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What if you chose the wrong Ohio city and later found out a better fit was only 20 miles away?
Relocating is a major decision. Choosing the wrong location can affect your finances, commute, access to schools, and overall quality of life. In Ohio, even nearby cities can offer very different experiences.
This guide explains where to find the best places to live in Ohio. It focuses on housing, safety, education, and public services. The goal is to help you select a location that matches your needs from the beginning.
What You’ll Learn
Before deciding where to live in Ohio, it's helpful to compare the top cities.
Cities and towns with the best mix of cost, safety, and livability
Options that fit different lifestyles, including professionals, families, and retirees
What to review before you move, such as schools, commute times, and local services
Summary
Ohio delivers exceptional quality of life through its winning combination of affordability, excellent schools, and safe communities—all while maintaining costs significantly below the national average. The state's top-rated places successfully balance suburban tranquility with access to major metropolitan amenities, making Ohio an increasingly popular choice for families and professionals seeking both opportunity and value.
1. Blue Ash (Cincinnati Suburb)
Blue Ash consistently ranks as Ohio's #1 place to live. This Cincinnati suburb of 13,374 residents earns an A+ overall rating with a 4.3-star average from residents.
Key Highlights:
Sycamore School District: Top-rated educational system in Ohio
Long-term resident satisfaction: Many residents stay for 20+ years
Family-friendly amenities: Excellent recreational facilities and community programs
Strong community stability: Well-maintained neighborhoods with active civic engagement
2. Pepper Pike (Cleveland Suburb)
Pepper Pike secures the #2 position as a wealthy, safe Cleveland suburb. With 6,807 residents and an A+ rating, it represents one of Ohio's most desirable residential areas.
Key Highlights:
Orange Public Schools: Excellent educational system
Safe, affluent neighborhoods: Low crime rates and high property values
Proximity to Cleveland: Access to urban amenities while maintaining suburban tranquility
Family-oriented community: Abundant recreational activities and community events
3. Oakwood (Dayton Suburb)
Oakwood ranks #3 with its charming, walkable community design. This Dayton suburb of 9,480 residents maintains an A+ overall rating and 4.4-star resident reviews.
Key Highlights:
Walkable neighborhoods: Pedestrian-friendly design throughout the city
Strong community engagement: Active neighborhood involvement and local events
Well-maintained areas: Tree-lined streets and pristine residential neighborhoods
Quiet, charming atmosphere: Residents consistently praise the peaceful environment
4. Mariemont (Cincinnati Suburb)
Mariemont claims the #4 spot as a "picture-perfect" Cincinnati suburb. With 3,477 residents, this A+ rated community earns an impressive 4.7-star average from residents.
Key Highlights:
Historic charm: Well-preserved architectural character and distinctive neighborhoods
High resident satisfaction: Consistently rated among the most beautiful places in Ohio
Affluent, stable community: Well-established residential base with strong property values
Small-town appeal: Captivating atmosphere that draws visitors and retains residents
5. Shaker Heights (Cleveland Suburb)
Shaker Heights completes the top 5 with its diverse, established community. This Cleveland suburb of 29,004 residents provides an A+ rating and represents the largest population among the top-rated places.
Key Highlights:
Excellent, diverse schools: Multiple educational opportunities and specialized programs
Safe residential environment: Well-maintained neighborhoods with low crime rates
Cultural diversity: Welcoming community with varied backgrounds and perspectives
Urban accessibility: Suburban living with convenient access to Cleveland amenities
What Makes These Communities Excel
These five communities share several distinguishing characteristics:
Educational Excellence: All feature top-rated school districts that consistently outperform state and national standards.
Safety and Security: Each maintains low crime rates and well-funded public safety departments.
Strategic Locations: Positioned as suburbs of Ohio's major metropolitan areas, offering suburban peace with urban access.
Community Engagement: Active civic participation and numerous local events foster strong neighborhood connections.
Quality Infrastructure: Well-maintained roads, parks, and public facilities enhance daily life for residents.
These communities represent the pinnacle of Ohio living, successfully balancing quality education, safety, community engagement, and access to urban amenities while maintaining the character and charm that make them highly desirable places to call home.
Choosing a City Is Like Choosing a Streaming Service
Each city in Ohio offers something different. Some move fast. Others are quiet and steady. A few are built around strong schools or close access to major employers. The options can feel similar at first, but once you live there, the differences are apparent.
Picking the right place depends on what matters most to you. Do you want short commute times? A calm neighborhood? A walkable area with shops and parks? Like choosing a streaming service, it comes down to knowing what you need before you commit.
Blue Ash (Cincinnati Suburb)
Blue Ash stands out for its planning, stability, and strong public systems. Positioned northeast of Cincinnati, it offers access to major employers without the congestion of the city. The local government keeps services consistent, and public investments are visible in its parks, streets, and facilities.
What sets Blue Ash apart is its long-term community development. Zoning decisions support both residential and commercial growth without crowding either. Homes are well-kept, and new construction fits the city’s long-range goals. Residents benefit from a city that grows at a steady pace with clear direction.
Highlights:
Sycamore Community Schools rank among the highest in Ohio year after year
Parks, trails, and recreational services are funded and maintained year-round
Business hub supports jobs in tech, healthcare, and logistics
Local taxes go back into public services, not short-term projects
Central location with direct routes to Cincinnati, Mason, and the surrounding areas
Blue Ash avoids rapid swings in housing demand by keeping its economy balanced. The city brings in new businesses while preserving neighborhood character. For residents seeking reliable services, high educational quality, and a clean environment, Blue Ash remains a leader.
