10 Best Places to Retire in Ohio

With our list of 10 best places to retire in Ohio you’ll have no problem settling down in the “The Heart of It All”, how the locals like to call this state. If you wonder, the other nicknames are The Buckeye State, The Mother of President, and Birthplace of Aviation.

Ohio was named after the river Ohio, which means “great river” in Iroquoian language. The state of Ohio is located on the east of the United States in the region that is known as the Great Lakes. Other facts about Ohio include that this is the “34th largest by area, the 7th most populous, and the 10th most densely populated in the whole country.” If you worry about the weather, you will be happy to know that Ohio in its most parts has a humid continental climate. That means the summers are hot and winters range from cool to cold.

The sports enthusiasts will love Ohio. First things first, this is the state of King James (basketball player LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers). Do you need more? Ok, no problem. What about the fact that Ohio had the first ever professional baseball team. Those were Cincinnati Red Stockings, formed in 1869. They are now called Cincinnati Reds and compete in MLB (Major League Baseball). Ohio has a team in every major sports competition in the United States, so you will be close to the action no matter which sport you prefer. If sport isn’t your thing, then check out the 10 best places to retire in South Dakota, since this state has no teams in major sports.

We bet you are wondering how we picked 10 best places to retire in Ohio. First, we looked into Ohio’s 20 most livable places (with a population greater than 5,000) according to Area Vibes. Then we checked the number of physicians per capita (100,000), the cost of living, the number of residents aged 65 years and over, and the cost of living in each of these places. Sperling’s Best Places and U.S. Census were our main sources. After that we calculated the average ranking for each place, getting the definitive list. Shall we look at it?

10. Wyoming

Retirement Score: 37
Cost of Living: 17% more expensive than U.S. average
Physicians per Capita: 514
Crime Rates: 21.4
Residents Aged 65 and Over: 14.2%

This Ohio state city shares its name with the least populated state in the country. Wyoming, the city, also has a small population with just over 8,000 residents.

9. Fairlawn

Retirement Score: 41
Cost of Living: 3% cheaper than U.S. average
Physicians per Capita: 346
Crime Rates: 51.2
Residents Aged 65 and Over: 23.4%

This little city ranks 9th on our list of best places to retire in Ohio. It is located in the North – East region of Ohio has everything you need to enjoy your retirement days except its high crime rate. Out of all places on our list, Fairlawn is the most dangerous, so you should keep that in mind when making your decision.

8. Columbiana

Retirement Score: 44
Cost of Living: 8% cheaper than U.S. average
Physicians per Capita: 104
Crime Rates: 35.1
Residents Aged 65 and Over: 27.4%

Columbiana only recently became a city when the population rose over 5,000 in 2000. It is the place with the biggest elderly population on our list, so if you want to be surrounded with people who are also retired, strongly consider Columbiana.

7. Madeira

Retirement Score: 46
Cost of Living: 7% more expensive than U.S. average
Physicians per Capita: 514
Crime Rates: 17.5
Residents Aged 65 and Over: 16%

The good thing about Madeira, which retirees will appreciate, is its residential nature. The city features some small industry, but you should enjoy your afternoon tea without any interruption. Also, Cincinnati is close, if you want to check out a baseball game sometime.

6. Canal Winchester

Retirement Score: 46
Cost of Living: 5% cheaper than U.S. average
Physicians per Capita: 404
Crime Rates: 25.1
Residents Aged 65 and Over: 14.8%

If you are running away from the cold weather, then look no further. Canal Winchester will welcome you with high temperatures in the summer that can even last until the middle of the fall. Also, there is always something to do and see, thanks to the many festivals happening through the entire year.

5. Cortland

Retirement Score: 47
Cost of Living: 16% cheaper than U.S. average
Physicians per Capita: 144
Crime Rates: 30.1
Residents Aged 65 and Over: 18.6%

For those on a budget, looking for cheap alternatives on our list of 10 best places to retire in Ohio, Cortland may well be the answer. It is the cheapest place on the list and frequently highly placed on other lists of the best cities to retire in Ohio.

4. Brecksville

Retirement Score: 39
Cost of Living: 11% more expensive than U.S. average
Physicians per Capita: 563
Crime Rates: 16.4
Residents Aged 65 and Over: 17.8%

Do you want to see LeBron James in action? Retiring in Brecksville will allow you that since Cleveland is only half an hour away. You don’t like sports? Don’t worry, there is plenty more to do and see in Brecksville, like Cuyahoga Valley National Park, one of the most visited National Parks in the country.

3. Rocky River

Retirement Score: 51
Cost of Living: 7% more expensive than U.S. average
Physicians per Capita: 563
Crime Rates: 32
Residents Aged 65 and Over: 22.4%

Rocky River is a perfect place if you are an outdoor type since the city is filled with parks and amazing landscapes. The most loved activities are boating, fishing and swimming on Lake Erie and Rocky River that gave the city its name.

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2. Bay Village

Retirement Score: 52
Cost of Living: 6% more expensive than U.S. average
Physicians per Capita: 563
Crime Rates: 15.6
Residents Aged 65 and Over: 15,5%

The perks of retiring in Bay Village which ranks second on our list of best places to retire in Ohio include its location on the shore of Lake Erie like and numerous parks in and around the city. One thing that shows how this place is great for retirement is the fact that Bay Village is 97% residential community. On top of that, it is also the place where you don’t have to worry about your safety since it has one of the lowest crime rates on our list.

1. Canfield

Retirement Score: 55
Cost of Living: 7% cheaper than U.S. average
Physicians per Capita: 311
Crime Rates: 20.2
Residents Aged 65 and Over: 19%

The nubmer one on our list of 10 best places to retire in Ohio really has it all. It is cheap, has a good health care system with low crime rates and lots of the elderly population that shares similar interests with you. The city has a growing community and presents a desirable place for both retirees and families. It is a home to Canfield Fair, the biggest County Fair in the State of Ohio and the 3rd biggest County Fair in the US. Besides that, there are also numerous indoor and outdoor activities for everyone. So what are you waiting for? Pick a place and enjoy your retirement.