Finding a home that meets your needs without breaking the bank can be a serious challenge. State-wide, Ohio has a median home value of $151,400. When you add in maintenance costs and property taxes, it can be difficult for many to buy and own a home.
That's why we've compiled a list of affordable cities in Ohio to help you find a new place to live. All of these places are more affordable than average, meaning you can get more bang for your buck.
Looking for the most affordable places in Ohio is a start, but you'll save even more money by working with a great agent.
The top Ohio real estate agents know the local market and where to find pockets of more affordable homes. They can also help negotiate a better price when you do find your dream home.
At Clever Real Estate, we can match you with agents in any area you're interested in — even multiple areas at the same time. You can interview as many agents as you like until you find the perfect place to call home — all at no cost or obligation to you.
Most affordable cities in Ohio
Whether you're looking for a quiet small town or a trendy suburban neighborhood, it's possible to locate pockets of affordability throughout Ohio.
Here are our top picks for Ohio residents on a budget:
1. Bexley
Bexley, Ohio is a suburban city located in Franklin County. It has a fairly small population of around 13,000. Here, you can find a plethora of large houses and estates nestled in the historic part of town. Bexley has some of the best public and private education institutions, making it a very sought-after city for families.
The economy in Bexley is strong and has no plans to slow down anytime soon. Their largest industries are educational services, scientific services, and health care assistance. These high paying industries bring in many new residents to Bexley every year.
In Bexley, residents enjoy a nice median household income of $104,000, which is increasing by 0.924% every year. This pairs nicely with the median home value of $328,300. Bexley home values have gone up 1.7% over the past year and Zillow predicts they will rise 1.0% within the next year. If you prefer renting over buying, monthly rent prices sit around $2,100 now.
2. West Chester
West Chester is 1 of the 13 townships of Butler County, Ohio. It sits about 18 miles north of Cincinnati, making an ideal city to live in if you commute for work. West Chester has a larger population size of 62,000.
Residents in West Chester have a high median household income of $83,904, which is higher than the U.S average of $53,000. They have an unemployment rate of 4.1%, and the job market should grow 31% over the next 10 years, based on economists’ predictions.
Right now, the real estate market in West Chester is heating up. The median home value is $241,900. West Chester home values have gone up 5.3% over the past year and Zillow predicts they will rise 2.4% within the next year.
The median price of homes currently listed in West Chester is $287,700, while the median price of homes that sold is $242,400. For residents who are not quite ready to commit to buying a house, West Chester has fairly low rent prices that sit at $1,700 a month.
Even after you've found a more affordable place to live in Ohio, moving there can be expensive. By working with a Clever Partner Agent, you'll have an expert in your corner and you may be able to take advantage of Clever Cash Back.
When you buy a home with a Clever agent, you might be eligible for up to 0.5% cash back to use on anything you want. For the average home value of $151,400, you'd pocket $757 to help you move (or splurge on a great housewarming gift for yourself).
» SAVE: Learn more about what you can save with Clever Cash Back!
3. Hudson
Hudson is a small suburb in Summit County with a population of 22,400. Here they place particular emphasis on education, which is why they have high scores on GreatSchools. More than two thirds of residents older than 25 in Hudson have at least a bachelor's degree.
Residents in Hudson enjoy a hefty median household income of $128,324, which is more than double the national average. This number is going to continue growing by 1.35% every year, along with the number of employees the city has.
The real estate market is a hot seller's market and has fairly low home values. The median home value in Hudson is $339,400, which is affordable considering the median household income. Hudson home values have gone up 1.7% over the past year and predicted to fall 0.2%. The median price of homes currently listed in Hudson is $416,916 while the median price of homes that sold is $353,700.
4. Westerville
Westerville is one of the most beautiful cities in Ohio that embraces their historic side. Here, you can find many homes still standing from the 1800s. The population here is around 38,604 and is growing at a rateof 1.35% every year. They have one of the best school systems in the country and hardly see any violent crimes.
Residents in Westerville bring in a median household income of $86,466, which is also growing 1.45% every year. They have a fairly low poverty rate of 6.83%, which is not expected to rise. Westerville is also home to some of the highest paying industries such as educational services, health care, and insurance agencies.
Along with the majority of cities in Ohio, Westerville is currently in a hot seller's market. The median home value in Westerville is $291,500. Home values have gone up 1.3% over the past year and Zillowpredicts they will rise 0.6% within the next year. The median price of homes currently listed in Westerville is $349,900 while the median price of homes that sold is $320,600.
5. Powell
Powell is another suburb that further proves Ohio is a great state to live in. This town sits peacefully in Delaware County with a population of 12,300. Not only do they have a highly rated school system, they have local libraries, parks, and farmers markets for their residents to enjoy.
In Powell, the median household income is $139,851, which is growing at an outstanding rate of 5.22% each year. Not only is this almost triple the national average, but it exceeds the median income of other cities just like it. Poverty is also at a low, sitting at only 1.01%.
Powell's real estate market is heating up and is moving into a seller's market. The median home value in Powell is $366,600. Powell home values have declined 1.5% over the past year and Zillowpredicts they will fall 1.0% within the next year. The median price of homes currently listed in Powell is $429,450 while the median price of homes that sold is $365,800.
The benefits of a great real estate agent
If you're just researching affordable places to live, you might wonder why you need a real estate agent. They're the ones that help you once you've already decided on a house, right?
Not necessarily. The truth is, it's never too early to start looking for an agent. In fact, talking to a realtor early on in the process can help you narrow down your options much faster than doing research on your own.
A real estate agent's job is to know everything about their local area. They'll find the best deals in desirable neighborhoods — and might just help you snag your dream home for an affordable price. Let a Clever agent help you discover your options today — all while you enjoy 0.5% cash back!
Frequently asked questions about affordable places to live in Ohio
In addition to shopping in some of the most affordable areas, you'll want to work with an experienced real estate agent. They can find you hidden gems at low price points. A good agent can also negotiate like a pro to get you a lower sale price and more buyer incentives. You may also be able to take advantage of home buyer rebates.
We recommend using the 28/36 rule to know how much house you can afford. This means your housing expenses shouldn't exceed 28% of your income, and all of your total debt shouldn't exceed 36%. Learn more about how to calculate your home buying budget.