Retirement in Ohio offers a number of benefits, including high quality of life and low cost of living. However, there are some drawbacks to living in the Buckeye State, some of which might be deal breakers depending on your priorities. For example, some retirees rank opportunities for recreation and leisure at the top of their wish lists while others care more about security and physical and emotional well being. Like any other state, Ohio offers both good and bad, and evaluating the pros and cons will help you make the most informed decision you can. If you're considering spending your retirement in Ohio, weigh these potential drawbacks before making a decision.
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- High Crime Rate - In 2012, MoneyRates ranked Ohio as the sixth worst place to retire, in part because of the high rate of property crime. By the second quarter of 2014, however, property crimes had decreased by 4.1 percent from the same time the previous year, according to the Office of Criminal Justice Services. However, according to the National Institute of Corrections, as of 2013 Ohio's overall crime rate was still 5 percent higher than the national average, and its property crime rate, which accounted for 91 percent of crimes, was 9 percent higher than the national average.
- High Taxes - According to WalletHub, as of 2015 Ohio's average state and local tax rate was 21 percent higher than the national average. MarketWatch, in the article "Retire Here, Not There," also noted the state's high income and estate taxes as one downside to retiring there.
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- Low Overall Satisfaction - Ohio boasts many perks, including economic advantages, but for some senior citizens these don't outweigh the downsides. In fact, many report low overall satisfaction with life in the state. Ohio scored in the bottom 10 of the 2014 Gallup Healthways Well-being Index, marking the state's seventh consecutive appearance on the list. The index measures factors like purpose, social relationships, financial wellbeing, community ties, and physical health.
- Less-than-ideal Weather - Ohio offers plentiful opportunities for travel, recreation, and entertainment, but inclement weather could prevent you from enjoying them. The Gallup index ranked the state near the bottom of the list – 17th in the nation – for weather. Website FiveThirtyEight ranked Cincinnati as fourth out of a list of 120 cities for unpredictable weather.
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