Best places to live in Ohio
Written by:
March 31, 2021
realtor.com
Best places to live in Ohio
What do you look for in an ideal town? Proximity to trails, lakes, and beaches? How about top-ranked schools for your children? Would you like a professional or college sports team nearby, or do you prefer museums and art walks?
Stacker compiled a list of the best places to live in Ohio using data from Niche. Niche ranks places to live based on a variety of factors including cost of living, schools, health care, recreation, and weather. Cities, suburbs, and towns were included. Listings and images are from realtor.com.
On the list, there’s a robust mix of offerings from great schools and nightlife to high walkability and public parks. Some areas have enjoyed rapid growth thanks to new businesses moving to the area, while others offer glimpses into area history with well-preserved architecture and museums. Keep reading to see if your hometown made the list.
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#25. Hudson
- Population: 22,263
- Median home value: $345,500 (87% own)
- Median rent: $1,769 (13% rent)
- Median household income: $134,963
- Top public schools: Hudson High School (A+), Hudson Middle School (A+), East Woods Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Western Reserve Academy (A+), Hudson Montessori School (A+), Seton Catholic School (A+)
- Pictured: 349 Aurora St, Hudson ($1.8 million, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $345,500 (87% own)
- Median rent: $1,769 (13% rent)
- Median household income: $134,963
- Top public schools: Hudson High School (A+), Hudson Middle School (A+), East Woods Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Western Reserve Academy (A+), Hudson Montessori School (A+), Seton Catholic School (A+)
- Pictured: 349 Aurora St, Hudson ($1.8 million, 6 bedrooms)
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#24. Perrysburg
- Population: 21,482
- Median home value: $224,000 (65% own)
- Median rent: $1,032 (35% rent)
- Median household income: $90,633
- Top public schools: Fallen Timbers Middle School (A), Perrysburg High School (A), Frank Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: St. Rose Elementary School (unavailable), Perrysburg KinderCare (unavailable), Primrose School of Perrysburg (unavailable)
- Pictured: 26281 W River Rd, Perrysburg ($1.8 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $224,000 (65% own)
- Median rent: $1,032 (35% rent)
- Median household income: $90,633
- Top public schools: Fallen Timbers Middle School (A), Perrysburg High School (A), Frank Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: St. Rose Elementary School (unavailable), Perrysburg KinderCare (unavailable), Primrose School of Perrysburg (unavailable)
- Pictured: 26281 W River Rd, Perrysburg ($1.8 million, 5 bedrooms)
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#23. Worthington
- Population: 14,621
- Median home value: $285,300 (79% own)
- Median rent: $1,030 (21% rent)
- Median household income: $104,362
- Top public schools: Phoenix Middle School (A), Evening Street Elementary School (A), Worthington Kilbourne High School (A)
- Top private schools: Worthington Christian School K-12 (A), Veritas Academy (A-), St. Michael School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 5693 Olentangy Blvd, Worthington ($899,999, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $285,300 (79% own)
- Median rent: $1,030 (21% rent)
- Median household income: $104,362
- Top public schools: Phoenix Middle School (A), Evening Street Elementary School (A), Worthington Kilbourne High School (A)
- Top private schools: Worthington Christian School K-12 (A), Veritas Academy (A-), St. Michael School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 5693 Olentangy Blvd, Worthington ($899,999, 3 bedrooms)
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#22. Orange
- Population: 3,276
- Median home value: $334,200 (85% own)
- Median rent: $1,246 (15% rent)
- Median household income: $116,823
- Top public schools: Orange High School (A+), Ballard Brady Middle School (A), Moreland Hills Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Bethlehem Christian Academy (unavailable)
- Pictured: 4099 Lander Rd, Orange ($895,000, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $334,200 (85% own)
- Median rent: $1,246 (15% rent)
- Median household income: $116,823
- Top public schools: Orange High School (A+), Ballard Brady Middle School (A), Moreland Hills Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Bethlehem Christian Academy (unavailable)
- Pictured: 4099 Lander Rd, Orange ($895,000, 4 bedrooms)
