While many people associate retirement with warm weather destinations like Arizona or Florida, you can find great places to retire all over the country. One of these amazing hidden gems for seniors to retire is Ohio, featuring a low cost of living, great retirement taxes, and some amazing cities to call home (not to mention some of the fastest growing cities in the country). To find out why so many seniors are retiring in Ohio each year, check out our guide to retiring in Ohio below.

Access to Quality Healthcare

While it might not be the most exciting retirement topic to think about, it’s important to consider whether you’ll have access to all the quality healthcare that you or your senior loved ones will need as you age. And this is one reason why Ohio is such a great place to retire. Ohio is home to some of the best healthcare facilities in the country. Ohio is home to the Cleveland Clinic, which is consistently ranked as one of the best hospitals in the United States. The clinic is renowned for its expertise in cardiology, neurology, and cancer care, among other specialties.

In addition to the Cleveland Clinic, Ohio is home to a range of other top-ranked healthcare facilities all throughout the state. These facilities provide seniors with access to quality medical care and specialized services that cater to their unique healthcare needs. You’ll never regret having ready access to top-flight healthcare options as you age.

Ohio’s Senior Living Communities

In addition to having some of the best senior healthcare facilities in the country, Ohio is also home to a range of senior living communities, including assisted living facilities, nursing homes, and independent living communities from all the major national brands like Brookdale Senior Living or Sunrise Senior Living. These communities provide a range of services and amenities, including housekeeping, meals, transportation, and access to medical care. Ohio’s senior living communities are staffed by trained professionals who provide compassionate care to residents.

The state’s senior living communities are located in a variety of settings, from urban areas to rural towns. This means that seniors can choose a community that suits their preferences and needs, whether they want to be close to the city, surrounded by nature, or living in a small town. Given its amazing diversity of cities and places to live, you or your senior loved one are sure to find the right senior living community for you. 

Affordable Cost of Living

One of the biggest draws of Ohio for seniors is its affordable cost of living. The state’s housing costs are significantly lower than the national average, making it an attractive option for seniors who want to stretch their retirement savings. The cost of healthcare in Ohio is also lower than the national average, which can help seniors save money on medical expenses. All of this adds up to Ohio having a cost of living that is below the national average, meaning that for many seniors life in Ohio can be cheaper than where they are currently living.

In addition to having a low cost of living, Ohio also has several retirement tax benefits for seniors. Most importantly, Ohio does not tax any Social Security benefits. In addition to not taxing Social Security benefits, Ohio also has a homestead exemption which allows eligible seniors to exempt $25,000 from the market value of their home for tax purposes. Unfortunately, Ohio does tax income from pensions and retirement accounts as regular income, with the tax rate changing according to the senior’s amount of taxable income.

Outdoor Recreation and Cultural Attractions

Ohio is home to some of the most beautiful natural landscapes in the country. The state is home to several national and state parks, including Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Hocking Hills State Park. These parks offer seniors the opportunity to explore the great outdoors, hike through scenic trails, and enjoy the beauty of nature. In addition to the state’s parks, Ohio also has access to the Great Lakes, which provide opportunities for boating, fishing, and other water-based activities. Seniors can also enjoy the state’s many golf courses, bike trails, and other outdoor recreational opportunities.

Ohio is home to a range of cultural attractions that cater to seniors. The state has a rich history, with several museums and historical sites that showcase its past. Seniors can also enjoy the state’s many performing arts venues, including the Cleveland Orchestra and the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. Ohio is also home to several world-renowned art museums, including the Cleveland Museum of Art and the Toledo Museum of Art. These museums feature a range of collections, from ancient art to contemporary works, providing seniors with the opportunity to explore the world of art and culture.

Great Local Communities

Finally, Ohio is home to a range of community organizations and support groups that cater to seniors. These organizations provide seniors with social and recreational opportunities, as well as access to important resources and services. Seniors can join clubs and organizations that cater to their interests, volunteer in their communities, and attend events and activities that promote health and well-being. One particularly great avenue for community social interaction is all the universities located throughout Ohio in all of its great college towns. In addition to having social and cultural events like student theater groups or athletic teams, colleges also sometimes allow seniors to take or sit in on classes they find interesting. 

While it might not be your traditional retirement destination, there are a ton of great reasons for seniors to retire to Ohio. From access to amazing healthcare and senior living options, to a wide range of great cities and towns to call home, to a low cost of living and low retirement taxes, Ohio is a great place for your senior parents to call home for their retirement years.

To learn more about how Sunbound can help make paying for senior living and senior care more affordable for you or your senior loved one, send us an email at info@sunboundhomes.com or request more information on Sunbound. Sunbound is the best way to pay for senior living and senior care, and we’re on a mission to make senior living and senior care more affordable for everyone.