Top 10 Best Towns to Live in Ohio in 2027

1. Dublin

Dublin ranks first because it delivers the strongest overall package of elite Dublin City Schools, very low crime, and a robust healthcare and tech job market anchored by Cardinal Health and OhioHealth. The median home price of roughly $560,000 is the highest on this list, yet it remains 40-60% below comparable coastal suburbs. The walkable Bridge Park district offers restaurants, shops, and a riverfront that supports a vibrant lifestyle. Household incomes near $150,000 align with the premium housing costs.

Dublin is for families and professionals who want the complete suburban package and are willing to pay for it. It trades away the affordability found in Worthington, where homes run about $160,000 less, and the historic charm of Hudson or Granville. Compared to Powell directly below, Dublin offers a more established downtown and closer proximity to Columbus employment centers. Buyers who prioritize walkability and job access over maximum square footage will find Dublin worth the premium.

2. Powell

Powell secures the second spot due to its top-rated Olentangy Local Schools, extremely low crime, and location in Delaware County, one of the fastest-growing counties in the Midwest. The median home price of $590,000 is the highest on this list, reflecting newer housing stock built primarily after 2000. Property tax rates near 1.8% are slightly lower than Worthington's 2.1%, offsetting some of the higher purchase price.

Powell is for buyers who prioritize new construction, large lots, and school rankings above all else, particularly those who do not commute daily. It trades away the walkable downtown and immediate job access that Dublin offers, as Powell lacks a comparable commercial core. Compared to Dublin, Powell provides more house for the money but less lifestyle convenience. Families who value space and are willing to drive for amenities will prefer Powell over its close neighbor.

3. Upper Arlington

Upper Arlington ranks third for its unmatched proximity to Ohio State University and downtown Columbus, with commutes of 10-15 minutes that are the shortest among premium suburbs. The median home price near $550,000 buys access to Upper Arlington Schools, which consistently rank among Ohio's top districts. The community features tree-lined streets, a strong sense of local identity, and easy access to the OSU arts and cultural scene. Household incomes exceed $150,000, supporting the premium housing market.

Upper Arlington is for professionals and academics who want urban access without leaving a suburban setting. It trades away the newer housing stock and lower tax rates found in Powell, as many homes here are 50-80 years old and may require updates. Compared to Dublin, it offers a shorter commute but a less walkable commercial district. Buyers who value cultural amenities and quick downtown access over modern layouts will find Upper Arlington ideal.

4. Worthington

Worthington ranks fourth but offers the best value on this list, with a median home price near $400,000 that undercuts other premium suburbs by over $100,000. The historic downtown, excellent Worthington Schools, and a 15-minute commute to downtown Columbus make it the shortest drive of any top-ranked town. Effective property tax rates run approximately 2.1%, which is higher than Powell's 1.8% but offset by the lower purchase price. Household incomes near $110,000 still comfortably support the housing costs.

Worthington is for value-conscious families and commuters who want top-tier schools without the premium price tag. It trades away the newer housing stock and larger lots of Powell, as many homes are older with character but may need maintenance. Compared to Upper Arlington directly above, Worthington offers a longer commute by only 5 minutes but significantly lower entry costs. Buyers who prioritize financial efficiency and a charming downtown will find Worthington the smartest choice.

5. Bexley

Bexley ranks fifth for its walkable, historic downtown and close-in location just 10 minutes from downtown Columbus, offering unmatched urban access among the top towns. The median home price near $460,000 buys access to Bexley City Schools, which rank highly on state report cards. Housing stock averages 50-80 years old, with many homes featuring classic architectural details that require maintenance. The community is compact, with a strong sense of local identity and easy access to Columbus amenities.

Bexley is for buyers who value character, walkability, and proximity to the city over square footage and modern layouts. It trades away the larger lots and newer construction of Powell, as well as the lower tax rates of Delaware County. Compared to Worthington, Bexley offers a shorter commute but a higher price per square foot. Families who prioritize a close-knit, historic community with urban access will prefer Bexley over more sprawling suburbs.

6. Granville

Granville ranks sixth for its unique New England-style village character, centered on the Denison University campus and a brick-paved Broadway lined with shops and restaurants. The median home price of $430,000 provides excellent value for the charm and quality of life offered. Granville Schools perform well, and the college-town atmosphere brings cultural events and a walkable downtown. The trade-off is a 40-minute commute to Columbus, the longest on this list.