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#21. The Village of Indian Hill
- Population: 5,762
- Median home value: $955,500 (99% own)
- Median rent: $1,174 (1% rent)
- Median household income: $207,174
- Top public schools: Indian Hill High School (A+), Indian Hill Elementary School (A+), Indian Hill Middle School (A+)
- Top private schools: Cincinnati Country Day School (A+)
- Pictured: 5775 Drake Rd, Indian Hill ($6.9 million, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $955,500 (99% own)
- Median rent: $1,174 (1% rent)
- Median household income: $207,174
- Top public schools: Indian Hill High School (A+), Indian Hill Elementary School (A+), Indian Hill Middle School (A+)
- Top private schools: Cincinnati Country Day School (A+)
- Pictured: 5775 Drake Rd, Indian Hill ($6.9 million, 6 bedrooms)
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#20. Bay Village
- Population: 15,325
- Median home value: $247,900 (92% own)
- Median rent: $1,040 (8% rent)
- Median household income: $103,582
- Top public schools: Westerly Elementary School (A+), Bay High School (A+), Bay Middle School (A)
- Top private schools: St. Raphael Elementary School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 27216 Lake Rd Unit 1, Bay Village ($1.8 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $247,900 (92% own)
- Median rent: $1,040 (8% rent)
- Median household income: $103,582
- Top public schools: Westerly Elementary School (A+), Bay High School (A+), Bay Middle School (A)
- Top private schools: St. Raphael Elementary School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 27216 Lake Rd Unit 1, Bay Village ($1.8 million, 4 bedrooms)
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#19. Grandview Heights
- Population: 7,895
- Median home value: $356,700 (62% own)
- Median rent: $1,378 (38% rent)
- Median household income: $101,100
- Top public schools: Grandview Heights High School (A+), Larry Larson Middle School (A), Stevenson Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: The Goddard School - Grandview (unavailable)
- Pictured: 1172 Grandview Ave, Grandview Heights ($649,900, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $356,700 (62% own)
- Median rent: $1,378 (38% rent)
- Median household income: $101,100
- Top public schools: Grandview Heights High School (A+), Larry Larson Middle School (A), Stevenson Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: The Goddard School - Grandview (unavailable)
- Pictured: 1172 Grandview Ave, Grandview Heights ($649,900, 3 bedrooms)
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#18. Beckett Ridge
- Population: 9,155
- Median home value: $225,400 (79% own)
- Median rent: $1,345 (21% rent)
- Median household income: $96,076
- Top public schools: Lakota West High School (A), Lakota Plains Junior School (A), Heritage Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Primrose School of West Chester (unavailable)
- Pictured: 8478 Old Shaw Way, West Chester ($500,000, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $225,400 (79% own)
- Median rent: $1,345 (21% rent)
- Median household income: $96,076
- Top public schools: Lakota West High School (A), Lakota Plains Junior School (A), Heritage Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Primrose School of West Chester (unavailable)
- Pictured: 8478 Old Shaw Way, West Chester ($500,000, 4 bedrooms)
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#17. Pepper Pike
- Population: 6,269
- Median home value: $440,600 (98% own)
- Median rent: $1,737 (2% rent)
- Median household income: $190,682
- Top public schools: Orange High School (A+), Ballard Brady Middle School (A), Moreland Hills Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Gross Schechter Day School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 33651 Lombardy Ln, Pepper Pike ($2.2 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $440,600 (98% own)
- Median rent: $1,737 (2% rent)
- Median household income: $190,682
- Top public schools: Orange High School (A+), Ballard Brady Middle School (A), Moreland Hills Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Gross Schechter Day School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 33651 Lombardy Ln, Pepper Pike ($2.2 million, 5 bedrooms)
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#16. Mason
- Population: 33,224
- Median home value: $267,300 (78% own)
- Median rent: $1,348 (22% rent)
- Median household income: $100,594
