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. With a state population of approximately 11.79 million, Ohio is slowly growing while still offering plenty of the rural charm that has drawn so many to the Midwest. 

With a cost of living that is 11% lower than the national average, in addition to its statewide natural beauty and diverse communities, it’s not surprising that Ohio has drawn such a wide array of transplants. In an aim to continue its affordability to lower-income families, the Governor of Ohio, Mike DeWine, recently signed two housing programs into the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 budget to further assist Ohioans in procuring affordable housing. This Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program is an effort to continue to keep housing costs down in Ohio by selling housing at affordable prices, and, per the bill, these dwellings must remain affordable for ten years after the initial sale. 

Affordability encompasses multiple factors in addition to housing costs, such as the availability of quality healthcare facilities, a safe environment, and decent education opportunities. Additionally, all the communities below have certain characteristics in common, such as 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. Any climate abnormalities/specialties will be mentioned for those specific cities. 

1. Newark

About 40 minutes east of Columbus sits the city of Newark. Just close enough to be considered one of Columbus’ suburbs, many are pleasantly surprised to find the city surrounded by rolling hills and plenty of natural beauty. The John Glenn Columbus International Airport sits on the eastern side of Columbus, and Newark residents find it easily accessible and within a quick commute. 

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

Newark MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME (2022): $56,284.00

B. Healthcare

Newark has one hospital, Licking Memorial Hospital, and three urgent care facilities within its city limits.

C. Education

• The Newark City School District contains 14 schools, and another 7 public schools are outside the district but still within the city.
• Newark also has 4 private schools, providing parents with plenty of autonomy in determining the best educational fit for their children.

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D. Local Specials

Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to do in Newark. The Dawes Arboretum, a 2,000-acre tree museum open year-round, is located just south of Newark, on the way to Buckeye Lake. Blackhand Gorge State Nature Preserve is just 15 minutes from downtown Newark and offers a 4.3-mile hike through the park’s sandstone formations.

With dozens of unique and affordable cities, coupled with the rural charm that can be found statewide, it’s no surprise that Ohio’s population is growing, albeit at a slow pace. Its low cost of living is enough to draw the attention of those looking to relocate – add in the natural beauty found throughout the state and the “Midwest nice” values that Ohioans carry, and you’ll begin to see why so few born-and-raised Ohio residents choose to leave. “The heart of it all” has plenty to offer, and those who take a chance on Ohio will not be disappointed.

E. The top neighborhoods in Newark include the ones listed below

• Deer Run (Home Value Range $274,000 to $630,000): On the northwest side of Newark lies Deer Run, which offers a distinctly suburban feel. Bordered by farmlands to the west, Deer Run is a great choice for those who enjoy a more relaxed, quiet atmosphere.

• Welsh Hills (Home Value Range $150,000 to $320,000): With a similar feel to Deer Run, Welsh Hills is right on the edge of Newark and encompasses new builds and affordable homes built within the past few decades. Levin Park is located within the neighborhood, offering baseball fields, a sand volleyball court, and a playground to families and their children.

• Vanatta (Home Value Range $270,000 to $416,000): Vanatta is just north of Newark and is considered an unincorporated community that still falls within the city limits. Those who enjoy nature will be pleased to find that most properties within Vanatta are surrounded by woods, and multiple rivers run through the area, making it perfect for fishing or floating.

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2. Eastlake

Eastlake is another cost-effective city that sits directly on the shore of Lake Erie. Located less than 30 minutes east of Cleveland, it is within commuting distance of the city while maintaining a much quieter atmosphere.

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

Eastlake MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME (2022): $59,648.00

B. Healthcare

As a small suburb of Cleveland, Eastlake does not have its own hospital; the closest hospital is in Willoughby, only 8 minutes from Eastlake.

C. Education

Eastlake is not large enough to have its own school district but shares one with the neighboring city of Willoughby. Willoughby-Eastlake City Schools District contains 14 schools and is the most popular choice for Eastlake residents.

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D. Local Specials

Eastlake’s proximity to Lake Erie and its location on the Chagrin River allows its residents to easily enjoy plenty of water activities, sailing, and fishing being among the most popular. Chagrin River Kayak and Paddleboard Rental is in Eastlake within walking distance of the river, offering affordable rentals to residents of the city and the surrounding communities.

E. Climate

Eastlake faces a climate abnormality compared to the rest of Ohio. Cities bordering Lake Erie to the east of Cleveland experience lake-effect snow, which typically results in much higher snowfall due to changes in pressure and large temperature differences between the lake and air. Eastlake averages an annual snowfall of 80 inches, whereas Ohio’s average snowfall is 28 inches. 

