Ohio may not always top the list when people think of retirement destinations, but it’s a hidden gem for retirees seeking a balance of affordability, community, and quality of life. From charming small towns to vibrant cities, the Buckeye State offers diverse options that cater to a range of lifestyles, whether you prefer quiet countryside living or easy access to arts, healthcare, and entertainment.
If you enjoy having all four seasons in your life and humidity that doesn’t hit double digits, then Ohio could be the perfect place to retire. In this article, NewHomeSource has compiled a list of the top 10 cities for retirees in Ohio. Discover the Ohio city that fosters your ideal lifestyle, the perfect retirement community, and a new home for your new life.
1. Youngstown
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 17.8%
Median Home Value: $58,400
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 398
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 1,883
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 11
Youngstown is the perfect retirement destination for people who want to enjoy urban living at an affordable price point. Located in eastern Ohio along the Pennsylvania border, Youngstown offers a host of great restaurants, shops and museums, along with a comfortable cost of living.
2. Warren
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 18.0%
Median Home Value: $80,100
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 212
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 1,478
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 11
Just up the road from Youngstown, Warren offers the best of small-town living with all the urban amenities. Retirees can kick back and relax here with plenty of local museums and parks to keep active adults entertained and engaged with their community.
3. Lima
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 15.6%
Median Home Value: $95,900
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 246
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 1,207
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 6
Reconnect with nature during your retirement when you call Lima home. While it’s not the Lima of Peru, the Lima of the Midwest does have its own striking natural scenery, including tranquil lakes and the Lippincott Bird Sanctuary. Lima’s parks make it easy for active adults to stay healthy thanks to miles of trails and plenty of boating opportunities in the town.
4. Maple Heights
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 15.1%
Median Home Value: $89,600
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 116
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 174
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 31
Maple Heights is a delightful suburb of Cleveland that gives retirees the best of all possible worlds. There’s easy access to Cleveland’s many amenities and lakeside entertainment along Lake Erie. Then you can come home to the peaceful neighborhoods of Maple Heights.
5. Dayton
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 13.7%
Median Home Value: $93,200
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 1,494
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 6,399
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 18
Dayton is a great place for retirees who love to spend their nights on the town. This city has something for everyone, including Broadway theater, live music, art exhibits, comedy clubs, and a cinema. Residents enjoy supporting local and independent businesses through the city’s Downtown Dollars, an e-gift card that can be used at more than 70 businesses in the downtown area.
6. Ashtabula
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 18.2%
Median Home Value: $99,200
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 11
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 131
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 5
Ashtabula gives active adults the best of lakeside living at an affordable price. This delightful community on the shores of Lake Erie lets residents enjoy life on the Great Lakes, with plenty of boating, swimming, and beautiful views. The community also has beautiful parks and trails to explore, including the Western Reserve Greenway Trail.
7. Trotwood
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 21.9%
Median Home Value: $99,500
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 138
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 790
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 15
Nature lovers will love retired life in Trotwood. This scenic Dayton suburb features beautiful vistas full of local wildlife. Miles of hiking trails wind through the town, ensuring that residents can stay active and healthy. Trotwood is also near the Aullwood Audubon Center and Farm and Sycamore State Park.
8. Garfield Heights
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 15.9%
Median Home Value: $100,000
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 149
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 546
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 29
You can invest in the retirement you’ve dreamed about in Garfield Heights. This peaceful Cleveland suburb lets you kick back and enjoy good times with good company thanks to the low cost of living and residential setting. Easy access to Cleveland and Akron as well as Lake Erie means you’ll always have something new to try.
9. Canton
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 15.6%
Median Home Value: $94,400
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 695
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 2,952
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 11
Canton is a historical city with plenty of charm. This lovely community surrounds retirees with picturesque scenery, while also offering a wealth of urban amenities. Local art and history museums, as well as the Pro Football Hall of Fame, ensure that residents will always have something to explore in Canton.
10. Marion
Percentage of the Population Over 65: 14.6%
Median Home Value: $105,900
Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 127
Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 453
Number of Hospitals Within 25 Miles of the City: 6
Retiring in Marion means being surrounded by a deep respect for history. This city is home to numerous memorials and museums that focus on different parts of the city’s history. Most notable are the World War II memorial, the President Warren G. Harding Memorial and Home, the Heritage Hall and Old Post Office, and the Wyandot Popcorn Museum. Marion also hosts the Marion Popcorn Festival to celebrate its claim to the Popcorn Capital of the World title.
