The low cost of living in Ohio and numerous recreational areas make the state one of the best places to consider retirement for people who love to have fun and relax without sacrificing quality of life. The arts, culture and entertainment scene along with outdoor activities make this retirement-friendly locale the place to be, whether in a major city or small town. Learn about all the benefits of retiring in Ohio.
The overall cost of living in Ohio is approximately 8 percent less than the national average as of 2015. Housing costs are 21 percent lower than the national average. Utilities are also ranking lower than the national average which makes affordability one of the key benefits of retiring in Ohio.
Ohio is home to several colleges and universities with several college towns being created in the surrounding towns. Arts and culture are huge in and around the college campuses. Oxford, in particular, has a vibrant artistic scene which includes a free summer concert series, an art museum, college theater scene and more offerings for people of all ages to enjoy. It depends on an individual's tastes but having so many young people in the area can bring a vibrancy to an area and support lots of creative endeavors for individuals wishing to retire close to artistic communities with lots of activities.
Throughout the state of Ohio, outdoor activities abound with lots of space to explore for the outdoor enthusiast. Year-round opportunities are available including bike trails, 330 miles of connected trails in Yellow Springs and Dayton and across the state. Headlands beach is located near Mentor where residents can swim or fish and hike the trails or spot rare plant life at the 450-acre Mentor Lagoons Nature Preserve and Marina. Whether it is hiking, biking, bird watching or other activity, there is something for all enthusiasts to enjoy across the state of Ohio.
One of the biggest challenges for retirees is finding activities which are fun and engaging while supporting community with groups and organizations. Senior citizen centers and communities across Ohio provide activities and groups just for this reason. The city of Lakewood, for example, has a Division of Aging which organizes senior-only activities such as a photography club and others including lectures, movies, poker and a book club, to name a few. The opportunity to connect with other mature residents is endless and the chance to see and do many great things are available at an individual's fingertips in Ohio.
Retirement is a state of mind, which is very individualized depending on a person's desires and goals. There is also lots of quiet space to find respite and peace from the hectic city life in smaller towns which offer scenic views over a lake or hills and trees. Enjoy the four seasons in Ohio and enjoy a low cost of living and higher quality of life that is unsurpassed.