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Sunday, April 16, 2023

Your EZ Search Guide to Moving to Ohio

Ohio State USA

Your EZ Search Guide to Moving to Ohio

Whether you’re looking for new job opportunities, more affordable housing, or things to do that are inexpensive, Ohio can tick those boxes. The Buckeye State is a great option for those looking to start fresh but who don’t want to pay the increasing prices found in the South. If you look closer at Ohio, you’ll see it has a lot of perks, like statewide culture and entertainment options, a strong economy, and many educational opportunities.

To help you make an informed decision, this Ohio moving guide covers information you need to know before moving. Learn about the essentials, from weather to cost of living, and the advantages such as job opportunities and affordable housing. Feel more confident about your relocation to Ohio.

Four seasons is for real

Ohio enjoys a temperate climate with warm summers and cold winters, making it an ideal place to live for those who don’t like extreme weather conditions. Most of Ohio experiences four distinct seasons, so expect snowy winters, beautiful spring blooms, warm summers, and crisp fall days.

What else does this mean for you? Let’s start with winter. If you’re not used to winter weather, stock up on winter gear and learn to drive in the snow. The further north you go, the colder and more subject to lake-effect snow you’ll be.

Spring brings clashing weather systems. Fall can have similar swiftly changing conditions. Be prepared for extreme high wind events, and don’t rule out tornadoes, especially in the southeast and central parts of the state.

Summers swelter with high temps, humidity, and still air, driving locals to the lakes and rivers to cool off.

Make money go further

The cost of living in Ohio is 17% lower than the national average, making it an attractive option for those looking to save money. Housing costs are especially reasonable, with statewide median home prices of $179,700, about 38% below the national median in 2022.

In fact, you can save money in most areas. The average cost of utilities the same year was $331.84, and the average price of internet access was $60.

According to MIT’s living wage calculation, a person living alone would require a minimum salary of $15.33 per hour to meet the living wage standards in the state. In the case of a family consisting of two children and one working adult, the hourly wage required to have a living wage would be $36.41.

The typical expenses for a family of four in 2022 were $11,812 a year for food, $10,825 for housing, and $14,164 for transportation. The required annual income after taxes to cover all core expenses was $65,295, not including childcare costs.

Ohio has plenty of affordable cities and counties to live in for those on a budget. Of course, some places will run you more. Living in The Village of Indian Hill, located outside Cincinnati, costs 110% more than the state’s average. And the state’s most expensive places to live in 2023, based on housing and other expenditures, were all near Columbus: Upper Arlington, Galena, and Dublin.

Diverse jobs available

Ohio is part of the “Rust Belt,” which has been covered in the media as losing people and jobs because of economic manufacturing shifts. However, Ohio’s economy boasts a strong job market, with many industries experiencing growth.

Cleveland Clinic in Ohio USA

The top industries in the state based on persons employed include manufacturing, healthcare, automotive, and technology. Many employment opportunities are also available in finance, education, construction, and hospitality.

The state has three innovation districts, which include Battelle Memorial Institute and Ohio University’s Innovation Center, as well as 27 Fortune 500 companies like Procter and Gamble, CardinalHealth, and Kroger. In 2023, Intel was investing over $20 billion to build a new chip manufacturing center in Licking County. The Cleveland Clinic is currently the largest single employer in the state, with more than 50,000 people working for the healthcare brand as of 2022.

In addition, Columbus is a tech hub on the rise and is ranked among the top ten cities for startups. Cincinnati has also been included on lists for entrepreneurs and tech companies.

Exceptional higher education

Ohio State University aerial view

Ohio is home to some of the best colleges and universities in the country, boasting prestigious institutions such as The Ohio State University and Case Western Reserve.

The Ohio State University is the nation’s third-largest student population and ranks no. 49 of the 443 nationally ranked colleges by US News and World. Its top-ranked programs were engineering, finance, accounting, nursing, and marketing.

The private Case Western Reserve in Cleveland ranked even higher, at no. 44. Nursing, biomedical engineering, health law, and social work programs were among the top-ranked.

But Ohio has a wealth of other public and private universities, like Miami University of Oxford, at no. 105, and the nation’s no. 31 liberal arts college Kenyon College, and the historic Oberlin College and Conservatory.

As for the K-12 public school system, Ohio ranks 20th in the country, with two high schools ranking in the top ten nationally. The state has 610 school districts, which can be run by a county, city, or a specially defined region. The state spends around $12,692 on each student as of the 2021-2022 school year.

Housing won’t break the bank

When it comes to housing, Ohio has all the options to choose from, from farmsteads to luxury high-rise condos. While it lacks oceanfront, living on the shores of Lake Erie has a similar vibe, and there’s even island living on Put-in-Bay and Kelley’s Island.

According to the 2022 data, Ohio’s real estate market was experiencing a trend similar to the rest of the country, with a decrease in inventory and sales activity but an increase in median prices. The state saw a 3.2% increase in year-over-year price appreciation, resulting in an average sales price of $234,794. Compared to the national average sales price of $400,000 during the same period, Ohio is considered a relatively affordable state for homebuyers.

As of January 2022, the Ohio Association of Realtors® reported that residential pricing in ten of the 15 markets they track had either increased or remained the same. The areas with the highest pricing growth were the Firelands and Scioto Valley, while Columbus had the highest average sales price.

Some of the top places to live in Ohio based on Niche.com and US News and World Report were:

Property taxes are up there

The property taxes are high in Ohio, although it’s less costly than New Jersey or New York. Ohio ranks just outside the top ten states for property tax burden, so you should anticipate paying more than in other areas.

Ohio property taxes are due twice a year. All residential real estate is taxed at 100% of property value, with the county, city, and school districts setting the millage rates.