Is Ohio a good state for retirees? Yes, Ohio is a good state for retirees. Its low cost of living and fun cities means that you can enjoy your favorite hobbies during your retirement at a price point that works for your budget.
How are pensions taxed in Ohio? While Social Security benefits are exempt from Ohio state income tax, income from pensions or retirement accounts are taxed like normal income.
| City | Population 65+ | Violent Crimes | Nonviolent Crimes | Hospitals Within 25 Miles | Median Home Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Akron | 15.7% | 1,473 | 5,679 | 17 | $111,200 |
| Alliance | 17.2% | 73 | 434 | 11 | $113,300 |
| Ashland | 21.0% | 21 | 299 | 7 | $146,100 |
| Ashtabula | 18.2% | 11 | 131 | 5 | $99,200 |
| Athens | 6.2% | 31 | 341 | 3 | $242,200 |
| Avon | 17.9% | 14 | 230 | 19 | $377,100 |
| Avon Lake | 20.1% | 2 | 101 | 17 | $337,200 |
| Barberton | 19.8% | 80 | 507 | 16 | $120,100 |
| Beavercreek | 20.6% | 31 | 978 | 18 | $261,200 |
| Berea | 17.1% | 11 | 68 | 29 | $187,600 |
| Bowling Green | 10.6% | 14 | 391 | 11 | $217,300 |
| Broadview Heights | 19.7% | 3 | 16 | 29 | $292,500 |
| Brook Park | 21.2% | 9 | 43 | 29 | $158,300 |
| Brunswick | 17.7% | 17 | 167 | 28 | $233,300 |
| Canton | 15.6% | 695 | 2,952 | 11 | $94,400 |
| Centerville | 29.6% | 12 | 360 | 17 | $262,300 |
| Chillicothe | 21.7% | 46 | 1,019 | 5 | $145,900 |
| Cincinnati | 13.2% | 2,253 | 13,087 | 26 | $215,300 |
| Cleveland | 15.0% | 6,100 | 17,411 | 24 | $94,100 |
| Cleveland Heights | 18.9% | 85 | 510 | 23 | $176,700 |
| Columbus | 11.0% | 3,500 | 24,594 | 20 | $234,500 |
| Cuyahoga Falls | 17.8% | 104 | 944 | 20 | $174,700 |
| Dayton | 13.7% | 1,494 | 6,399 | 18 | $93,200 |
| Delaware | 14.6% | 87 | 368 | 17 | $279,400 |
| Dublin | 13.7% | 33 | 539 | 20 | $514,900 |
| Elyria | 17.6% | 108 | 774 | 13 | $142,800 |
| Euclid | 16.6% | 90 | 625 | 22 | $114,700 |
| Fairborn | 15.8% | 87 | 432 | 18 | $169,600 |
| Findlay | 19.2% | 95 | 705 | 7 | $183,300 |
| Gahanna | 16.7% | 65 | 633 | 19 | $322,300 |
| Garfield Heights | 15.9% | 149 | 546 | 29 | $100,000 |
| Grove City | 18.7% | 86 | 1,061 | 19 | $283,300 |
| Hamilton | 14.3% | 181 | 1,214 | 24 | $152,300 |
| Hilliard | 11.2% | 38 | 431 | 20 | $360,000 |
| Huber Heights | 16.7% | 85 | 813 | 17 | $161,900 |
| Hudson | 19.0% | 12 | 100 | 26 | $444,800 |
| Kent | 11.6% | 42 | 335 | 17 | $210,700 |
| Kettering | 19.0% | 32 | 816 | 19 | $192,500 |
| Lakewood | 15.1% | 72 | 777 | 27 | $241,500 |
| Lancaster | 18.6% | 179 | 876 | 8 | $180,200 |
| Lebanon | 15.0% | 26 | 277 | 25 | $257,100 |
| Lima | 15.6% | 246 | 1,207 | 6 | $95,900 |
| Lorain | 16.6% | 314 | 1,190 | 11 | $123,500 |
| Mansfield | 18.8% | 176 | 1,475 | 9 | $110,600 |
| Maple Heights | 15.1% | 116 | 174 | 31 | $89,600 |
| Marion | 14.6% | 127 | 453 | 6 | $105,900 |