- Top public schools: William Mason High School (A+), Mason Middle School (A+), Mason Intermediate Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: Mars Hill Academy (A), Royalmont Academy (A), St. Susanna Elementary School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 5413 Walnut View Dr, Mason ($1.7 million, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $267,300 (78% own)
- Median rent: $1,348 (22% rent)
- Median household income: $100,594
- Top public schools: William Mason High School (A+), Mason Middle School (A+), Mason Intermediate Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: Mars Hill Academy (A), Royalmont Academy (A), St. Susanna Elementary School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 5413 Walnut View Dr, Mason ($1.7 million, 6 bedrooms)
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#15. Sixteen Mile Stand
- Population: 2,746
- Median home value: $406,700 (51% own)
- Median rent: $1,281 (49% rent)
- Median household income: $96,071
- Top public schools: Sycamore High School (A+), Edwin H. Greene Intermediate Middle School (A+), Symmes Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: The Children's House (unavailable)
- Pictured: 8379 Chesney Ln, Symmes Township ($925,000, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $406,700 (51% own)
- Median rent: $1,281 (49% rent)
- Median household income: $96,071
- Top public schools: Sycamore High School (A+), Edwin H. Greene Intermediate Middle School (A+), Symmes Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: The Children's House (unavailable)
- Pictured: 8379 Chesney Ln, Symmes Township ($925,000, 4 bedrooms)
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#14. Powell
- Population: 13,141
- Median home value: $372,700 (98% own)
- Median rent: $1,677 (2% rent)
- Median household income: $157,149
- Top public schools: Olentangy Liberty High School (A+), Olentangy Liberty Middle School (A+), Tyler Run Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: Enchanted Care Kids Campus (unavailable), Enchanted Care Learning Center - Powell (unavailable), La Petite Academy of Powell (unavailable)
- Pictured: 9035 Dublin Rd, Powell ($2.0 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $372,700 (98% own)
- Median rent: $1,677 (2% rent)
- Median household income: $157,149
- Top public schools: Olentangy Liberty High School (A+), Olentangy Liberty Middle School (A+), Tyler Run Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: Enchanted Care Kids Campus (unavailable), Enchanted Care Learning Center - Powell (unavailable), La Petite Academy of Powell (unavailable)
- Pictured: 9035 Dublin Rd, Powell ($2.0 million, 5 bedrooms)
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#13. Upper Arlington
- Population: 35,299
- Median home value: $397,300 (80% own)
- Median rent: $1,274 (20% rent)
- Median household income: $123,548
- Top public schools: Dublin Coffman High School (A+), Upper Arlington High School (A+), Greensview Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: The Wellington School (A+), St. Andrew Elementary School (unavailable), St. Agatha School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 5045 Squirrel Bnd, Columbus ($2.5 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $397,300 (80% own)
- Median rent: $1,274 (20% rent)
- Median household income: $123,548
- Top public schools: Dublin Coffman High School (A+), Upper Arlington High School (A+), Greensview Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: The Wellington School (A+), St. Andrew Elementary School (unavailable), St. Agatha School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 5045 Squirrel Bnd, Columbus ($2.5 million, 4 bedrooms)
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#12. Mariemont
- Population: 3,513
- Median home value: $395,100 (60% own)
- Median rent: $1,082 (40% rent)
- Median household income: $97,143
- Top public schools: Walnut Hills High School (A+), Mariemont High School (A+), Mariemont Junior High School (A)
- Top private schools: Cincinnati Waldorf School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 3725 W Center St, Mariemont ($1.2 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $395,100 (60% own)
- Median rent: $1,082 (40% rent)
- Median household income: $97,143
- Top public schools: Walnut Hills High School (A+), Mariemont High School (A+), Mariemont Junior High School (A)
- Top private schools: Cincinnati Waldorf School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 3725 W Center St, Mariemont ($1.2 million, 4 bedrooms)
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#11. Wyoming
- Population: 8,548
- Median home value: $329,900 (88% own)
- Median rent: $1,108 (12% rent)
- Median household income: $124,963