F. The top neighborhoods in Eastlake are listed below

• Timberlake (Home Value Range $125,000 to $459,000): Timberlake is located next to Lake Erie, providing residents with beautiful lake views and beach access. The Timberlake Police Department is also located right on the edge of the neighborhood.

• Oak Hill Village (Home Value Range $120,000 to $514,000): Oak Hill Village is a bit further from downtown Eastlake and Lake Erie, offering a more peaceful atmosphere, as well as riverside walking trails at the Chagrin River Park.

• Lakeline (Home Value Range $198,000 to $620,000): Directly southwest of Timberlake lies Lakeline, a neighborhood on Lake Erie. Lakeline is perfect for those who wish to enjoy serene lake views from their front porch.

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3. Akron

A little less than an hour south of Cleveland lies Akron. With multiple interstates running through the city and its international airport, Akron is affordable and incredibly easy to get to.

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

Akron MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME (2022): $46,596.00

B. Healthcare

Akron is a larger metropolitan area, so the healthcare options are nearly endless.  The Cleveland Clinic-Akron General branch is ranked number one in the Akron area, and residents are less than 45 minutes away from the Cleveland Clinic main campus. 

C. Education

• The Akron City School District has 47 schools or community learning centers.
• There are also 27 private schools located within Akron city limits, including Western Reserve Academy, a private high school that is ranked third best in the state.
• There are 13 colleges within 20 miles of Akron, providing potential students plenty of higher education options to potential students.

D. Local Specials

Akron has no shortage of activities for all ages and interests, including many free options, such as the Akron Art Museum or exploration of the popular Towpath Trail utilizing the Summit Bike Share. The Summit Bike Share spans across Summit County with nine rental stations, allowing residents to enjoy free bike rentals for up to three hours.

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E. The top neighborhoods in Akron include the ones listed below

• Goodyear Heights (Home Value Range $64,000 to $165,000): Goodyear Heights provides close highway access to Interstate 76, making it an excellent choice for those who may need to commute to surrounding areas. The neighborhood has its own Metro Park, with a few beautifully wooded walking trails.

• Highland Square (Home Value Range $120,000 to $453,000): Highland Square offers a short commute to downtown Akron while maintaining a more suburban feel. It is within walking distance of the Portage Country Club and the Mustard Seed Market & Café, the largest locally-owned retailer of natural and organic products in Ohio.
• Merriman Hills (Home Value Range $221,000 to $691,000): Merriman Hills is just north of Highland Square, offering beautifully wooded lots and a quiet atmosphere. Even better, it is only a 10-minute drive from downtown Akron.

4. Elyria

Elyria, another suburb of Cleveland, more than earns its spot on our list due to its extreme affordability in housing, specifically renting. Furthermore, Elyria is easily accessible since it is located directly off the Ohio Turnpike.

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

Elyria MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME (2022): $49,569.00

B. Healthcare

• There is only one hospital within Elyria city limits, UH Elyria Medical Center, but the city’s nearness to Cleveland allows its residents the opportunity to choose between hundreds of healthcare facilities, all within an hour’s drive, including the nationally and globally ranked Cleveland Clinic.
  

C. Education

• The Elyria City School District has ten schools and makes up the majority of Elyria’s public-school education, which includes 12 schools in total.
• Additionally, Elyria has six private schools within its city limits. Elyria has eight different colleges, including the main campus of Lorain County Community College. This cost-effective 2-year college that has been serving Lorain County for 60 years.
• Also worth noting is the fact that Elyria is only a 15-minute drive from Oberlin College, which is the oldest coeducational liberal arts college in the entire United States and has also been named a National Historic Landmark. 

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D. Local Specials

Elyria is only 10 minutes from the Lake Erie shore, providing its residents with quick and easy lake access, and 35 minutes from the center of Cleveland. The relatively easy commute into Cleveland enables residents of Elyria to venture into the city on a whim. 

E. The top neighborhoods in Elyria are listed below

• Eastern Heights (Home Value Range $150,000 to $250,000): Within walking distance from downtown Elyria, and the Elyria Amtrak station, Eastern Heights is perfect for those who like to be close to the excitement of downtown. Eastern Heights also offers river access, as it is directly east of the East Branch Black River, which runs through Elyria.

