Ohio is an affordable and safe option for retirees, offering a mix of small-town charm and city living. The cost of living is below the national average, and healthcare is top-notch, with highly ranked hospitals like Cleveland Clinic and OhioHealth.
Winters here can get cold, and public transportation in rural areas is limited. But if you’re okay with some snow, Ohio has everything from vibrant cities to peaceful towns
What Are the Safest Places to Retire in Ohio?
Dublin
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Violent Crime Rate: 0.7 per 1,000 people
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Property Crime Rate: 11.3 per 1,000 people
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Extreme Weather Risk: Moderate, with occasional winter storms
Dublin is a picturesque suburb of Columbus known for its safety, excellent amenities, and strong sense of community. Seniors are drawn to its clean parks, local events, and walkable downtown.
While the cost of living is higher than the Ohio average, Dublin offers a high quality of life with a variety of housing options, from single-family homes to condos and retirement communities.
The Dublin Irish Festival, one of the largest in the U.S., is a yearly highlight. But Dublin offers much more than that! Residents enjoy a thriving arts and culture scene with venues like the Dublin Arts Council and the Abbey Theater. The city also boasts an extensive parks and recreation system, including the popular Dublin Coffman Park.
OhioHealth Dublin Methodist Hospital is a 110-bed facility that serves as a key healthcare provider for Dublin and the surrounding area. While not as large as some city hospitals, it offers a comprehensive range of services with a focus on senior care. These include:
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Heart Care: Comprehensive cardiac services, including diagnostic testing, interventional procedures, and rehabilitation.
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Emergency Services: A full-service emergency department, with plans to achieve Level III Trauma Center status.
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Surgical Services: Advanced surgical options, including minimally invasive and robotic procedures with the da Vinci XI system.
Weather in Dublin:
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Summer: Highs in the mid-80s°F with mild humidity
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Winter: Lows in the 20s°F with occasional snow
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Spring and Fall: Cool and breezy
Ohio does experience occasional severe weather, including tornadoes and winter storms. Dublin might be somewhat sheltered compared to other areas, but it's still worth mentioning the potential for these events.
Hudson
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Violent Crime Rate: 0.3 per 1,000 people
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Property Crime Rate: 4.2 per 1,000 people
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Extreme Weather Risk: Moderate
Hudson has remarkably low crime rates, even lower than Dublin, and it consistently ranks as one of the safest communities in Ohio.
Hudson offers a mix of historic charm and modern conveniences. Stroll through the quaint First & Main district, packed with boutique shops, cafes, and restaurants. The city also has plenty of green spaces, including Hudson Springs Park, where you can enjoy kayaking, fishing, or a peaceful walk.
Beyond Hudson Springs Park, there are many other parks and natural areas to explore, including the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, which is just a short drive away.
Hudson has a rich history, and its downtown area reflects that with lovely architecture and a New England village feel. The town takes preservation seriously!
First & Main is indeed a draw, with unique boutiques, antique shops, and art galleries. The Farmers Market is popular, and there are concerts and art walks in the summer.
If you're considering moving with children or grandchildren, Hudson boasts top-rated schools and contributes to strong property values.
The 40-bed University Hospitals Hudson Health Center is a convenient option for routine healthcare needs. It offers:
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Primary Care: Family medicine physicians and internal medicine specialists provide comprehensive primary care for all ages.
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Cardiology: Cardiologists are available for diagnosis and management of heart conditions.
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Rehabilitation Services: Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy services are available.
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Other Specialties: The center also offers some specialty services, such as dermatology and podiatry.
The center is a good local resource, but it primarily focuses on primary care and doesn't have the same level of services as a full-fledged hospital. For more specialized care, residents often go to Akron or Cleveland.
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Summer: Highs in the low 80s°F.
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Winter: Snowy and cold, with lows in the teens.
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Spring and Fall: Comfortable, with colorful foliage in autumn
Like much of Northeast Ohio, Hudson experiences all four seasons, including snowy winters. While severe weather like tornadoes is possible, it's not as common as in other parts of the state.
Oxford
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Violent Crime Rate: 1.3 per 1,000 people
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Property Crime Rate: 20.1 per 1,000 people
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Extreme Weather Risk: Low
Home to Miami University, Oxford blends college-town energy with a welcoming vibe. The city’s walkable downtown and community events make it a popular spot for retirees. Parks like Hueston Woods State Park offer hiking, birdwatching, and picnicking opportunities.
Oxford's crime rates are generally low, but slightly higher than some of the other towns on the list.
The college town is generally affordable, especially compared to larger cities. Housing costs can vary depending on proximity to the university and the type of housing.
While the downtown area is walkable, having a car can be helpful for errands and getting to appointments outside of town. There are also some public transportation options and senior transportation services available
McCullough-Hyde Memorial Hospital: This 133-bed hospital provides a good range of services, including:
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Emergency Care: 24/7 emergency department for urgent medical needs.
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General Surgery: Surgical services for a variety of common procedures.
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Cardiology: Diagnostic testing and some treatment for heart conditions.
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Women's Health: Services for women of all ages, including obstetrics and gynecology.
