8 Reasons Why Ohio is the Best Place in Midwest to Raise a Family in 2022
There’s a lot to consider when deciding on where to raise a family. Families look for the best places to raise their kids, and they have to factor in everything from education and safety to amenities and diversity.
The Midwest has always been viewed as a family-oriented region, and not just because it has the reputation of being home to the friendliest people in the country. It comes down to the fact that the Midwest is charming yet affordable, and Ohio is the perfect example of that.
Whether you’re thinking of moving to a major city in Ohio, like Columbus and Cincinnati, or a small town like New Albany, this state is one of the greatest for raising a family. Here are 8 reasons why.
Low Crime Rates
Not every city in Ohio can be deemed “crime-free”, but many boast lower-than-average crime rates compared to cities in neighboring states.
Recent data shows that residents of small Ohio towns, like Avon Lake and Brecksville, get to enjoy life with very little fear of criminal activity. This is an extremely important concern for residents with family, so if you value safety above all else, consider moving to a quaint area in the state.
Strong Sense of Community
Experiencing a sense of community is something that many of us take for granted, but it’s a very important consideration when deciding on a home base. This is even more true for a family with young children and teenagers.
According to the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation: “Individuals who feel a sense of security, belonging, and trust in their community have better health. People who don’t feel connected are less inclined to act in healthy ways or work with others to promote well-being for all.”
High Quality of Life
Where we live has a huge impact on our overall physical and mental well-being. If you’re not content with where you live, it will impact how you feel, and it can even affect your health. Statistics and surveys show that the Ohio population is happier on average than residents of other states around the country. There’s no way of knowing exactly why this is, but to give you perspective, the city of Columbus has been ranked fifth in the world when it comes to quality of life.
Schools and Universities
Whether your kids are entering preschool or heading off to college, you can rest easy knowing that they’ll get a solid education. Ohio has some of the best schools in the country, especially when you consider colleges like Ohio State and Case Western.
Even the public education system has been highly ranked for families that live in a reputable school district.
Decent Cost of Living
Living paycheck to paycheck can have a negative impact on anyone, especially families with lots of expenses. Luckily for Ohio residents, the cost of living is fairly affordable.
A recent press release from Upwork shows that between 6.9% to 11.5% of U.S. households intend to move in 2022. Why? Families with children are choosing to leave major cities and move into less expensive housing markets with more amenities for families – such as Ohio.
Impressive Infrastructure
The infrastructure – parks, buildings, amenities, etc. – in cities like Columbus, Cincinnati, and Cleveland has been developing at a rapid pace. Ohio’s infrastructure plays a vital role in the quality of life for the state’s residents, but it also promotes commerce for local businesses.
That being said, it’s possible to go from the hustle and bustle of a major city to a small farm town in no time at all, so you and your family can access the best of both worlds.
Affordable Housing Market
While Ohio can’t brag about climate comfort (it’s only average!), the state can brag about having an affordable market for housing.
The typical value of homes in Ohio is $216,746. In comparison, the average value of a California home is just under $770,000. That means you don’t need to spend all your hard-earned money just to put a roof over your head.
Great Professional Sports Teams
If you want access to sporting events, and want to root for teams that are actually halfway decent, then Ohio is for you! No matter which sport you’re into, you’ve got someone to cheer for, like the Cincinnati Bengals, Columbus Crew, and Cinci Reds.
Fans of the Cincinnati Reds will also be delighted to learn that the team has partnered up with BetMGM, one of the leading sportsbooks, ahead of the launch of online sports betting in the state on 1 January 2023. If you’re interested in placing a wager for your new home team, BetMGM promo codes in Ohio can be found here.
Official Ranking of the Best Ohio Cities to Raise a Family
Now that we’ve covered why Ohio is the best option for families in the Midwest region, let’s take a look at the official ranking. Here are the top 10 places for families located in the state:
- Oakwood
- Ottawa Hills
- Madeira
- Dayton Public School District
- Sixteen Mile Stand
- The Village of Indian Hill
- Powell
- Solon
- Glenwillow
- Montgomery
More Family-Friendly Cities Throughout the United States
Ohio is considered one of the best places to raise a family, but it’s certainly not the only kid-friendly state. There are plenty of cities throughout America and especially Midwest, that will do just fine for you and your young ones, including:
- Fishers, Indiana
- Elmhurst, Illinois
- Eureka, Missouri
- Rochester, Minnesota
- Madison, Wisconsin
- Ames, Iowa
- Brookings, South Dakota
- Horace, North Dakota
- Grandville, Michigan
- Leawood, Kansas
- Gretna, Nebraska