5 Best Places to Live in Ohio for Young Adults

For many years, the hot spots for young people in the United States were found in the biggest cities and states, with New York and California attracting those recent college graduates and up-and-coming professionals. However, more recently, due to rising taxes, housing costs, and safety concerns in the big cities, young adults have begun to look elsewhere for a town where they can start their careers.

It’s no wonder why a Midwestern state like Ohio has become a highly sought-after location for young professionals who would like not only affordability but also opportunities to kickstart their careers. From the excitement of sporting events to the rich nature reserves, Ohio has so much to offer for young adults. This doesn’t even mention the opportunities for career growth at companies like Nationwide, Progressive, and Marathon — all of which have their headquarters in the state. Furthermore, Ohio has a cost of living that is 11% lower than the national average, making it an excellent choice for young professionals.

It may not be easy to narrow down a list of the best places for young people to live in Ohio, but we think this is a pretty good start. As someone who has lived in Ohio my entire life, I am glad to see such interest in the state I’ve known as home. As a young professional, I am also excited to present these five places, each offering opportunities for fun, affordability, and opportunity for young adults. Each of the communities listed below are neighborhoods contained within larger cities, where there is not enough statistical data available to provide figures for the neighborhood alone. As such, the figures used are for the city of which they are a part of. It should be noted that all the communities below have certain characteristics in common. Take a look at the facts below:

I. Taxes: Ohio has a 5.75% state sales tax rate, and an average combined state and local sales tax rate of 7.24%.

II. 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. Tremont

[Note: Tremont is a neighborhood where there is not enough statistical data available to provide figures for the neighborhood alone. As such, the figures used are for the city of Cleveland in its entirety, unless otherwise noted.]

Rounding out our list, we will be traveling up to Northeast Ohio again to talk about another place many young professionals are already flocking to.

Similar to Clintonville, many people from the surrounding universities, such as Cleveland State and John Carroll University, move to Tremont after graduation, meaning that Tremont is already flooded with young adults.

Much like the other members of our list, the rent prices in Tremont are also very affordable, making it easy to understand why so many young people live there in the first place.

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

CLEVELAND MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME (2022): $37,271

B. Employment Prospects

The unemployment rate in Cleveland is 4.5% (June 2024), above the overall Ohio unemployment rate of 4.4% and the national unemployment rate of 4.1%. The poverty rate is 31.2%, above the Ohio poverty rate of 13.3% and the national poverty rate of 11.1%.

The major employers in Cleveland include the Cleveland Clinic, Sherwin-Williams, Progressive Insurance, Parker Hannifin, and TravelCenters of America.

The Cleveland area has an average commute time of 23.3 minutes.

C. Healthcare

Tremont residents have plenty of healthcare options to choose from, including a community health center that conveniently lies right in the neighborhood. Residents are also a quick 15-minute drive from the Cleveland Clinic, which is consistently recognized as one of the top hospitals in the world.

D. Education

The Cleveland Metropolitan School District includes 68 schools for kindergarten through eighth grade and 39 schools for high school students. Cleveland also offers 93 private schools.

There are at least 20 colleges serving the Cleveland area.

Over the 2018-2022 period, the high school graduation rate in Cleveland was 82.9%, below the U.S. national average of 89.1%. The population of adults above 25 years of age with a college degree was 20.3%, also below the national average, which is approximately 34.3%.

E. Unique Attributes and Lifestyle

Tremont also sits just across the Cuyahoga River from Downtown Cleveland, meaning it’s just a short drive to see a baseball game at Progressive Field or a football game at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Cleveland Cavaliers play at the Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse, which is also nearby and hosts some of the most prominent artists in the world for concerts. So, whether you’re into sports or music, this area has you covered.

Tremont itself has a lot to offer for nightlife, as well. Edison’s and Lincoln Park pubs are two of the most popular places for young people in the evening. During the day, much like Over-the-Rhine, Tremont has a booming art scene built from an influx of musicians, painters, and other artists who moved to the area during the 1990s and early 2000s. This has led to a number of art galleries, walks, and studios lining the town, open to all the young art lovers who’ve just moved to Tremont.

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2. Clifton

[Note: Clifton is a small neighborhood where there is not enough statistical data available to provide figures for the neighborhood alone. As such, the figures used are for the city of Cincinnati in its entirety, unless otherwise noted.]

