7 Affordable Places to Live in Ohio for Retirees

Choosing where to settle down once retired is certainly not easy. The right place will offer affordability, safety, easy access to healthcare, and employability options. For these reasons and more, Ohio is consistently ranked among the best places to retire in the United States. 

The Ohio Department of Aging provides dozens of resources to care for Ohio’s older residents, such as the “Staying Connected” program, a free, daily check-in service enacted during the COVID-19 pandemic to provide better care for state residents ages 60 and older. The program isn’t currently accepting new enrollees, but Ohio’s 2023-2026 State Plan on Aging includes core priorities such as community conditions, healthy living, access to care, and social connectedness.

For those empty nesters who might not be ready to retire, Ohio’s Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) assists eligible job seekers older than 55 by providing paid community service and work-based training programs for eligible Ohioans. For those who want to further their education, Ohio’s Program 60 offers free college courses to Ohioans 60 and up.

The statewide benefits that Ohio offers to its retirees and empty nesters help cement its place as one of the top states to retire. Each of the seven communities below go above and beyond for their retirees, offering affordability, excellent healthcare options, safety, and plenty to do.

It should be noted that all the communities below have specific characteristics in common. Take a look at the facts below:

1. Taxes: Ohio’s state sales tax rate is 5.75%, and the average combined state and local sales tax rate is 7.24%.
2. Climate: Ohioans consistently experience four distinct seasons and can expect to receive moderate precipitation year-round. As part of the Midwest, Ohio is prone to severe weather, such as thunderstorms, tornadoes, and snowstorms.

1. Ashtabula

Ashtabula lies in the northeastern corner of Ohio, sitting directly on Lake Erie. It is less than an hour from the larger cities of Cleveland, Ohio, and Erie, Pennsylvania, providing easy access to both cities and their airports. The Ashtabula River runs directly through the city, offering stunning natural scenery while enjoying the quiet, small-town feel.

A. Median Household Income, Median Home Value, Annual Spend for Homeowners, and Annual Spend for Renters:

ASHTABULA MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME (2022): $39,053

B. Employment Prospects
The unemployment rate in Ashtabula is 4.8% (June 2024), above the Ohio unemployment rate of 4.4% and the national unemployment rate of 4.1%. The poverty rate is 32.7%, above the Ohio poverty rate of 13.3% and the national poverty rate of 11.1%.

The major employers in Ashtabula include the Ashtabula County Medical Center, Chromaflo Technologies, Molded Fiber Glass, and the Ashtabula Rubber Company.

The Ashtabula area has an average commute time of 19.4 minutes.

C. Healthcare
Ashtabula has its own hospital, the Ashtabula County Medical Center, right within the city, offering easy access to its residents. There are also a few urgent care options, and multiple home health service options for residents needing in-home care. The city of Ashtabula is also about an hour’s drive from the Cleveland Clinic, which is consistently recognized as one of the top hospitals in the world. 

D. Education
The Ashtabula Area City school district includes eight public schools. Within Ashtabula County, there are 19 private schooling options, most of which are within an easy commute of the city.

There are at least nine colleges serving the Ashtabula area.

Over the 2018-2022 period, Ashtabula’s high school graduation rate was 80.6%, below the U.S. national average of 89.1%. The population of adults above 25 with a college degree was 11.6%, also below the national average of approximately 34.3%.

E. Unique Attributes and Lifestyle
Ashtabula sits directly on Lake Erie, with Walnut Beach Park offering residents lake access and a large sandy beach to enjoy. The Ashtabula River runs directly through the city and empties into Lake Erie, providing plenty of accessibility for water activities, such as fishing, kayaking, sailing. The city is rich in history, specifically the Ashtabula Harbor, home of the Hubbard House Underground Railroad Museum, which served as a northern terminus of the Underground Railroad. 

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2. Centerville

About 16 miles south of Dayton lies the city of Centerville. Right off Interstate 75, Centerville is extremely affordable and easily accessible. Its residents are less than an hour from Cincinnati, making a day trip to the city quite doable.