- Top public schools: Wyoming High School (A+), Wyoming Middle School (A+), Elm Avenue Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: St. James of the Valley School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 333 Oliver Rd, Wyoming ($1.4 million, 10 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $329,900 (88% own)
- Median rent: $1,108 (12% rent)
- Median household income: $124,963
- Top public schools: Wyoming High School (A+), Wyoming Middle School (A+), Elm Avenue Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: St. James of the Valley School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 333 Oliver Rd, Wyoming ($1.4 million, 10 bedrooms)
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#10. Dublin
- Population: 46,499
- Median home value: $377,500 (76% own)
- Median rent: $1,379 (24% rent)
- Median household income: $137,867
- Top public schools: Dublin Jerome High School (A+), Dublin Coffman High School (A+), Deer Run Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: St. Brigid of Kildare Elementary School (unavailable), Prep Academy Schools: Dublin (unavailable), Joyland Preschool/Childcare (unavailable)
- Pictured: 8455 Dunsinane Dr, Dublin ($5.0 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $377,500 (76% own)
- Median rent: $1,379 (24% rent)
- Median household income: $137,867
- Top public schools: Dublin Jerome High School (A+), Dublin Coffman High School (A+), Deer Run Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: St. Brigid of Kildare Elementary School (unavailable), Prep Academy Schools: Dublin (unavailable), Joyland Preschool/Childcare (unavailable)
- Pictured: 8455 Dunsinane Dr, Dublin ($5.0 million, 4 bedrooms)
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#9. Blue Ash
- Population: 12,252
- Median home value: $284,700 (71% own)
- Median rent: $1,187 (29% rent)
- Median household income: $91,563
- Top public schools: Sycamore High School (A+), Edwin H. Greene Intermediate Middle School (A+), Maple Dale Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: Ursuline Academy (A+), Blue Ash Educational Building Elementary School (unavailable), Kinder Garden School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 9785 Cooper Springs Ln, Blue Ash ($1.0 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $284,700 (71% own)
- Median rent: $1,187 (29% rent)
- Median household income: $91,563
- Top public schools: Sycamore High School (A+), Edwin H. Greene Intermediate Middle School (A+), Maple Dale Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: Ursuline Academy (A+), Blue Ash Educational Building Elementary School (unavailable), Kinder Garden School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 9785 Cooper Springs Ln, Blue Ash ($1.0 million, 4 bedrooms)
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#8. Montgomery
- Population: 10,782
- Median home value: $374,000 (87% own)
- Median rent: $1,183 (13% rent)
- Median household income: $131,111
- Top public schools: Sycamore High School (A+), Edwin H. Greene Intermediate Middle School (A+), Maple Dale Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: Montgomery Early Learning Center (unavailable)
- Pictured: 8020 Elbrecht Dr, Montgomery ($2.3 million, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $374,000 (87% own)
- Median rent: $1,183 (13% rent)
- Median household income: $131,111
- Top public schools: Sycamore High School (A+), Edwin H. Greene Intermediate Middle School (A+), Maple Dale Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: Montgomery Early Learning Center (unavailable)
- Pictured: 8020 Elbrecht Dr, Montgomery ($2.3 million, 6 bedrooms)
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#7. Solon
- Population: 22,947
- Median home value: $286,200 (83% own)
- Median rent: $1,268 (17% rent)
- Median household income: $107,286
- Top public schools: Solon High School (A+), Orchard Middle School (A+), Solon Middle School (A+)
- Top private schools: St. Rita School (A), Primrose School of Solon (unavailable), Solon KinderCare (unavailable)
- Pictured: 7580 Rollingbrook Trl, Solon ($2.4 million, 9 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $286,200 (83% own)
- Median rent: $1,268 (17% rent)
- Median household income: $107,286
- Top public schools: Solon High School (A+), Orchard Middle School (A+), Solon Middle School (A+)
- Top private schools: St. Rita School (A), Primrose School of Solon (unavailable), Solon KinderCare (unavailable)
- Pictured: 7580 Rollingbrook Trl, Solon ($2.4 million, 9 bedrooms)
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#6. Bexley
- Population: 13,786
- Median home value: $379,200 (74% own)
- Median rent: $1,044 (26% rent)