We’re heading back to Cincinnati for this fourth spot on our list, this time covering the young professional hotspot of Clifton. This neighborhood lies a short drive north of Over-the-Rhine, so it similarly gives young people the ability to have a more urban mix of restaurants and nightlife without the business and traffic at the heart of Downtown Cincinnati.

Additionally, much like Over-the-Rhine, Clifton is very affordable, with median rent prices capping out at under $900 and more than $300 lower than the national average. 

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

CINCINNATI MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME (2022): $49,191

B. Employment Prospects

The unemployment rate in Cincinnati is 4.9% (June 2024), higher than the overall Ohio unemployment rate of 4.4% and national unemployment rate of 4.1%. The poverty rate is 24.8%, which is higher than the Ohio poverty rate of 13.3% and the national poverty rate of 11.1%.

The major employers in Cincinnati include Kroger, Procter & Gamble, TriHealth, GE Aerospace, the University of Cincinnati, and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center.

The Cincinnati area has an average commute time of 23.4 minutes.

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C. Healthcare

As a larger metropolitan area, Cincinnati offers dozens of hospitals and healthcare facilities for its citizens to choose from. Most notable is Christ Hospital, which is ranked the #1 hospital in Cincinnati.

D. Education

The Cincinnati School District includes 66 public schools and 145 private schools.

Cincinnati is also home to 26 colleges in total, including 12 private schools, three public colleges and universities, and four community colleges.

Over the 2018-2022 period, the high school graduation rate in Cincinnati was 89.1%, even with the U.S. national average of 89.1%. The population of adults over 25 years of age with a college degree was 40.5%, above the national average of approximately 34.3%.

E. Unique Attributes and Lifestyle

Now, remember earlier when I mentioned that just living in the Cincinnati area has some perks of its own? Well, I can tell you that’s certainly true of Clifton. If you like sports, the Cincinnati Reds baseball team, the Bengals football team, or the Cincinnati FC soccer team have you covered. Beyond this, the Riverfront, which lies right on the banks of the Ohio River toward the south of the city, features several different walking areas for the public to enjoy.

Clifton, in particular, has many locations that help make all of Cincinnati an intriguing place for up-and-coming professionals. This includes the world-famous Cincinnati Zoo, renowned for its wide and diverse range of land and sea animals, from white tigers to manatees.

A short drive from the zoo would bring you to the Ludlow Avenue business district, making up Clifton’s Main Street. This area, nicknamed the “Gaslight District,” contains a variety of independent shops, restaurants, and a movie theater that specializes in showing foreign films. Down the street, for wine lovers, there is also Ludlow Wines, which is the oldest winery in the city.

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3. Ohio City

[Note: Ohio City is a neighborhood where there is not enough statistical data available to provide figures for the neighborhood alone. As such, the figures used are for the city of Cleveland in its entirety, unless otherwise noted.]

When I was a kid, all I wanted to do was go to the arcade with my friends and play the games there. Whether it was PacMan, Skee-Ball, or pop-a-shot, that place offered all the fun a kid like me could ask for. As I grew older, I was never able to go back to the arcade as much, but other places filled the arcade’s spot as a place for relaxation and fun with friends. That’s exactly what Ohio City is.

Just slightly on Cleveland’s west side, Ohio City offers perhaps the most diverse range of opportunities for people to experience on this list yet. Along West 25th Street, the main road in the neighborhood, lie several bars and restaurants designed with young people in mind. Take Pins Mechanical Company — a bar with plenty of room to sit and socialize with friends, and dozens of free-to-play arcade games that bring back the nostalgia of childhood for so many in the town. After you’re done playing video games, try getting a scoop or two from Mitchell’s Ice Cream factory, where you can enjoy delicious ice cream while looking into how the sweet treats are made.

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

CLEVELAND MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME (2022): $37,271

B. Employment Prospects

The unemployment rate in Cleveland is 4.5% (June 2024), above the overall Ohio unemployment rate of 4.4% and the national unemployment rate of 4.1%. The poverty rate is 31.2%, above the Ohio poverty rate of 13.3% and the national poverty rate of 11.1%.

