Ohio Real Estate: Top Cities for International Investors
David Garner
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Ohio Real Estate: Top Cities for International Investors in 2025
Published On: June 16th, 2025
For international investors seeking stable returns and robust cash flow in the dynamic U.S. real estate market, overlooked regions often present the most compelling opportunities. While coastal markets grab headlines, states like Ohio offer a unique blend of affordability, economic resilience, and landlord-friendly environments, making them some of the best US property markets for international investors.
Ohio, often recognized for its manufacturing heritage and strategic Midwest location, is undergoing a quiet economic transformation. Its diverse industries, growing tech sector, and lower cost of living compared to national averages translate into strong rental demand and potential for consistent investment yields.
This article delves into the top cities in Ohio for real estate investment in 2025, specifically highlighting factors critical for international investors. We’ll examine key market indicators, economic drivers, and the distinct advantages each location offers, ensuring you’re equipped with the insights to make informed investment decisions.
Why Ohio Appeals to International Investors
Ohio stands out for international investors due to several key advantages:
- Affordability: Compared to pricier coastal markets, Ohio offers significantly lower median home prices, allowing investors to acquire more assets for their capital, potentially leading to higher cash flow.
- Strong Rental Demand: A stable population, diverse job markets, and a significant renter base ensure consistent demand for rental properties.
- Economic Diversification: Ohio’s economy is no longer solely reliant on traditional manufacturing. It boasts growing sectors in technology, healthcare, logistics, and education, providing a stable foundation for job growth and tenant stability.
- Landlord-Friendly Environment: Generally, Ohio’s landlord-tenant laws are considered balanced, providing a more predictable operational environment for property owners.
- Cash Flow Potential: Lower acquisition costs combined with solid rental demand often translate into attractive capitalization rates and positive cash flow, a primary goal for many real estate investors.
Key Investment Factors for International Investors
When evaluating U.S. real estate, international investors should prioritize factors that contribute to long-term stability and consistent returns. In Ohio, these include:
- Job Market & Economic Growth: A robust and diversifying job market ensures a steady stream of tenants and supports property values.
- Population Trends: Stable or growing populations indicate sustained demand for housing.
- Affordability & Rental Yields: The balance between property purchase price and potential rental income is crucial for achieving positive cash flow.
- Median Days to Pending: A lower number indicates a faster-moving market, signaling strong buyer demand.
- Sale-to-List Ratio: A ratio above 100% suggests properties are selling for more than their asking price, indicating a competitive market.
- Inventory Levels: Low inventory can drive prices up and favor sellers, while balanced inventory creates more opportunities for buyers.
Top Cities for Real Estate Investment in Ohio (2025)
Here’s an in-depth look at the top Ohio cities offering promising real estate investment opportunities for international investors:
1. Columbus
As the state capital and largest city, Columbus is a vibrant economic hub. Its diverse economy, anchored by Ohio State University, a thriving tech scene, major corporations (e.g., Nationwide, JPMorgan Chase), and a strong healthcare sector, drives consistent population growth and rental demand. It’s a consistently top-ranked city for job growth.
| Metric | Data (as per source) |
|---|---|
| Median Sale Price | Highly competitive |
| Median Days to Pending | Low |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | Strong, often >100% |
| Inventory | Limited |
| Key Economic Drivers | Tech, Education, Healthcare, Government |
2. Cleveland
Cleveland offers attractive affordability coupled with significant ongoing revitalization efforts. Its economy is strong in healthcare (Cleveland Clinic), biomedical, and manufacturing. The city’s renewed downtown and growing arts and culture scene attract residents, creating opportunities for cash-flow-focused investors.
| Metric | Data (as per source) |
|---|---|
| Median Sale Price | Affordable |
| Median Days to Pending | Moderate |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | Balanced |
| Inventory | Moderate |
| Key Economic Drivers | Healthcare, Manufacturing, Biotech |
Download Report: Download the Comprehensive Cleveland Real Estate Market Investor Report
3. Cincinnati
Located on the Ohio River, Cincinnati boasts a diversified economy with major corporations (Procter & Gamble, Kroger), a growing tech sector, and a strong presence in finance and manufacturing. The city’s urban core is experiencing a renaissance, driving demand for both residential and commercial properties.
| Metric | Data (as per source) |
|---|---|
| Median Sale Price | Competitive |
| Median Days to Pending | Moderate |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | Balanced |
| Inventory | Moderate |
| Key Economic Drivers | Corporate HQs, Manufacturing, Tech |
4. Dayton
Dayton offers exceptional affordability, making it highly attractive for cash flow investments. Its economy is supported by aerospace, defence (Wright-Patterson Air Force Base), and healthcare. The focus for investors here is on stable rental income in a lower-cost market.
| Metric | Data (as per source) |
|---|---|
| Median Sale Price | Very Affordable |
| Median Days to Pending | Moderate |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | Balanced |
| Inventory | Ample |
| Key Economic Drivers | Aerospace, Defense, Healthcare |
5. Akron
Akron, known as the “Rubber Capital of the World,” has successfully diversified into polymers, healthcare, and higher education. It offers affordable housing options and a stable rental market, appealing to investors seeking accessible entry points and steady returns.
| Metric | Data (as per source) |
|---|---|
| Median Sale Price | Highly Affordable |
| Median Days to Pending | Moderate |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | Balanced |
| Inventory | Moderate |
| Key Economic Drivers | Polymers, Healthcare, Education |
6. Toledo
Strategically located on Lake Erie, Toledo benefits from its logistics and manufacturing industries. The city has seen renewed investment in its downtown and waterfront areas. Its very affordable housing market makes it a strong contender for cash flow investments, though appreciation may be slower.
