time, you could grab a vacant lot of about 6,000 sq ft for $1,000. The most expensive available Youngstown listing at that time was for $925,000, a new construction home on a 0.41-acre lot with 6,300 sq ft, five bedrooms, and 3.5 baths.

Are there any condos or townhomes available in Youngstown, OH?

You can find condos and townhomes in Youngstown. September 2024 had 14 of these properties listed on the market. The most expensive was $398,000 for an almost 2,000 sq ft new construction condo with two bedrooms and 2.5 baths. The most affordable was $86,000 for a condo with 1,056 sq ft, two bedrooms, and one bathroom.

A few neighborhoods to look for condos include West Hampton, Applewood Acres, Hitchcock Woods, Southwestern Place, and Falcon Crest Condominiums. A local real estate agent can be your resource for where to find condo and townhome properties.

What is the property tax rate for Youngstown, OH?

One thing about living in Ohio is property taxes do tend to be a little higher. Still, they’re not as high as other surrounding states like Pennsylvania or Illinois. In Mahoning County, the average effective real estate tax was 1.42% of the property’s fair market value.

Ohio property taxes are due twice a year. The state charges taxes in mils, which equals $1 for every $1,000 in property value. The 2022 tax chart shows Youngtown City residents were charged 69.413121 mils for city, county, and school district real estate taxes. Mahoning County administers the taxes and collects payments.

What county is Youngstown, OH in?

Mahoning County is in northeast Ohio, along the Pennsylvania border. The name comes from a local Native American language and means “salt licks.” The Mahoning River runs through the county. Youngstown is the county seat.

During the 1800s and early 1900s, coal mining, iron ore, and steel industry were the main economic drivers in Mahoning County. The earliest iron blast furnace was built back in 1803. Steel mills were built across the county, tapping into the nearby Appalachian natural resources. It also had a strong agricultural component, which remains to this day. The people of Mahoning County had a reputation for a strong work ethic.

In 2022, Mahoning County had around 228,000 residents. It is about an hour east of Akron, Ohio, and one hour and 15 minutes from downtown Cleveland. Driving distance to Pittsburgh, PA, is 66 miles.

Is Youngstown, OH, growing?

When the steel industry production began to decline, Youngstown fell into an economic depression. People began to leave the city, searching for other employment and economic opportunities. As such, Youngstown’s population trends toward a decline. It lost 6,000 residents from 2010 to 2020. There is a high poverty rate of 35%.

Mahoning County lost 10,000 people during that same time, so it’s clear many of those who left were living in Youngstown. The Ohio Development Services Agency expects the population decline to continue through 2040, albeit at a slowing rate. Local leaders are repositioning the Mahoning Valley region as a tech hub to bolster the local job market and keep talent local. The city is actively working to revitalize the town through investments in small businesses and neighborhoods.

What neighborhoods are in Youngstown, OH?

Youngstown has 27 recognized neighborhoods, plus some small towns considered part of its metro. Immigrants from various countries founded many of the historic neighborhoods. Local home styles, business, and names reflect their international roots. Your choices in places to live range from the downtown area and historic districts to the suburbs, with homesteads and large lots. Some places to look around:

Brier Hill is the “Little Italy” of Youngstown. It was first settled by Italian immigrants in the lower north side to work the nearby coal mines. Housing grew in tandem.

Kirkmere is a west-side neighborhood developed post-World War II. It has a prime location near the popular Mill Creek Park.

Steelton developed in the 1900s around the Carnegie Iron and Steel Company to supply housing for the workers. It has eastern European architectural influences, as immigrants from Ukraine, Serbia, and Russia settled there. It is close to the Ohio Works Industrial Park, which is still under development.

Idora grew as a trolley neighborhood for upper-class residents. The line ended at Idora Park, an amusement park that closed after a fire in 1984. Find historic homes in this Southside community.

Wick Park is a historic community dating back to 1889 that once was the affluent part of town. It is close to Youngstown State University, north of downtown. The namesake Wick Park includes a nine-hole disc golf course, tennis courts, and walking paths. You can find well-loved historic homes near the North Heights area, Fifth Avenue, and Euclid Avenue. Some mansions have been repurposed for the university or commercial ventures like hotels.

