Most Popular Cities to Move to in Ohio
Are you interested in moving to the Buckeye State but conflicted about which city best suits your needs? Moving is a major life change, so it’s understandable to feel stressed about making the right decision for your new home.
Luckily, Ohio has many excellent cities to choose from, and with this guide, you’ll find valuable information to make your decision easier. We’ve compiled 10 of the most popular cities to move to in Ohio—complete with everything you need to make an educated choice on the perfect new city to call home!
- Columbus
First on our list is Columbus, the capital of Ohio and one of the state’s three prominent C cities (more on those later)! If you’re searching for a metropolis to call home, Columbus might be your ideal spot, as this is the 2nd most populous city in the Midwest. This city flies under the radar for many; in fact, the city’s website takes a cheeky approach to the topic, stating, “While the world has been busy not thinking about us, we’ve been quietly stacking up new accolades, accomplishments and experiences.” They’re right—even if people around the nation aren’t aware of it, Columbus offers some pretty great attractions.
Named the #3 best beer city in the United States, Ohio’s capital offers delicious food and drinks for its residents to enjoy. Beyond these indulgences, the city is home to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, COSI Science Center, Short North Arts District, and Franklin Park Conservatory—all appealing places for the entire family to experience. Columbus also boasts the famous Ohio State University, meaning young people can enjoy a lively atmosphere here.
- Cincinnati
Next on the list of major C cities in Ohio is Cincinnati. This metropolitan area sits on the Ohio River, right on the border between Ohio and Kentucky. The Cincy region, as it’s lovingly called, is “where Cincinnati’s midwestern, urban vibrancy meets Northern Kentucky’s southern charm & funky flavors.” Needless to say, this offers a unique vibe to the city. The area boasts historic architecture, cultural diversity, and major sports teams. Residents of Cincinnati are fortunate to enjoy proximity to the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, Cincinnati Art Museum, Over-the-Rhine historic district, and the annual Oktoberfest Zinzinnati.
Another major perk of this city is its low cost of living when compared to other U.S. cities. Although it has higher prices than other more suburban areas of the state, its home prices are below the national average—which will feel like a major win if you’re moving here from one of the coasts. The job market here is strong as well, serving as the home to multiple Fortune 500 companies. Families can also rest assured, as the city offers highly-rated public and private schools.
- Cleveland
Last but not least in our C trifecta is Cleveland, which sits right on the southern shore of Lake Erie. Cleveland is second only to Columbus in terms of population in Ohio, offering another bustling metropolis for those seeking an urban environment to relocate to. What doesn’t this city have to offer? Cleveland has “billions of dollars in new development, innovative industries, a growing start-up culture and a low cost-of-living,” [thisiscleveland.com]. Historically, the city has provided a strong job market for those in manufacturing and other blue-collar positions, but technology and healthcare have boomed in recent years.
As mentioned previously, another major perk of Cleveland is its low cost of living—which sits a whopping 20% below the national average. In addition to these more practical benefits, Cleveland also offers plenty of attractions. Residents can enjoy convenient access to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, and West Side Market. Sports fans can also enjoy time at one of the city’s major league stadiums.
- Youngstown
Aside from the major cities mentioned above, Ohio has plenty to offer in terms of its suburban cities. One of the best options for suburban living in Ohio is Youngstown, a city of around 60,000 people at the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. Located in the Rust Belt halfway between Pittsburgh and Cleveland, Youngstown was once a center for steel production; however, in the modern day, the city has resurged with growing education and healthcare industries. This friendly Midwest town provides an appealing combination of affordable living and a strong sense of community—two coveted aspects.
Some popular places to visit in Youngstown are Mill Creek Park, Butler Institute of American Art, and the Youngstown Historical Center of Industry and Labor. Residents can explore an array of interests, including the arts, history, outdoor recreation, and more. In fact, the town contains seven museums and historical attractions, making it the perfect place to learn and explore. Plus, with its strong sense of community, you can expect many exciting events in Youngstown.
- Toledo
Fifth on our list is Toledo, situated on the western tip of Lake Erie. This is another one of the more heavily populated cities in the state, ranking just below our three C cities. Toledo is known as the Glass City due to its strong roots in the glassmaking industry. It also has a history of automotive manufacturing. In the present day, the city’s top employers are General Motors, Mercy Health hospitals, the University of Toledo, and Meijer. Depending on where you choose to settle in Toledo, you can experience an urban or suburban setting, which gives residents options according to their own preferences—all at an affordable cost of living.
Are you interested in Toledo’s attractions? When you become a Toledo resident, you have plenty to choose from. In this city, you can find the Toledo Museum of Art, Toledo Zoo, Imagination Station Science Museum, and the Toledo Botanical Garden, among countless others. The city offers everything from sports to arts to history, appealing to an array of interests.
