Looking for the best places to live in Ohio for retirement? You’re not alone! With its beautiful seasons, varied cities, low cost of living, and access to top-tier healthcare, living in Ohio has a lot to offer retirees.
Whether you’re drawn to peaceful small towns, active senior communities, or walkable suburbs near larger cities, the Buckeye State offers plenty of options. If you’re ready to find the best place to retire in Ohio, here are some top choices to fit your budget and lifestyle.
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Is Ohio a Good Place to Retire?
Ohio has been ranked one of the best places to retire thanks to the state’s quality of life, affordability, and healthcare for seniors. Retirees are increasingly choosing Ohio thanks to its low cost of living, tax-friendly policies, scenic landscapes, and vibrant communities.
- Ohio’s cost of living is 12% below the U.S. average, with very affordable housing.
- Ohio boasts abundant natural beauty and outdoor recreation, with popular destinations including Hocking Hills State Park, the Lake Erie shoreline, and the Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
- Ohio is home to some of the top-ranked hospitals in the country, including the Cleveland Clinic and Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.
- Retirees enjoy great cultural activities and attractions, from the Ohio Renaissance Festival and Cincinnati Art Museum to the Dublin Irish Festival.
- Ohio offers free lifelong learning and college courses at four-year universities and community colleges for seniors 60 and older.
There are some things to keep in mind as you prepare for retirement in Ohio.
When it comes to retirement taxes, the state is a mixed bag. Social Security benefits are not taxed, but income from pensions, IRAs, and 401(k)s is generally subject to income tax. The state sales tax rate is 5.75%, but medication and groceries are exempt. Property taxes in Ohio are higher than average, but home values are usually lower than average, and seniors can take advantage of the homestead exemption.
You’ll experience all four seasons with a climate that usually brings hot summers and cold winters. While winters are generally milder than in the Northeast or Upper Midwest, areas like Cleveland experience the lake effect with significant snowfall. Summers in most of the state can be long and very hot with oppressive humidity.
What Are the Best Places to Live in Ohio for Retirement?
Looking for the best places to live in Ohio for retirement? This section explores charming towns, thriving suburbs, and small cities across Ohio that offer affordability, great quality of life, strong healthcare access, cultural opportunities, and active communities. From lakeside gems to peaceful countryside escapes, you’ll discover why these places are among the best places to live in Ohio for retirement.
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Rocky River – One of the Best Places to Live in Ohio for Retirement With Significant Savings
- Population: 21,755
- Senior population (65 and over): 24%
Rocky River frequently stands out as one of the best places to live in Ohio for retirement, especially for retirees with significant nest eggs. It’s been named the second‑best place in America for retirees with more than $2 million in savings.
This charming suburb of Cleveland, nestled along Lake Erie, offers a high quality of life, a large community of fellow retirees, and easy access to top medical facilities like the Cleveland Clinic. Rocky River is minutes from downtown Cleveland, home to top attractions like the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Cincinnati – Great Healthcare, Cultural Attractions, Recreation, & Historic Charm
- Population: 309,317
- Median home price: $294,000
- Average rent: $1,450
Cincinnati provides a dynamic city lifestyle paired with affordability. It boasts nationally recognized healthcare institutions like UC Health, The Christ Hospital, and St. Elizabeth Healthcare. Cultural attractions are rich: world‑class museums like the iconic Cincinnati Museum Center, three professional sports teams, ballet and opera at Cincinnati Music Hall, and beautiful parks along the Ohio River.
You’ll also enjoy the city’s rich history. Cincinnati is known for its historic architecture, such as Union Terminal, an Art Deco masterpiece; the Victorian Gothic-style Music Hall; the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood, home to the country’s largest concentration of Italianate buildings; and the region’s many Queen Anne and Tudor Revival style homes.
Cincinnati earns a spot on the list of the best places to live in Ohio for retirement thanks to its affordability, walkability, and healthcare. It was ranked the 3rd best city in the U.S. for retirement thanks to its relatively low cost of living, recreation, and quality of life.