Lansingville was a community built by Slovak Americans on the south side, but it also included various other immigrants over the years. Today, it is near I-680 for convenient travel access.

Are there any waterfront properties found in Youngstown, OH?

Even though the city is on the Mahoning River, you won’t find ample waterfront real estate in the Youngstown area. Part of this is because industrial properties surround the Mahoning River. Mill Creek Park and the Ohio State Penitentiary occupy other large waterfront sections in Youngstown.

Occasionally, you will find some property with a creek or a run in the backyard, but these are not going to be prevalent or a resource for boating out your door.

If you want waterfront real estate, the best bet is to search outside the city limits. Look in the nearby suburb of Mineral Ridge or along the Meander Creek Reservoir. South of town, Evans Lake is another potential option.

How is golf in Youngstown, OH?

You will be pleasantly surprised by your golfing options in Youngstown.

Henry Stambaugh Golf Course is a municipal course that opened in 1923 with nine holes of golf. It prides itself on affordability.

The Wick Recreation Area has a Par 3 Golf Course and an 18-hole course the city runs.

At public Mill Creek, play one of two 18-hole championship courses. Donald Ross designed these courses, which opened in 1928 and are par 70. The South course is flatter, while the North weaves through tall trees and natural hazards.

Other local choices include Reserve Run Golf Course, Tippecanoe Country Club, Kensington Golf Club, Avalon Country Club, Deer Creek Country Club, and Knoll Run Golf Course.

Are there golf course communities in Youngstown, OH?

You won’t find formal golf course communities in Youngstown, but you can find properties close to the course, if not within walking distance. Some homes in the Boardman community are along Mill Creek Park, where the Mill Creek Golf Course is located.

What areas are near Youngstown, OH?

This area is considered the Appalachian foothills, so you can access some beautiful places to enjoy outdoor recreation. Nearby parks include Mosquito Lake and West Branch State Parks.

Many small towns and suburbs surround Youngstown. Some nearest are Boardman, Poland, Mineral Ridge, and McDonald.

Canfield is the site of Ohio’s largest and longest-running county fair. Even when the fair is not in session, people love to go to White House Fruit Farm, which has operated since 1815 as a family-owned farm. They sell fresh produce and homemade goodies like fudge, donuts, and cider.

The Pennsylvania border is just to the east, where you can visit Hermitage, Mercer, or Newcastle for tax-free clothes and shoes shopping. Mercer County has wineries, many golf courses, and boating areas.

The city is about halfway between Cleveland and Pittsburgh. If you head west, you run into the Cleveland metro and its suburbs. They include the Cuyahoga National Park, Chagrin Falls, Akron, and Canton. Visit attractions like Lake Erie or the Rock’n’Roll Hall of Fame. Southeast is Pittsburgh, with its three rivers, sports teams, and arts attractions.

What to know about living in Youngstown, OH

If you choose to live in northeast Ohio, get ready for real winter and the snow. Youngstown can experience lake-effect snow from Lake Erie, which opens up opportunities for winter sports like cross-country skiing and sledding.

Although this Rust Belt city grew around steel production, it also preserved its natural beauty. For example, Riverside Gardens is exceptionally beautiful, with 12 acres of manicured gardens. The Mill Creek MetroParks runs 5,000 acres of green spaces with lakes, bike trails, historical sites, and golf courses.

The city also has an arts and culture scene with the Butler Institute of American Art, the DeYor Performing Arts Center, and the Stemberg Auditorium. The Youngstown Playhouse is one of the country’s oldest community theater programs. There’s also a United States Hockey League Tier I junior and minor league baseball teams.

One of the perks of living in northeast Ohio is that it is growing in popularity as a wine-growing region. Five wineries have been established in the greater area. Paladin Brewing is one of the more popular local brewers and is known for unique flavor twists.

Making Youngstown, Ohio, Your Home

If the combination of small-town living with affordability and culture sounds appealing, living in Youngstown, Ohio, may be the perfect fit. A local real estate agent can help you explore Youngstown’s neighborhoods. You could be part of Youngstown’s ongoing redevelopment as it transitions from industry and get in the door with some low cost housing.