State taxes are high

Compared to other states, Ohio’s state taxes are a mixed bag. In some ways, they are affordable; in others, not so much.

To start, you’ll pay individual income tax. The income tax rate can vary from 2.764-3.99% depending on your income level. You’ll pay not just to the federal government and state but also can owe income tax to the city you live in, up to 3%.

And, if you live and work in two different jurisdictions, you could owe taxes to both. Some metro areas do allow for reciprocity, but you’ll have to check based on where you live. For instance, the City of Dublin’s income tax rate was 2.5%, whereas Columbus charged 2%. So if you live in Dublin but work in Columbus, the reciprocity agreement means you’ll pay 2% to Columbus and still owe 0.5% to Dublin.

The state charge for sales taxes is 5.75%, and local municipalities can add up to 2.25%. The average sales tax rate statewide in 2022 was 7.24%. However, groceries and prescription drugs are exempt from sales taxes, which is good news.

What to do and see

Ohio’s diversified culture and attractions are sure to keep you entertained. The state has dozens of art galleries, museums, music festivals, and professional sports teams. Let’s break down the things to do in Ohio.

Music

The music scene in Ohio reflects the state’s rich cultural heritage. From classical concerts to rock festivals, find your style somewhere nearby. Cleveland’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is world-famous, but many other venues host concerts regularly. Head to the Legend Valley “Country Jam and Campout” in the summer, or try the  Fashion Meets Music Festival in Columbus. Centennial Terrace and Blossom Music Center are two massive outdoor amphitheater venues hosting acts in season.

Fashion

You may not know this, but Columbus is a major fashion center in the Midwest and the nation. With the third-largest concentration of designers in the US, it runs two annual Fashion Weeks. The city is also home to L Brands, the parent company of Victoria’s Secret, Bath & Body Works, and PINK. Shoppers will delight in experiencing the boutiques focusing on high-end designer clothing and the vintage stores featuring one-of-a-kind pieces from decades past.

Art

Find art galleries in almost every major city, from the Cleveland Art Museum to the Dayton Art Institute. The Columbus Museum of Art includes major collections from both past and present, while the Cincinnati Art Museum has a broad collection of world-class artwork. These cities, and multiple other smaller towns, host art weeks each year, usually in the summer, with the June Columbus Art Festival being the largest.

Sports

Get ready for a sea of red in football season, as The Ohio State Buckeyes have a passionate fan base. In fact, one study found they had the largest fan base of any college sports team.

But the state’s love of sport doesn’t end there. Support teams playing at a high level in soccer, baseball, hockey, football, and more! Across Ohio are multiple professional teams, such as the Cleveland Indians, Cleveland Cavaliers, Cincinnati Bengals, and Columbus Blue Jackets.

For fitness enthusiasts, the annual Arnold Sporting Competition takes place in Columbus and is a must-attend event. But other significant events include the Quarter Horse Congress, the Pro Football Hame of Fame annual induction, and the tennis Western & Southern Open.

Craft beer

The Cincinnati area has become a hub for craft beer, with over 40 breweries in the region. Columbus is home to several award-winning breweries, while Cleveland also has a bustling craft beer scene. Whether you’re looking for an IPA, a stout, or something else, Ohio has craft beer to fit your tastes.

Food

Ohio’s cuisine is as diverse as its culture. From classic Ohio-style foods like Cincinnati chili and Cleveland corned beef to more specialty fare like pierogies and baklava, you can find something delicious no matter what your palate prefers. The state also has a thriving food truck scene, so you can enjoy some of the best street food in the country. It’s also the home state for Wendy’s and Bob Evans. You’re welcome.

Outdoors

Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to see and do in the Buckeye State. Ohio offers diverse landscapes, from expansive flat farmlands to enchanting hills covered in lush fields and dense forests. The state and local cities have extensively tried to protect the state’s natural resources, which is why its municipal MetroPark systems are among the nation’s best.

The Cuyahoga Valley National Park is a great place to explore, with over 125 miles of trails for hiking and biking. Hocking Hills State Park is also a popular destination for its stunning rock features and waterfalls. Several dozen other state parks offer access to these activities, plus camping, fishing, snow sports, and rock climbing.

Lake Erie beautiful sunrise

You can visit the beautiful shoreline of Lake Erie in the north, where vacation getaways such as Kelley’s Island and Put-In-Bay draw summer visitors. Go fishing for walleye or perch, or enjoy the view from the parks at Marble Head or Sandusky. But you don’t have to go that far for boating or fishing. The state has many large lakes, reservoirs, and scenic-designated rivers like the Tuscarawas and Mohican.

Other top attractions

There’s so much to do in Ohio, it’s hard to cover it all, but we didn’t want to miss a few attractions that don’t fit into one of the categories above:

  • The National Museum of the US Air Force in Dayton has four massive hangers documenting the full history of aviation. You can even step inside a prior Air Force One.
  • Cedar Point Amusement Park in Sandusky is the second-oldest theme park in the US and home to one of the world’s tallest roller coasters.
    aerial view of cedar point amusement park
  • The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and its sister zoo, The Wilds, are two of the best attractions in the state.
  • The Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton is a must-visit for any football fan.
  • Amish Country in southeastern Ohio is a great place to experience a slower pace of life and find handmade goods.

Moving to Ohio

Ohio has something to offer everyone, from job seekers to adventurers. With its vibrant culture and entertainment options, reasonable cost of living, and robust job market, the Buckeye State is an excellent option for those looking for a fresh start. Moving to Ohio can be an exciting opportunity – just make sure you’re prepared by researching and planning ahead.

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Preston Guyton

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