Lifestyle
The Buckeye State is more than football—Ohio is home to the Cleveland Clinic, one of the most renowned hospital systems in the world, as well as thousands of trails for retirees to hike, walk, and explore. Seniors looking for small-town charm for their retirement home will likely find many desirable cities and towns in this midwest state.
C.E Larusso
Published March 4th, 2026
Updated March 4th, 2026
C.E Larusso
•
Published March 4th, 2026
•
Updated March 4th, 2026
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
The state has a growing population of retirees, with about 20% of the state’s population over the age of 65
Ohio is a largely rural state, with many small towns featuring tight-knit communities
The Buckeye State is known for its expansive trail system, which offers many opportunities for locals to walk, hike, camp, and more
You’ll find the tax situation to be moderately friendly—Social Security is not taxed, but other retirement income is
Income tax is low, and ranges based on AGI, but property taxes are on the higher side
Ohio is a largely rural state, peppered with small towns and all the charm that comes with them. Retirees are often drawn to the Buckeye State for its affordability, outdoor recreation opportunities, and excellent healthcare facilities, including the illustrious Cleveland Center. While it does have cold winters, locals appreciate the stunning colors of fall foliage and temperate springtime season. If Ohio is on your list of possible retirement locations, read on to learn about the 10 best cities in the state to spend your golden years.
Is Ohio a good place to live for retirees?
First things first: Ohio is known for its low cost-of-living and overall low housing costs, both of which help retirees stretch their savings further than many other places. The cost-of-living runs 8–12% below the national average, and the state has a low income tax rate.
In addition, the Buckeye State is home to some of the best healthcare facilities in the country, with the prestigious Cleveland Clinic and the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center located there. Retirees concerned about access to specialists will be happy knowing that some of the top ones work in the state.
Ohio has superior options for hiking, walking, picnicking, and other outdoor recreation, with many state and national parks offering nearly limitless trail systems.
One con to note: the state does not have the best weather. Winters are cold and rainy, and summers are hot and humid. Those with mobility issues or sensitivity to extreme temperatures may find it difficult to live in Ohio.
It’s also worth noting that most of the towns lack public transit, and only a handful could be considered walkable. Seniors looking for a retirement location that encourages biking and walking for daily activities and errands might be better off elsewhere.
Is Ohio tax-friendly for seniors?
Ohio is moderately tax-friendly for retirees. While Social Security is not taxed, other retirement income—such as that from an IRA or 401(k)—is, with the tax rate depending on your income level. It tops out at 3.125%.
Property taxes are on the higher side, at 1.22%. There is, however, a homestead exemption that reduces property taxes for some qualifying seniors.
The state has no estate tax.
Do seniors in Ohio pay property taxes over 65?
Yes, seniors over 65 in Ohio pay property taxes. Some seniors may qualify for the homestead exemption, however, which reduces the amount of property tax owed. Qualifying factors include:
- Seniors who made less than the income requirements
- Those permanently and totally disabled
- Military veterans who have received a 100% disability rating
- Citizens already receiving the exemption
- Spouses of a first responder killed in the line of duty
What benefits do seniors get in Ohio?
Ohio seniors are supported in numerous ways, including through two special tax credits: the Senior Citizen Tax Credit and the Earned Income Tax Credit. Both offer tax relief to those under a certain income threshold.
Lower-income retirees can also apply for the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), an initiative that assists Ohioans with their heating bills.
For those seeking medical assistance, the Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program (OSHIIP) offers guidance on Medicare and other health insurance matters. The program is federally funded, and provides free and unbiased information and counseling services to Medicare beneficiaries.
Where is the best place to retire in Ohio?
Ohio is full of small towns with exceptional charm, many of which sit amongst rolling hills or next to lakes and rivers. Many retirees choose where to live depending on their need to access a major city, their budget, hobbies, and healthcare needs. The city of Mentor, for instance, has two excellent hospitals and sits near Lake Erie, giving seniors plenty of outdoor recreational options. Marietta, another location on our list, is known for its historic charm and riverfront views.
1. Dublin
CITY POPULATION: 49,456
SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 14%
COST OF LIVING FOR RETIREES: 8% below the national average
MEDIAN HOME VALUE: $547,869
MEDIAN RENT: $2,062
TAX RATING FOR RETIREES: Moderately Tax Friendly
Dublin is often listed as one of the safest cities in the Ohio. The small town has a thriving economy, bolstered by several companies (Wendy’s, Nestle) situating their headquarters there. Given that, its downtown is bustling, with many shops and restaurants for locals to enjoy. Dublin is a favorite amongst golfers, as it is home to the renowned Muirfield Village Golf Club.
2. Medina
CITY POPULATION: 25,757
SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 30%
COST OF LIVING FOR RETIREES: 6% below the national average
MEDIAN HOME VALUE: $364,917
MEDIAN RENT: $1,295
TAX RATING FOR RETIREES: Moderately Tax Friendly
Medina is ideal for retirees who wish to live close to a major city, but not in one, as it’s close to not one but three metropolises: Akron, Cleveland, and Columbus. The town has a low cost-of-living and a tight-knit community, with regular events for locals such as the Medina Candlelight Walk and an annual Ice Festival.