Pepper Pike (Cleveland Suburb)
Pepper Pike is a residential city known for its orderly development, low crime, and consistent home values. Located east of Cleveland, it provides quiet surroundings while still offering access to the city’s hospitals, universities, and business centers. The layout of the town avoids commercial sprawl, which supports a more stable residential environment.
The city has strong land-use policies that preserve property value and limit congestion. Public services are managed with long-term planning in mind. Residents often cite the peaceful setting and dependable services as reasons for staying long term.
Highlights:
Served by Orange City Schools, a district with strong performance across all levels
Zoning that limits overdevelopment and protects residential areas
One of the lowest crime rates in Cuyahoga County
High property values are supported by long-term housing stability
Quick access to I-271, University Circle, and Cleveland Clinic locations
Pepper Pike attracts residents looking for consistent city management, a calm pace of life, and proximity to Cleveland’s resources without the density. It continues to be a preferred choice for those who want quiet neighborhoods with strong fundamentals.
Oakwood (Dayton Suburb)
Oakwood is a small, self-managed city just south of Dayton. Its compact layout supports walkability, short commutes, and easy access to schools, parks, and local services. The city's design reduces the need for car travel and keeps day-to-day life simple.
Unlike many suburbs, Oakwood runs its own police and fire departments. These services report directly to city leadership, which allows for faster response times and local decision-making. The city also maintains its infrastructure, giving residents reliable service across all departments.
Community involvement is common. Residents often serve on neighborhood boards, attend public meetings, and support local events. This level of engagement helps keep the city well-organized and consistent over time.
Highlights:
Locally managed police and fire departments
Sidewalk-lined streets with strong pedestrian access
Public schools with above-average academic outcomes
High level of civic engagement among residents
Convenient location near Dayton without major traffic routes
Oakwood offers a quiet, structured environment with dependable city services. It remains a strong option for residents who want access to Dayton's economy without giving up local control or daily convenience.
Mariemont (Cincinnati Suburb)
Mariemont is a planned community located just east of Cincinnati. It was designed with a clear structure from the start, which gives the area a distinct layout and long-term visual appeal. Streets are organized around central gathering points, and public spaces are easy to reach on foot. The result is a community that functions well and looks consistent across generations.
Architectural standards in Mariemont are maintained through local policy, and homes follow a cohesive design. While styles vary slightly, most homes reflect the village’s original planning approach. This contributes to long-term property value and resident satisfaction.
Mariemont's size and structure support both independence and connection. Residents enjoy quiet surroundings while still having access to nearby Cincinnati services, shopping, and job centers. Community programs and schools are strong, and the area sees stable population growth without overdevelopment.
Highlights:
Planned village layout with walkable streets and public squares
Distinct architecture maintained through local design policy
High satisfaction among residents based on recent surveys
Stable housing demand with limited turnover
Located near major roads and services in the Cincinnati metro area
Mariemont attracts people who want consistency, access to city amenities, and a clear sense of place. The combination of design, services, and housing stability makes it one of Ohio’s most reliable places to live.
Shaker Heights (Cleveland Suburb)
Shaker Heights is a residential suburb located east of Cleveland. The city is known for its well-planned layout, wide streets, and tree-lined neighborhoods. It offers a mix of housing styles, reliable public services, and easy access to downtown Cleveland and surrounding institutions.
Shaker Heights is also one of the most diverse suburbs in Ohio, both culturally and economically. The city supports programs that promote inclusion and has built a reputation for being welcoming to residents from a wide range of backgrounds. Public schools offer a range of academic options, including advanced coursework and specialized tracks.
Transit access is a key advantage. Two light rail lines run through the city, making it easier for residents to reach central Cleveland without relying on highway traffic. This also supports local employers and gives students access to nearby colleges and universities.
Highlights:
Multiple public school options, including advanced placement and honors programs
Local policy and community organizations support cultural and economic diversity.
Direct rail access to downtown Cleveland
Well-established neighborhoods with strong city oversight
Civic programs that support youth development, community safety, and housing quality
Shaker Heights offers structure, access, and a wide range of services. For residents seeking a blend of city connectivity and suburban environment, it remains one of the most balanced choices in northeast Ohio.
What Ohio’s Top Cities Have in Common
The highest-rated cities in Ohio succeed by focusing on fundamentals. While each place has its style, the same five factors appear in every location on this list.
These cities don’t rely on growth to stay competitive. They maintain quality through careful planning, steady investment, and resident involvement.
Final Thoughts
Choosing where to live in Ohio depends on more than just location. The best cities offer consistency, reliable services, and a structure that supports daily life. Whether you're focused on schools, safety, commute times, or overall stability, the cities listed here have proven track records in all key areas.
This guide was built to give you a clear starting point. If you're planning a move or considering a change, these places offer substantial long-term value and balanced community living.
Need Help Shipping Your Car?
AmeriFreight Auto Transport provides professional auto transport services to and from all major cities in Ohio. If you're planning a move and need reliable car shipping, we can help.
We work only with vetted carriers and handle every step with care. You choose the type of carrier and timeline that fits your move.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the best city to live in Ohio for families?
Blue Ash is a strong option for families. It offers a highly rated school system, reliable city services, and stable neighborhoods.
Is it expensive to live in Pepper Pike or Shaker Heights?
Both cities have higher home values compared to the state average. They also provide strong schools, low crime rates, and access to Cleveland job centers.
Do any of these cities offer public transportation?
Shaker Heights has two rail lines with direct access to downtown Cleveland. Other cities rely more on car travel but may offer limited local transit.
How do I decide which city fits me best?
Start by listing your priorities, such as commute time, housing costs, schools, and public services. This guide outlines cities that rank well in each of those areas.
Disclaimer: This content is for general information only. It does not provide financial, legal, or real estate advice. Always consult with a licensed professional before making relocation or investment decisions
