7 Best Places To Call Home In Ohio In 2025

They call it “Ohio, The Heart of it All” for a reason. A heart-filled blend of friendly neighbors, lively main streets, and towns that stretch from lakefronts to farmland. Whether you’re the kind of person who likes cheering under Friday night lights, hiking scenic trails, or visiting farmers’ markets on a Saturday morning, the Buckeye State is filled with places to call home. If you’re thinking about a move, you might find your perfect spot in one of these seven Ohio towns.

Sandusky

Sandusky keeps lake life affordable, with roughly 24,000 residents calling it home and average housing below the state median. Sitting along Lake Erie, the city brings excitement, no matter the time of year. In summer, families flock to Cedar Point to take on its 18 world-class roller coasters, explore local history at the Maritime Museum of Sandusky, or relax lakeside with a picnic at Shoreline Park. Ferry rides to the Lake Erie Islands add a vacation vibe to weekends, and a walkable downtown keeps dining, shopping, and entertainment close to home.

Sandusky winters are also unmatched, bringing festive holiday events, such as the Sandusky Christmas Market. Light displays, shopping, and seasonal concerts fill the calendar, making the colder months just as exciting as summer. With so much to enjoy all year, it’s easy to see why residents are proud to call this place home.

Marietta

With just over 13,000 residents and home prices that sit below the state's average, Marietta offers affordable living filled with many things to do. It’s situated right where the Muskingum River and Ohio River meet, so residents can enjoy the scenic River Trail any time they want. Marietta is also known for historic brick streets, 19th-century architecture, and seasonal festivals that keep the community active and connected.

Spend your summer days at Marietta Aquatic Center, an outdoor water park with slides, a lazy river, lap pools, and a pirate ship play area. Or, take part in the many activities hosted by the city's recreation department: softball, volleyball, tennis, swimming, and free community events like concerts and “Halloween in the Park," which includes pumpkin decorating and candy stations for a trick-or-treating experience like no other. Visiting the Mound Cemetery, one of the state’s oldest landmarks, is also a great way to spend an afternoon and learn more about what makes this town unique.

Lancaster

Looking for a small city in Ohio that will surprise you? Lancaster fits the bill! Known as Ohio's Glass City, it's home to just over 41,000 residents and truly the perfect spot to settle down. Art lovers will enjoy the Ohio Glass Museum & Glass Blowing Studio, and adventure seekers can find some of the city's best landmarks on the Lancaster Scavenger Hunt. Both are great ways to get to know this unique city.

If you're a history fan, take a tour of the Sherman House Museum, birthplace of American General William Tecumseh Sherman and his younger brother, US Senator John Sherman. Young families will also get a kick out of AHA! A Hands-On Adventure: A Children's Museum, a playful indoor park with more than 30 interactive exhibits for kids and the young at heart.

Lancaster's proximity to Columbus is also a bonus. Just a short drive to the big city and you'll find endless dining, shopping, and entertainment, including the chance to catch an NHL game. Go Blue Jackets! From family-friendly playgrounds to cultural stops for adults, Lancaster has much to pffer without the big city price tag.

Mansfield

Mansfield offers an affordable lifestyle in North-Central Ohio. With about 47,000 residents and home prices sitting below $200K, it offers small-town warmth with big-city perks. Known as the “Carousel Capital of Ohio,” it’s home to Richland Carrousel Park, where anyone can enjoy hand-carved rides all year long. Movie buffs can tour the Ohio State Reformatory, famous for its role in The Shawshank Redemption, and skiers can hit the slopes at Snow Trails during the winter months.

Planning on starting or growing your family here? Mansfield has safe neighborhoods and a variety of kid-friendly attractions, from playgrounds and splash pads to interactive exhibits and summer camps at the Buckeye Imagination Museum. With affordability, a range of amenities, and a welcoming atmosphere, Mansfield makes it easy to love where you live.

Warren

Located along the Mahoning River, one of Ohio’s longest rivers, Warren is a family-friendly place filled with local pride. With under 40,000 residents and an average home price well below the state median, it’s easy to put down roots here. Music fans can enjoy the River Rock at the Amp summer concert series at the community amphitheater, and car lovers will appreciate the National Packard Museum, known for its collection of beautifully restored Packard automobiles.

The city also has many beautiful parks, including Packard Park, perfect for picnics and splash pad fun for the little ones. In the fall, Friday night high school football brings the town together. Plus, the walkable downtown offers a wide range of dining, shopping, and entertainment. With so much to see and do in one small place, it’s easy to see why Warren makes the cut as one of the best spots to call home in Ohio.

Milan

Milan is a cozy town in Ohio where rich history is complemented by small-town charm. Known as the birthplace of Thomas Edison, it’s home to the Thomas Edison Birthplace Museum, which celebrates the life and work of the famed inventor. The museum is situated right inside his childhood home, located on Edison Drive. Milan is also home to the Milan Museum, which highlights the town’s diverse history and features unique attractions like a toy and doll collection and a blacksmith’s workshop.

Walking through Milan’s historic town square feels like stepping back in time, with local shops, cafes, and the seasonal Melon Festival bringing the community together with rides, vendors, and unique melon-flavored treats. Nearby parks and walking trails add natural beauty, and families appreciate the welcoming atmosphere. Milan is the kind of place that instantly feels like home.

Norwalk

Norwalk, known as Maple City, is a great place to call home. With only 17,000 residents and average home prices around $207K, it’s an easy choice if you're looking for affordability and community spirit. Located in Huron County, this town has a perfect mix of old school character and modern convenience. The historic Uptown Norwalk District, where 19th-century architecture meets mom-and-pop shops and local cafes.

Summers are made for fishing and kayaking at the Norwalk Reservoirs. For an extra thrill, Summit Motorsports Park delivers some of the best drag racing in the Midwest. In the fall, stunning trees at Eagle Creek Golf Club put on a show of reds and golds while you play a round on this pristine 18-hole course. And when high school football season rolls around, the whole town shows up. Affordable homes, friendly neighbors, and year-round traditions make Norwalk the kind of place you’ll never want to leave.

Finding Your Ohio Home in 2025

Ohio is a place where everyday life feels a little brighter. From lakefront escapes to cozy main streets, it proves that affordability and livability can go hand in hand. These seven towns make it easy to plant roots without sacrificing culture, recreation, or community spirit. No matter what stage of life you're in, finding an Ohio home in 2025 means enjoying the heartland's hospitality, complete with year-round activities, neighbors that feel like family, and a true sense of belonging.