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Geriatric Care: Specialized care for older adults, including geriatric consultations and rehabilitation services.
This is the primary hospital in Oxford, and it's part of the TriHealth system. It offers a decent range of services, but for highly specialized care, you might need to go to a larger hospital in Cincinnati, like Bethesda North Hospital, Good Samaritan Hospital, or University of Cincinnati Medical Center.
Weather in Oxford:
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Summer: Warm, with highs in the mid-80s°F
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Winter: Mildly cold, with lows in the 20s°F
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Spring and Fall: Crisp and pleasant
Granville
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Violent Crime Rate: 0.7 per 1,000 people
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Property Crime Rate: 5.4 per 1,000 people
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Extreme Weather Risk: Low
Granville has a distinct New England village atmosphere, with historic architecture, a walkable downtown, and a strong sense of community. These are major brownie points for retirees looking to settle down somewhere that feels like home. It’s also located about 35 miles east of Columbus if you still want to be near big-city amenities like museums, theaters, and specialized healthcare.
Seniors enjoy exploring Denison University’s campus, the Granville Farmers Market, and the annual Granville Christmas Candlelight Walking Tour.
Denison University significantly shapes Granville's character, bringing cultural events, intellectual stimulation, and a youthful energy to the town.
The Granville Farmers Market is a beloved local tradition, offering fresh produce, artisan goods, and a chance to connect with the community.
Granville has several parks and natural areas for outdoor activities. The Granville Recreation District maintains parks with walking trails, playgrounds, and sports facilities. Nearby, you'll find opportunities for hiking, biking, and boating.
Licking Memorial Hospital, a 127-bed hospital, is part of the Licking Memorial Health Systems and provides a range of services, including:
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Emergency Care: 24/7 emergency department for urgent medical needs.
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Cardiology: Diagnostic testing, cardiac catheterization, and interventional procedures.
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General Surgery: Surgical services for a variety of common procedures.
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Orthopedics: Joint replacement surgery, sports medicine, and other orthopedic care.
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Senior Wellness Programs: Health screenings, educational programs, and support groups for older adults.
For highly specialized or complex medical needs, residents may need to travel to Columbus, which has major hospitals like The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.
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Summer: Highs in the mid-80s°F.
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Winter: Cold, with average lows in the 20s°F.
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Spring and Fall: Comfortable and ideal for outdoor activities.
Like most of Ohio, Granville experiences a range of weather, including occasional severe storms.
Yellow Springs
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Violent Crime Rate: 0.6 per 1,000 people
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Property Crime Rate: 8.2 per 1,000 people
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Extreme Weather Risk: Low
Yellow Springs has a quirky, progressive, and welcoming atmosphere that attracts people from diverse backgrounds. It's known for its liberal politics, environmental consciousness, and emphasis on social justice.
Safe and small with a close-knit community, it’s also a bit more expensive to live in than the Ohio average. With a unique character, beautiful natural surroundings, and right-at-home community, demand is pretty high in Yellow Springs.
Explore the Glen Helen Nature Preserve or browse the town’s many art galleries and local shops. But after you’ve explored every corner of Glen Helen, there are other parks and natural areas nearby, like John Bryan State Park and Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve.
The town also hosts several festivals throughout the year, like the Yellow Springs Street Fair. And because it’s easily a walkable town, seniors can comfortably explore without a car.
Soin Medical Center (Beavercreek) is a 254-bed hospital is part of the Kettering Health Network and offers a range of services, including:
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Emergency Care: 24/7 emergency department for urgent medical needs.
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Cardiology: Diagnostic testing, cardiac catheterization, and interventional procedures.
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General Surgery: Surgical services for a variety of common procedures.
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Orthopedics: Joint replacement surgery, sports medicine, and other orthopedic care.
Residents might need to travel to larger hospitals in Dayton, such as Miami Valley Hospital or Kettering Medical Center, for specialized care, though.
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Summer: Highs in the low 80s°F.
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Winter: Lows in the 20s°F with light snow.
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Spring and Fall: Cool and breezy
Like other parts of Ohio, Yellow Springs can experience severe weather, including tornadoes and occasional winter storms.
What Are the Best Healthcare Options for Seniors in Ohio?
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Cleveland Clinic (Cleveland): World-renowned for cardiology, oncology, and geriatrics.
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OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital (Columbus): Offers senior-focused programs and wellness initiatives.
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University of Cincinnati Medical Center (Cincinnati): Known for advanced stroke and heart care.
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Summa Health System (Akron): Comprehensive senior health programs, including memory care.
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ProMedica Toledo Hospital (Toledo): Excellent orthopedics and cardiac care.
Is Ohio Senior-Friendly and Accessible?
Ohio is a great place to retire, thanks to its affordability, healthcare access, and variety of living options. Here’s a quick breakdown:
Pros
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Affordable Living: Below-average cost of living, including housing.
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Healthcare Access: Home to some of the best hospitals in the U.S.
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Diverse Communities: From bustling cities to quiet rural towns.
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Outdoor Recreation: State parks, lakes, and trails for every activity level.
Cons
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Cold Winters: Snow and icy roads can be challenging.
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Limited Public Transit: Some rural areas lack transportation options.
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