3 Great Reasons and 6 Stunning Places to Raise Kids in Ohio

“Why oh, why-o, did I ever leave Ohio?” crooned Jane Lynch and Carol Burnett in the hit T.V. show, Glee, based in Lima. It’s a great question. For parents looking for a great place to raise kids, there’s no doubt about it — Ohio is home.

3 Reasons Why Ohio is the Best Place to Raise Kids

Ohio boasts lower-than-average home prices and crime rates, great public and private schools, close-knit communities, and something to do for everyone. That’s why it’s one of the top places to raise a family in the United States.

Music lovers can visit the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, catch a concert at Blossom Music Center in Cuyahoga Falls or KEMBA Live! in Columbus, and learn the art of music at the Dayton Live Creative Academy or Cleveland Institute of Music. 

Active families will love the state’s dedication to youth and professional sports, with opportunities to train and compete at all levels in football, soccer, basketball, baseball and softball, wrestling, dance, gymnastics, golf, and more. From the Cincinnati Bengals to the Cleveland Guardians and Columbus Crew, professional sports teams in every corner of the state offer the perfect venue for a family night out. 

From the Cedar Point and Kings Island Amusement Parks to the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio’s panoply of Metroparks, the Mohican Valley, and Hocking Hills, adventure-seekers and outdoor enthusiasts will find rollercoasters, camping, hiking, kayaking, foraging, swimming, fishing, and more just a short drive from any locale. Science enthusiasts will get lost for hours at COSI: Center of Science and Industry in Columbus, the Great Lakes Science Center in Cleveland, and the Armstrong Air and Space Museum in Wapakoneta.

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The Pros and Cons of Living in Ohio

On any given day in Ohio, you could find yourself in two completely different states of mind in a difference of an hour. One moment, you are looking at a beautiful view of snow-topped trees from a lookout point high above the forest. Then, soon after, you are dreading the idea of driving through what has become an intense blizzard on your way home…

There are award-winning public and private K-12 schools in every region, a robust network of 14 public universities, and over 100 private colleges and technical schools, offering affordable access to quality education without leaving the state.

Crime rates and the cost of living are low compared to national averages, with a median home price in the low $200,000s. The Lake Erie Islands and Shores, from Put-In-Bay to Kelleys Island and more, are favorite places for family vacations and less than a tank of gas away from any point in the state. 

Ohio also boasts world-class hospital systems, with the Cleveland Clinic, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center attracting patients from around the world.

Cultural, historical, and agricultural attractions like Amish Country, numerous wine trails, Native American heritage sites, and stops along the Underground Railroad all add up to make Ohio a fascinating place to live, learn, work, and play, especially in the towns of Blue Ash, Canton, Cuyahoga Falls, Perrysburg, Wickliffe, and Wooster.

Top 6 Places to Raise a Family in Ohio

It should be noted that all the communities below have certain characteristics in

common. Take a look at the facts below:

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

From Medina to Lima, Toledo to Milan, Ohio is known for referencing famous international locales and adding its local flair. Founded in 1805, Canton was named for the capital of the Guangdong province in southern China. But Ohio’s Canton is best known for being home to the National Football League Hall of Fame, excellent K-12 schools, affordable homes, and a stress-free family life.

Canton is a small but sprawling city of low buildings and cul-de-sacs. With 26% of the population under the age of 20 and plenty of aquatic adventure at nearby Clay’s Park, Canton combines the energy of youth with the rootedness of an established, welcoming home.

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

CANTON MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME (2022): $37,627

B. Employment Prospects
The unemployment rate in Canton is 5.20% (June 2024), higher than the overall Ohio unemployment rate of 4.40% and the national unemployment rate of 4.10%. The poverty rate is 30.20%, which is higher than the Ohio poverty rate of 13.30% and above the national poverty rate of 11.10%.

The major employers in Canton include Aultman Hospital, U.S. Acute Care Solutions, dlhBOWLES, TimkenSteel, and Mercy Medical Center.