3. Lima
CITY POPULATION: 34,690
SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 16%
COST OF LIVING FOR RETIREES: 23% below the national average
MEDIAN HOME VALUE: $145,818
MEDIAN RENT: $1,240
TAX RATING FOR RETIREES: Moderately Tax Friendly
Situated about 90 minutes away from both Toledo and Columbus, Lima has a very low cost-of-living, with exceptionally low housing costs, allowing retirees to live well on less. Seniors will be soothed to know that Mercy Health-St. Rita’s Medical Center is a comprehensive local healthcare facility, with a well-known cardiac care unit. Its local ArtSpace is a hub for classes and workshops, allowing retirees to express their creative side.
4. Mentor
CITY POPULATION: 47,113
SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 23%
COST OF LIVING FOR RETIREES: 16% below the national average
MEDIAN HOME VALUE: $263,447
MEDIAN RENT: $1,595
TAX RATING FOR RETIREES: Moderately Tax Friendly
Mentor is an excellent spot for retirees who are seeking outdoor fun—the town is adjacent to Lake Erie and is home to Mentor Headlands Beach State Park, offering plentiful opportunities for fishing, boating, and picnicking. The town also has excellent medical facilities, with two top hospitals—Mentor Hospital and Mentor Hopkins Health Center—present.
5. Cuyahoga Falls
COUNTY POPULATION: 50,979
SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 18%
COST OF LIVING FOR RETIREES: 19% below the national average
MEDIAN HOME VALUE: $208,185
MEDIAN RENT: $1,190
TAX RATING FOR RETIREES: Moderately Tax Friendly
Cuyahoga Falls is another choice for retirees looking for easy access to nature. The small town has many parks to explore through walking, hiking, and cycling; it also sits directly next to an eponymous national park, which offers miles of trails. For cultural activities, the riverfront area has concerts and festivals throughout the year.
6. Aurora
CITY POPULATION: 17,985
SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 24%
COST OF LIVING FOR RETIREES: 14% below the national average
MEDIAN HOME VALUE: $421,255
MEDIAN RENT: $2,187
TAX RATING FOR RETIREES: Moderately Tax Friendly
Aurora is only about 40 minutes from Cleveland, but has plenty for retirees to do without the big city. The village is known for its tight-knit community, with the local senior center offering games, exercise classes, and art activities. Aurora is also home to the Aurora Farms Premium Outlets, making shopping a breeze.
7. Youngstown
CITY POPULATION: 59,123
SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 18%
COST OF LIVING FOR RETIREES: 25% below the national average
MEDIAN HOME VALUE: $66,086
MEDIAN RENT: $875
TAX RATING FOR RETIREES: Moderately Tax Friendly
Youngstown has made several lists of top places to retire, and for good reason: the city has a low cost-of-living but sits between Cleveland and Pittsburgh, giving locals access to two major cities and all they offer, from excellent healthcare to concerts. Youngstown itself has an abundance of parks, with other 5,000 acres of green spaces, as well as several golf courses—seniors will find themselves with plenty to do in this community-minded city.
8. Granville
CITY POPULATION: 6,308
SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 17%
COST OF LIVING FOR RETIREES: 9% below the national average
MEDIAN HOME VALUE: $501,316
MEDIAN RENT: $2,950
TAX RATING FOR RETIREES: Moderately Tax Friendly
Granville is small enough to be walkable—a big plus for seniors trying to stay active—but large enough to be host to many cultural activities at its Center for the Arts. Located just 30 miles from Columbus, Granville is picturesque, with stunning New England-inspired architecture and rolling green hills. In addition, the town has a low crime rate and excellent healthcare services, thanks to Licking Memorial Hospital.
9. Oberlin
CITY POPULATION: 8,587
SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 20%
COST OF LIVING FOR RETIREES: 19% below the national average
MEDIAN HOME VALUE: $231,694
MEDIAN RENT: $950
TAX RATING FOR RETIREES: Moderately Tax Friendly
Oberlin, just 30 miles outside of Cleveland, is largely known for its local liberal arts college. The school hosts many events and performances throughout the year, many of which are open to non-students, and allows seniors to register for continuing education classes to keep their minds sharp. Its walkable downtown features many great shops and restaurants; the town also has a very active senior center.
10. Marietta
CITY POPULATION: 13,039
SHARE OF POPULATION 65+: 22%
COST OF LIVING FOR RETIREES: 20% below the national average
MEDIAN HOME VALUE: $183,491
MEDIAN RENT: $995
TAX RATING FOR RETIREES: Moderately Tax Friendly
Often called one of the prettiest Ohio locations thanks to its stunning riverfront, Marietta is the oldest town in the state with lots of classic charm. Marietta also sits at the base of the Appalachian foothills, offering easy access to stunning nature, with dozens of trails to enjoy both in the town and just beyond it. Marietta is committed to creating special opportunities for its retirees, with the O’Neill Senior Center offering exercise classes, workshops, potluck dinners, and even day trips to other cities.
Bottom Line
Ohio, while only moderately tax-friendly to retirees, has top-notch healthcare, excellent outdoor recreation opportunities, and charming small towns with rich histories. The state is also home to many colleges, giving seniors a chance to continue their learning through their golden years. Retirees who can handle the cold winters should consider one of the many quaint places on this list, from Lima to Dublin. To decide where in Ohio you can afford to comfortably retire, it’s best to speak to a financial advisor at Retirable to review your investments and budget.
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A professional content writer, C.E. Larusso has written about all things home, finance, family, and wellness for a variety of publications, including Angi, HomeLight, Noodle, and Mimi. She is based in Los Angeles.
Share this advice
A professional content writer, C.E. Larusso has written about all things home, finance, family, and wellness for a variety of publications, including Angi, HomeLight, Noodle, and Mimi. She is based in Los Angeles.