Thinking about a fresh start? Turn to the affordable and friendly Midwest! Ohio might just be what you’re looking for! The Buckeye State has you covered, whether it’s new job opportunities, affordable housing, or fun things to do without breaking the bank. Its perks come without the skyrocketing prices you’ll find down south. Dive in and discover an artistic culture, a strong economy, and quality educational options gained from moving to Ohio.

In our guide, learn about the essentials of Ohio living, from weather to cost of living. The advantages lie in ample job opportunities and affordable housing. Feel more confident about your relocation to Ohio and finding the right place to live.

Ohio’s five regions

As you’ll learn, Ohio has a little bit of everything. The state isn’t all corn and soybean fields. Its regions each have a unique flavor.

Starting in the Northeast, you’ve got major cities like Cleveland and Akron. These hubs are known for their industrial history, sports culture, and Lake Erie’s beautiful shoreline. Thanks to the lake and nearby Cuyahoga Valley National Park, it mixes urban life and outdoor recreation.

The Northwest is more rural, with smaller cities like Toledo. It’s a quieter area, great for those who enjoy open spaces, farming communities, and a slower pace. Plus, you can still access Lake Erie, which is perfect for boating or fishing.

Heading to Central Ohio, discover the state capital, Columbus, one of the fastest-growing cities in the Midwest. This area is a hub for education, government, and tech jobs, with a youthful energy thanks to Ohio State University.

In the Southwest, Cincinnati shines with its rich history, arts scene, and stunning riverfront along the Ohio River. It’s known for its strong sense of community and beautiful architecture.

Finally, the Southeast is a more rugged and scenic part of Ohio, filled with rolling hills, forests, and the Appalachian foothills. Here, be charmed by smaller towns and have outdoor adventures like hiking in Hocking Hills.

Four seasons is for real

Ohio enjoys a temperate climate with warm summers and cold winters, making it ideal for those who don’t like extreme weather conditions. Most of Ohio experiences four distinct seasons. Expect snowy winters, beautiful spring blooms, humid 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. Northern Ohio receives between 30 to 40 inches on average, with the northeastern counties outside Cleveland even higher–about 70 to 100 inches! That’s perfect for winter sports. Southern Ohio receives less snow but still experiences blizzards and ice events.

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

Summer temperatures swelter with high humidity and still air. At the peak of July, they can often exceed 90F, with higher heat indexes. The heat drives locals to the lakes and rivers to cool off.

Fall does bring crisp, cool days that draw out locals for apple picking and leaf peeping. It’s also the state’s typically drier season.

Make money go further

Ohio’s cost of living 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 average home prices reported at $272,646 in 2023. That was well below the national median of $435,400 in Q4 2023.

In fact, you can save money in most areas. The average cost of utilities the same year was $473, with electricity averaging $0.1592 per kilowatt hour. 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 $19.40 per hour to meet the state’s living wage standards. For a family consisting of two children and one working adult, the hourly wage required to have a living wage would be $25.16.

In 2023, the typical expenses for a family of four with two children were $12,230 a year for food, $12,883 for housing, and $16,625 for transportation. The required annual income after taxes to cover all core expenses was $70,308, not including childcare costs.

Remember, your exact costs will depend on where you move to Ohio and your lifestyle. Some places will run you more. Living in The Village of Indian Hill, located outside Cincinnati, costs 110% more than the state’s average. Based on the housing market and other expenditures, the state’s most expensive places to live in 2023 were all near Columbus: Upper Arlington, Galena, and Dublin.

However, Ohio has plenty of affordable cities and counties for those on a budget. Consider looking at Youngstown, Toledo, Akron, and Canton.

Diverse jobs available

Ohio is part of the “Rust Belt,” which has experienced some economic manufacturing shifts. However, Ohio’s economy boasts a strong job market. Many industries are experiencing growth, including manufacturing. A new Intel chip manufacturing plant in Licking County is the most notable, but automotive and other companies are moving to Ohio or expanding operations. Manufacturing drives about 16% of the state’s economy.