• Chestnut Ridge Heights (Home Value Range $135,000 to $285,000): Chestnut Ridge Heights, also known as Chestnut Heights, borders Eastern Heights but lies a bit further away from downtown Elyria, resulting in a quieter neighborhood. The Vic Janowicz Memorial Park is within walking distance from Chestnut Heights, providing its residents with easy park access.

• Midway (Home Value Range $179,000 to $368,000): Midway lies on the outer edge of Elyria and is within a 5-minute drive of nearby restaurants, grocery stores, and shopping centers. This neighborhood also encompasses the High Meadows Black River Reservation, which has multiple hiking trails.

5. Canton

About an hour and a half southeast of Cleveland sits the city of Canton. Canton is popular due to its easy accessibility (it lies right off Interstate 77, a main thoroughfare that starts in Cleveland and passes through five different states). As Canton is within two hours of Cleveland and its international airport, and only thirty minutes from the Akron Fulton International Airport, this city is a great choice for those who prefer easy accessibility to travel. 

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

Canton MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME (2022): $37,627.00

B. Safety and Healthcare

• Residents of Canton have access to a handful of healthcare facilities. Canton’s proximity to the city of Akron allows Canton residents to utilize Akron healthcare options, 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.

C. Education

• Canton has two different K-12 school districts, Canton City and Canton Local, in addition to dozens of private schooling options.
• There are at least ten colleges within the Canton area, including private, public, and community college options. 

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D. Local Specials

As the birthplace of the National Football League, it’s no surprise that Canton is home to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, but that’s not the only attraction worth visiting within the city. Canton is well-known for having a vibrant arts community, encompassing its own art museum, the Canton Symphony Orchestra, and the Canton Ballet. Sippo Lake Park is also located within the city of Canton. It is a beautiful park on Sippo Lake with its own library, conservation center, and hiking trails.

E. The top neighborhoods in Canton include the ones listed below

• Hills and Dales (Home Value Range $220,000 to $1,300,000): Hills and Dales lies northwest of downtown Canton, providing a quieter and more wooded alternative to the downtown area. The neighborhood is bordered by two different country clubs and includes a park.

• Willow Brook Heights (Home Value Range $123,000 to $297,000): Willow Brook Heights is a more cost-effective neighborhood within Canton. It offers easy access to the Gervasi Vineyard, which lies directly across the street from the neighborhood.

• Avondale (Home Value Range $213,000 to $749,000): Avondale is close to Hills and Dales but provides quicker access to Interstate 77, making it an excellent choice for those who may need to commute into Canton.

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6. Youngstown

Surprisingly enough, Youngstown is not only one of the most affordable places to live in Ohio – it’s also one of the most affordable places to live in the entire United States. Sitting a little below the northeastern corner of Ohio and about 45 minutes from the Ohio-Pennsylvania border, Youngstown is between Cleveland and Pittsburgh, offering its residents relatively easy access to these two major cities. 

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

Youngstown MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME (2022): $34,295.00

B. Healthcare

• Not only does Youngstown have its own sizeable hospital system, known as Mercy Health, but the city is also just over an hour away from the Cleveland Clinic, a nationally and globally ranked healthcare facility.

C. Education

• The city of Youngstown contains 17 different schools, providing parents with the ability to choose the educational institution best suited to their child. Canfield High School is ranked the number one school in Youngstown, and 47th within Ohio and is part of the Canfield Local School District.
• In addition to the 17 schools, ranging from K-12, Youngstown is also home to nine different colleges, offering a wide range of education options to those seeking a college degree. 

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D. Local Specials

The revival of Youngstown’s downtown is most certainly one of the city’s top appeals, catering to young professionals and empty nesters alike. Bordered by the Mahoning River, downtown Youngstown boasts multiple entertainment venues, such as The Covelli Centre and the Youngstown Foundation Amphitheatre, a few museums, the most notable being the Butler Institute of American Art, and the astounding Ward Beecher Planetarium, which offers free public programs. 

E. The top neighborhoods in Youngstown include the ones listed below

• Boothlands (Home Value Range $114,000 to $438,000): Boothlands provides a quieter alternative to the excitement of downtown Youngstown. The neighborhood lies directly across the street from the Youngstown Country Club, perfect for those who appreciate a quiet atmosphere and a few rounds of golf.

• Newport West (Home Value Range $183.000 to $513,000): Newport West is another quiet neighborhood within Youngstown city limits. This neighborhood caters to those who enjoy the outdoors, offering easy access to multiple hiking and biking trails, and being a 5-minute drive to nearby Newport Lake.

