The 6 best places to live in Ohio

What do roller coaster fiends and hardcore rockers have in common? A reason to visit Ohio, of course! Home to the “roller coaster capital of the world” and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Buckeye State has plenty of reasons to visit. 

But Ohio isn’t just a tourist destination – it’s a great place to explore job opportunities or settle down. If you’ve been thinking of moving somewhere new, consider this Midwest gem. We’ve compiled a list of the best places to live in Ohio to help you explore your options before embarking on your home buying journey. Let’s dive in. 

Is Ohio a good place to live? 

Everyone has different tastes when it comes to where they want to live. Whether you’re considering job growth, where to raise a family or just going off of energy, you’ll be met with an abundance of choices. 

So, why pick Ohio?

Ohio is a great place to live due to its low cost of living, growing business opportunities, vibrant cities and natural beauty. Frequently seen as one of the best places to raise a family and as U.S. News’ #6 pick for opportunity rankings, this state is not to be overlooked. 

Best cities to live in Ohio 

With over 44,000 square miles of diverse land, choosing good places to live in Ohio can feel overwhelming. We’ve broken down some of the best cities to live by size, cost of living and what other kinds of opportunities they have to offer. 

1. Cincinnati 

• Population: 311,791 
• Average household income: $65,213
• Median sold price: $270,000
• Median monthly rental price: $760 

Work and play can be hard to balance – good thing “The Queen’s City” has it all. History buffs can explore the city via underground tours or admire Over-The-Rhine district’s 19th-Century architecture. Foodies and families are sure to appreciate Cincinnati’s spread of food and drink options, including the year-round Findlay Market. For seasonal fun, check out the Fountain Square ice rink located downtown or make the half-hour drive to Perfect North Slopes ski resort in Indiana. 

As for job opportunities, Cincinnati has plenty. Home to organizations including UC Health, Fifth Third Bank and Macy’s, just to name a few, Cincy is a great fit for professionals in health care, finance or retail-related industries. 

Explore Cincinnati, Ohio, home listings today or check out our Cincinnati, Ohio, Housing Market Report for more information. 

2. Columbus 

• Population: 929,492 
• Average household income: $69,315 
• Median sold price: $244,598 
• Median monthly rental price: $989

Columbus may be the capital of Ohio but that’s just the beginning of what this city has to offer. Show your spirit at an Ohio State University football game – don’t forget your gray and scarlet. Stroll through Scioto Mile in downtown Columbus for riverfront views or visit the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium with friends or family.

Columbus is also highly praised for its low cost of living, without the need to sacrifice a big-city feel. In 2021, Business Insider ranked Columbus at #8 for “best places for millennials to buy homes,” which considered factors like job security and affordable housing. In 2018, Forbes also ranked Columbus #1 for “Top 10 Rising Cities For Startups” due to its low business and living costs and anticipated entrepreneurial growth. 

Explore Columbus, Ohio, home listings today or check out our Columbus, Ohio, Housing Market Report for more information. 

3. Cleveland 

• Population: 367,786
• Average household income: $46,137
• Median sold price: $118,750 
• Median monthly rental price: $735 

If you’re a professional sports fan, Cleveland is the place for you. With the Browns, Cavaliers and Guardians covering the NFL, NBA and MLB respectively, rooting for your city isn’t just a seasonal pastime. Whether you have tickets to a home game or swing by one of the many sports bars downtown, you’re sure to meet countless like-minded sports fans. 

Not big on sports? Not a problem. Attend a concert or Broadway show in the Playhouse Square theater district or admire the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s extensive exhibits. Want to feel more at one with nature? Choose from over 300 miles of Cleveland’s hiking trails – you could even catch a beautiful Lake Erie sunset. 

Explore Cleveland, Ohio, home listings today or check out our Cleveland, Ohio, Housing Market Report for more information. 

4. Dayton 

• Population: 136,868
• Average household income: $46,430 
• Median sold price: $111,190 
• Median monthly rental price: $724

Dayton offers a change in pace from the other big metropolises that Ohio has to offer. With more of a small-town feel, the “Gem City'' is a great place to raise a family or settle down. 

Those of us raising kids will be glad to hear that Dayton school districts come highly praised, with the local Oakwood High School ranking among U.S. News’ top 10 best schools in the state.

As for little ones, they’re sure to have a blast roaming the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery, which has also been coined “Ohio’s largest playground.” With live animal interactions and engaging educational programs, it’s no surprise that this museum was awarded the Pinnacle Award from the Center of Interactive Learning. 

But not only is Dayton fit for families, as an extremely affordable place to live, it’s perfect for anyone looking to settle down. Trulia ranked Dayton #2 on its list of most affordable places to live and in 2021, Business Facilities Metro Rankings Report ranked Dayton at #5. 

Explore Dayton, Ohio, home listings today or check out our Dayton, Ohio, Housing Market Report for more information. 

5. Toledo 

• Population: 267,603
• Average household income: $50,988
• Median sold price: $114,037 
• Median monthly rental price: $737  

What was once a major site of industrial manufacturing is now an area for Ohioans to enjoy the great outdoors or raise a family. Toledo is home to dozens of preservations and parks ready for long walks or hikes.

Even downtown you’ll be treated with stunning views of the Maumee River, where everything from picnics to fishing are commonplace. See the city via bike tour or spend an afternoon exploring the lush Toledo Botanical Gardens or feeding giraffes at the Toledo Zoo. 

Explore Toledo, Ohio, home listings today or check out our Toledo, Ohio, Housing Market Report for more information. 

6. Geneva 

• Population: 5,866
• Average household income: $55,011
• Median sold price: $149,900
• Median monthly rental price: $705 

Located just north of Cleveland is the quaint coastal city of Geneva, Ohio. With 150 years of rich history, beautiful views of Lake Erie and a tight-knit community, what Geneva lacks in booming industry, it makes up for in affordability and seasonal attractions.

Its best known for the Geneva-On-The-Lake Strip, which is a popular vacation spot. Whether you want some adrenaline from zip lining or go-karting, or you want to relax at a bed and breakfast or settle down at a campsite, this area has it all.  

Explore Geneva, Ohio, home listings today or check out our Geneva, Ohio, Housing Market Report for more information. 

The bottom line 

Ohio offers signature Midwest politeness, scenic views and an affordable cost of living across the board. Whether you’re looking for a big city feel, without the Manhattan or LA prices, or you just want to plant some roots, Ohio has plenty of great cities to call home. 

With education systems that have received high praise and plentiful job markets in diverse industries, Ohio is on the rise for students and young professionals.

Thinking about becoming a Buckeye? Get approved with Rocket Mortgage^® for an easier moving process. 

Sources

Statistics for each city were pulled from reliable original and external sources. These are accurate as of July 7, 2022. 

Cities sourced from World Population Review 

• Cincinnati population, average household income and median monthly rental price 
• Columbus population, average household income and median monthly rental price
• Cleveland population, average household income and median monthly rental price
• Dayton population, average household income and median monthly rental price
• Toledo population, average household income and median monthly rental price
• Geneva population, average household income and median monthly rental price

Cities sourced from Rocket Homes

• Cincinnati median sold price
• Columbus median sold price 
• Cleveland median sold price
• Dayton median sold price
• Toledo median sold price
• Geneva median sold price