The major industries in the state, based on the number of employed people, are manufacturing, healthcare, automotive, and technology. Many employment opportunities are available in finance, education, construction, and hospitality. People are moving to Ohio because of the career opportunities in different professional sectors.

The state has three innovation districts in its major cities of Cincinnati, Columbus, and Cleveland. Plus, there is the Battelle Memorial Institute and Ohio University’s Innovation Center. Find 27 Fortune 500 companies like Procter & Gamble, Cardinal Health, and Kroger. The Cleveland Clinic is currently the largest single employer, with over 50,000 people working for the healthcare brand as of 2022.

In addition, Columbus is a tech hub on the rise. It and Cincinnati rank among the top ten cities for startups. These two metros, plus Dayton and Springfield, had the most job growth since February 2020. Their complex economy gives some buffer from market swings. Ohio’s gross domestic product (GDP) ranks 21st globally.

Exceptional higher education

Find prestigious institutions such as The Ohio State University and Case Western Reserve based among Ohio’s plentiful higher education selection. Buckeye State has over 137 colleges and universities that offer career training and advancement.

The Ohio State University in Columbus has the nation’s third-largest student population. It ranked no. 43 of the 443 nationally ranked colleges by US News and World. The top-ranked academic programs were engineering, finance, accounting, nursing, and marketing. The Ohio State University’s expansive presence makes Columbus a college town, and it has an avid fan base for its college sports programs, particularly its football team.

The private Case Western Reserve in Cleveland ranked at no. 53, but has placed higher in different years. Nursing, biomedical engineering, health law, and social work programs were among the top courses of study. Its robust social life includes over 200 student organizations and DIII athletics.

But Ohio has a wealth of other public and private universities, like Miami University of Oxford, tied at no. 133 with the University of Dayton, the nation’s no. 31 liberal arts college, Kenyon College, and the historic Oberlin College and Conservatory. Its University of Cincinnati and Ohio University were also in the top 200 colleges nationally. It’s all a testament to the high-quality educational experience available in Ohio.

Families moving to Ohio will find strong, high-quality schools no matter where they live. Ohio’s K-12 public school system ranks 20th in the country, with two high schools ranking in the top ten nationally. Its National Assessment of Education Progress (NAEP) scores typically fall between 10-20th nationally, showing consistent and quality results.

The state has 610 school districts, which can be run by a county, city, or specially defined region. As of the 2021-2022 school year, the state spent around $12,692 on each student. Find excellent education opportunities in these public school districts or Ohio’s private schools.

Expansive health care access

Ohio is pretty impressive when it comes to healthcare access. With a mix of top-rated hospitals, specialized care centers, and plenty of healthcare providers throughout the state, getting quality care is within reach for most residents.

The Cleveland Clinic is a name that stands out—not just in Ohio, but globally. Known for its cutting-edge treatments and groundbreaking research, this hospital consistently ranks among the top in the U.S., especially for heart care. People come from all over the world for its specialized services. It is the best hospital in the state and has 13 nationally ranked specialties and ten children’s specialties.

Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center ranked second in Ohio. Based in Columbus, its high standards of care and medical research also attract global attention. It ranked nationally in eight adult specialties and four high-performing designations.

These are just two of the healthcare providers serving Ohio residents. Others include Mercy Health, OhioHealth, SummaHealth, and Mount Carmel. Access to care ranks in the top half of the nation.

Housing won’t break the bank

Ohio has all the housing options, from farmsteads to luxury high-rise condos. When moving to Ohio, the choices available for the prices may surprise you.

While it lacks an oceanfront, living on the shores of Lake Erie has a similar vibe. The turquoise waters stretch into the horizon, making it look more like the Caribbean than a northern lake. There’s even island living on Put-in-Bay and Kelleys Island.

