10 Healthiest Cities in Ohio

Whether you’re relocating to the Buckeye State or moving within the state, Ohio’s cities have plenty to offer, particularly if you’re looking to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle. If you’re not sure where to move, NewHomeSource has compiled a list of the 10 healthiest cities in Ohio.

1. Upper Arlington
2. Westlake
3. Hudson
4. Dublin
5. Solon
6. Shaker Heights
7. Rocky River
8. Sylvania
9. Broadview Heights
10. Strongsville

1. Upper Arlington

Niche fitness score: A

Smoking rate: 10.4

Physical inactivity rate: 15.7

Air quality rate: 23

Located just northwest of Columbus, Upper Arlington ranks as the healthiest city in Ohio. Stay fit and meet more members of your community by joining the Scioto Country Club or, if you’re affiliated with the university, The Ohio State University Golf Club. The Scioto River runs along the city’s western border, and the riverside parks are a great place to go for a morning run. During winter, visit Thompson Park and go sledding on the hill!

2. Westlake

Niche fitness score: A

Smoking rate: 11.9

Physical inactivity rate: 16.2

Air quality rate: 37

Westlake is located about 15 miles west of downtown Cleveland. The community has wellness programs that assist residents with staying on top of their health, including exercise programs, blood pressure screenings, and general health screenings. The community garden allows folks to grow produce across 48 plots and share healthy food with their neighbors. Enjoy running, swimming, and playing sports at popular locations like Clague Park.

3. Hudson

Niche fitness score: A-

Smoking rate: 12.7

Physical inactivity rate: 17.8

Air quality rate: 37

Hudson is located in northern Ohio, approximately 30 miles southeast of Cleveland. With 20 parks spanning 1,128 acres, Hudson residents have plenty of open space where they can go for a run and to hike. Sports enthusiasts will love the multiple soccer fields and baseball diamonds in Barlow Farm Park; the park also contains playgrounds and two miles of multipurpose trails. If you’re looking for a new hiking path, try the half-mile trail in Bicentennial Woods, one of the last hardwood forests in Hudson.

4. Dublin

Niche fitness score: A-

Smoking rate: 11.7

Physical inactivity rate: 13.9

Air quality rate: 23

Located along the Scioto River, Dublin is a great healthy city to call home. It’s also bicycle friendly city with extensive paths through neighborhoods and parks. Some Dublin streets have dedicated bike lanes if you want a workout as you commute to work; the city even has bike repair stations set up along the roads! During winter months, go ice skating at one of two ice rinks or sledding on Dublin’s sledding hill. Dublin partners with nonprofit organizations to provide the city’s youth with recreational sports, ranging from rugby to soccer. Go for a hike through green spaces like the ML “Red” Trabue Nature Reserve, where you can clear your mind and embrace the great outdoors.

5. Solon

Niche fitness score: A-

Smoking rate: 14.0

Physical inactivity rate: 15.3

Air quality rate: 37

Solon is located about 20 miles southeast of Cleveland. If you’re looking to get active, put on your athletic shoes and visit Solon Community Park. The park is home to 10 baseball fields, two playgrounds, and two sand volleyball courts. Solon also has great open spaces if you’re looking to get away from bustling city life. Nearby Bedford Reservation features a beautiful gorge and more than 2,000 acres of space. Solon’s recreation department offers programs for folks of all ages, including aquatics, summer camps, and golf.

6. Shaker Heights

Niche fitness score: A

Smoking rate: 13.2

Physical inactivity rate: 19.9

Air quality rate: 37

Shaker Heights has a variety of parks to explore and activities to engage in. The city’s recreation department provides an online catalog and calendar of activities that you and your family can participate in throughout the year. Visit the Nature Center at Shaker Lakes to walk along two different trails while keeping an eye out for wildlife. If you’re a fan of rock climbing, visit Shaker Rocks, an indoor rock climbing gym.

7. Rocky River

Niche fitness score: A+

Smoking rate: 12.8

Physical inactivity rate: 18.2

Air quality rate: 37

Rocky River is located along the shores of Lake Erie, just west of Cleveland. Named after the river that runs along its eastern border, Rocky River provides ample opportunity for fun and exercise in the water, both outdoors or at the city’s recreation facilities. The city parks are great locations to go running or play a sport. Check out Tri City Park, which features a football and soccer field, six pickleball courts, and six tennis courts.

8. Sylvania

Niche fitness score: A-

Smoking rate: 14.2

Physical inactivity rate: 17.6

Air quality rate: 25

Sylvania is located in northern Ohio along the Ohio-Michigan border. Enjoy 252 acres of parkland across the city for your jogging and walking needs. If you like sports, check out the Sylvania Tam-O-Shanter ice rink or Highland Meadows Golf Club. Olander Park’s lake makes for a beautiful backdrop for your morning jog; the park also has multiple playgrounds and allows boating, fishing, and swimming.

9. Broadview Heights

Niche fitness score: B+

Smoking rate: 15.5

Physical inactivity rate: 16.9

Air quality rate: 37

Located about 17 miles south of Cleveland, Broadview Heights is a community of approximately 20,000 residents. The city has multiple golf courses, swimming pools, and sports fields. In warmer weather, take your family to the Broadview Heights Splash Park to cool down. Broadview Heights’ parks and recreation department partners with organizations that provide youth sports, swimming lessons, and more to keep your family moving.

10. Strongsville

Niche fitness score: B+

Smoking rate: 14.4

Physical inactivity rate: 21.1

Air quality rate: 37

Last but certainly not least is Strongsville! If you love the great outdoors, be sure to visit Mill Stream Run Reservation. The park is a great place for swimming, boating, sledding, and more. The reservation also has dedicated hiking trails that are shared with mountain bikers. You’ll find swimming pools and sports courts and fields across Strongsville, as well. The Strongsville Recreation & Senior Center offers health and wellness programs for individuals of all ages.

For more information on moving to Ohio, check out our articles on the most affordable and safest cities as well as the best state parks. When you’re ready, you can get started building your new home in Ohio or shop the daily listings at NewHomeSource.