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Moving To State   •   Ohio

Moving to Ohio: Pros and Cons in 2025

If you’re thinking about moving to Ohio, you’re not alone. The Buckeye State atttacts newcomers for good reason! With bustling metropolitan areas like Columbus and quiet rural towns, there’s a place to match your desired pace of life.

As much as there is to love about Ohio, it’s smart to weigh the good and the not-so-good before you buy a new home and pack up your belongings.

Here, we’ll walk you through what you need to know about moving to Ohio to help you decide if it’s the right fit for you.

Pros & cons of living in Ohio

Like any big move, relocating to Ohio comes with its own upsides and potential downsides that are important to consider.

Here’s a look at some of the biggest pros and cons of living in the Buckeye State to help you make an informed decision.

Pros of living in OH

  • Ample economic opportunity
  • Low cost of living
  • Bountiful recreational opportunities
  • Famously delicious beer
  • Amazing food

Cons of living in OH

  • Low happiness
  • Limited diversity
  • Political division
  • Harsh weather
  • Weird laws

Things to do in Ohio

Whether you’re moving to Ohio work, family, or just a fresh start, you’ll want to get the most out of your new home state — and that includes finding fun things to do. The good news is that, no matter your interests, Ohio has lots of fun places to explore and things to do.

You can visit these places with your family or use them to meet new people if you’re alone. With so many choices, you’re sure to find something that suits you and makes you feel comfortable.

Popular Attractions in Ohio

  • Cedar Point Amusement Park/Resort
  • Cleveland Museum of Art
  • Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum
  • Hocking Hills State Park
  • National Museum of the U.S. Air Force
  • Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens
  • Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal
  • Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
  • Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Gardens
  • Toledo Museum of Art

Museums in Ohio

  • Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
  • Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
  • Cleveland Museum of Art
  • A Christmas Story House
  • National Museum of the US Air Force
  • Toledo Museum of Art
  • Cincinnati Art Museum
  • American Sign Museum
  • Pro Football Hall of Fame
  • COSI (Center of Science and Industry)

Parks in Ohio

  • Cuyahoga Valley National Park
  • Hopewell Culture National Historical Park
  • Wayne National Forest
  • Upper Falls at Old Man’s Cave
  • Maumee Bay State Park
  • Salt Fork State Park
  • Salt Fork State Park
  • John Bryan State Park
  • John Bryan State Park
  • Malabar Farm State Park

Fun facts about Ohio

Each state has a unique character molded by its history, culture, and residents. Learning about its small details and quirky traditions helps you understand what life there is truly like.

These fun facts about Ohio, will give you a glimpse at what makes the state unique, and may even give you a few more reasons to make the move.

  • The first ambulance service was established in Cincinnati in 1865.
  • Cleveland boasts America’s first traffic light. It began on Aug. 5, 1914.
  • Ermal Fraze invented the pop-top can in Kettering.
  • James J. Ritty, of Dayton, invented the cash register in 1879 to stop his patrons from pilfering house profits.
  • “Hang On Sloopy” is the official state rock song.
  • Cincinnati Reds were the first professional baseball team.
  • The Y Bridge in Zanesville was first built in 1814 to span the confluence of the Licking and Muskingum Rivers. The current bridge is the fifth construction at the same location. “Ripley’s Believe It or Not” proclaimed it the only bridge in the world which you can cross and still be on the same side of the river.
  • Akron was the first city to use police cars.
  • Cincinnati had the first professional city fire department.
  • Akron is the rubber capital of the world.

Ohio population and demographics

While you’re thinking about relocating to Ohio, it’s important to look beyond facts and figures to get to the story they tell about the Buckeye State.

A state with more people might have more jobs, entertainment, and better infrastructure. On the other hand, a state with fewer people could mean a quieter lifestyle and close-knit communities.

Average education levels show the availability of job opportunities or access to local schools and colleges. Political breakdowns may indicate a state’s values and priorities.

Understanding who lives in Ohio, how they live, and what they value can make it much easier to decide if it’s the kind of place where you’d feel comfortable and connected.

Metric Ohio
Population 11,785,935
Female 50.7%
Male 49.3%
College graduation rate 30.72%
Political leaning Republican 55-45
Crime index 20.76

Ohio weather

Climate plays a huge role in shaping your day-to-day life, so it’s an important factor to consider when deciding whether Ohio is right for you. Looking at seasonal highs and lows and average rain and snowfall can help you imagine how much time you’ll be spending outdoors, preparing for storms, and adjusting to temperature extremes.

Summer highs can influence your energy bills and how much time you spend away from the AC. Winter lows determine the type of wardrobe and heating system you’ll need. Annual snowfall can range from light flurries to major storms that affect travel and daily life.

Whether you love sunshine, prefer cooler temps, or want to avoid snow altogether, knowing the climate can help you decide if Ohio aligns with your lifestyle and comfort level.