The Canton area has an average commute time of 19.5 minutes.

C. Healthcare
Canton residents have access to a handful of healthcare facilities. The city of Akron’s proximity allows Canton residents to utilize Akron’s healthcare options as well, including Akron City Hospital, which has been recognized as one of America’s 50 Best Hospitals. Canton is just over an hour from the Cleveland Clinic, a nationally and globally ranked healthcare facility.

D. Education
The Canton City School District includes 21 public schools and 16 private schools within its city limits. 

Canton has at least ten private, public, and community college options.

Over the 2018-2022 period, the high school graduation rate in Canton was 87.10%, below the U.S. national average of 89.10%. The population of adults over 25 with a college degree was 14.20%, below the national average of approximately 34.30%.

E. Unique Attributes and Lifestyle
Though it’s known as “Hall of Fame City,” Canton has plenty to offer in addition to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Fun facts about Canton:

• Canton is home to a vibrant arts community, including its own art museum, the Canton Symphony Orchestra, and the Canton Ballet.
• Visit Sippo Lake Park for beautiful lake views, several hiking trails, and a visit to the park’s library and conservation center.
• The Beech Creek Botanical Garden & Nature Preserve is a nonprofit organization within Canton that operates on an 181-acre site near Canton and offers dozens of family-friendly activities, educational programs, volunteer opportunities, and summer camp options.

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3 Great Reasons and 6 Stunning Places to Raise Kids in Ohio

Ohio boasts lower-than-average home prices and crime rates, great public and private schools, close-knit communities, and something to do for everyone. That’s why it’s one of the top places to raise a family in the United States…

2. Cuyahoga Falls

With the downtown facelift recently completed, Cuyahoga Falls is the walkable community you are searching for. Bungalow-style houses line the numbered streets up and down Front, with all paths leading to “downtown Falls.” In its booming business district full of local-owned shops and restaurants — including the famed Pav’s Creamery — families, couples, and children of all ages enjoy each other’s company, the rushing water of the Cuyahoga River, and the many festivals the city hosts every year.

The Festa Italiana in July is a yearly tradition for the region’s Italian-Americans or anyone who simply enjoys a good “cavatel with meatballs” — the local shorthand for a southern Italian classic. 

Bordering Akron and with easy highway access, the Falls is a great place to call home for commuters to any of northeast Ohio’s larger cities. It’s little wonder that the Falls was named one of five “Best Hometowns” by Ohio Magazine in 2023.

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

CUYAHOGA FALLS MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME (2022): $67,922

B. Employment Prospects
The unemployment rate in Cuyahoga Falls is 4.70% (June 2024), above the overall Ohio unemployment rate of 4.40% and the national unemployment rate of 4.10%. The poverty rate is 9.50%, below the Ohio poverty rate of 13.30% and the national poverty rate of 11.10%.

The major employers in Cuyahoga Falls include Cleveland Clinic, Western Reserve Hospital, Americhem, Parker Hannifin, and Gentek Building Products.

The Bend area has an average commute time of 22.2 minutes.

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3 Best Neighborhoods to Live in Columbus, Ohio

These areas are known for their safety, affordability, and unique local experiences. Whether you’re a young professional, a family, or a retiree, each neighborhood offers something special. In this article, we’ll explore why Clintonville, Grandview Heights, and German Village are among Columbus’s best places to live…

C. Healthcare 

Cuyahoga Falls does have its own hospital within city limits, the Western Reserve Hospital, and also offers a handful of urgent care facility options to its residents. The Cleveland Clinic – Akron General is only a 15-minute drive from Cuyahoga Falls, and the Cleveland Clinic Main Campus, which is a globally ranked hospital, is less than an hour from the Falls.

D. Education
The Cuyahoga Falls City School District includes nine public and seven private schools.

Cuyahoga Falls is also home to three schools offering college degrees. It is located within Cuyahoga County, with 13 four-year colleges and 14 two-year schools.

