7 Ohio towns make America’s Best Cities list: See Top 100

Seven towns in Ohio were named to the Top 100 America’s Best Cities, according to a report from Resonance, a tourism, real estate and economic advisory company.

The report compared U.S. metropolitan areas with populations of 500,000 or more across three categories: Livability, such as cost of living, walkability, sights and landmarks, and more; lovability, such as professional sports teams, restaurants, nightlife, museums and more; and prosperity, including education, airport connectivity, Fortune 500 companies headquartered, and more.

Columbus, Ohio, is the 34th-best city in the U.S. and the highest-ranked in Ohio, according to Resonance’s report, which describes the Buckeye State capital as “a Midwest masterpiece.”

“Ohio’s capital and largest city is one of America’s fastest-growing places—an economic powerhouse that’s also home to Ohio State University (#23 in our University subcategory),” the report states.

“And Buckeye football isn’t the university’s only contribution to the local economy: with more OSU graduates deciding to stay in town, Columbus is an emerging tech mecca with a thriving arts scene. The city is buoyed by a growing number of startups, as well as by top employer Ohio State and a Top 25 ranking for Fortune 500s (including Nationwide Mutual Insurance and L Brands),” the report adds.

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Not far behind 34th-ranked Columbus is Cleveland ranked as the 40th best city in the U.S., according to Resonance. The Northeast Ohio city is described as the “City of Champions” and a place “where second-tier-city cool meets affordability.”

“Few American cities boast a rebirth story like Cleveland’s,” the report states.

“Increasingly diversified universities and colleges welcome students with open arms… and with 40-plus breweries, growing urban wineries (you read that right) and lauded restaurants that don’t just fill bellies but also mission statements,” the report adds. “Young talent has plenty of reasons to stay, from affordable housing (ranking #17 in our Average Rent subcategory) to a revitalized, walkable downtown of late 19th-century architecture and stately streetscapes.”

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Cincinnati, Ohio, ranked two spots behind Cleveland at No. 42 on the list of America’s Best Cities, according to Resonance.

“Cincinnati has simmered with vibrancy for a few years now, and as second-tier cities ascend, its time has come,” the report reads. “Already an economic force—with a Top 25 Fortune 500 ranking and reaching #15 in our Patents subcategory—the city is investing in its ability to get business done. A new downtown district surrounding the Duke Energy Convention Center should be completed over the next year or two, which will dramatically improve the city’s already impressive #19 Convention Center ranking.”

Beyond Columbus, Cleveland and Cincinnati, four additional Ohio towns rank among America’s Best Cities. Akron ranks 63rd, Dayton ranks 68th, Toledo places 71st and Youngstown is 95th among the Top 100 cities in the U.S., per Resonance.

The full report from Resonance on America’s Best Cities can be found online.