A recent report listed these six Ohio cities among the best in the United States

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – Six Ohio cities rank among the best in the United States, according to a recent report by a global tourism adviser.

Resonance determined the 100 “best cities” in America by analyzing more than 400 metropolitan areas across the country with a population greater than 500,000, based on their quality of life, culture and economy. New York, Los Angeles and Chicago took the top three spots, respectively.

Out of all Ohio cities that made the list, Columbus ranked the highest at No. 33. The company called Columbus a “Midwest magnet,” noting the city added more than 30,000 residents in 2024 – a growth rate 38% higher than the national average. The report pointed to Ohio State University, along with Google, Intel and Amazon expanding their footprints in the Columbus area, as factors behind the city’s growing popularity. 

Cleveland placed next at No. 40, with the study praising the city for its urban investments such as its $150‑million revamp of the Cleveland Museum of Natural History. The report also highlighted the city’s presence of large employers, including Sherwin-Williams, which has provided thousands of jobs. 

The study ranked Cincinnati at No. 51, calling it “Ohio’s fun-loving economic epicenter.” The city is fueled by locally headquartered Fortune 500 companies such as Kroger and has a diverse restaurant scene, the report stated. 

Dayton, at No. 77, was praised as an "aerospace hub" with "countless green spaces." The Gem City boasted the nation’s fourth most affordable housing and saw $400 million in new investments in its downtown area in 2024, double that of 2023.

Closely following Dayton in the rankings is Toledo (No. 79), which had the second-most affordable housing in the country. Resonance called the city an “arts and culture hub,” anchored by the world-renowned Toledo Museum of Art, plus an “epic” zoo. 

The last Ohio city featured on the list was Akron, at No. 84. The city is one of the world’s leading polymer centers, and is home to two Fortune 500 companies: Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company, and FirstEnergy Corp. It also ranks 10th in the nation for green spaces.

Resonance’s full list and methodology can be found here.