A. Median Household Income, Median Home Value, Annual Spend for Homeowners, and Annual Spend for Renters:

CENTERVILLE MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME (2022): $79,509

B. Employment Prospects
The unemployment rate in Centerville is 4% (June 2024), below the Ohio unemployment rate of 4.4% and the national unemployment rate of 4.1%. The poverty rate is 7.9%, lower than the Ohio poverty rate of 13.3% and the national poverty rate of 11.1%.

The major employers in Centerville include ATS Ohio Inc., Superior Beverage Group, Irongate, and Abrasive Technology. 

The Centerville area has an average commute time of 21.4 minutes.

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C. Healthcare
Centerville is between two large hospitals, Miami Valley Hospital South and Kettering Health Washington Township. The city also offers several urgent care options and multiple in-home care services.

D. Education
The Centerville City School District includes 13 public schools. Centerville is also home to 5 private schools. 

There are a few community college options within the city, but it should be noted that Centerville is only a 20-minute drive from the much larger city of Dayton, which allows Centerville residents the opportunity to choose from the 17 colleges serving the Dayton area.

Over the 2018-2022 period, Centerville’s high school graduation rate was 96.30%, well above the U.S. national average of 89.1%. The population of adults over 25 with a college degree was 49.4%, also above the national average of approximately 34.3%.

E. Unique Attributes and Lifestyle
Centerville is a perfect place to settle for those intrigued by historical significance and unique architecture. The Walton House, a stone house built in 1838 on land originally purchased from one of the founders of Centerville, is the headquarters of the Centerville-Washington Historical Society and doubles as a museum. The Uptown area of Centerville features several limestone buildings constructed from Dayton limestone. Interestingly, Centerville’s historic district is home to Ohio’s largest collection of early stone buildings! 

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3. Marion

About an hour north of Columbus sits the city of Marion, an excellent choice for retirees due to the Marion City Council on Aging. The agency was established in May of 2006 after voters in Marion County passed the Senior Services levy, which established appropriate funding and enabled the Council on Aging to provide funding for home and community-based services for citizens 60 and older, regardless of income.

A. Median Household Income, Median Home Value, Annual Spend for Homeowners, and Annual Spend for Renters:

MARION MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME (2022): $44,879

B. Employment Prospects
The unemployment rate in Marion is 4.5% (June 2024), above the Ohio unemployment rate of 4.4% and the national unemployment rate of 4.1%. The poverty rate is 21.8%, above the Ohio poverty rate of 13.3% and the national poverty rate of 11.1%.

The major employers in Cleveland include Whirlpool Corporation, Nucor Steel, Wyandot Snacks, Silver Line Windows and Doors, and OhioHealth Marion General Hospital.

The Marion area has an average commute time of 20.1 minutes.

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C. Healthcare
Marion General Hospital is the city’s main hospital system. There are also several urgent care and primary care options for its residents. 

D. Education
The Marion City School District includes nine public schools, and there are a few additional public school options outside the district. There is only one private school option in Marion.

There are at least 11 colleges serving the Marion area.

Over the 2018-2022 period, Marion’s high school graduation rate was 87.1%, below the U.S. national average of 89.1%. The population of adults above 25 with a college degree was 10.10%, also below the national average, approximately 34.3%.

E. Unique Attributes and Lifestyle
Marion is another Ohio city that is rich in historical significance. Warren G. Harding, the 29th president of the United States, lived in Marion for most of his young adult life and was buried in Marion alongside his wife. As such, there are multiple historical sites in Marion worth visiting, such as the Warren G. Harding Presidential Sites, which include the Harding Home and the Presidential Library & Museum, and the Harding Memorial, a beautiful structure comprised of Georgia white marble and sitting on well-kept grounds. Marion is also home to multiple museums, such as the Wyandot Popcorn Museum, the Huber Machinery Museum, and the Buckeye Telephone Museum.

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4. Berlin

For those seeking to settle down into a slower pace of life, look no further, the village of Berlin is calling your name! At the heart of the Amish Country and about 45 minutes southwest of the larger city of Canton, Berlin offers a quaint and quiet atmosphere filled with welcoming, down-to-earth residents.