From 2018 to 2022, the high school graduation rate in Cuyahoga Falls was 94.20%, above the U.S. national average of 89.10%. The population of adults above 25 with a college degree was 35.60%, above the national average of approximately 34.30%.

E. Unique Attributes and Lifestyle
Cuyahoga Falls is known for its natural beauty, including numerous waterfalls, outdoor activities, and unique restaurants. 

Fun facts about Cuyahoga Falls:

• Blossom Music Center is located in the Falls, the summer home to the Cleveland Orchestra.
• You’ll find the tallest waterfall in Ohio, Brandywine Falls, which stands just over 60 feet tall, at the Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
• Check out Front Street in downtown Cuyahoga Falls, with dozens of eating, drinking, and coffee options. 

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3 Most Affordable and Safe Neighborhoods to Live in Ohio

These factors make these locations particularly attractive to families and retirees seeking a balance of affordability and community connection. Analysis confirms these areas maintain a cost of living below or near the national average, though potential residents should note that housing prices may fluctuate based on local market demand…

3. Wooster

From the corn maze at Ramseyer Farms to bull riding at Buckin’ Ohio, farm and country life take center stage in Wooster. The region is also known for its wineries, distilleries, and breweries — most of which are family-friendly and offer the perfect location for an afternoon in the sun. 

Downtown is a gathering place for families, retirees, and students from the nearby College of Wooster, one of the top liberal arts colleges in the nation. Wooster is a vibrant college and community town with a “welcome home” feel. It is filled with small, locally owned and operated businesses, including eclectic shops and restaurants.

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

WOOSTER MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME (2022): $61,608

B. Employment Prospects
The unemployment rate in Wooster is 4.90% (June 2024), compared to the overall Ohio unemployment rate of 4.40% and the national unemployment rate of 4.10%. The poverty rate is 10.80%, lower than the Ohio poverty rate of 13.30% and national poverty rate of 11.10%.

The major employers in Wooster include Schaeffler, Seaman Corporation, Wooster Community Hospital, and Bekaert.

The Wooster area has an average commute time of 16.8 minutes.

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7 Affordable Places to Live in Ohio for Retirees

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

C. Healthcare 

The city of Wooster is home to the Wooster Community Hospital, as well as a few different urgent care options. Its residents are also within an hour commute of both Akron and Canton, to include the Cleveland Clinic – Akron General hospital, and Mercy Hospital.

D. Education
Wooster has 11 public schools and seven private schools within city limits.

At least nine colleges are serving the Wooster area.

From 2018 to 2022, the high school graduation rate in Wooster was 94.30%, above the U.S. national average of 89.10%. The population of adults above 25with a college degree was 31.40%, below the national average of approximately 34.30%.

E. Unique Attributes and Lifestyle
Right at the heart of Ohio’s Amish Country, Wooster has something to offer for everyone.

Fun facts about Wooster:

• It is the dairy capital of Ohio!
• The College of Wooster, a private liberal arts college within the city, is home to the Ohio Light Opera, a professional opera company that performs light opera music.
• Wooster has 600 acres of parkland, two public pools, an arboretum, and biking trails. 

4. Blue Ash

A lush green suburban enclave, Blue Ash began as a pioneering community in 1791. Located in the shadow of Cincinnati, the town is home to Sycamore High School, one of the top 20 public high schools in Ohio, and the University of Cincinnati-Blue Ash, one of the premier community colleges in the state.

The city is known for attracting thriving and innovative businesses, with more than 2,000 employers — including 50 “Fortune 500” companies — settling there. Nestled in the cradle of Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky, active families will spend a lot of time at the Blue Ash Sports Center. At this pristine 37-acre facility, baseball and soccer are king. Nights out enjoying professional sports are just a short drive from Blue Ash, at the home of the oldest team in Major League Baseball, the Cincinnati Reds, and one of the top Major League Soccer expansion teams, FC Cincinnati.

With its thriving economy, smoothly paved streets, and low crime rates, Blue Ash frequently tops the list of “best places to live” in the United States and Ohio.