- Ottawa Hills
Next up is Ottawa Hills, a suburb of Toledo. With a population just below 5,000, Ottawa Hills is ideal for those seeking a quieter town to settle into. Full of gorgeous greenery and well-maintained parks, this city appeals strongly to those seeking a quaint, peaceful vibe. In 2023, Niche.com named it one of the best places to live in Ohio, recognized for its excellent schools, housing, and low crime rate. With all of these factors, Ottawa Hills is seen as an ideal place for families while still offering proximity to the larger city of Toledo.
One of the biggest benefits for families is its strong school district. The public schools here boast attentive teachers and high-quality academics, and Ottawa Hills High School even has an AP participation rate of 76%. Parents can rest assured that their children are receiving a top-rated education in a safe town, which provides peace of mind for the entire family.
- Dayton
Located in western Ohio, Dayton is known as the birthplace of aviation, as powered aviation began here with Orville and Wilbur Wright. This historical location started with the Wright Brothers’ innovations and still has strong ties to this industry in the current day. Nowadays, though, the economy is also bolstered by the National Air and Space Intelligence Center, Air Force Research Laboratory, Kettering Health Network, and Premier Health Partners—contributing to a greater diversity of industries.
One of the biggest perks of living in beautiful Dayton is its abundance of trails, which allow people to enjoy hiking and biking here. In fact, there are over 350 miles of paved biking trails in the Miami Valley! RiverScape MetroParks is one of the most popular spots, and it also serves as a popular event space year-round, offering winter ice skating and summer concerts and festivals. Aside from these outdoor attractions, Dayton is also home to the National Museum of the United States Air Force, Carillon Historical Park, and the Dayton Art Institute. No matter your hobbies, you can find much to do in Dayton!
- Shaker Heights
Next, we have another suburb—Shaker Heights, a suburb of Cleveland! This town’s slogan is “Shaker is the place,” which really encapsulates the city as a whole. Here, you can find a mix of urban and suburban vibes, which can be a huge appeal for young families. With convenient access to the bigger city of Cleveland, residents can easily enjoy its attractions and then come back home to a more quiet town. Shaker Heights offers a great public school district, and the town as a whole places importance on diversity.
For people looking to move to this city, you just might be enchanted by Shaker Heights’s beautiful, historic homes. The town offers gorgeous sights with its tree-lined streets, providing a picturesque feel to its residents. You can also enjoy the town’s focus on parks and recreation by spending time at Shaker Heights Park. Shaker Heights has a variety of recreational programs, showcased through its full rec calendar. This is the perfect city for those looking to spend time outdoors!
- Powell
Welcome to Powell, located just north of the state capital! With a population of around 15,000, this town offers quiet suburban life while still providing proximity to Columbus. This is one of the best places in the state to raise a family, offering highly-ranked schools, outdoor attractions, and more. Although the cost of real estate in this area is higher than the national average, its residents consider the price to be well worth the many amenities the town offers. Many Powell residents even note the convenience of living here, as everything you need is within city limits.
What can you enjoy in Powell? First, Powell’s downtown offers an array of shops and restaurants to visit. Residents can also take part in events such as the Powell Festival, which offers two days of excitement and entertainment each summer. Last but not least, one of the town’s biggest perks is its abundance of parks and recreation programs. With 114 acres of parkland and 29 miles of bike trails, this is the perfect place to move your body and connect with nature.
- Bexley
Last but not least on our list is Bexley, another suburb of Columbus which is only around 15 miles from our previous city. This affluent area is known for its large houses and estates, especially in North Bexley. The town offers a mix of families and young professionals living here, and residents can enjoy the small-town vibe while still enjoying the proximity of Columbus. Bexley is home to the Franklin Park Conservatory, Capital University, and Jeffrey Mansion and Park, as well as historic sites and pieces of outdoor sculpture. The town even contains several miles of Route 40, which is known as the National Road.
For families, they can feel confident knowing they will send their children to highly-rated public schools in Bexley. Bexley High School offers dependable academics, trusted teachers, and great state test scores. Plus, the town hosts many family-friendly events, including block parties, National Night Out, farmers markets, festivals, and more.
Find Your Ideal Ohio City Today!
Now that you’ve learned about 10 of the most appealing places to live in Ohio, you can confidently choose the right destination for your goals and needs. Looking for a trusted moving company to help you get there? Choose RLD Relocation & Logistics, Northeast Ohio’s top movers.
For over two decades, we have served trusted moving, packing, and storage solutions to customers in Ohio and beyond. You can trust us to work with you and create the best moving experience possible for you and your family.
Ready to take the first step towards a move with RLD? Request a free quote online today!
