5 Reasons Why Ohio Is the Best Place To Retire

It's no secret: Ohio is a fantastic place to live. With stunning natural wonders, perfectly sized small towns, big-city amenities, and those harder to describe gems that make Ohio, well, Ohio, there's hardly a better state to set down roots. You may be surprised to learn, however, that the Buckeye State is also a fantastic place to retire. Even if you don't have any connections to the state, here are just a few reasons why people are choosing to retire in Ohio.

1. Quality of Life

Ohio's high quality of life can be attributed to one factor: balance. Retirees on a fixed income will appreciate the state's approachable small town, blended with major big-city attractions. Even the natural landscape is balanced, with a lovely blend of lakes, rolling hills, Appalachian wilderness, and well-loved parks found virtually around every corner. Whether your perfect Saturday means a trip to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame or a leisurely stroll through an arboretum, Ohio has it all.

2. Affordability and Cost of Living

Cost of living is a huge factor in retirement. Luckily, in Ohio, your dollar goes further, especially compared to coastal cities. Housing costs in Ohio are significantly lower than the national average, and other costs, such as utilities and transportation, are also lower than average. And here's another reason moving to Ohio is appealing to retirees: there's no state tax on Social Security income, and tax credits are available for retirement income.

3. Weather, Climate, and Natural Beauty

There may not be any mountains or ocean to admire, but Ohio is filled to the brim with natural beauty—so much so that you could easily devote years to exploring all that there is to see. There are nearly 175,000 acres of protected lands, over 1,000 miles of trails, and one of the country's most underrated natural wonders: Cuyahoga Valley National Park. As for weather and climate, Ohio enjoys that coveted balance of all four seasons. Of course, winters can be long and quite frigid, but what better excuse to explore cozy cafes, bookstores, and other charming small businesses?

4. Lifestyle Benefits of Ohio

Living in Ohio means access to an impressive blend of cultures and, of course, that famous Midwestern charm. Whether you're in Cleveland or Columbus, Akron or Toledo, you'll enjoy farmers markets, small-town festivals, and a thriving arts scene— all excellent ways to engage with your local community. Another underrated reason that Ohio might just be the best place to retire? Its central location means that lots of major U.S. cities are just a day's drive away, or a relatively short flight.

5. Healthcare and Retirement Resources

Overall, Ohio enjoys a well-established healthcare system, especially in the larger metro areas. Healthcare for seniors is readily available throughout the state, but if this is your top consideration, you might consider Cleveland. It's home to the Cleveland Clinic, which is renowned for its specialists and cutting-edge treatments.

So, what do you think? Are you considering a move to Ohio? For related content, take a look at our Ohio bucket list. Feeling inspired? Try planning your own trip through Ohio using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.