Have you lived in Ohio most of your working life and are debating the question: What are the pros and cons of retiring in Ohio?
Colorful fall weather, a lower cost of living, combined with small-town charm make it a potentially great place to spend your retirement. Cold and grey winters may be less appealing depending on the activities that you enjoy.
If you are looking to make the most of your retirement savings, you may be attracted to Ohio’s major metropolitan areas like Cleveland, Cincinnati, and Columbus. These cities offer many upscale urban amenities at a fraction of the cost of places like New York, Chicago, or Los Angeles.
Article Key Takeaways:
- Ohio’s lower cost of living, affordable housing, and tax-friendly policies for retirees make it a budget-friendly option.
- From top-tier healthcare to scenic parks and recreation, Ohio offers excellent urban and natural attractions to support an active retirement lifestyle.
- Harsh winters, limited coastal destinations, and public transit challenges may pose drawbacks for some retirees seeking year-round sunshine or greater mobility options.
Read on to explore the list of pros and cons about retirement in Ohio to make the most informed decision about your plans.
3 Pros of Retiring in Ohio
Affordable Cost of Living
Ohio’s low cost of living is something you may be very attracted to. This is especially true when you combine the affordable cost of housing with some of the tax benefits for retirees.
Low Cost of Housing
According to Forbes, Ohio’s cost of living is currently 8%-12% below the national average. Housing is especially affordable with the median home price in Ohio around $235,000, compared to the national median of over $412,000.
As a retiree in Ohio, you will likely be able to find an affordable home and pay off your mortgage quickly. This can help you maximize savings and live debt-free especially if you’ve decided to retire early.
Manageable Taxes
According to SmartAsset, Ohio’s average property tax rate is approximately 1.41%, which is above the national average. The good news is that this rate is offset by Ohio’s low cost of housing.
Ohio’s state income tax which ranges from 0% to 3.5% as of 2024. It’s helpful to know that this tax does not apply to your Social Security benefits, helping you enjoy more of your income.
According to the Tax Foundation, Ohio has a 5.75% state sales tax. When you include local sales tax in Ohio, the combined state and local sales tax is approximately 7.24%.
As a retiree in Ohio, you will be happy to know that some key items items are exempt from sales tax in Ohio including:
- Groceries (Does not include alcoholic beverages, dietary supplements, soft drinks, or tobacco)
- Prescription Drugs
- Newspapers
Available Tax Credits
Additionally, if you are a senior in a lower income bracket, you may qualify for state tax credits, including the Retirement Income Credit, the Senior Citizen Credit, the Lump Sum Distribution Credit, and the Lump Sum Retirement Credit.
You can read more about these credits and what you need to know about taxes in retirement as an Ohio resident here.
No Estate & Inheritance Tax
According to the Ohio Department of Taxation, the estate tax in Ohio was repealed on January 1, 2013. This means that the state does not create any additional inheritance tax burden to your family when you pass away. Federal estate taxes may still apply for individuals in very high tax brackets.
Strong Healthcare Access
Ohio has some excellent healthcare options, including the prestigious Cleveland Clinic and the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, which are consistently ranked among the top hospitals in the United States.
Cleveland also features the top rated University Hospital’s Cleveland Medical Center. It ranks third in Ohio for the best hospitals according to U.S News and World Report.
Cincinnati and Dayton also feature top rated hospitals. These include Christ Hospital and Premier Health Network’s Miami Valley Hospital.
According to Forbes, Ohio overall has a strong national ranking for access to healthcare, making hospital visits and prescription drugs easily available even in smaller towns.
Ample Recreation Opportunities
Dayton, Ohio is particularly known for its expansive trail systems. The city has more than 340 miles of interconnected bikeways, which is the largest network of paved trails in the United States. These trails provide a scenic and accessible way for you to enjoy cycling and maintaining your health during retirement.
Cincinnati, Ohio has approximately 377 parks and has been ranked 5th in the nation for park lands and amenities and features hill covered landscapes that nestle up against the Ohio River.
Cleveland, Ohio is located on the shore of Lake Erie, one of the largest great lakes in the USA, making it an ideal location for those who’ve built fishing and boating into their retirement plan.
Are you a retiree looking for hiking and camping opportunities with scenic waterfalls? You might enjoy exploring Hocking Hills State Park, located near the Appalachian Mountains or the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, near Cleveland and Akron.
