The 15 Most Beautiful Places to Live In Ohio That Are Still Affordable

Welcome to Ohio, home to vibrant cities, friendly small towns, and some of the most affordable housing in the country. The average house in Buckeye State cost $270,071 in December 2023, almost 50% less than the national average home price. If the number still seems steep, here are 15 places to live in Ohio that are even more affordable.

1. Steubenville

Median home price: $104,500

Population: 18,161

Steubenville borders the vast Ohio River. It offers a striking play of scenery, with the rushing river and parks perfect for families. It’s one of the most relaxing places to live in Ohio as well as the most affordable.

2. Toledo

Median home price: $105,000

Population: 268,509

Toledo has all the perks of a cosmopolitan city, yet it’s still affordable. Move to Toledo today to enjoy the popular downtown area full of locally-owned restaurants and fun shops. A quieter day might be spent at the Toledo Botanical Garden or the Toledo Zoo.

3. Cleveland

Median home price: $122,000

Population: 372,600

City-dwellers who crave bustling shopping districts and varied entertainment options might be happy in Cleveland. It’s not a mammoth city so big that you have to worry about traffic when driving five miles, but it’s much bigger than most on this list. 

Culturally, you can explore the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame or the Cleveland International Film Festival. Those seeking connections with nature can find peace in breathing the air at the Cleveland Lakefront Nature Preserve.

4.  Akron

Median home price: $124,975

Population: 190,469

Drive about 40 miles south of Cleveland, and you’ll run into Akron. It’s a little bit smaller yet still offers a city vibe. If you have school-age children, Akron has a special appeal. The city implemented the country’s first public school system in 1850. 

You can learn more about that history at local Akron museums. There are also numerous public parks and gardens like Goodyear Heights Metro Park.

5. Lorain

Median home price: $126,308

Population: 65,211

If you want to live in a friendly place that’s significantly cheaper than the typical Ohio city, come to Lorain. Around 65,000 people live there now, and you can get involved with many community events and groups whenever you want to meet your neighbors. When it’s beauty you crave, visit Lakeview Beach.

6. Youngstown

Median home price: $129,900

Population: 60,068

Blooming from broad, grassy fields, you’ll find the lovely town of Youngstown. Natural beauty pervades every block, from the waterfall at Mill Creek Park to the abundant trees in Wick Park. If you need more excitement, Youngstown was founded in the 18th century, so it’s rich with museums and cultural centers.

7. Niles

Median home price: $145,000

Population: 18,443

Niles is a Youngstown suburb where you can create the kind of life you want. Adventure-seekers can go on a road trip to nearby cities, while anyone who finds comfort in greenery has access to verdant nature preserves and local parks.

8. Canton

Median home price: $154,900

Population: 70,872

What makes a great city? If your list includes features like spacious parks, multiple museums, and gardens that change color with the season, check out Canton. The Pro Football Hall of Fame is a big attraction, as is the McKinley Presidential Library & Museum.

9. Dayton

Median home price: $155,000

Population: 137,644

Like many Ohio cities with long histories, Dayton’s streets hold multiple museums, including the National Museum of the US Air Force and the America’s Packard Museum. It’s the city where Orville and Wilbur Wright perfected their first plane. 

Beauty abounds here, too, with sites such as the Five Rivers MetroParks.

10. Ashtabula

Median home price: $159,000

Population: 17,975

You can rent an apartment in Ashtabula for $600. Homes are very affordable as well. It’s one of the best places to live in Ohio for families because the low costs come with a high standard of living. Ashtabula touches the banks of Lake Erie, so there are plenty of spots for a nice picnic or day out with the family.

11. Elyria

Median home price: $169,800

Population: 52,656 

Elyria forms part of the Cleveland metropolitan area, yet it’s a slightly more expensive city. The extra money will give you a quieter environment. Attractions The Hickories Museum are less crowded, and it’s easier to find alone time on one of the many surrounding nature walks.

12. Middletown

Median home price: $195,000

Population: 50,987

There are many cheap places to live in Ohio, but Middletown still stands out. It has an eclectic energy that draws young professionals and those who want a big change. Get away from the city congestion and go fishing in Cuyahoga River or take a walk in Smith Park. You can end the day with dinner at an up-and-coming downtown restaurant.

13. Eastlake

Median home price: $184,900

Population: 17,670

Eastlake is an outdoor paradise. It’s close to Lake Erie and has neighborhoods with bright, colorful houses. Chagrin River State Park is also nearby, so there’s natural splendor galore. Over 17,000 people live within Eastlake’s borders, enough for you to find social groups and new friends if you move.

14. Cuyahoga Falls

Median home price: $199,700

Population: 51,114

Cuyahoga Falls is within the Akron metropolitan area. This means you get a blend of small-town quiet and city activity. The namesake waterfalls are worth visiting whenever it’s warm. So is the Riding Run Conservation Area, where you can hike through the forest.

15. Sandusky

Median home price: $199,900

Population: 25,095

Like Ashtabula, you can find Sandusky on the Lake Erie coast. You get all the privileges of waterfront living with the added advantage of low costs. Sandusky is another fun spot for families because it has Cedar Point Amusement Park.

Summary of 15 Places to Live in Ohio That Are Still Beautiful

The photo featured at the top of this post is © gguy44/iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images