• Halls Corners (Home Value Range $129,000 to $308,000): Halls Corners is extremely close to Boothlands, offering similar amenities with a lower average home value. This neighborhood is also directly off Interstate 80, providing residents quick highway access.

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7. Lorain

Lorain is one of the furthest suburbs of Cleveland, about forty minutes from the center of the city. Located directly on Lake Erie, the city is popularly known as the “International City,” as its population is extremely diverse and made up of over 70 different nationalities. The city of Lorain is an excellent choice for those who appreciate affordability and easy accessibility to travel, as it is located directly off the Ohio Turnpike and only 30 minutes from the Cleveland Hopkins International Airport.

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

Lorain MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME (2022): $46,562.00

B. Safety and Healthcare

• There are only two hospitals considered to be within Lorain city limits, Mercy Health-Lorain and Community Health Partners of OH-East, but the city’s nearness to Cleveland allows its residents the opportunity to choose between hundreds of healthcare facilities, all within an hour’s drive from Lorain, including the nationally and globally ranked Cleveland Clinic. 

C. Education

Lorain City has 21 schools, including private and public options. Though its campus is not located directly within the city, the Lorain County Community College has an extension location at the Lorain City Center, within walking distance of Lorain’s downtown area. 

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D. Local Specials

Lorain offers plenty of local specials catered to the summertime crowds. The Black River runs directly through Lorain, and the city holds a cost-effective concert series called “Rockin’ On The River” every Friday night from the end of May through late September. This concert series is Northern Ohio’s longest-running and highest-attended, and for good reason—admission this year was only $10!

E. The top neighborhoods in Lorain include the ones listed below

• Martin’s Run (Home Value Range $214,000 to $365,000): Martin’s Run offers a quieter, suburban feel. It includes two parks within walking distance, and Lake Erie views. It is also less than five minutes from Lorain’s main hospital, Mercy Health-Lorain.

• Evergreen Village (Home Value Range $118,000 to $417,000): Evergreen Village lies diagonally from Martin’s Run, therefore offering similar amenities. However, as Evergreen Village is a bit closer to Erie Avenue, one of the main roads through Lorain, it tends to be less quiet than Martin’s Run.

• Williamsburg (Home Value Range $115,000 to $281,000): Williamsburg is a perfect neighborhood for those who appreciate quick access to amenities. Located at the crossroads of Leavitt Road and Cooper Foster Park Road, two main thoroughfares connecting Lorain with the smaller city of Amherst, residents are less than a 5-minute drive from grocery stores and restaurants.

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8. Toledo

At just a stone’s throw away from Lake Erie and the Michigan border, Toledo offers the conveniences of a larger city while still maintaining surprising affordability. Its proximity to Lake Erie and its strong sense of community, make it a great choice for young professionals and families alike.

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

Toledo MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME (2022): $ 45,405.00

B. Healthcare

• Toledo has multiple healthcare facilities available to its residents, some of the most notable being Mercy Health, which is an eight-hospital system, and UToledo Health, a teaching hospital that focuses on serving the Toledo community. ProMedica Toledo Hospital is the most well-known hospital serving the area and was most recently ranked as the number one hospital within the Toledo area.

C. Education

• As a substantially sized metropolitan area, it’s no surprise that Toledo offers dozens of educational options. The Toledo Public School district contains 57 schools, allowing its residents plenty of autonomy when determining the best education decision for their children.
• In addition to public schools, Toledo contains multiple notable private K-12 institutions. Most notable is a private high school, Maumee Valley Country Day School, ranked in the top ten private high schools throughout Ohio. Higher education can be pursued at one of the twelve colleges within the Toledo area. 

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D. Local Specials

Toledo offers several cost-effective attractions that cater to a range of ages and interests. The Toledo Museum of Art offers free admission and frequently hosts new exhibits. Families with children will certainly want to check out Imagination Station, Toledo’s premier science center, for a range of intriguing interactive exhibits. 

E. The top neighborhoods in Toledo include the ones listed below

• Ottawa Hills (Home Value Range $110,000 to $1,500,000): Ottawa Hills offers a suburban feel while still maintaining a quick commute to the heart of Toledo. Residents are within walking distance of the Wildwood Preserve Metropark, which provides walking trails and a beautiful playground.

• Perrysburg (Home Value Range $150,000 to $600,000): Perrysburg is southwest of the heart of Toledo and only a 15-minute commute from downtown. It is perfect for those who enjoy river views and access, as it sits on the Maumee River.