| Marysville | 11.1% | 10 | 328 | 12 | $271,000 |
| Mason | 14.8% | 10 | 212 | 24 | $397,900 |
| Massillon | 15.6% | na | na | 13 | $192,500 |
| Medina | 17.7% | 16 | 295 | 20 | $231,700 |
| Mentor | 22.9% | 64 | 673 | 21 | $229,500 |
| Miamisburg | 17.8% | 37 | 332 | 18 | $203,700 |
| Middletown | 17.8% | 99 | 1,163 | 24 | $148,300 |
| Newark | 17.7% | 143 | 1,312 | 6 | $174,100 |
| Niles | 22.8% | 53 | 502 | 11 | $108,400 |
| North Olmsted | 21.3% | 14 | 223 | 25 | $202,400 |
| North Ridgeville | 19.4% | 21 | 109 | 20 | $254,700 |
| North Royalton | 22.3% | 9 | 100 | 29 | $276,300 |
| Norwood | 12.1% | 42 | 598 | 27 | $228,300 |
| Oregon | 20.7% | 43 | 688 | 9 | $191,300 |
| Oxford | 8.7% | na | na | 9 | $232,200 |
| Painesville | 16.7% | na | na | 16 | $151,400 |
| Parma | 20.1% | 99 | 523 | 29 | $157,600 |
| Parma Heights | 20.2% | 8 | 56 | 30 | $165,800 |
| Perrysburg | 15.1% | 10 | 168 | 8 | $306,500 |
| Pickerington | 11.0% | 14 | 289 | 18 | $309,700 |
| Piqua | 16.7% | 65 | 629 | 4 | $124,900 |
| Portsmouth | 18.7% | 133 | 756 | 2 | $95,000 |
| Reynoldsburg | 15.3% | 179 | 1,193 | 20 | $230,300 |
| Riverside | 14.8% | 59 | 419 | 18 | $139,100 |
| Rocky River | 24.1% | 10 | 104 | 26 | $327,600 |
| Sandusky | 16.9% | 35 | 574 | 7 | $104,800 |
| Sidney | 18.2% | 53 | 445 | 5 | $159,300 |
| Solon | 21.0% | 27 | 248 | 28 | $375,700 |
| South Euclid | 15.7% | 38 | 441 | 23 | $134,800 |
| Springfield | 17.9% | 725 | 2,826 | 15 | $107,600 |
| Steubenville | 18.5% | 24 | 584 | 9 | $128,000 |
| Stow | 18.5% | 35 | 540 | 20 | $238,000 |
| Strongsville | 23.1% | 42 | 416 | 31 | $279,600 |
| Sylvania | 20.9% | 18 | 140 | 10 | $233,700 |
| Toledo | 15.5% | 3,026 | 8,026 | 9 | $107,000 |
| Trotwood | 21.9% | 139 | 790 | 15 | $99,500 |
| Troy | 16.1% | 10 | 221 | 9 | $199,400 |
| Twinsburg | 20.5% | 11 | 130 | 9 | $288,700 |
| Wadsworth | 18.5% | 33 | 217 | 17 | $235,600 |
| Warren | 18.0% | 212 | 1,478 | 11 | $80,100 |
| Westerville | 21.2% | 72 | 792 | 19 | $343,200 |
| Willoughby | 24.4% | 23 | 267 | 19 | $206,200 |
| Wooster | 19.6% | 69 | 683 | 7 | $198,400 |
| Xenia | 20.5% | 66 | 510 | 17 | $147,00 |
| Youngstown | 17.8% | 398 | 1,883 | 11 | $58,400 |
| Zanesville | 17.7% | 81 | 928 | 4 | $106,900 |
NewHomeSource pulled data from the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting Services, Medicare’s Hospital Compare, and the U.S. Census Bureau. In the event exact crime data was unavailable, estimates were used. Median home price, number of hospitals, 65+ population, and crime rates were entered into an algorithm to calculate a score for each city whose population is at least 10,000.
Julie Gordey
A lifelong educator, Julie Gordey, is a retired school administrator. After years of focusing on education, this University of Texas graduate now travels and enjoys freelance writing for BDX and NewHomeSource.com.