2023 Best Places to Live in Portage County

• Suburb of Cleveland, OH

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  Rating 3.83 out of 5  71 reviews

Current Resident: I have lived here my whole life. I grew up on the golf course. Aurora taught me a lot about skinned knees and growing pains as a youth, and now its schools are prepping me well to send me to college. Most recent alumni I've spoken to have said their workload is actually far less rigorous than it had been at AHS. Apart from its schools, it's filled with parks and places to relax. Anywhere you go you will find trees and wildlife and in some areas, sand and water. Aurora is truly my favorite place in the world to be, but then again I am a homebody. Anyway, it's great here and if you're considering moving, do it. If you have kids they'll grow up in a safe place with great schools, and if not you'll find a lot of exciting nightlife opportunities here or in the surrounding Cleveland area/downtown.... Read 71 reviews

• grade A

• grade A

• Population 17,108

• Town in Ohio

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  Rating 4.11 out of 5  9 reviews

Current Resident: Hiram is quite average. Overall, the people are nice, the roads are drivable and the college adds a nice energy to the town, but beware: around here, people lose their minds over school funding. It’s insane. Every year, there are massive signs put up with the name of our local district—Crestwood—with a red circle and slash through it. Granted, there is an amazing group of school administrators and community members working on the other end to try to keep our district afloat, but it is a steep uphill battle. “No” voters have even been known to dump truckloads of manure on the driveway of anyone who disagrees. Also be aware that Hiram is ~15 minutes from everything (most restaurants, entertainment and errands), though there are some options closer by (I would highly recommend Maggie’s Donuts, Fresh Start Diner, Restoration 44 Coffee and Cellar Door Coffee, all locally owned and amazing!).... Read 9 reviews

• grade A

• grade C+

• Population 1,322

• Suburb of Cleveland, OH

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  Rating 4.05 out of 5  174 reviews

Current Resident: I studied at Kent State University for my undergrad, and loved the area! I lived off-campus for 2 years and loved how Kent is a very walkable city. Downtown Kent is a little small but it is nice and cozy! There are plenty of places to grab a bite to eat whether you want something on the cheap or more expensive side. Additionally, the river walking path is a must-to-do on a nice day! Kent became my home for 4 years and might be for a few more!... Read 174 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A minus

• Population 27,912

• Suburb of Cleveland, OH

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  Rating 3.69 out of 5  58 reviews

Current Resident: I have lived in Streetsboro my whole life, there's lots of very nice neighborhoods along with more affordable housing and great apartment complexes. The city has a Parks and Rec Program that's perfect for kids and the schools are all newly renovated/built, equipped with the best learning programs. The high school is definitely the best part, with its unique programs including a live radio station, songwriting, TV productions and so many more. Overall growing up here has been very enjoyable!... Read 58 reviews

• grade B+

• grade B minus

• Population 17,282

• Town in Ohio

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  Rating 4 out of 5  10 reviews

Current Resident: I love living here! Everything is in close distance of each other, with multiple places for grocery shopping, restaurants, bars, and entertainment! There are also plenty of sidewalks for areas to safely walk around town. However one downside is we no longer have a dispatcher for our local police department. It takes longer for you to get help because you get transferred to the sheriff's department.... Read 10 reviews

• grade B

• grade B minus

• Population 2,655

• Suburb of Cleveland, OH

• grade B minus

• grade B minus

• Population 3,585

• Suburb of Cleveland, OH

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  Rating 3.23 out of 5  40 reviews

Works Here: I moved to Ravenna a year ago and can't say enough about this quaint and charming community. It's up and coming with many community-focused organizations revitalizing the historic downtown, events are happening all the time and businesses are opening up! It's a safe, affordable community and the schools are doing well.... Read 40 reviews

• grade C+

• grade C minus

• Population 11,369

• Town in Ohio

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  Rating 3.6 out of 5  5 reviews

Current Resident: This town is full of history, love, and friendship. With the arsenal right next to us we have had many different people come and go through the year. It became a very diverse small village. Having grown up their I knew all of my neighbors. The love for our small town will never fade. Going to Windham schools I have become friends with everyone in my class and most from the school itself. One small town, one big heart.... Read 5 reviews

• grade C

• grade C

• Population 1,785

• Suburb of Cleveland, OH

• grade A

• grade A minus

• Population 335

• Suburb of Cleveland, OH

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  Rating 4 out of 5  2 reviews