Columbus – One of the Best Places to Live in Ohio for Retirement With Great Amenities, Culture, & Convenience
- Population: 898,143
- Median income for seniors: $48,480
Ohio’s capital is a growing, vibrant hub with excellent healthcare – including Ohio State Wexner Medical Center – and plenty of cultural attractions, local restaurants, and outdoor spaces like the Scioto Mile. It was recently ranked one of the top 10 best cities in the Midwest to retire.
Columbus boasts an affordable cost of living 9% below the national average – a rarity among large cities. Seniors living in Columbus can spend time exploring unique and historic neighborhoods like German Village, take free courses at Ohio State University through Program 60, and enjoy a myriad of cultural attractions like the Cleveland Museum of Art.
With diverse neighborhoods, affordable suburbs, and reputable public transportation (COTA), Columbus ranks among the best places to live in Ohio for retirement for retirees seeking amenities, culture, and convenience.
Looking for 55+ communities? Check out some of the best retirement communities in Columbus.
Akron – Affordable Ohio City Perfect for Outdoor Enthusiasts
- Population: 190,469
- Median home price: $149,000
- Cost of living 19% below the U.S. average
Akron offers a balanced retirement lifestyle with affordable housing, great parks like the nearby Cuyahoga Valley National Park, and strong healthcare providers such as the Cleveland Clinic Akron General. Akron draws retirees seeking convenient access to urban and natural amenities alike. The Summit Metro Parks system, headquartered in Akron, is a regional highlight with 16 sprawling parks and three nature centers throughout Summit County.
Affordable housing and low living costs also earn Akron a spot on the list of the best places to live in Ohio for retirement. The median price of a home is about half the U.S. median!
There are many great 55+ communities in Akron to explore for all-inclusive, maintenance-free living.
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Yellow Springs – Tight-Knit Village Known for Its Arts Scene & Outdoor Activities
- Population: 3,697
- 60% of residents are 55 or older
A unique artsy town with a tight‑knit, progressive community home to many retirees, Yellow Springs provides access to outdoor recreation in the nearby Glen Helen Nature Preserve and John Bryan State Park. It features a walkable downtown, unique shops, and an inclusive vibe. The Yellow Springs Street Fair is one of the most anticipated community events.
This historic town also has a rich past. Originally founded to create a utopian community, it began drawing in visitors to its natural springs, which were believed to have medicinal benefits. A group of freed slaves made their home here in 1862. Wheeling Gaunt, a former slave, bequeathed a large amount of land to the village in 1894, requesting its rent be used to purchase flour for “poor and worthy widows” of the village. Today, Yellow Springs still delivers flour and sugar to widows in the community at Christmas.
The community also has a long history of activism, becoming a center of the Civil Rights Movement in the region and, in the 1970s, the smallest municipality to pass an ordinance banning discrimination based on sexual orientation.
Yellow Springs is one of the best places to live in Ohio for retirement for creative, LGBT, or progressive retirees seeking a close community.
Westlake – Affluent Retirement Destination on the Lake Known for Its Recreation
- Population: 34,228
- 16 independent living & retirement communities
Located along Lake Erie’s coast, Westlake is an upscale suburb with strong healthcare access via nearby Cleveland hospitals and charming, safe neighborhoods. It’s one of the best places to live in Ohio for retirement, thanks to its many award-winning retirement communities like Vitalia Westlake and excellent amenities like Crocker Park, a lifestyle center with shopping, entertainment, and dining.
Beavercreek – Great Retirement Location in the Dayton Area
Near Dayton, Beavercreek boasts affordable housing, easy transportation, and proximity to excellent healthcare at places like Miami Valley Hospital. Parks, golf courses, and Wright State University cultural events offer plenty to do. The Mall at Fairfield Commons is one of the major shopping centers for the area, and you’re close to Dayton attractions like the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force.
For a peaceful suburban life with nearby resources, Beavercreek ranks among the best places to live in Ohio for retirement.
Granville – One of the Most Charming Small Towns in Ohio for Retirees
- Population: 5,946
- Violent crime is 85% below U.S. average
Granville exudes a charming small-town feel with college-town energy, thanks to Denison University. Beautiful historic architecture, local festivals, a walkable downtown, and a strong sense of community make this place truly unique. With low crime rates and excellent amenities, it’s among the best places to live in Ohio for retirement.
