9 Safest Small Communities To Settle In Ohio
Ohio is an excellent state in which to raise a family for numerous reasons, but chief among them is the safety of its cities. Throughout the state, several factors contribute to making the safest cities the crime-free havens they are. The nine safest small communities to settle in Ohio have low rates of violent and property crime, lower poverty levels, engaged and tight-knit communities, well-funded municipal services such as police and fire departments, and well-performing schools.
Sagamore Hills Township
The safest city on the list is Sagamore Hills Township, with its 0-crime rate. According to recent FBI rankings, the town of nearly 11,000 residents in Northeast Ohio has reported virtually no violent or property crime. What it lacks in crime, it makes up for in family activities, such as hiking the Brandywine Gorge Loop, which leads to Brandywine Falls —a 60-foot “bridal veil” waterfall. The hike itself starts at the Inn at Brandywine Falls, a delightful bed and breakfast that overlooks the falls and was once the home of George Wallace, one of the first residents of the area, whose saw mill still stands at the top of the waterfall.
For a little more adventure, a day trip to Fun ‘N’ Stuff is in order. The adventure complex includes laser tag, bumper cars, a mini roller coaster, miniature golf, bumper boats, go-karts, batting cages, and more. It’s an excellent place for the family to unwind, whether indoors or outdoors—another “must-do” when in the area is riding the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad. Pick an excursion and ride the vintage railcars for a fun ride through the Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
Olmsted Falls
A walkable downtown, strong local police response, and low crime rates make the 8,600-resident Northeast town of Olmsted Falls a safe place to live. Numerous parks, such as the David Fortier River Park on the Rocky River, offer play spaces for kids, as well as hiking and biking trails. Fortier Park is a 5-acre park that features trails, fishing, waterfalls, a splash pad, a playground for children, and green space for picnicking and relaxation. It’s also the home of the Charles A. Harding Memorial Covered Bridge over Plum Creek, the only covered bridge in Cuyahoga County. Be sure to do some shopping in the Grand Pacific Junction Historic Shopping District, a restored shopping village featuring more than 30 shops and restaurants, including the Moosehead Hoof & Ladder, a restaurant located in a restored firehouse that overlooks the river.
Upper Arlington
The Columbus-area city of Upper Arlington is home to 36,000 residents. Low violent crime rates, well-staffed police and community safety forces, high-rated schools, and affluent neighborhoods make it one of the safest cities in Central Ohio. A preponderance of parks makes it a pleasant place to spend time. Northam Park, Fancyburg Park, and Griggs Reservoir Park offer outdoor spaces for family fun, while the Township Green is a great spot to unwind with a good book or enjoy a picnic.
Arts on Arlington is an annual summer community event featuring local art and performances at Mallway Park. The Labor Day Arts Festival is another opportunity to see the art of residents. The Upper Arlington Farmer’s Market brings residents together on Wednesdays in the summer months, and the Upper Arlington History Trail leads visitors on a walking tour of the city’s history and historical homes.
Hungry? Several restaurants offer unique dining experiences in Upper Arlington, including the French dining at The Refectory, housed in a 19th-century church. For breakfast, head to The Original Pancake House for pancakes and more.
Dublin
Dublin is another Columbus-area suburb with just under 50,000 affluent residents, boasting very low crime rates, an active community, and well-funded safety services.
Historic Dublin is filled with buildings on the National Register of Historic Places, but it’s also a very modern city with plenty of new amenities. The historic side of the town pays homage to its roots as a “sister city” to Dublin, Ireland, complete with brick streets, the Dublin History Museum, and a self-guided walking tour. The modern side connects to the historic side via the Dublin Link pedestrian bridge over the Scioto River, the world's longest span (760 feet) single-tower S-shaped suspension bridge.
Bridge Park is the shopping and restaurant district in downtown, home to boutiques, rooftop bars, trendy restaurants, and more. The North Market is a 144-year-old public market that is open daily, offering a variety of local food and goods.
The Ballantrae Community Park features a statue of giant dancing bunnies and has earned the affectionate nickname, “Bunny Park.” The park features water sprayers and a splash pad for kids, while Indian Run Falls Park offers waterfalls, a viewing deck, hiking trails, and picnic shelters.
Perrysburg
Perrysburg is home to 25,000 people, southwest of Toledo. The city features a variety of historic homes and buildings that showcase the town's evolution over the last 200 years, offering views of the Maumee River.
The river offers watersports and recreational opportunities, such as fishing and boating. However, if land activities are on the menu, Perrysburg has a lot to offer as well. Levis Commons is an open-air mall with restaurants, shops, a movie theater, and The Funny Bone Comedy Club. The Perrysburg Farmers Market features more than 60 merchants and vendors selling fresh produce, plants, baked goods, art, and more. At the end of each market day, enjoy local musicians performing at Music at the Market.
