Young families, or couples considering starting a family, have a lot to consider when planning to make Ohio your new home state. If you do not already have a destination in mind where you would like to buy a home, the first thing you need to do is decide the type of lifestyle that appeals most to you. Often, it comes down to whether you want to live in a city, suburb or small town. If the idea of small towns in Ohio appeals to you, your choices are vast.
Consider a mere five of the many wonderful small towns that you and your family can enjoy together in comfort and safety:
1. Solon
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Part of northeastern Ohio's Cleveland-Akron metropolitan area, Solon offers residents a small, safe and charming haven to raise a family while still close to major Ohio business centers. Featuring a population of 23,160, according to the 2010 U.S. Census, Solon's citizens exhibit great care and warmth for their community and fellow citizens. Such traits are the primary reasons that Money named Solon third in its 2011 "Best Places to Live" poll.
The Cuyahoga County city received praise as a safe place to live in Ohio. The town's police department cares so greatly about its citizens' ongoing safety that they gladly offer education and advice about crime prevention for everything from property theft and burglary to cyber crimes and identity theft. As of the last data received for the city's crime statistics in 2013, the city has not had to face a murder since a single incident in 2005.
Solon also features a highly rated school system, receiving the top scores among northeastern Ohio school districts in the 2011-2012 school year while Bloomberg Business Week ranked Solon as "one of the best places to raise kids."
A relatively small percentage of Solon's community residents fall below the poverty line, and most residents enjoy a median income $98,537 and $109,860 and a per capita income of $47,505, according to 2013 reports. Unlike many areas in northeastern Ohio that focused more on steel belt endeavors, Solon has focused its economic efforts on cultivating online industries to keep its economy strong and moving forward. Google recognized the city's modern thinking in 2013 with the major search engine's ecity award. Additional industries that Solon specializes in include: electronics equipment, measuring and controlling devices, chemicals and allied products and fabricated metal products. Major companies in the area include Nestle Prepared Foods, L'Oreal and the Swagelok Company.
The city's residents have discovered, and act upon, a common passion in the community, which involves single-stream recycling efforts.
Although Solon is a small community, its members appreciate the arts and can take classes in music, dance and theater at the Solon Center for the Arts. Those who simply want to get lost in a music program can enjoy a performance by the Solon Philharmonic Orchestra.
The combination of warmth, safety, hospitality, community cooperation, a solid economy and a strong online business community make Solon a wonderful small town where you can put down roots.
2. Hudson
If you want an educational haven for your children or the children you plan to have someday, Hudson has plenty to offer. Described as somewhat of "an intellectual center of the North Coast" of the state, you will face steep property values, but you will reap benefits in the long-run since the sleepy town features a community where two-thirds of its residents, 25 years and older, hold a bachelor's degree, at minimum. This affluent suburb of Akron has a population of about 22,262, as of the 2010 U.S. Census. Hudson also features a community who earns an estimated $118,163 median household income.
With many retail outlets in the area, as well as the Jo-Ann Fabrics headquarters and Allstate Insurance Company's call center, Hudson's economy is strong. The city's wise distribution and use of an electronic gift card for use within the city in 2002 continues to reap rewards, keeping dollars in the city.
Hudson features extremely low crime rates with zero murders over the past 15 years, as well as an overall crime rate 81 percent lower than the national average, making it appealing to families who put safety first.
Opting to preserve historic spaces, over creating instant convenience, the city retains a two-lane highway configuration that helps it keep more of a small town feeling.
Close to Cleveland, Hudson residents are close to a variety of cultural attractions and experiences, which include major sports leagues and their venues, the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame Museum and a world-class art museum.
3. Powell
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Featuring a population of 11,500, the city of Powell has much to offer incoming residents. Just 14 miles north of Columbus and the resources it has to offer, this affluent community continues to grow and attract new residents, often migrating from Columbus, looking for an increasingly upscale and safe community. Among ten other cities surrounding Columbus, Powell has the lowest crime rates, further increasing its appeal to city dwellers on the hunt for a safe place to put down roots.
The city got its humble start in 1801 by working in building the railroads. Residents also contributed to building the strong central business district that acts as a town center for this bedroom community. Powell residents rail against the influx of large companies, such as "box stores" that squeeze out long-time city vendors. In fact, the city does not feature any major industrial financial or technological businesses. Property values in the area range widely between $75,000 and $9,000,000, so it is truly a unique place to explore as you continue your search.
You are never far from entertainment, thanks to the proximity of the Columbus Zoo, Olentangy Caverns and cultural opportunities further into Columbus. Enjoy taking classes through the city's parks and recreation program and leading a safe and vibrant active lifestyle, thanks to the city's focus on trails and paths.
4. Springboro
Located between Cincinnati and Dayton, this small affluent community features a population of 17,409, according to the 2010 U.S. Census. Lying in Warren County, Springboro features one school district that features an active and caring school board that focuses on a population where one-third of the adults have children under the age of 18. The median age for the city is 34 years old, and the median household income was $104,803 while the median family income was $105,681 in 2010. However, the median household income spiked to $116,012 in 2012, making Springboro the 32nd wealthiest city in the nation. The city's 45066 zip code ranks as the 61st wealthiest in the United States. Companies such as PDI Communications and Grainger Industrial Supply, as well as many nearby transportation hubs, have contributed to the city's rise in riches.
Residents of Springboro can enjoy treks to the nearby 1911 Wright B Flyer Museum, which features free entry, as well as La Comedia Dinner Theater. With Dayton and Cincinnati so close, Springboro residents have a wealth of options for attending museums, arts, sports and other cultural events.
5. Wadsworth
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Academically rich, Wadsworth received its name in remembrance of Revolutionary War hero Elijah Wadsworth when it was founded in 1814. The city, lying between Cleveland and Akron, features a population of 21,567 people in 8,069 households, per the 2010 U.S. Census. This gentle community is an idyllic spot to lay down roots since its crime rates fall well below the average, outside of burglaries.
The median household income in Wadsworth as of the 2000 U.S. Census was $48,605, and the median family income came in at $58,850, revealing that, while maybe not a wealthy community, Wadsworth features hard workers who believe in their community.
The largest employer in the city is the Wadsworth City School System, which continually receives unwavering support from the community who passed six of the past seven levies put forth by the city. All of this reinforces the city's commitment to education as an investment in their community's future.
The city features plenty of fun activities for residents. Most notably, Wadsworth puts on a five-day festival each year called the Blue Tip Festival in honor of Blue Tip matches, manufactured in nearby Akron and Winston Churchill's match of choice. Residents enjoy days of fun that start with a parade and the lighting of a 20-foot blue tip match. The party continues with amusement rides, singing contests and race organized by a local running club.