Mason – One of the Best Places to Live in Ohio for Retirement With Top Attractions & Entertainment
- Population: 34,792
Mason, a fast‑growing suburb of Cincinnati, features excellent amenities like the Lindner Family Tennis Center, home to the Cincinnati Open, highly rated golf courses, and the renowned Kings Island amusement park. It’s a major destination for healthcare in the region with low crime and quiet neighborhoods. It’s among the best places to live in Ohio for retirement for active retirees who appreciate suburban growth and entertainment. It’s also one of the wealthiest Cincinnati suburbs, so be prepared for higher home prices than average for Ohio.
Ashtabula – Great Retirement Destination for Natural Beauty, Recreation, & Low Crime
- Population: 18,017
- Average home price: $160,000
Nestled on Lake Erie’s shores, Ashtabula offers natural beauty with ports, wineries, and beaches. In the heart of Ohio’s wine country, it’s the covered bridge capital of the state. Housing is budget‑friendly, and the relaxed lakeside vibe is a big draw. Spend time boating, enjoying strolls along the Western Reserve Greenway Trail, and checking out the foodie scene along Bridge Street.
With its scenic setting, Ashtabula stands out among the best places to live in Ohio for retirement for nature‑loving retirees.
Fairlawn – Great Livability & Affordable Living With Close Proximity to Cleveland & Akron
- Population: 7,710
- Average home price: $344,000
Fairlawn offers convenience, low‑stress suburban living, and good local services. Retirees will appreciate its accessibility to nearby Akron amenities while enjoying peaceful neighborhoods. It’s been ranked as one of the best places to live in Ohio for retirement with $500,000 in savings.
North Canton – One of the Best Places to Live in Ohio for Retirement With Scenic Parks & Nearby Amenities
- Population: 17,842
- Violent crime 83% below the national average
North Canton is a top-rated destination to stretch your retirement savings without sacrificing quality of life and safety. This suburb of Canton offers affordable living, a revitalized downtown, and good medical facilities. Its balance of convenience and value makes it one of the best places to live in Ohio for retirement.
Retirees enjoy small-town living with convenient access to the city. It’s just a few miles from the vibrant atmosphere and amenities of Canton, including the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
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Grove City – One of the Fastest Growing Retirement Destinations in Ohio
- Population: 41,252
- Violent crime is 45% below the U.S. average
Grove City recently earned a spot among America’s fastest‑growing retirement boomtowns, with a 5‑year increase of approximately 36% in its population aged 65 and over. This Columbus suburb features new housing developments (including senior living units), community events, safety, and an expanding infrastructure. Grove City is known for its outdoor recreation – with biking and hiking trails, golf courses, and parks – and a strong local arts scene with live music, performing arts venues, and art galleries.
Its growth and its many amenities make it a strong contender among the best places to live in Ohio for retirement.
Retiring in Ohio FAQs
What Is the Retirement Age in Ohio?
The full retirement age to receive Social Security benefits is 67 for seniors born in 1960 or later, or 66 for adults born in 1959 or earlier. You can receive reduced benefits with early retirement at age 62.
The average American retires at 62, but the average retirement age in Ohio is 63.
What Is the Average Retirement Income in Ohio?
On average, retired Ohioans receive a monthly Social Security benefit of $1,858. Ohio Public Employees Retirement System (OPERS) retirees under the defined benefit plan have an average retirement pension of $23,056 per year.
The typical Ohio worker in their 50s with a 401(k) has $558,740 saved, while the average Ohioan has $427,462 saved for retirement.
How Much Do You Need to Retire in Ohio?
The average annual cost to retire comfortably in Ohio is $51,817. Between the ages of 63 and 80, a retiree would need about $880,889.
Found Your Dream Retirement Destination? Get a Free Moving Quote Today
Now that you’ve explored some of the best places to live in Ohio for retirement, is one of these destinations calling to you? If you’re ready to settle down in a new place, Krupp Moving & Storage is ready to help you with full-service senior movers and personalized moving solutions. Call us today at (614) 892-9046 for a free moving estimate!