• Sylvania (Home Value Range $150,000 to $1,100,000): Sylvania is one of the furthest neighborhoods from Toledo, lying on the border of the state of Michigan. This neighborhood encompasses multiple parks with quiet walking paths.

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9. Sandusky

Sitting right on the edge of Lake Erie is the bustling city of Sandusky. Sandusky 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. 

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

Sandusky MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME (2022): $47,375.00

B. Healthcare

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

C. Education

Sandusky has five schools within its public school district, Sandusky City, and Perkins Local School District, which is located just south of Sandusky. The city also offers four private school options for its residents.

D. Local Specials

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. Downtown Sandusky is one of its main draws, as the area is well-taken care of and filled with delicious restaurants. The Jet Express is a popular mode of transportation around Sandusky, ferrying its customers to Cedar Point and the multiple islands across the bay. 

E. The top neighborhoods in Sandusky include the ones listed below

• Columbus Avenue Historic District (Home Value Range $219,000 to $670,000): The Columbus Avenue Historic District is perfect for those who enjoy the hustle and bustle of downtown Sandusky with a waterfront view. Residences within this district offer a quick walk from dozens of restaurants, bars, and boutiques, and downtown Sandusky offers plenty of lakeside walking paths.

• The Cove District (Home Value Range $75,000 to $499,000): The Cove District offers beautiful Lake Erie views with a quieter atmosphere than the Columbus Avenue Historic District. This neighborhood encompasses the city’s sailing and yacht clubs, making it a great choice for those who enjoy getting out on the water.

• Ranch Wood (Home Value Range $171,000 to $377,000): Ranch Wood is located to the right of Milan Road, a main thoroughfare in Sandusky that provides quick access to grocery stores, restaurants, and the city’s shopping mall.

10. Niles 

Niles, a small city nestled between the larger cities of Youngstown and Warren, offers the amenities of small-town, Midwest living while still allowing its residents easy access to the more industrialized surrounding areas. With easy access to the Ohio Turnpike, and multiple lakes and state parks nearby, Niles is not only an affordable and accessible place to live—it also offers picturesque views if you know where to look.

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

Niles MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME (2022): $48,860.00

B. Healthcare

• Though Niles has a few family medical practices within its city limits, the closest hospital is in Warren, about 10 minutes from the center of Niles. Other medical centers nearby, such as Trumbull Regional and Mercy Health—Howland, are within 10 minutes from Niles.

C. Education

Niles contains its own public school district, which is made up of four schools in total: one preschool, two elementary schools, and one high school. The district most recently received a 3.5/5-star rating from the Ohio Department of Education. The proximity of Niles to both Youngstown and Warren allows parents to peruse dozens of schools within commuting distance if private schooling is preferred. There is only one college within the city of Niles, ETI Technical College, but there are approximately 57 colleges within 50 miles of the city, affording residents plenty of flexibility in pursuing higher education.

D. Local Specials

Unbeknownst to most, Niles is the birthplace of the 25th president of the United States, William McKinley. As such, memorials can be found in downtown Niles, including the McKinley Memorial Library and the McKinley Museum. Niles Greenway, a pleasantly paved, 4.7-mile-long biking and running trail, offers access to downtown Niles and the nearby Meander Creek Reservoir.

E. The top neighborhoods in Niles include the ones listed below

• Madden Corners (Home Value Range $349,000 to $520,000): Madden Corners is right at the heart of Niles’ shopping district, providing quick and easy access to grocery stores, the local mall, and the movie theater. Route 46, the main thoroughfare through Niles, also runs directly through Madden Corners as well.

• Hakes Corners (Home Value Range $229,000 to $650,000): Hakes Corners is located closer to downtown Niles and includes a local favorite, Vernon’s Café, within walking distance. Though closer to downtown, residents of Hakes Corners enjoy a quieter atmosphere than Madden Corners, and quick access to both Upper and Lower Girard Lakes.

• Hunters Woods (Home Value Range $200,000 to $620,000): Hunters Woods is a bit further away from downtown Niles, so it’s perfect for those who appreciate a quieter neighborhood. It’s also within walking distance from the Avalon Lakes Golf Course.

With dozens of unique and affordable cities, coupled with the rural charm that can be found statewide, it’s no surprise that Ohio’s population is growing, albeit at a slow pace. Its low cost of living is enough to draw the attention of those looking to relocate – add in the natural beauty found throughout the state and the “Midwest nice” values that Ohioans carry, and you’ll begin to see why so few born-and-raised Ohio residents choose to leave. “The heart of it all” has plenty to offer, and those who take a chance on Ohio will not be disappointed.