The Most Beautiful City in Ohio, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the city you think is the most beautiful!

Updated on Apr 25, 2024 06:18

When you think about traveling within Ohio, the charm and beauty of its cities often come to mind. Yet, how does one decide on the best destination when each city offers its own unique landscapes and vibrant corners? Having a ranked list of the most beautiful cities can help travelers and locals alike make informed decisions, prioritizing where to visit based on collective opinions. Such a list not only spotlights top picks but also reveals hidden gems across the state. It invites participation from everyone, giving a voice to personal experiences and cherished memories. By voting for your favorite city, you contribute to a community-driven guide that empowers others to discover and appreciate Ohio's diverse beauty.

What Is the Most Beautiful City in Ohio?

1

55
votes
Cincinnati

Known for its stunning architecture, vibrant arts scene, and scenic riverfront location.
Cincinnati is a vibrant city located on the Ohio River in southwestern Ohio. It is known for its stunning historic architecture, scenic beauty, and rich cultural heritage. The city offers a perfect blend of modern amenities and a sense of history and tradition.

Population: Estimated population of over 300,000

Riverfront: A picturesque riverfront area with parks, walking trails, and stunning views of the Ohio River

Architecture: Boasts an impressive collection of historic architecture, including stunning Victorian-style buildings

Cultural Institutions: Home to renowned cultural institutions such as the Cincinnati Art Museum, Cincinnati Music Hall, and Cincinnati Museum Center

Gardens: Features beautiful gardens, with the most notable being the Krohn Conservatory and the Spring Grove Cemetery and Arboretum
2

34
votes

Columbus

Home to the Ohio State University, Columbus is a bustling city with a diverse population, great food, and plenty of cultural attractions.
3

16
votes
Cleveland

Cleveland is a city with a rich history, beautiful parks, and world-class museums, including the Cleveland Museum of Art and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Cleveland is a vibrant city located in the state of Ohio. Known for its rich cultural heritage and diverse population, it offers a stunning blend of modern architecture and natural beauty. Situated on the southern shore of Lake Erie, Cleveland is famous for its picturesque waterfront, which provides breathtaking views of the lake and the downtown skyline. The city is home to numerous world-class museums, award-winning restaurants, and a thriving arts and music scene. With its welcoming atmosphere and friendly residents, Cleveland promises an unforgettable experience for visitors and locals alike.

Population: 385,525

Area: 82.47 square miles

Elevation: 653 feet

Major Sports Teams: Cleveland Cavaliers (NBA), Cleveland Indians (MLB), Cleveland Browns (NFL)

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: Located in Cleveland
4

19
votes
Toledo

Known as the "Water Recreation Capital of the Midwest," Toledo is located on the banks of Lake Erie and offers a charming downtown area, great restaurants, and a variety of outdoor activities.
Toledo is a charming city located along the western end of Lake Erie in Ohio. It is known for its diverse blend of cultural influences, thriving arts scene, and historical significance. With its stunning waterfront views, vibrant neighborhoods, and rich industrial heritage, Toledo offers a unique and captivating experience for visitors and residents alike.

Population: Approximately 276,491

Area: 84.12 square miles

Nicknames: {"The Glass City","The Auto Parts Capital of the World"}

Industries: {"Glass manufacturing","Automotive parts","Education","Healthcare","Research"}

Cultural Attractions: {"Toledo Museum of Art","Toledo Zoo","Imagination Station","Toledo Botanical Garden"}
5

11
votes
Akron

Located in the heart of the Ohio and Erie Canalway, Akron is a city with a strong industrial past and a thriving arts and culture scene.
Akron is a vibrant and diverse city nestled in northeast Ohio. It is known for its stunning natural landscapes, rich history, and thriving arts scene. With a population of over 197,000 residents, Akron is the fifth-largest city in Ohio and offers a unique blend of urban amenities and outdoor beauty.

Location: Located in Summit County, northeast Ohio

Size: Approximately 62.03 square miles

Population: Over 197,000 residents

Elevation: Approximately 1,050 feet

Nicknames: Rubber City, City of Invention, Rubber Capital of the World
6

6
votes
Nyttend · Public domain

Chagrin Falls

A picturesque village located in the heart of the Chagrin River Valley, Chagrin Falls is known for its charming downtown area, scenic waterfalls, and historic architecture.
Chagrin Falls is a charming and picturesque city located in Cuyahoga County, Ohio. The city is well-known for its stunning waterfalls and scenic beauty, making it one of the most beautiful destinations in Ohio. Nestled along the Chagrin River, the falls add a touch of natural elegance to the city and create a captivating atmosphere for visitors and locals alike.

Population: approximately 4,000 residents

Location: Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Waterfall Height: about 20 feet

Historical Significance: Listed on the National Register of Historic Places

Scenic Beauty: Breathtaking views of the falls and surrounding nature
7

17
votes
Oxford

Home to Miami University, Oxford is a small college town with a lively arts scene and a charming downtown area.
Oxford is a historic and picturesque city located in the county of Oxfordshire, England. It is renowned for its prestigious university, stunning architecture, and rich cultural heritage. With its charming cobblestone streets, beautiful riverside scenery, and well-preserved medieval buildings, Oxford exudes a timeless and captivating atmosphere.