If you prefer a bit of adventure in your retirement, be sure to ride the award winning roller coasters at Cedar Point Amusement Park in Sandusky, Ohio and Kings Island Amusement Park in Mason, Ohio.
3 Cons of Retiring in Ohio
Harsh Winters
There’s no getting around it: Ohio has cold, grey, and snowy winters.
The snowfall is magnified due to lake effect in the northern areas of the state, near Lake Erie. The state averages 28 inches of snow annually, and an average January day in Ohio will be likely in the 20s-30s °F temperature range.
Ohio (and most of the midwest) is known for it’s gray and cloudy winter weather. If you prefer sunshine in January and February or aren’t a fan of winter activities, Ohio’s cold climate can be a pretty strong drawback.
Limited Access to Coastal Destinations
Ohio’s borders don’t feature ocean access. While Lake Erie provides a waterfront experience, it may not replace the ocean experience if you are seeking a tropical lifestyle.
That said, most of Ohio’s major metropolitan areas including Cleveland, Columbus, and Cincinnati are located on rivers or lakes, providing you with access to water views and boating activities in the warmer months.
Lack of Public Transportation
Outside of Cincinnati, Columbus, and Cleveland, public transportation options are limited. According to Policy-Matters-Ohio, the state ranks 33rd in the nation for public transit use and 25 of Ohio’s 88 counties lack a transit system.
City bus services do exist in Cincinnati, Cleveland, and Columbus as well as Ohio’s smaller metropolitan cities, including Dayton, Toledo, and Youngstown, Ohio.
If you can’t drive or live in rural or suburban area of Ohio, you may need to rely on ride shares, friends, and family for transportation.
Best Cities to Retire in Ohio
Despite these challenges, Ohio offers several cities that you should explore as you plan retirement. All of the cities below rank in the 2025 US News and World Reports top 150 cities for retirement:
Columbus
Ohio’s capital offers a mix of suburban and urban lifestyles with diverse dining, arts, and recreational activities. Columbus is known for its college town atmosphere as the home of The Ohio State University and historic German village.
Cincinnati
With scenic views along the Ohio River and historic architecture, Cincinnati provides a balance between big-city and small-town. Cincinnati hosts three professional sports teams—the Reds, Bengals, and FC Cincinnati—and boasts one of the nation’s top orchestras. Cincinnati also has a strong legacy of craf
Cleveland
Known for its arts scene, proximity to Lake Erie, and top-tier healthcare, Cleveland is ideal for retirees who want both culture and healthcare access. Cleveland is also the home of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Cleveland Browns, the Cleveland Guardians, and the Cleveland Cavaliers professional sports teams.
Toledo
Also ranked in the 2025 list of top cities for retirement, Toledo is close to Lake Erie, and a short drive from Detroit and Cleveland. Known as the “Glass City” based on its history of glass manufacturing, Toledo is featuring an urban revival. Popular attractions in Toledo include the Toledo Mud Hens Minor League Baseball team, the Toledo Zoo, and the Toledo Museum of Art.
Dayton
Known for affordability, Dayton offers below average property taxes and housing costs, making it appealing to those on a tighter retirement budget. Dayton has a growing downtown core that offers city amenities with plenty of suburban and rural areas nearby. Dayton is also home to the Dayton Dragons minor league baseball franchise.
Youngstown
This affordable town is located near Cleveland and not far from Pittsburgh, PA. Like many rust-belt cities, Youngstown is undergoing an urban revival. It features plenty outdoor activities in the Mill Creek MetroParks. Youngstown is also close in proximity to the popular healthcare facilities in Cleveland.
Considering Ohio for Your Retirement?
Ohio has a great blend of affordability, culture, and small town community for retirees. If you love beautiful fall weather and winter activities, you may thrive as a retiree in Ohio.
While considerations like winter weather and limited public transit may deter you, Ohio’s strong healthcare system, lower cost of living, and recreational options make it definitely worth considering as your retirement home.
As you approach retirement think about whether Ohio aligns with your goals and offers the affordability to stretch your savings.
FAQs
Is Ohio a good state for retirement?
Ohio offers many benefits, including a lower cost of living and high-quality healthcare, making it a solid option for retirement, though you may find the winter weather challenging.
Do you pay taxes on retirement income in Ohio?
Ohio does not tax Social Security benefits, but other forms of retirement income may be subject to income tax. State income tax credits are available for seniors, especially those in lower income tax brackets.