For a historical excursion, visit the Fort Meigs Historic Site. The site is 10 acres, featuring a reconstructed wooden-walled fort that replicates the original structure on the site. Visitors can watch reenactments of the War of 1812 and learn more about Perrysburg’s place in it.
Powell
Powell is 14 miles north of Columbus and is a safe community with low crime rates and an involved police force. Downtown Powell is a historic, walkable district with local shops and restaurants, like The Locust Table, Kraft House No. 5, Nocterra Brewing, and Prohibition Gastro Lounge. For something truly unique, the Olentangy Indian Caverns offers self-guided tours of the caverns, which are believed to have been used by the Wyandot Native American tribe. It’s an ideal place for first-time cave explorers, as safety precautions have been implemented to make it a family-friendly experience. After exploring the caverns, enjoy gem mining, a petting zoo, miniature golf, and the on-site playground. The Village Green Park offers a playground and a splash pad.
Powell is only a few miles from the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and Zoombezi Bay Water Park. The water park features slides and a large wave pool, while the zoo is home to habitats that showcase exotic animals, including Arctic foxes, Asian small-clawed otters, warthogs, kangaroos, lions, and more. The aquarium features manatees, penguins, Zebra Sharks, alligators, and many more water-loving animals. The Wilds is an open-air safari park that doubles as a 10,000-acre conservation center. In addition to the animals, the site also features the oldest wooden roller coaster in Ohio, a historic carousel, and a 4D movie theater.
New Albany
Often rated highly for quality of life and safety, the city features planned neighborhoods, a strong school district, and has made significant municipal investments in parks and public safety to reduce crime.
New Albany is located northeast of Columbus and serves as a hub for culture beyond the state capital. The New Albany Symphony Orchestra and the New Albany Ballet Company are well-known, established entities in the region. The New Albany Village Hall and Cultural Arts Center hosts art exhibits, local theater productions, and cultural events, as well as the Jeanne B. McCoy Community Arts Center. The city’s Art District features art installations, sculptures, murals, and exhibits made by local artists.
For sports enthusiasts, the southwest section of the city is home to the New Albany Country Club with a course designed by Jack Nicklaus. The New Albany Sports Park is a large park that hosts a variety of sports fields and facilities for soccer, baseball, and basketball. For picnics and family outings, the Wexner Community Park is a great spot. The park features open green spaces and picnic tables, along with various amenities, including playgrounds for children to enjoy.
Hudson
Hudson is a city in Northeast Ohio that boasts lower-than-average crime rates, historic and affluent neighborhoods, and active civic involvement, all of which contribute to the town’s safety score.
History buffs will find a lot to be excited about in this quaint hamlet. In the center of town sits Western Reserve Academy, a private high school founded in 1826. Surrounding the school are the historic North Main Street shops, with a mix of locally owned and national chain stores, including the Learned Owl Bookstore. Hudson was a stop on the Underground Railroad, and abolitionist John Brown grew up here.
The city is home to 20 parks, most of which feature walking trails and playgrounds. Two National Historic Register districts ensure that Hudson keeps its history at the forefront. Numerous homes throughout the town date to the early 19th century, and the Hudson Heritage Association works closely with the city’s council to be sure any new buildings or homes meet the aesthetic appeal of those centuries-old residences. A walking tour is available to embrace the history firsthand.
Hudson’s 260-acre Hudson Springs Park consists of a 50-acre lake, picnic pavilions, two miles of trails, disc golf, playgrounds, and even a children’s hedge maze. Fishing in the lake may net some bass or bluegill, and visitors are likely to spot ducks, deer, herons, geese, and other wildlife.
Chester Township
Chester is a small town in Geauga County, just a few miles from Cleveland. It’s known for its rural community and its proximity to Lake Erie. It’s a very safe city, with a 0-crime rating, which means in the time it was measured, no violent crimes occurred there. As with other safe Ohio cities, the low crime rate is due to a tight-knit community, good schools with involved parents, and community policing that is well-supported.
Chester Township is in the Snow Belt, so winter activities are abundant. Even so, other seasons are well represented, like apple-picking, hayrides, and corn mazes in the fall at Patterson Fruit Farm, and pond fishing at Orchard Hills Park. Orchard Hills also offers 237 acres of trails, woodlands, and orchards. The Geauga Park District serves the township with trails, nature preserves, and a variety of outdoor programming. In colder weather, the Chesterland Antique Mall is a fun place to explore and find new-to-you treasures.
Ohio is filled with numerous small, safe communities in which to lay down roots. One common thread among the safest cities in the state is citizen involvement and well-supported, visible public safety forces that help keep crime low. The residents of Ohio's safest cities are actively involved in ensuring excellent public schools and cultural offerings, preserving historical buildings, districts, and traditions, and cultivating green spaces, parks, and year-round festivals and activities.