- Median household income: $109,036
- Top public schools: Bexley High School (A+), Montrose Elementary School (A), Cassingham Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Columbus School for Girls (A+)
- Pictured: 387 S Parkview Ave, Bexley ($2.5 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $379,200 (74% own)
- Median rent: $1,044 (26% rent)
- Median household income: $109,036
- Top public schools: Bexley High School (A+), Montrose Elementary School (A), Cassingham Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Columbus School for Girls (A+)
- Pictured: 387 S Parkview Ave, Bexley ($2.5 million, 5 bedrooms)
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#5. Granville
- Population: 5,815
- Median home value: $383,200 (79% own)
- Median rent: $983 (21% rent)
- Median household income: $118,375
- Top public schools: Granville High School (A+), Granville Middle School (A), Granville Intermediate School (A)
- Top private schools: Granville Christian Academy (A-)
- Pictured: 2751 Silver St, Granville ($3.8 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $383,200 (79% own)
- Median rent: $983 (21% rent)
- Median household income: $118,375
- Top public schools: Granville High School (A+), Granville Middle School (A), Granville Intermediate School (A)
- Top private schools: Granville Christian Academy (A-)
- Pictured: 2751 Silver St, Granville ($3.8 million, 5 bedrooms)
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#4. Madeira
- Population: 9,147
- Median home value: $294,400 (88% own)
- Median rent: $1,336 (12% rent)
- Median household income: $117,944
- Top public schools: Indian Hill High School (A+), Walnut Hills High School (A+), Indian Hill Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: St. Gertrude School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 7311 Ridgestone Dr, Cincinnati ($1.0 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $294,400 (88% own)
- Median rent: $1,336 (12% rent)
- Median household income: $117,944
- Top public schools: Indian Hill High School (A+), Walnut Hills High School (A+), Indian Hill Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: St. Gertrude School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 7311 Ridgestone Dr, Cincinnati ($1.0 million, 4 bedrooms)
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#3. Shaker Heights
- Population: 27,387
- Median home value: $229,500 (63% own)
- Median rent: $1,026 (37% rent)
- Median household income: $87,235
- Top public schools: Shaker Heights High School (A), Boulevard Elementary School (A), Fernway Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Hathaway Brown School (A+), Laurel School (A+), St. Dominic School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 19400 N Park Blvd, Shaker Heights ($3.6 million, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $229,500 (63% own)
- Median rent: $1,026 (37% rent)
- Median household income: $87,235
- Top public schools: Shaker Heights High School (A), Boulevard Elementary School (A), Fernway Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Hathaway Brown School (A+), Laurel School (A+), St. Dominic School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 19400 N Park Blvd, Shaker Heights ($3.6 million, 6 bedrooms)
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#2. Ottawa Hills
- Population: 4,450
- Median home value: $319,100 (86% own)
- Median rent: $1,338 (14% rent)
- Median household income: $155,893
- Top public schools: Ottawa Hills High School (A+), Ottawa Hills Elementary School (A), Sylvania Southview High School (A)
- Pictured: 4342 Brookside Rd, Ottawa Hills ($1.6 million, 8 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $319,100 (86% own)
- Median rent: $1,338 (14% rent)
- Median household income: $155,893
- Top public schools: Ottawa Hills High School (A+), Ottawa Hills Elementary School (A), Sylvania Southview High School (A)
- Pictured: 4342 Brookside Rd, Ottawa Hills ($1.6 million, 8 bedrooms)
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#1. Oakwood
- Population: 8,982
- Median home value: $248,000 (80% own)
- Median rent: $1,173 (20% rent)
- Median household income: $112,917
- Top public schools: Oakwood High School (A+), Harman Elementary School (A+), Oakwood Junior High School (A+)
- Pictured: 555 Rubicon Rd, Oakwood ($899,900, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $248,000 (80% own)
- Median rent: $1,173 (20% rent)
- Median household income: $112,917
- Top public schools: Oakwood High School (A+), Harman Elementary School (A+), Oakwood Junior High School (A+)
- Pictured: 555 Rubicon Rd, Oakwood ($899,900, 6 bedrooms)