University of Oxford: One of the oldest and most esteemed universities in the world, dating back to the 12th century.

Architecture: Featuring a remarkable blend of architectural styles including Gothic, Baroque, Neoclassical, and Modernist designs.

Dreaming Spires: Oxford is often referred to as the 'City of Dreaming Spires' due to its numerous spires and towers.

Bodleian Library: A legendary library that houses millions of books, including rare manuscripts and notable literary treasures.

Radcliffe Camera: An iconic circular building serving as a reading room for the Bodleian Library.
8

8
votes
Marietta

Located on the banks of the Ohio River, Marietta is a historic town with a rich heritage and a beautiful downtown area.
Marietta is a charming city located in Washington County, Ohio. It is often regarded as one of the most picturesque and beautiful cities in the state. The city is known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and scenic landscapes.

Population: Approximately 14,000

Founded: 1788

Location: Situated at the confluence of the Muskingum and Ohio Rivers

Architecture: Limestone and brick buildings from the 19th century

Landmarks: Historic Harmar Village, The Castle, Ohio River Museum, Campus Martius Museum
9

17
votes
Jamie Holly · CC BY-SA 2.0

Yellow Springs

William Mills

Known for its eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, and galleries, Yellow Springs is a vibrant community with a strong arts and culture scene.
Yellow Springs is a charming village located in southwestern Ohio, known for its natural beauty and vibrant arts community. Set against the backdrop of the scenic Glen Helen Nature Preserve, the town offers a unique and idyllic atmosphere. With its historic buildings and tree-lined streets, Yellow Springs exudes a small-town charm that attracts visitors from near and far.

Population: Approximately 3,500

Size: 1.9 square miles

Location: Greene County, Ohio

Natural Attractions: Glen Helen Nature Preserve, John Bryan State Park

Arts and Culture: Home to numerous art galleries, a community theater, and the Yellow Springs Arts Council
10

9
votes
Granville

A charming New England-style village located in central Ohio, Granville is known for its historic architecture, quaint downtown area, and beautiful natural surroundings.
Granville is a picturesque village located in Licking County, Ohio. It is often considered one of the most beautiful cities in the state, known for its charming, small-town atmosphere and stunning natural surroundings. With its well-preserved historic buildings, tree-lined streets, and proximity to scenic landscapes, Granville attracts visitors and residents alike, offering a serene and idyllic living environment.

Population: Approximately 5,700

Location: Licking County, Ohio

Size: 5.39 square miles

Historical Significance: Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, with many well-preserved 19th-century buildings

Natural Features: Surrounded by rolling hills and beautiful landscapes, including nearby Welsh Hills

Missing your favorite city?

Graphs

Discussion

Ranking factors for beautiful city

Natural beauty

Consider the presence of rivers, lakes, parks, gardens, and other natural attractions that enhance the city's visual appeal.
Architecture and landmarks

Evaluate the city's architectural style, historical buildings, iconic landmarks, and other structures that add to its overall beauty.
Cleanliness and sustainability

Assess the city's efforts to maintain cleanliness, minimize pollution, and implement environmentally friendly practices.
Urban planning and layout

Examine the city's organization, including street layout, transportation infrastructure, and pedestrian-friendly spaces.
Cultural attractions and public spaces

Account for the city's museums, galleries, theaters, and other art attractions, as well as public spaces such as plazas and parks that are visually appealing and accessible to all.
Neighborhood and street aesthetics

Investigate the beauty of individual neighborhoods and streets, including how well they are maintained and their overall attractiveness.
Greenery and tree coverage

Evaluate the presence and quality of green spaces, parks, and tree-lined streets within the city.
Waterfront and skyline

Assess the city's waterfront areas, as well as the beauty and variety of its skyline.
Seasonal beauty

Consider how the city's overall appearance changes throughout the year, accounting for seasonal attractions and foliage.
Local culture and history

Factor in the city's unique culture and history, which may contribute to its overall beauty and charm.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most beautiful city in Ohio. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or city is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

2219 views
184 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each city once every 24 hours. The rank of each city is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

Trendings topics

Don't miss out on the currently trending topics of StrawPoll Rankings!

Local Attractions

The Most Difficult Paganini Caprice: Ranking the Challenging Virtuosic Works

More information on most beautiful city in ohio

Ohio is a state with a rich history and diverse geography, boasting bustling cities, charming small towns, and picturesque natural landscapes. It is no surprise that Ohio has many beautiful cities to explore, each with its unique character and charm. From the vibrant streets of Columbus to the historic neighborhoods of Cincinnati, Ohio has something for everyone. Whether you are looking for stunning architecture, lush green spaces, or exciting cultural attractions, Ohio's cities have it all. In this poll, we are asking our users to weigh in on what they believe to be the most beautiful city in Ohio, based on their personal experiences and preferences. So, let's explore the top contenders and see which city comes out on top!