A. Median Household Income, Median Home Value, Annual Spend for Homeowners, and Annual Spend for Renters:

BERLIN MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME (2022): $73,214

B. Employment Prospects
The unemployment rate in Berlin is 2.4% (June 2024), below the Ohio unemployment rate of 4.4% and the national unemployment rate of 4.1%. The poverty rate is 7.2%, below the Ohio poverty rate of 13.3% and the national poverty rate of 11.1%.

Berlin is a very small town, so its major employers are a bit different than the other cities on our list. The major employers in Berlin include Dollar General, Comfort Suites, Burger King, and the Army Corps of Engineers.

The Berlin area has an average commute time of 11.4 minutes.

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C. Healthcare
Berlin offers its residents an urgent care facility. The town is approximately 12 minutes from the larger city of Millersburg, which is home to the Pomerene Hospital and several more urgent care options. 

D. Education
As such a small town, Berlin offers its residents two public schools to its schools—elementary and high school. There are no private schools within the town, but there are a few private school options within 15 minutes of Berlin.

Though there are no colleges directly within Berlin, numerous college options are in the nearby city of Wooster, which is about a 30-minute drive from Berlin.

Over the 2018-2022 period, Berlin’s high school graduation rate was 49.3%, below the U.S. national average of 89.1%. The population of adults above 25 with a college degree was 11%, below the national average of approximately 34.3%.

E. Unique Attributes and Lifestyle
Berlin is frequently referred to as the heart of Amish Country, and for good reason. Those seeking a slower, simpler way of life will find Berlin a very welcoming community. The Amish Country Theater sits on the outskirts of Berlin and offers clean, family entertainment through comedy shows and musical performances. Berlin is also home to the Sheiyah Market, housed in a beautifully converted barn. It provides locally owned stores selling boutique clothing, home décor, a garden center, and a coffee shop. 

5. Mason

About 22 miles northeast of Cincinnati lies the city of Mason. it is far enough away from the large metropolitan area that it still provides a suburban feel but close enough to enable a quick, easy trip into the much larger city. Mason is between Interstates 75 and 71, facilitating easy access to these main thoroughfares.

A. Median Household Income, Median Home Value, Annual Spend for Homeowners, and Annual Spend for Renters:

MASON MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME (2022): $121,082

B. Employment Prospects
The unemployment rate in Mason is 3.8% (June 2024), lower than the Ohio unemployment rate of 4.4% and the national unemployment rate of 4.1%. The poverty rate is also 3.8%, much lower than the Ohio poverty rate of 13.3% and the national poverty rate of 11.1%.

The major employers in Mason include Procter & Gamble, Cintas Corp, GE Aviation, and Kettering Health Network.

The Mason area has an average commute time of 26.8 minutes.

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C. Healthcare
Mason residents have easy access to multiple hospitals, such as the Mercy Health—Kings Mills Hospital, and the Christ Hospital Medical Center. Additionally, multiple urgent care facilities are within a 10-mile radius of the city. 

D. Education
The Mason City School District includes five public schools and 14 private schools that serve its residents and those of the surrounding communities.

Three community colleges are within the direct vicinity of Mason, and at least 18 colleges, including seven private and three public colleges, are within 30 minutes of the city

Over the 2018-2022 period, Mason’s high school graduation rate was 97.5%, well above the U.S. national average of 89.1%. The population of adults over 25 with a college degree was 61.8%, also well above the national average of approximately 34.3%.

E. Unique Attributes and Lifestyle
Mason is home to Kings Island, an amusement park filled with roller coasters, a water park, and a selection of other thrill rides—a perfect destination for when those younger, thrill-seeking family members come to visit. The city also has at least three scenic walking trails, catering to residents who enjoy a stroll while appreciating beautiful nature scenes.

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6. Sandusky

Sitting right on the edge of Lake Erie is the bustling city of Sandusky. The city of Sandusky truly comes alive in the summer, filled with tourists traveling to enjoy the coasters of Cedar Point and the islands that are only a quick ferry ride away, such as Put In Bay and Kelleys Island. As such, Sandusky is a popular choice for “snowbirds,” or those who choose to head to warmer climates in the winter to avoid the colder temperatures and snowy conditions.

