Best Small Towns for Retiring in Ohio

With an economy made up of manufacturing, agriculture, and technology, Ohio has a lot to offer! Lake Erie, the Ohio River, and 1,500 miles of western Appalachian foothills make Ohio a popular state. Ohio also has a wide range of cultural activities and is home to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Pro Football Hall of Fame. Its close proximity to both the Midwest and East Coast makes traveling to visit loved ones easy too! Ohio’s cost of living is around 17.4% lower than the national average (according to Best Places). It has a population of over 11.6 million people. And, of that number, over 3.6 million are aged 55 years and older.

Ohio is a picturesque state filled with small towns and communities. You may find the capital of Bratwurst in Bucyrus or the capital of pottery in Zanesville. The area is rich in heritage, culture, and livability that keep tourists visiting year after year!

So, which small towns in such a large state are the best for retirement?

Best Small Towns in Ohio

Berlin, Ohio

Berlin, Ohio is an Amish hotspot for visitors who want to take in the crafts and shops. There are down-home restaurants that offer cooking like grandma used to make and a variety of Amish crafts and workshops open to visitors. Berlin is surely a small town you won’t want to miss!

Highland Heights, Ohio

With just over 8,500 residents, Highland Heights is one of the smallest yet most attractive small towns in Ohio. The town boasts one of the lowest crime rates in the country. Highland Heights is just 10 miles east of Cleveland and a comfortable community for families. A large community pool and rec center offer hours of entertainment for all.

Mason, Ohio

There are just over 34,000 residents in the small town of Mason who enjoy some of the best-performing school districts in the state as well as convenient access to major interstates and highways. The town has three large golf courses, a nearby water park, and an amusement park known as Kings Island. The home prices are not inexpensive but reasonable for families and retirees looking for a comfortable and safe place to live.

Solon, Ohio

The small community of Solon is one of the top places to live in Ohio among large and small cities. The town has just over 23,000 residents who enjoy plenty of cultures! Solon’s school district is often the highest-ranked in the state year after year and for entertainment, residents enjoy listening to their very own philharmonic orchestra. The town is unique in design and scenery, boasting well-groomed neighborhoods and immaculately kept streets.

Springboro, Ohio

With just under 17,000 residents, Springboro is a comfortable small town rich in history dating back to slavery. The town once served as a shelter for escaping slaves and was one of the stops on the Underground Railroad. Lush farmland abounds among some of the original homesteads that stood hundreds of years ago. Many homes are even registered on the National Register.

Twinsburg, Ohio

Twinsburg hosts yearly twins festival. The town is safe and charming, with close proximity to Akron and Cleveland. Architecturally beautiful churches and buildings dating back to the 1800s can be found in this location.

Some of the other best small towns to live in are Waynesville, Bucyrus, Sidney, Cambridge, Dennison, Marion, and Dublin!

Need a 55-plus community suggestion in Ohio?

Pioneer Ridge, by Del Webb (North Ridgeville, OH)

At Pioneer Ridge, single-family homes have a number of floor-plan options, ranging from one bedroom to three. The community employs a lifestyle director who organizes activities, clubs, group outings, and many more social events. If you’re looking for a tight-knit neighborhood where you can have limited worries and endless fun, this is the place to be!

Click here for senior resources in Ohio.