According to the 2023 data, Ohio’s real estate market was experiencing a trend similar to the rest of the country, with slower sales activity but an increase in median housing prices. The state saw a 5.1% increase in year-over-year price appreciation, resulting in an average sales price of $272,646. Compared to the national average home price of $400,000 during the same period, Ohio remains a relatively affordable state for homebuyers.

As of January 2023, the Ohio Association of Realtors® reported that residential pricing in all 15 larger markets they track had either increased or remained the same. The areas with the highest pricing growth were Ashland and Greater Portsmouth, while Columbus continued reporting the highest average sales price.

Dayton and Toledo ranked among the top 25 most affordable metros in 2024. Still, even though it’s affordable, there’s some high demand for Ohio living. Columbus, Ohio, has been in the top 15 hottest housing markets for several years because of the housing demand. In June 2024, it ranked 12th.

Some frequently featured best places to live in Ohio:

• Columbus
• Shaker Heights (Cleveland metro)
• Pepper Pike (Cleveland metro)
• Oakwood (Dayton)
• Blue Ash (Cincinnati metro)
• Dublin (Columbus metro)
• Dayton
• Marietta

Property taxes are up there

The property taxes are high in Ohio, although less costly than in 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 its value. The county, city, and school districts set the millage rates. The 2023 average effective tax rate was 1.41% statewide.

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 to 3.99%, depending on your income level. You’ll pay not just to the federal and state governments. Cities can levy an income tax of 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.

Much 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. There are music venues in all the largest cities where you can enjoy symphonies and traveling bands. Summer concert series hit the parks and main streets across Ohio towns, from Port Clinton down to Grove City.

Fashion

You may not know this before moving to Ohio, 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. L Brands, the parent company of Victoria’s Secret, Bath & Body Works, and PINK, is headquartered in Columbus. 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 larger cities and multiple other smaller towns host art weeks each year, usually in the summer. The June Columbus Art Festival being the largest. BLINK in Cincinnati is the largest free public art event and immersive, with large-scale projection mapping and interactive sculptures.

Sports

Get ready for a sea of red in football season. The Ohio State Buckeyes have passionate fans–one study found they had the largest fan base of any collegiate 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:

• Cleveland Guardians (MLB)
• Cleveland Cavaliers (NBA)
• Cincinnati Bengals (NFL)
• Cleveland Browns (NFL)
• Cincinnati Reds (MLB)
• Columbus Crew (MLS)
• Columbus Blue Jackets (NHL)

The Cincinnati Reds have won five World Series of baseball, while the Cleveland Browns have four NFL championships. The Columbus Crew have three MLS Cup titles.

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

Craft beer & wine

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.

Thanks to its hills and Lake Erie impacts, Northeast Ohio is an acclaimed wine-growing region. The state may surprise you as the nation’s sixth-largest wine producer. Explore over 320 wineries in Ohio, with a vast concentration around Ashtabula County.

Food scene

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

Outdoor activities

Outdoor enthusiasts may think of Ohio as flat. It’s true the central area is known more for its cornfields, but the Buckeye State may surprise you with its parks. Ohio has diverse landscapes. Those expansive flat farmlands give way 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. People also love the Hocking Hills State Park with its stunning rock features and waterfalls. Mohican State Park has the best mountain bike trail in Ohio, at 25 miles, and a popular scenic river for canoe floats. Over a dozen other state parks have access to recreational activities like camping, fishing, winter sports, and rock climbing.

You can visit the beautiful shoreline of Lake Erie in the north, where vacation getaways such as Kelleys Island and Put-In-Bay draw summer visitors. Go fishing for walleye or perch, or enjoy the view from the Marble Head Peninsula or Sandusky parks. But you don’t have to go that far for boating or fishing. The state has many large lakes and reservoirs like Buckeye Lake and Grand Lake at St. Marys State Park. Even more scenic-designated rivers like the Tuscarawas and Great Miami flow across the landscape on their way to meet the mighty Ohio River on the southern border.

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.
  
• The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and its sister zoo, The Wilds, are two of the best family-friendly 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

With its sports 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. A local real estate expert can help you explore the perks of living in Ohio.