Niche User: There can be some improvements. However, the police are very concerned about the well-being of individuals in their town. The only concern is keeping down town cleaner... Read 2 reviews

• grade A

• grade A minus

• Population 6,282

• Suburb of Cleveland, OH

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  Rating 4.67 out of 5  9 reviews

Current Resident: It's great here! I am currently a resident of Brimfield. I love this town, it has so much to offer. I personally love our local historical society, The Kelso House.... Read 9 reviews

• grade B+

• grade B minus

• Population 11,273

• Suburb of Cleveland, OH

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  Rating 3.81 out of 5  27 reviews

Current Resident: Rootstown is a small and close-knit area. Full of mostly elderly people and young families. It is technically a college town, home to the Northeast Ohio Medical University. It's elementary, middle, and high school buildings are all right next to each other; this furthermore enforces that close-knit characteristic. However, as it stands right now the schools are declining in enrollment and funding. This is partly because of the burgeoning high school known as Bio-Med, which Rootstown is also home to.... Read 27 reviews

• grade B

• grade B minus

• Population 8,584

• Suburb of Cleveland, OH

• grade B

• grade A minus

• Population 883

• Town in Ohio

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  Rating 3 out of 5  5 reviews

• grade B

• grade B minus

• Population 2,145

• Suburb of Cleveland, OH

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  Rating 4 out of 5  11 reviews

Current Resident: I love living in Suffield due to it being a rural town, but have amenities within driving distance. I am able to keep my farm animals at home, and have more freedom to express myself. I do wish that the township itself was a bit friendlier to their residents and are more willing to help out when one is in need... Read 11 reviews

• grade B

• grade B minus

• Population 6,041

Niche User: Love the small town country feel! Great place to live.... Read 1 review

• grade B

• grade C+

• Population 4,621

• Town in Ohio

• grade B

• grade B minus

• Population 3,123

• Town in Ohio

• grade B minus

• grade B minus

• Population 2,285

• Town in Ohio

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  Rating 3.33 out of 5  9 reviews

Current Resident: Randolph Ohio, a small town in Portage County, but also a great one. Surrounded by friendly people, a large fair and a community that really cares.... Read 9 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade C+

• Population 5,311

• Suburb of Cleveland, OH

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  Rating 2.88 out of 5  8 reviews

Current Resident: Shakers Villegas is a small community in between country living and minutes to the city.. I enjoy my neighborhood. They are friendly caring people. The schools are great and have good ratings.. I moved here from the city and I love it!! There are plenty of jobs around and the town is always improving. Come vist.. and see for yourself.... Read 8 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade C+

• Population 5,291

• Town in Ohio

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  Rating 3.07 out of 5  15 reviews

Current Resident: Humble little town. Friendly people. Great scenery. A lot of nice homes too. Next to zero crime and the high school/junior high school, and middle schools are basically brand new high tech buildings.... Read 15 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade B minus

• Population 2,806

• Town in Ohio

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  Rating 4 out of 5  9 reviews

Current Resident: Mantua Schools are messed up, but the town is quiet and cute. Mantua Schools are messed up, but the town is quiet and cute. Mantua Schools are messed up, but the town is quiet and cute. Mantua Schools are messed up, but the town is quiet and cute. Mantua Schools are messed up, but the town is quiet and cute. Mantua Schools are messed up, but the town is quiet and cute. vMantua Schools are messed up, but the town is quiet and cute. Mantua Schools are messed up, but the town is quiet and cute. vMantua Schools are messed up, but the town is quiet and cute. Mantua Schools are messed up, but the town is quiet and cute. Mantua Schools are messed up, but the town is quiet and cute. Mantua Schools are messed up, but the town is quiet and cute. Mantua Schools are messed up, but the town is quiet and cute. Mantua Schools are messed up, but the town is quiet and cute. Mantua Schools are messed up, but the town is quiet and cute. Mantua Schools are messed up, but the town is quiet and cute.... Read 9 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade C+

• Population 771

• Town in Ohio

• grade B minus

• grade B minus

• Population 2,845

• Town in Ohio

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  Rating 3 out of 5  3 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade B minus

• Population 2,682

• grade B minus

• grade B minus

• Population 1,532