Why Ohio Should Be on Every Real Estate Investor’s Radar

If you're a real estate investor searching for prime opportunities, Ohio deserves your attention. With three of its cities ranking in Realtor.com’s top 10 U.S. markets for real estate investing, the Buckeye State is proving to be a hotspot for strategic investors.

Dayton Leads the Charge

Dayton has taken the No. 1 spot as the hottest real estate market for investors in 2024. With a population of around 135,000, the city is attractive for its affordability and increasing demand. The rental vacancy rate is just 4.7%, reflecting a tight rental market that’s perfect for those looking to invest. In fact, 13.7% of all buyers in the first quarter of 2024 were investors—just below the national average, indicating strong momentum and interest in the city. Over the past five years, investor activity in Dayton has been steadily rising, making it a key location for anyone looking to expand their portfolio.

Ohio’s Strong Investment Ecosystem

Ohio's appeal doesn't stop with Dayton. Cleveland-Elyria secured the third spot on Realtor.com’s list, and Columbus rounded out the top 10. These cities offer a powerful combination of affordable home prices and strong rental demand, making them prime targets for investors seeking value and growth potential.

This trend isn’t confined to Ohio; across the Midwest and Northeast, many Rust Belt cities are experiencing a resurgence. Rochester, NY ranked second, with Buffalo and Albany also making the list. Once known for their industrial past, these regions are now attracting savvy real estate investors, creating a wave of opportunity in housing markets.

What This Means for Investors

Realtor.com’s chief economist, Danielle Hale, highlights the importance of affordability and high demand in today’s market. “With today’s higher prices and interest rates, understanding which markets offer the best mix of opportunity and growth potential is crucial for long-term success,” Hale said. Dayton and Ohio’s other top markets offer exactly that—low vacancy rates and significant growth potential.

Ohio's local incentives are also playing a role in attracting investors. Opportunity Zones in cities like Columbus offer tax breaks to those investing in lower-income areas, making these markets even more appealing. Properties in these zones are often in high demand, with investors offering cash to secure homes for renovation and resale.

Ready to Invest in Ohio?

Bill Biles, assistant VP at Huntington National Bank, has witnessed the surge of interest in Columbus firsthand. Investors are quickly snapping up properties near popular locations like Nationwide Children’s Hospital, renovating them for both rental income and resale. Ohio’s top markets aren’t just about short-term gains—they provide an opportunity for long-term growth and reliable returns on investment.

If you're looking to expand your real estate portfolio, Ohio is the place to be. Whether it’s Dayton’s standout status, Cleveland’s vibrant investment scene, or Columbus’ strategic opportunities, Ohio offers an excellent mix of affordability, demand, and future growth.

Don’t miss out on these promising markets—your next big investment could be in Ohio!

Need Help with Your Real Estate Investment?

I’m Mitchell Dunn, a seasoned mortgage broker with NEXA Mortgage, and I’m here to help you navigate the mortgage process for your investment properties. Let’s discuss how you can take advantage of Ohio’s booming real estate markets.

Contact Me Today:

📧 Email: [email protected]
📞 Phone: (270) 935-1038
🌐 Website: calldunn.com

Let’s work together to make your next real estate investment a success!