Metric Ohio
Summer high 84ºF
Winter low 20ºF
Annual rain 40″
Annual snow 28″

Income and cost of living in Ohio

A look at major industries, average income, housing costs, and the overall cost of living gives you a clearer picture of how affordable and sustainable life will likely be in Ohio.

Knowing which industries boost the economy can help you evaluate job prospects in your field or foresee job market stability. If you’re thinking about renting or buying a home, housing costs are probably a major factor when deciding whether to move.

The cost of living index shows how much your money is worth compared to the national average. A lower index usually means daily expenses such as groceries, transportation, and housing are cheaper.

These numbers are more than just statistics. They’re practical tools that help you compare your current lifestyle to what’s possible in Ohio and make a confident, informed decision about your move.

The main economic industries in the state include:

  • Manufacturing ($111.5 billion)
  • Professional and business services ($77.3 billion)
  • Real estate and rental and leasing ($73.7 billion)
  • Educational services, health care, and social assistance ($65.2 billion)
  • Finance and insurance ($61.9 billion)
  • Wholesale trade ($41.7 billion)
  • Retail trade ($38.8 billion)
  • Construction ($25.2 billion)
  • Arts, entertainment, recreation, accommodation, and food services ($24.8 billion)
  • Transportation and warehousing ($23.1 billion)
Metric Ohio
Average rent cost $945
Average home cost $230,798
Average income (per capita) $66,990
Cost of living index* 94
Unemployment rate 3.6%
Average sales tax Not available
State income tax 3.5%

*To figure out the cost of living in each state, there’s a 100-point index, known as the cost of living index. This metric starts with a baseline number of 100. States with a number below that are less expensive to live in while states with numbers higher than 100 are more expensive to live in.


Top schools in Ohio

If education influences your decision to move, a state’s schools reflect its career opportunities and community resources.

Whether you’re planning to go back to school yourself, have kids nearing graduation, or just want to live in a state with strong academic options, it’s worth checking out what Ohio has to offer.

Here are some of the top schools in Ohio:

  • The Ohio State University
  • University of Cincinnati
  • Case Western Reserve University
  • Kent State University
  • Bowling Green State University
  • Ohio University
  • University of Dayton
  • Miami University
  • University of Akron
  • Wright State University
  • Cleveland State University
  • University of Toledo
  • Oberlin College
  • Kenyon College
  • Xavier University

Finding the best moving company for your relocation to Ohio

We’ve reviewed hundreds of moving companies and worked directly with customers to identify the top movers across the country.

If you’re planning on moving to the Buckeye State, here are the best moving companies to help you transport your belongings to your new home wherever you are headed from.

Cost of moving to Ohio

Before you take the leap to Ohio, it’s a good idea to get a handle on moving costs. On average, hiring professional movers will run you about $131 per hour. The total cost depends on how much stuff you have and how far you’re moving. Cross-country moves, for example, will definitely hit your wallet harder than a quick hop across state lines.

The type of move you choose can make a big difference in cost, too.

To keep costs down, choose one of the best moving container companies. You do the packing and loading and they handle the driving for you, so it’s kind of like a middle ground between DIY and full-service.

Want to save even more? The most affordable option is to get a rental truck. With this options, you’ll do all of the heavy lifting, including packing, loading, driving, and unloading.

But if you’d rather not break a sweat, professional interstate movers can do all the work for you. Just keep in mind that this convenience comes at a price. Be sure to get quotes from several different movers to find one that fits your budget and moving needs.


Cost to bring your car to Ohio

Bringing a car with you? Use our car shipping calculator below to estimate how much it’ll cost to transport your vehicle to Ohio.

Ohio car insurance requirementstoggle

In Ohio, drivers must carry car insurance with at least $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage. You need this to register your vehicle and to protect yourself financially if you’re at fault in an accident. Consider raising your liability limits and getting extra coverage for better protection.

Ohio drivers license requirementstoggle

In Ohio, you must transfer your license and obtain an Ohio title and license plates for your vehicle within 30 days. If you don’t, law enforcement and government agents may take action against you.


FAQ

Is it worth it to move to Ohio?toggle

Moving to Ohio is worth it if you’re interested in popular attractions the state has to offer, enjoy the local weather, and the cost of living fits your budget. You should spend some time weighing all the pros and cons to determine if Ohio is a good fit for you and your lifestyle.

How much money should I have to move to Ohio?toggle

On the cost of living index, Ohio has a score of 94. You can use the cost of living index, based on a 100-point scale, to determine a state’s relative affordability. This cost of living index uses 100 as the baseline, so states with a number under 100 are less expensive, and states scoring over 100 are more expensive.

What salary do I need to live comfortably in Ohio?toggle

The average income in OH is $66,990, and the an unemployment rate is 3.6. Home prices are $230,798, on average, and monthly rent is typically around $945.

What is the downside of living in Ohio?toggle

Like any place, Ohio has its drawbacks to consider before moving there.

The most common downsides of living in Buckeye State include:

  • Low happiness
  • Limited diversity
  • Political division
  • Harsh weather
  • Weird laws

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