Granville is for remote workers, academics, and retirees who prioritize charm and community over commute time. It trades away the job access and quick downtown proximity of Upper Arlington or Bexley, accepting a longer drive for a lower home price. Compared to Bexley directly above, Granville offers more space and lower costs but less urban convenience. Buyers who value a picturesque, walkable village and do not commute daily will find Granville an exceptional choice.

7. Hudson

Hudson ranks seventh for its historic town green, which evokes a New England village, and its strong Hudson City Schools that rival Dublin's at a lower price point. The median home price near $440,000 offers excellent value in the Cleveland-Akron corridor, with commutes of 20-30 minutes to either city. The community features a walkable downtown, low crime, and a strong sense of local identity. Housing stock averages 50-80 years old, requiring some maintenance but offering classic charm.

Hudson is for families and professionals who work in either Cleveland or Akron and want a historic, tight-knit community. It trades away the newer housing and lower tax rates of Powell, but offers a more distinctive character and better value than Upper Arlington. Compared to Chagrin Falls directly below, Hudson provides a shorter commute to both cities and a larger town green. Buyers who want New England charm in Ohio without the coastal price will prefer Hudson.

8. Chagrin Falls

Chagrin Falls ranks eighth for its picturesque waterfall at the center of a charming village, offering a scenic lifestyle unmatched in the Cleveland area. The median home price near $475,000 buys access to excellent Chagrin Falls Schools and proximity to Cuyahoga Valley National Park for outdoor recreation. The village features a walkable downtown with unique shops and restaurants, and commutes to downtown Cleveland run 25-35 minutes.

Chagrin Falls is for buyers who prioritize scenic beauty, outdoor access, and village charm over commute convenience and modern layouts. It trades away the newer construction and lower maintenance of Powell, as well as the dual-city access of Hudson. Compared to Hudson directly above, Chagrin Falls offers a more distinctive setting but a slightly longer commute to Akron. Families who value nature and character will find the waterfall village worth the maintenance costs.

9. Mason

Mason ranks ninth for its large, well-funded schools and strong job access in the Cincinnati metro, with commutes to downtown running 25-35 minutes. The median home price near $430,000 offers solid value, with housing stock built primarily after 2000, reducing immediate maintenance needs. The community features Kings Island amusement park and extensive recreation facilities, supporting a family-friendly lifestyle. Household incomes near $120,000 align well with the housing costs.

Mason is for families who want big schools, modern homes, and recreational amenities at a reasonable price. It trades away the historic charm and walkable downtowns of Wyoming or Granville, offering a more conventional suburban experience. Compared to Wyoming directly below, Mason provides larger lots and newer construction but a longer commute and less prestigious academics. Buyers who prioritize space and recreation over character will prefer Mason.

10. Wyoming

Wyoming ranks tenth but offers elite academics and a quick 20-minute commute to downtown Cincinnati, making it the top choice for school-focused families in the metro. The median home price near $460,000 buys access to Wyoming City Schools, which consistently rank among Ohio's best on state report cards. The community features a walkable downtown, low crime, and a strong sense of local identity in a compact, historic setting.

Wyoming is for families who prioritize school rankings above all else and want close-in urban access without the sprawl of Mason. It trades away the newer housing and larger lots of Mason, as well as the recreational amenities of Kings Island. Compared to Mason directly above, Wyoming offers a shorter commute and better schools but higher prices per square foot. Buyers who value academic excellence and community character over modern conveniences will find Wyoming the ideal Cincinnati suburb.

How we ranked these

The ranking weighs six factors: affordability and home value (25%), schools (20%), safety (20%), jobs and commute (15%), amenities and lifestyle (10%), and community feel (10%). These weights reflect priorities reported by families, remote professionals, and commuters. Data sources include Zillow, Realtor.com, GreatSchools, and U.S. Census Bureau figures, with median home prices and effective property tax rates calculated per town.

Deliberately ignored were transient factors like short-term market speculation, celebrity endorsements, and glossy marketing claims. Also excluded were subjective lifestyle preferences that vary widely, such as nightlife density or specific cultural offerings, because they cannot be objectively compared across towns. The focus remains on durable, verifiable metrics that directly impact long-term financial health and daily quality of life.

Related questions

What is the best town in Ohio for families?

Dublin offers the strongest combination of top-rated Dublin City Schools, very low crime, a median household income near $150,000, and walkable Bridge Park, making it the premier family choice in Ohio.

