Ohio’s Strategic Location

When establishing a business or considering a place to live, location is everything. Companies that choose Ohio enjoy the benefits of the “Buckeye State’s” strategic location, strong workforce, rich history, and diverse culture.

Businesses looking for a strategic location see Ohio as a well-established base for moving goods around the globe and its access to much of the U.S. and Canada. In fact, it’s just a one-day drive from 60% of the two countries’ populations. Major cities, including Chicago, New York City, and Toronto, are easily accessible via air, rail, and road. Among the nation’s leaders for trucking and storing goods, Ohio’s north coast on Lake Erie includes a powerful and convenient shipping service linking the Industrial Midwest, the Port of Toledo, and the Great Lakes to Europe.

Ohio's geographical positioning can provide unparalleled global access and open doors to a world of opportunities.

One of the key advantages that Ohio companies greatly appreciate is its proximity to major economic hubs and influential markets, making the state easily accessible for them to do business here. This ideal location ensures quick and efficient distribution and opens countless opportunities for trade, partnerships, and networking across the country and the global economy.

Nestled in the northeastern part of the Midwest, Ohio shares borders with several states, including Michigan, Indiana, Kentucky, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania, making it a hub of connectivity, facilitating movement and access in all directions.

Transportation is also critical to a company’s success. Ohio companies benefit from our exceptional transportation infrastructure. Ohio has multiple international airports, including Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE), John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH), and Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG), which provide convenient access for businesses and individuals to connect.

Moreover, Ohio’s extensive highway network, including major interstates such as I-70, I-71, I-75, and many others, connects the state and makes ground transportation convenient within Ohio and beyond. Businesses based in Ohio can easily ship and receive goods from all corners of the country.

Ohio's connectivity extends to waterways, with access to the Great Lakes and the Ohio River, which not only enable the transportation of goods but also support industries like manufacturing and logistics, which are crucial in the U.S. market. Access to Ohio’s inland waterways is a competitive advantage that few other states can match.

Successful companies want to be a part of an active and innovative business environment. Ohio’s strategic location, paired with a thriving business climate, makes Ohio an attractive destination for businesses for sustainable growth. The state's economic diversity ranges from advanced manufacturing and technology to healthcare and financial services. Whether you're a startup entrepreneur or an international corporation, Ohio offers limitless opportunities to thrive, including programs and services designed to enable economic prosperity across the state.

The pandemic exposed America’s overreliance on other countries through challenges in global supply chains, manufacturing capacity, and stockpiles of goods. Companies seeking to reshore operations and find a suitable location that provides an open, secure, and cost-effective home for their supply chain have found opportunity here in Ohio.

And it’s not just businesses that find a warm and welcoming home in Ohio. Their employees enjoy a premier quality of life as residents of the Buckeye State. Ohio offers a balance between vibrant cities and serene rural areas, with something for everyone.

Whether you enjoy the bustling city life or the peaceful countryside, Ohio is a place where you can have a thriving career and a fulfilling personal life.

Major cities in Ohio with populations over 275,000 include Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, and Toledo. Only California and Texas have more cities of this size. Other metropolitan areas with populations over 50,000 include Dayton, Akron, and Youngstown.

Beyond its economic advantages, Ohio is rich in culture and history. Ohio has many famous attractions, like the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. Ohio's diverse communities and events ensure that residents can access a wide range of cultural experiences.

The Buckeye State offers all the entertainment and recreation of the coasts but at a lesser cost of living. Explore our Relocation Guide to find resources for new Ohioans new Americans, and how to make Ohio home.

Ohio's strategic location has made it a land of promise, playing an essential role in the country's economy as the world becomes more connected. Ohio is an excellent place to start a business, advance your career, or find your American Dream.

Many businesses large and small have found success in the state of Ohio. With expansions, relocations, record sales, and other types of success, these stories contribute to the economic diversity and growth we continue to experience. Explore some of these Success Stories and start planning to build your own today.

If your business is looking for relocation or expansion opportunities, the JobsOhio team can help connect you to the resources, real estate, and workforce to help your business succeed. Take advantage of Ohio's logistical infrastructure and take your business to the next level.