We know about the Ohio cities poised for future prosperity.
Now, four Ohio cities sit among the nation’s best places to live, work and visit, according to a new national ranking.
The 2026 “America’s Best Cities” report from international consulting firm Resonance ranks the top 100 U.S. metro areas based on their appeal as places to live, visit and do business. Four Ohio metros made the list, including three in the top 50.
Here’s more on the ranking and what made these Ohio cities stand out.
Columbus stands one of America’s best cities thanks to tech growth
At No. 34, Columbus is the top Ohio city on the list. Resonance, the company behind the rankings, describes Columbus as a fast-growing tech and talent hub, including a growing data center footprint and major investments from Intel, Amazon (Amazon Web Services) and Google.
It also highlights Columbus’ booming restaurant and nightlife scene and large infrastructure projects such as a new $2 billion airport terminal and convention center upgrades to contribute to the city’s growth.
Cincinnati tourism and culture make it one of America’s best cities
Cincinnati, ranked No. 40, is described to have a combination of corporate strength, tourism, and culture. The report highlights a major $264 million convention center renovation and planned headquarters hotel, while the city’s shopping districts, festivals (such as Taste of Cincinnati, BLINK and Oktoberfest), and nightlife drive year‑round visitor appeal.
Cleveland’s multibillion-dollar projects encourage growth
Cleveland ranks just behind Cincinnati at No. 41, which the report says is in the middle of a large-scale urban resurgence, driven by major corporate, cultural, and infrastructure investments.
Projects like the new Sherwin‑Williams headquarters, expansion of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and other multibillion-dollar projects are said to signal sustained transformation, the report notes. The report describes Cleveland as an increasingly revitalized, affordable destination gaining national attention
Toledo ranks near bottom of list at No. 99
Toledo ranks No. 99, near the bottom of the top 100, followed only by Amherst Town, Massachusetts. The city stands out for its affordability, particularly in the housing market compared with higher-cost metros.
Dayton and Akron, two cities featured on the 2025 Resonance list of top cities, according to NBC 4, fell out of the rankings this year.
Canton among best small cities
Canton ranked No. 100 on the Resonance list of best small cities with a high rating for its lovability and a strong score for its livability.
How the 2026 Best Cities rankings were calculated
The annual report is essentially a “report card for U.S. cities,” blending economic data, quality‑of‑life indicators, and public perception to rank where Americans most want to live, visit, and work. Cities are scored across factors such as livability, lovability and prosperity.
Top 10 cities in 2026 ‘Best Cities’ ranking
The top 10 cities in the ranking are:
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: 4 Ohio cities make ‘America’s Best Cities’ ranking for 2026
Reporting by Alex Perry, USA TODAY NETWORK / The Columbus Dispatch
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Alex Perry, USA TODAY NETWORK | USA TODAY Network
