3 Reasons to Move the Family to Ohio

Statistics show that roughly 11% of the US population moved to a new home in 2017. But that number still accounts for millions of Americans who are relocating on an annual basis. For Americans who move, the top five reasons for doing so include finding a new or better home and relocating for a new job. And while some other states get a lot of the glory, there may be good reason (or several, in fact) to consider Ohio for your next home. Here are just a few factors that might play into your decision to move to the Buckeye State.

Low Cost of Living and High Property Ownership

According to recent data, Ohio is the place to be for those on a budget. In 2014, the prices for goods and services were typically 11 percent less than the national average. That means that there were only seven states that were less expensive to live in than Ohio was at that time, despite the fact that Ohio is also the seventh most populated state in the entire nation. Ultimately, that means that your dollar will go further here. That means you might be able to head to a car dealership in North Olmsted, OH and pick out a new car you really love, rather than purchasing an unreliable used vehicle to get you from point A to point B. In fact, most households in Ohio have two or more vehicles to call their own due to lower costs of living.

Because the cost of living is more reasonable, it’s no surprise that more people own homes in Ohio than in other locations across the United States. Although property values are slightly less here (with the median home being value coming in at $140,100), homeownership rates are higher than the national average. In fact, that rate is 65.4 percent, which means many Ohioans have the opportunity to fulfill their idea of the American dream. If you long to own property but never thought you could afford it in the past, Ohio may be an ideal location for you.

Job Availability and Educational Opportunities

With a population of 11.68 million people, it might not seem like Ohio would have a wealth of opportunities for workers. But Ohio’s economy provides ample opportunities for employees. With a median household income of $52,334 in 2016 and a 1.52 percent employment growth from 2015 to 2016, the outlook for Ohio employees is a positive one. The most common employment sectors in Ohio include jobs in management, business, service, food service, education, sales and office work, science, art, healthcare, and specialized manufacturing and other industrial work. 

Ohio also provides many opportunities to further one’s education. Among those aged 25 and above, 89.8 percent of Ohio residents had received a high school diploma and/or pursued higher education. While a degree is not always a requirement for certain sectors, the colleges and universities throughout the state awarded 170,892 degrees in 2015. Ohio’s higher educational programs serve nearly 600,000 students thanks to the state’s 14 universities, 23 community colleges, and 120-plus training centers across the state. So whether your daughter wants to go into family dental care in North Olmsted, OH or your son feels that an occupation in metalwork is his calling, there will be plenty of opportunities for them to get the educational training needed to succeed. 

Access to Special Experiences

Although there are many practical reasons to consider a move to Ohio, there are also a lot of superficial (yet meaningful) pro-Ohio arguments to consider. For one thing, there’s the visual appeal this state offers. As an Ohio resident, you’ll get to experience the breathtaking beauty of all four seasons–and all the fun activities that come with them. From winter recreational adventures to sightseeing in summer, there will be no shortage of family friendly excursions in which to take part.

There are numerous landmarks and hidden gems to experience, too. Of course, there’s the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Great American Ball Park, both in Cincinnati. There are plenty of top-rated amusement parks, zoos, and museums, as well. If you’re into unique stops or pop culture, there’s the quirky American Sign Museum, the World’s Largest Basket, and the iconic Christmas Story house to check out. There are tons of historic attractions, cultural offerings, and incredible restaurants to try. Ohio has its fair share of festivals, exhibitions, and incredible events throughout the year, meaning you’ll never even have a chance to be bored. If you thought a move to Ohio would be humdrum, these experiences will certainly make you reconsider.

Whether you plan on relocating in the future or are simply looking for a place to put down roots, you can’t go wrong with the birth state of Neil Armstrong, Clark Gable, and Ulysses S. Grant. The affordability, opportunities, and cultural exchanges this state provides makes it an enticing locale for just about any American family.