A. Median Household Income, Median Home Value, Annual Spend for Homeowners, and Annual Spend for Renters:

SANDUSKY MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME (2022): $47,375

B. Employment Prospects
The unemployment rate in Sandusky is 4.1% (June 2024), below the Ohio unemployment rate of 4.4% and equal to the national unemployment rate of 4.1%. The poverty rate is 20.5%, which is higher than the Ohio poverty rate of 13.3% and the national poverty rate of 11.1%.

The major employers in Sandusky include Cedar Point, JBT Corporation, Whirlpool, and LEWCO.

The Cincinnati area has an average commute time of 17.8 minutes.

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C. Healthcare
Sandusky residents have access to a wide range of healthcare options, which offers plenty of flexibility in finding providers that fit one’s insurance needs. The Firelands Regional Medical Center is the primary hospital for the community.

D. Education
Sandusky has five schools within its public school district, Sandusky City. Perkins Local School District is located just south of Sandusky and has four schools, enabling Sandusky residents to choose the best school district for their children. Sandusky also offers four private school options for its residents. 

Over the 2018-2022 period, Sandusky’s high school graduation rate was 87.4%, below the U.S. national average of 89.1%. The population of adults over 25 with a college degree was 19.2%, below the national average of approximately 34.3%.

E. Unique Attributes and Lifestyle
Sandusky is home to Cedar Point, one of the top amusement parks in the United States. It is well known for its numerous roller coasters, some of which are among the world’s tallest, fastest, and longest coasters. Sandusky is right on Lake Erie; there are multiple sailing and yacht clubs, and small harbors for docking boats after enjoying a day on the water. The Jet Express is a popular mode of transportation around Sandusky, ferrying its customers to Cedar Point and multiple islands across the bay. 

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7. Yellow Springs

When I was living in Dayton, one of the most consistent pieces of advice was to spend a day in Yellow Springs, which is only 20 miles east of the city. Though it took me over a year to finally make my way out to the village, I was immediately taken by the charming atmosphere while strolling downtown. The village has an incredibly vibrant arts community, showcased on almost every surface that can be covered with paint. Residents are extremely welcoming, and the restaurant options are plentiful, especially for such a small community. Let me put it this way – if I end up retiring in Ohio someday, Yellow Springs is my top choice.

A. Median Household Income, Median Home Value, Annual Spend for Homeowners, and Annual Spend for Renters:

YELLOW SPRINGS MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME (2022): $77,750

B. Employment Prospects
The unemployment rate in Yellow Springs is 2.7% (June 2024), lower than the Ohio unemployment rate of 4.4% and the national unemployment rate of 4.1%. The poverty rate is 6.6%, which is lower than the Ohio poverty rate of 13.3% and the national poverty rate of 11.1%.

The major employers in Yellow Springs include Dollar General, Speedway, Xylem, Antioch University, and Subway.

The Yellow Springs area has an average commute time of 22 minutes.

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C. Healthcare
Though Yellow Springs does not have its own hospital, it is located between the two larger cities of Springfield and Xenia, which have their own hospital and multiple urgent care facilities. Both cities and the health care facilities they are home to are within a 20-minute drive from Yellow Springs.

D. Education
As a small village, it is not surprising that Yellow Springs has only three public schools within the Yellow Springs Exempted Village School District. Residents also have one private school option.

Over the 2018-2022 period, Yellow Spring’s high school graduation rate was 97.4%, well above the U.S. national average of 89.1%. The population of adults over 25 with a college degree was 65.6%, above the national average of approximately 34.3%.

E. Unique Attributes and Lifestyle
Though Yellow Springs is a quaint village, it hosts hundreds of events throughout the year, from festivals and art galleries to live music, offering a little bit of everything to its residents and visitors. The downtown area is perfect for strolling and window shopping, and there are two nature preserves near the village. 

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Conclusion

Each of these communities provides extensive statewide retiree benefits to their elderly communities. If you’re looking for a place to settle down and enjoy your best years, look no further—Ohio is calling your name.