What is the most affordable best town in Ohio?

Worthington provides the best value with a median home price near $400,000, excellent schools, a historic downtown, and a 15-minute commute to Columbus, undercutting other premium suburbs by over $100,000.

Which Ohio town has the best schools?

Dublin City Schools, Olentangy Local Schools in Powell, Wyoming City Schools, Hudson City Schools, and Upper Arlington Schools consistently rank among Ohio's top districts on state report cards and GreatSchools.

What is the best town near Cleveland?

Hudson leads with its historic town green, strong schools, and easy access to both Cleveland and Akron, while Chagrin Falls offers a scenic waterfall village for east-side residents.

What is the best Cincinnati suburb in Ohio?

Mason offers large schools, Kings Island recreation, and strong job access, while Wyoming provides elite academics and a 20-minute commute to downtown Cincinnati.

Is Ohio a good state for affordable suburban living?

Yes, Ohio's premium suburbs deliver top-tier schools and low crime at prices 40-60% below comparable coastal suburbs. A median home in Dublin costs about $560,000, while similar quality near Boston or Seattle exceeds $1 million.

What is the best town for a remote worker in Ohio?

Granville is ideal for remote workers who value character over commute, offering a New England-style village with Denison University, a median home price of $430,000, and a 40-minute drive to Columbus when needed.

Which Ohio town has the lowest property taxes?

Powell in Delaware County has an effective property tax rate near 1.8%, lower than Worthington's 2.1%. On a $400,000 home, that saves about $1,200 annually, though schools still rank highly.

FAQ

What is the best overall town to live in Ohio?

Dublin earns the top spot for combining elite Dublin City Schools, very low crime, a strong healthcare and tech job market, and the walkable Bridge Park district, all about 20 minutes from downtown Columbus.

What is the best-value town in Ohio?

Worthington offers the most quality of life per dollar, with a median home near $400,000, a charming historic downtown, strong schools, and just a 15-minute commute to downtown Columbus.

Which Ohio towns have the best schools?

Districts in Dublin, Powell (Olentangy), Wyoming, Hudson, and Upper Arlington consistently rank among Ohio's highest performers on state report cards and GreatSchools.

Which town is best near Cleveland?

Hudson leads the Cleveland-Akron corridor with a historic town green, strong schools, and easy access to both cities, while Chagrin Falls offers a scenic waterfall village on the east side.

Which Ohio suburb is best for Cincinnati commuters?

Mason offers big schools, jobs, and recreation north of the city, while Wyoming provides top-rated schools and a quick 20-minute commute to downtown Cincinnati.

Is it expensive to live in Ohio's best towns?

Ohio remains affordable relative to the coasts, but premium suburbs like Powell, Upper Arlington, and Dublin run $550,000 and up, while Worthington, Mason, and Hudson offer strong value in the $400,000s.

How fast do homes sell in these Ohio towns?

Inventory in high-demand towns like Worthington and Bexley often sells within 7-14 days, while homes in Powell and Dublin may sit for 20-30 days due to higher price points. Rentals move even faster, often within 48 hours.

What are the typical household incomes in these towns?

Household incomes range from about $110,000 in Worthington to over $160,000 in Powell. Most residents spend between 25% and 35% of gross income on housing, which is within conventional lending guidelines.

Should I worry about older housing stock in towns like Bexley?

Yes, older towns like Bexley, Hudson, and Chagrin Falls have homes averaging 50-80 years old. Budget an additional 10-15% above the median price for electrical, plumbing, or roof work within the first five years.

How do property taxes affect total cost in these towns?

Property taxes vary significantly. For example, Worthington's effective rate is about 2.1%, while Powell's is 1.8%. On a $400,000 home, that difference amounts to roughly $1,200 per year, impacting long-term affordability.

Sources

• https://www.niche.com/places-to-live/search/best-places-to-live/s/ohio/
• https://data.census.gov
• https://www.zillow.com/oh/home-values/
• https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-search/Ohio
• https://www.bestplaces.net/ohio
• https://www.greatschools.org/ohio/
• https://www.livability.com/best-places/
• https://dublinohiousa.gov
• https://www.co.delaware.oh.us
• https://www.worthington.org

Related on PULSE

• [More best towns to live in ohio rankings and buying guides](/knowledge)
• [PULSE Tools and calculators](/tools)
• [Everything on PULSE RevOps](/)