Ohio, known as the Buckeye State, offers a diverse range of living environments, from bustling urban centers to peaceful suburban neighborhoods.
Deciding where to live in Ohio depends on various factors such as lifestyle preferences, job opportunities, education, and community amenities. This article explores some of the best cities in Ohio, highlighting what makes each of them unique and desirable.
Cincinnati
Cincinnati, Ohio, is bustling with events and developments that make it an exciting place to live and visit in 2024. One of the city's most anticipated events is the BLINK Festival, set to return from October 17-20.
This festival, which transforms over 30 city blocks with light, art, and projection mapping, drew more than 2 million visitors and generated $126 million in economic impact in 2022.
The 2024 edition promises to be even more spectacular, featuring a vibrant parade and numerous art installations, showcasing the city's commitment to cultural and community engagement.
In addition to BLINK, Cincinnati is also gearing up for the Taste of Cincinnati, one of the nation's longest-running culinary arts festivals. Scheduled for May 25-27, this event will feature a wide array of food from local vendors, entertainment, and activities for all ages.
It's a major highlight for food enthusiasts and a testament to Cincinnati's rich culinary scene.
Moreover, the city will be a prime viewing spot for the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, with ideal viewing locations including Miami Whitewater Forest and Crosby Township Park, offering a unique natural spectacle for residents and visitors alike.
Columbus
Columbus, Ohio, is gearing up for an exciting year in 2024 with a plethora of events and activities that highlight the city's vibrant culture and community spirit.
One of the most anticipated events is the Stonewall Columbus Pride Festival, which celebrates its 42nd year. This event has grown significantly since its inception in 1982, now attracting over 700,000 visitors.
The festival features a variety of activities throughout June, including the Pride Hop, Pride Brunch, and the Grand Pride March and Festival at Goodale Park. These events not only celebrate the LGBTQ+ community but also serve as major fundraisers for Stonewall Columbus, supporting various community programs and services throughout the year.
Additionally, Columbus will host the 62nd annual Columbus Arts Festival from June 7-9, 2024, at the downtown riverfront.
This festival is a staple in the city's cultural calendar, showcasing works from juried artists, live performances on multiple stages, and a variety of food and beverage options. For those interested in unique celestial events, Columbus will be an excellent spot to witness the 2024 total solar eclipse on April 8.
The city will experience near totality with peak viewing around 3:12 PM ET, making it a rare and exciting event for both residents and visitors. These events, among many others, underscore Columbus as a dynamic and engaging place to live and visit in 2024.
Cleveland
Cleveland, Ohio, is set for a vibrant 2024, hosting a range of major events that highlight its cultural and sporting prowess. One of the most significant events is the Pan-American Masters Games, scheduled for July 12-21.
This international multi-sport event will be the largest gathering of its kind in Northeast Ohio, attracting over 7,500 athletes from more than 50 countries. The Games will feature 26 sports and 30 disciplines, including track and field, tennis, and cycling.
The event is expected to provide an economic impact of over $18 million to the local economy and will continue to solidify Cleveland's reputation as a prime location for major sporting events.
In addition to the Pan-American Masters Games, Cleveland will also host the 2024 NCAA Women's Final Four from April 5-7 at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.
This prestigious college basketball event will bring the top women's teams to the city, providing an estimated economic impact of $280 million. Moreover, Cleveland is gearing up for WWE's SummerSlam on August 3, marking the first time this major wrestling event will be held in the city since 1996.
SummerSlam, along with Friday Night SmackDown and other fan events, is expected to draw thousands of visitors and further boost the local economy.
These events, coupled with celebrations such as the 50th anniversary of Cuyahoga Valley National Park, underscore Cleveland's dynamic and multifaceted appeal in 2024.
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Dublin
Dublin, Ohio, is gearing up for an exciting 2024 with several key events and attractions that highlight its vibrant community and cultural heritage. One of the major highlights is the Dublin Irish Festival, scheduled for the first weekend of August.