The major employers in Cleveland include the Cleveland Clinic, Sherwin-Williams, Progressive Insurance, Parker Hannifin, and TravelCenters of America.

The Cleveland area has an average commute time of 23.3 minutes.

C. Healthcare 

Similar to Tremont, Ohio City has a health center that is easily accessible, and residents are within 20 minutes of the globally recognized Cleveland Clinic.

D. Education

The Cleveland Metropolitan School District includes 68 schools for kindergarten through eighth grade and 39 schools for high school students. Cleveland also offers 93 private schools.

There are at least 20 colleges serving the Cleveland area.

Over the 2018-2022 period, the high school graduation rate in Cleveland was 82.9%, below the U.S. national average of 89.1%. The population of adults above 25 years of age with a college degree was 20.3%, also below the national average, which is approximately 34.3%.

E. Unique Attributes and Lifestyle

The neighborhood of Ohio City cannot be mentioned without including its most famous location: Cleveland’s West Side Market. This more than 100-year-old historic landmark is the oldest operating indoor/outdoor market space in the city. It became so famous throughout the years that it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. While the location may have many years behind it, the food sellers have fresh-to-buy meats and produce, baked goods, wine, and plenty more available every single day. With so much to offer, this market alone makes Ohio City a hotspot in which to live.

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It boasts a cost of living that’s 20% lower than the U.S. average. While Ohio does have some generally desirable cities, Port Clinton is one of the more attractive places to visit. Along with nearby Sandusky and the easily-accessible Lake Erie Islands, the area is fondly known as “Vacationland.”

4. Clintonville

[Note: Clintonville is a neighborhood (population of approximately 17,730) where there is not enough statistical data available to provide figures for the neighborhood alone. As such, the figures used are for the city of Columbus in its entirety, unless otherwise noted.]

We’re heading slightly northeast for this second spot, just north of Downtown Columbus. There, you’ll find a vibrant community of mostly young adults who enjoy all that Clintonville, and by extension, Downtown Columbus, has to offer.

One of Clintonville’s best features is the fact that the neighborhood is just down the road from Ohio State University, which offers several different attractions of its own for young people. Those who want to spend some time with nature can take a walk around Oval and Mirror Lakes, which are right in the heart of the university. Or, if you’re into sports, feel free to grab some tickets to see the world-famous Ohio State Buckeyes football team at the nearby Ohio Stadium.

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

COLUMBUS MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME (2022): $62,994

B. Employment Prospects

The unemployment rate in Columbus is 4.8% (June 2024), above the overall Ohio unemployment rate of 4.4% and the national unemployment rate of 4.1%. The poverty rate is 18.1%, above the Ohio poverty rate of 13.3% and the national poverty rate of 11.1%.

The major employers in Columbus include The Ohio State University, JPMorgan Chase, Nationwide Insurance, Honda, Vertiv, and Cardinal Health.

The Columbus area has an average commute time of 22 minutes.

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Ohio is commonly referred to as “the heart of it all,” and for good reason. The state of Ohio sits centrally on the eastern side of the United States, and almost 50% of the United States’ population is within 500 miles of Ohio’s capital, Columbus.

C. Healthcare

Similar to Cincinnati, Columbus has dozens of hospitals and healthcare facilities for residents to choose from. The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center is the second-best hospital in the state of Ohio.

D. Education

The Columbus City School District encompasses 117 public schools. Also within the city limits are 96 private school options.

There are 15 colleges in Columbus, the most notable being The Ohio State University and Franklin University.

Over the 2018-2022 period, the high school graduation rate in Columbus was 90.3%, above the U.S. national average of 89.1%. The population of adults above 25 years of age with a college degree was 38.3%, above the national average of approximately 34.3%.

E. Unique Attributes and Lifestyle

Clintonville offers a little bit of everything to its residents. If you’d like to do some shopping, try the Clintonville Farmers’ Market, which is filled with unique foods and craft vendors. To cap off the night, try going to one of the many bars in the area or see a movie at Studio 35 — a single-screen theater that holds events like beer tastings and throwback film showings.

Beyond the more urban center of Clintonville lies many opportunities to connect with the vibrant nature of the area. Try hiking through the ravines like Glen Echo or Overbrook, each containing a diverse and intriguing range of plant and animal life.