| Metric | Data (as per source) |
|---|---|
| Median Sale Price | Very Affordable |
| Median Days to Pending | Moderate |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | Balanced |
| Inventory | Moderate |
| Key Economic Drivers | Logistics, Manufacturing, Healthcare |
7. Youngstown
Youngstown is a market focused on extreme affordability and high cash flow potential. While it has faced economic challenges in the past, it’s seeing revitalization efforts and a stable, albeit smaller, job market. This is a market for high-yield, careful investors.
| Metric | Data (as per source) |
|---|---|
| Median Sale Price | Extremely Affordable |
| Median Days to Pending | Higher |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | Slightly lower |
| Inventory | Higher |
| Key Economic Drivers | Education, Healthcare, Emerging Tech |
8. Dublin
A high-growth suburb of Columbus, Dublin boasts excellent schools, high-income residents, and a thriving corporate park with major employers. While less focused on high cash flow due to higher property values, it offers strong appreciation potential and a stable tenant base for investors seeking capital gains.
| Metric | Data (as per source) |
|---|---|
| Median Sale Price | Higher |
| Median Days to Pending | Low |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | Strong |
| Inventory | Limited |
| Key Economic Drivers | Corporate, Tech, Retail |
9. Westlake
Another affluent suburb, located west of Cleveland, Westlake offers a strong, stable market with good schools and desirable amenities. Like Dublin, it appeals to investors prioritizing appreciation and quality tenants over maximum cash flow. Its proximity to Cleveland’s major medical facilities also makes it attractive.
| Metric | Data (as per source) |
|---|---|
| Median Sale Price | Higher |
| Median Days to Pending | Low |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | Strong |
| Inventory | Limited |
| Key Economic Drivers | Retail, Healthcare, Professional Services |
10. Canton
Canton, home to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, offers a blend of affordability and steady demand. Its economy is diversifying beyond traditional industries into healthcare and education. It provides opportunities for investors seeking accessible price points and decent rental yields.
| Metric | Data (as per source) |
|---|---|
| Median Sale Price | Affordable |
| Median Days to Pending | Moderate |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | Balanced |
| Inventory | Moderate |
| Key Economic Drivers | Tourism, Healthcare, Manufacturing |
Foreign National Mortgages: Navigating the Landscape for International Investors
For international investors who are non-resident aliens, conventional U.S. mortgages are often not an option. This is where specialized “Foreign National Mortgages” become invaluable. These products are tailored to the unique financial situations of individuals residing outside the U.S.
Here’s how these specialized loans are generally structured and influenced by the current rate environment:
- DSCR (Debt Service Coverage Ratio) Loans: These are highly favoured for investment properties. Instead of focusing on your personal income, qualification is primarily based on the property’s ability to generate enough rental income to cover its mortgage payments (a Debt Service Coverage Ratio typically above 1.0 or 1.25). In a higher rate environment, achieving a strong DSCR becomes even more critical for qualifying for these loans.
- Traditional Foreign National Loans: These are more akin to conventional mortgages but designed for foreign nationals without a U.S. credit history or extensive U.S. income documentation. They usually require verifiable foreign income and assets, and sometimes proof of a solid banking relationship in your home country. Higher U.S. rates translate directly to higher interest rates on these loans as well.
Here’s an illustrative table of example rates and terms for these specialized foreign national loan products.
Please note: These are illustrative example rates and terms only and will vary significantly based on the lender, borrower’s financial profile, property type, and prevailing market conditions.
Commentary on Foreign National Mortgages: I use DSCR loans to purchase and/or reliance all of my own U.S. rental properties, including those in Ohio. For international investors, understanding these specialized loan products is crucial for financing your U.S. real estate acquisitions.
While their interest rates might be slightly higher and LTVs lower compared to the lowest conventional U.S. rates, they provide a vital pathway to leverage your investment. DSCR loans are particularly attractive for their focus on property performance, simplifying the application process for investors with established rental income streams. Traditional foreign national loans cater to those who prefer to qualify based on their robust financial standing in their home country.
Conclusion
Ohio offers a compelling and often overlooked market for international investors in 2025. Its blend of affordability, diverse and growing economies, and strong rental markets presents significant opportunities for both cash flow and potential long-term appreciation.
Success in these markets, particularly for investors operating from abroad, hinges on thorough research, understanding local dynamics, and leveraging specialized financing options like foreign national mortgages. By focusing on fundamental investment principles and seeking expert guidance, you can strategically position your portfolio within Ohio’s promising real estate environment.
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“Having personally invested in over 120 US rental properties from overseas, I know the true value of getting the right advice and support.
David Garner – Cashflow Rentals
GROW YOUR WEALTH WITH U.S. REAL ESTATE
Start your US real estate investment journey today, and book a Free 1-2-1 Discovery Call with a member of our senior management team.
“Having personally invested in over 120 US rental properties from overseas, I know the true value of getting the right advice and support.
David Garner – Cashflow Rentals
About the Author
David Garner has over 120+ personal property acquisitions in the U.S. real estate market as a Non-Resident Alien foreigner, bringing extensive practical experience to his insights. He specializes in guiding international investors through the complexities of the U.S. property landscape, focusing on cash flow opportunities, financing, and strategic wealth building. His deep understanding of the market, combined with his client-centric approach, makes him a trusted advisor for global investors seeking to establish and grow their U.S. real estate portfolio.