This festival, known as the world's largest three-day Irish celebration, is expected to draw over 100,000 attendees. It features seven stages and more than 800 performers, offering a diverse array of music, dance, and cultural presentations.
The festival also includes various competitions such as the Stones of Strength Championship and the Dublin Irish Festival 5K and Kids Dash, making it a family-friendly event.
In addition to the Irish Festival, Dublin will experience a rare celestial event on April 8, 2024—the total solar eclipse. The city is within the path of totality, promising about 90 seconds of total darkness at around 3:11 PM.
This event, dubbed "Dublin in the Dark," is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, as the next total solar eclipse visible in Ohio won't occur until 2099. To enhance the experience, several local hotels are offering exclusive rooftop viewing packages.
Furthermore, the city will continue to host its popular Dublin Market at Bridge Park, where visitors can enjoy local produce, crafts, and live entertainment every Saturday morning.
Hudson
Hudson, Ohio, is set for an exciting year in 2024, offering a range of events and activities that highlight its vibrant community and historical charm. One of the standout events is the Hudson Home and Garden Tour, scheduled for June 21-22.
This annual tour allows visitors to explore beautiful homes, gardens, and outdoor living spaces, with volunteer hostesses providing interesting details about each property.
The event includes a Garden Shop at East Woods School, offering gardening tools, plants, and other garden-related items, as well as a Tea Room where guests can enjoy specially brewed teas and homemade cookies.
Another major event in Hudson is the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024. The city will experience approximately four minutes of total darkness around 3:10 PM. Hudson is preparing for an influx of visitors, with local officials recommending that residents and visitors plan to minimize traffic congestion and ensure a safe and enjoyable viewing experience. The city has already distributed over 3,000 free eclipse glasses to residents to promote safe viewing practices.
Additionally, Hudson's extensive park system and walkable downtown area make it an ideal location for both residents and visitors to enjoy this rare astronomical event.
Pepper Pike
Pepper Pike, Ohio, a picturesque suburb of Cleveland, is preparing for an exciting year in 2024 with several significant events and community projects. One of the key highlights is the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024. Pepper Pike will experience approximately three minutes and 41 seconds of total darkness at around 3:14 PM.
This rare celestial event has sparked a lot of excitement among residents and visitors alike, with local authorities distributing eclipse glasses to ensure safe viewing practices.
The city is also coordinating with Summit County and state emergency management agencies to handle the expected influx of visitors and to ensure smooth traffic and safety during the event.
In addition to the eclipse, Pepper Pike is focusing on various community improvements and events. The Lander Road Recreational Trail project is one of the key developments, recommended to be built on the east side of the street to enhance safety and aesthetics.
This project is part of the city's broader efforts to improve local infrastructure and recreational facilities. Moreover, the Gates Mills Boulevard Linear Park project, which involves engaging landscape architects for its design, aims to provide more green spaces for residents to enjoy.
These initiatives reflect Pepper Pike's commitment to maintaining a high quality of life for its residents through thoughtful urban planning and community engagement.
Lakewood
Lakewood, Ohio, is buzzing with activity in 2024, offering a plethora of events and community initiatives that highlight its vibrant culture. One of the key highlights this year is the 2024 Front Porch Concert Series, running from June 7 to July 26.
This series features free live music performances every Friday evening, initially at the Lakewood Public Library and later at Madison Park Pavilion. The lineup includes a variety of talented artists, such as Jacob Johnson, the Alla Boara Quartet, and Cats on Holiday, providing a diverse musical experience for residents and visitors alike. This annual event is a beloved tradition in Lakewood, fostering community spirit and showcasing local talent.
In addition to the concert series, Lakewood is preparing for the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024. The city will experience totality starting at 3:13 PM, lasting for nearly four minutes.
To accommodate the influx of visitors expected to witness this rare event, Lakewood has implemented special measures, including extended park hours and increased public safety protocols.
The Lakewood Police and Fire Departments, along with the Department of Public Works, are ensuring the city is well-prepared for the event.
This preparation underscores Lakewood’s commitment to providing a safe and enjoyable experience for both residents and visitors during significant events.