Perhaps the most striking area of Clintonville’s outdoor life is located in the Park of Roses. This popular destination is commonly used for weddings and other photo-taking opportunities — and it’s easy to see why. All across this magnificently constructed park lie beautifully organized rose bushes, which are, especially in the spring, a reason enough to at least visit the area if you’re ever in Ohio.

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5. Over-the-Rhine

[Note: Over-the-Rhine is a small neighborhood (population of approximately 5,657) where there is not enough statistical data available to provide figures for the neighborhood alone. As such, the figures used are for the city of Cincinnati in its entirety, unless otherwise noted.]

Located just north of Downtown Cincinnati, Over-the-Rhine offers a wide variety of places for young adults to live in and enjoy. While many today who live in Over-the-Rhine are far removed from its German heritage, that culture can be seen throughout this neighborhood, making Over-the-Rhine one of the largest, most intact urban historic districts in the United States.

The name itself is even a source of interest, especially for those young adults who enjoy a little history. It comes from the German population around the city, mainly from the Rhineland region of Germany, which lies along the Rhine River. When Germans from this region moved to the Cincinnati area in the mid-1800s, many crossed the Miami and Erie Canal separating Over-the-Rhine from Downtown Cincinnati. The people who moved to the area began to nickname landmarks as if they were in Germany. For example, they nicknamed the Miami and Erie Canal “the Rhine,” just like the river from their home region. Thus, when people crossed this water moving north, Over-the-Rhine was born!

Despite the rich, cultured history of the area and its intriguing offerings, Over-the-Rhine offers some very affordable housing, with the average rent in the area being consistently under the Cincinnati average.

All of this combined shows why the average age of a person in Over-the-Rhine is just over 30 years old. Young people are flocking to this southern Ohio gem — and I haven’t even mentioned all the rest that nearby Downtown Cincinnati has to offer. Keep that in mind, but for now, just know that Over-the-Rhine is a great place for recent college graduates and young adults looking to start their careers. 

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

CINCINNATI MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME (2022): $49,191

B. Employment Prospects

The unemployment rate in Cincinnati is 4.9% (June 2024), higher than the overall Ohio unemployment rate of 4.4% and national unemployment rate of 4.1%. The poverty rate is 24.8%, which is higher than the Ohio poverty rate of 13.3% and the national poverty rate of 11.1%.

The major employers in Cincinnati include Kroger, Procter & Gamble, TriHealth, GE Aerospace, the University of Cincinnati, and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center.

The Cincinnati area has an average commute time of 23.4 minutes.

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C. Healthcare and Safety

As a larger metropolitan area, Cincinnati offers dozens of hospitals and healthcare facilities for its citizens to choose from. Most notable is Christ Hospital, which is ranked the #1 hospital in Cincinnati.

D. Education

The Cincinnati School District includes 66 public schools and 145 private schools.

Cincinnati is also home to 26 colleges in total, including 12 private schools, three public colleges and universities, and four community colleges.

Over the 2018-2022 period, the high school graduation rate in Cincinnati was 89.1%, even with the U.S. national average of 89.1%. The population of adults over 25 years of age with a college degree was 40.5%, above the national average of approximately 34.3%.

E. Unique Attributes and Lifestyle

Beyond the name, the German heritage of Over-the-Rhine provides another reason why the area is great for young adults — the breweries. So much so that the neighborhood of Over-the-Rhine boasts an entire brewery district featuring big names in craft beer like Rhinegeist Brewery, Northern Row Brewery, and the city’s largest beer company, Christian Moerlein Brewing Co.

Additionally, Over-the-Rhine sits just down the road from the Cincinnati Art Museum and the Taft Museum of Art for those interested in the arts. If you’d rather spend time walking and just being outside, Washington Park, located in the center of this neighborhood, offers a great space to unwind in nature either with others or on your own.

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Conclusion

As a young person from Ohio, I may be a bit biased, but this state is filled with areas of intrigue and opportunity for people just starting their careers. With a combination of various kinds of activities both indoor and outdoor, in the evening or during the day, Ohio has something for everyone to enjoy.

As I’ve stated, these five locations are a great start for any young person looking for a place to move to in Ohio. However, there are so many other cities and towns in the state that are great places for young people to live. So, feel free to do your own research and find what seems best to you.