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

BLUE ASH MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME (2022): $113,558

B. Employment Prospects
The unemployment rate in Blue Ash is 5.20% (June 2024), which is above the overall Ohio unemployment rate of 4.40% and the national unemployment rate of 4.10%. The poverty rate is 4.60%, compared to the Ohio poverty rate of 13.30% and national poverty rate of 11.10%.

Kroger, Ensemble Health, Citigroup, Charter Communications, Sunny Delight, and Allegion Steelcraft are the major employers in Blue Ash.

The Blue Ash area has an average commute time of 20 minutes.

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The 5 Best Places in Ohio to Live for Young Adults

As a young professional, I am also excited to present these five places, each offering opportunities for fun, affordability, and opportunity for young adults…

C. Healthcare

As Blue Ash is a suburb of the much larger city of Cincinnati, its residents have dozens of healthcare options within a 30-minute drive. The Bethesda North Hospital is the hospital most frequently used by Blue Ash residents, as it is within 10 minutes from the city.

D. Education
The Blue Ash School District includes 17 public schools and 15 private schools.

Blue Ash is also home to 4 four-year public colleges.

Over the 2018-2022 period, the high school graduation rate in Blue Ash was 97.80%, above the U.S. national average of 89.10%. The population of adults over 25 with a college degree was 66.90%, above the national average of approximately 34.30%.

E. Unique Attributes and Lifestyle
As home to such a large office market, it may come as a slight surprise to learn that Blue Ash not only shines in employment opportunities – the city has plenty of family-friendly offerings, too.

Fun facts about Blue Ash:

• The Blue Ash Golf Course is ranked as one of the top 75 municipal courses in the country, per Golf Digest magazine.
• Summit Park, located within Blue Ash, is a 130-acre park with an observation tower, restaurants, and even an ice-skating rink!
• Blue Ash truly comes alive in the summer, thanks to the city’s free summer, concerts.

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5 Best Places to Live in Ohio for Young Adults

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…

5. Perrysburg

The state of Ohio’s very name comes from the Iroquois “Ohi:yo,” meaning “great river.” In 1795, the Treaty of Greenville established a twelve-mile square of land for United States settlement, and Perrysburg was built around it. Also home to the Fort Meigs historic site from the War of 1812, schoolchildren in Perrysburg don’t have to turn to books for their history lessons. They can simply explore their backyards.

Perrysburg is a quintessential small Ohio town with an extremely low crime rate — far more than just a Toledo bedroom community. With a median household income of $98,000, a 4% poverty rate, and an average home price of $329,000, Perrysburg stylishly combines affluence with affordability. The academic, cultural, and sports institutions of Bowling Green State University are also just a twenty-minute drive away.

Perrysburg is a natural destination for families who love the outdoors. From the W.W. Knight Nature Preserve to the Arrowood Archery Range and Cricket Frog Cove, Wood County boasts every type of outdoor fun you could desire, from fishing and kayaking to hunting, horticulture, and more.

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

PERRYSBURG MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME (2022): $98,419

B. Employment Prospects
The unemployment rate in Perrysburg is 5% (June 2024), compared to the overall Ohio unemployment rate of 4.40% and the national unemployment rate of 4.10%. The poverty rate is 4.20%, compared to the Ohio poverty rate of 13.30% and national poverty rate of 11.10%.

O-I Glass, TTI Maumee Equipment, Owens Community College, and Bennett Enterprises are the major employers in Perrysburg.

The Perrysburg area has an average commute time of 19.9 minutes.

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27 Best Things to do in Canton, Ohio for Families

Canton, Ohio, a city of 70,000 located about 60 miles south of Cleveland, is often overlooked among the rest of the more significant Ohio locations. As the seat of Stark County, though, there are plenty of aspects of Canton that warrant a closer look…

C. Healthcare

Perrysburg offers its residents a handful of urgent care facilities, as well as the Perrysburg branch of the Mercy Health hospital system. As Perrysburg borders the larger city of Toledo, there are dozens more healthcare options within a 30-minute commute.

D. Education
The Perrysburg Exempted Village School District includes eight public schools and four private schools within the city.

From 2018 to 2022, the high school graduation rate in Perrysburg was 97.80%, compared to the U.S. national average of 89.10%. The population of adults above 25 with a college degree was 58.20%, compared to the national average of approximately 34.30%.

E. Unique Attributes and Lifestyle

Perrysburg offers plenty of historic charm, scenic landscapes, and unique architecture.

Fun facts about Perrysburg:

• Perrysburg is home to Fort Meigs, which was the largest wooden-walled fortification in North Americaand a focal point in the War of 1812. 
• The downtown area of the city features buildings constructed in the 19th century. 
• Outdoor enthusiasts will be pleased to note that Perrysburg has 11 city parks with over 209 acres of greenery to enjoy.

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23 Family-Friendly Things to do in Akron, Ohio

Over 190,000 people call Akron home, making it the fifth-largest city in Ohio. The greater Akron area has over 703,500 people in total! With such a large population, Akron is steeped in local history and deep heritage. It’s the birthplace of American food staples like hamburgers, oatmeal, and processed cereal…

6. Wickliffe

Wickliffe has a mean home price of $146,000, plenty of public parks and pools, one of the lowest crime rates in the state, and a family feel. In this smallish community, nestled between Mentor and Cleveland, sports and “Lake Life” reign. Summer nights at the baseball diamond, followed by soft serve ice cream at Jerry’s Dari-Pride, are how childhood memories are made.

With compact houses in close-knit communities, neighbors watch out for neighbors and form life-long friendships. Set against the backdrop of Lake Erie, Wickliffe has a quintessential “hometown USA” feel and a strong local school system. The sunset over Headlands Beach State Park, one of the best locations on Lake Erie and a twenty-minute drive from Wickliffe is breathtaking all four seasons of the year.

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

WICKLIFFE MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME (2022): $76,938

B. Employment Prospects
The unemployment rate in Wickliffe is 4.10% (June 2024), compared to the overall Ohio unemployment rate of 4.40% and the national unemployment rate of 4.10%. The poverty rate is 6.20%, compared to the Ohio poverty rate of 13.30% and national poverty rate of 11.10%.

The major employers in Wickliffe include Progressive Insurance, ABB, Parker Hannifin Corporation, and Dollar Tree.

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

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20 Affordable Free Things to do in Port Clinton, Ohio

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.”

C. Healthcare 

Residents of Wickliffe are in between two different hospitals – the UH Lake West Medical Center, and the Cleveland Clinic-Euclid Hospital. Wickliffe is also less than 30-minutes away from the nationally and globally ranked main campus of the Cleveland Clinic.

D. Education
Wickliffe City includes four public schools and three private schools.

There is only one college in Wickliffe, the Rabbinical College of Telshe, but there are 44 colleges within a 50-mile radius of Wickliffe.

From 2018 to 2022 , the high school graduation rate in Wickliffe was 93.70%, compared to the U.S. national average of 89.10%. The population of adults above 25 with a college degree was 26%, compared to the national average of approximately 34.30%.

E. Unique Attributes and Lifestyle
Wickliffe has eight beautiful parks, hiking and biking trails, unique food options, and several golf courses.

Fun facts about Wickliffe:

• Wickliffe’s most popular park, Coulby Park, features its own aquatic center, baseball fields, and a pond.
• The Wickliffe Recreation department offers dozens of kid-friendly activities and amenities, including summer camps, recreational sports, and three aquatic facilities in total.
• Interestingly, Wickliffe’s city hall is actually located in a mansion that the city purchased in 1954.

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10 Most Affordable Places to Live in Ohio

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.

Conclusion

If this combination of safe communities, reasonable home prices, good schools, access to jobs, sports, nature, and a sense of community sounds like your family’s dream, consider any of these towns in Ohio.