Overview
Heath is located 30 miles east of Columbus in Licking County, Ohio. Its ideal location and low cost of living have made Heath a desirable retirement destination. Besides these, residents enjoy Heath’s outdoor attractions, local antique shops, and tight-knit community.
Climate & Geography
Heath is a small city in Central Ohio with a humid continental climate. Summers are long and humid, winters are cold, and it can be partly cloudy most of the year. Winter snowfall is light, but rainfall is higher than the national average.
Health is built mainly on flat land with plenty of natural areas and subdivisions throughout the city. There are also many state and local parks as well as heavily forested areas surrounding the city.
Recreation, Culture & Entertainment
The culture of Heath is characterized by a small-town atmosphere and a relaxed environment. The city is home to ten parks and recreation areas, ideal for active adults looking to get in touch with nature. Popular outdoor destinations include Newark Earthworks, Ashery Farms, and Heath City Waterpark. These locations are ideal for hiking, camping, and sightseeing.
Heath also has a variety of historic attractions, including the Battle of Hanging Rock Historic Site and Davis Shai House. Aside from these, the city has plenty of antique shops and galleries. Downtown, residents can find many local businesses such as restaurants, breweries, and wineries, and the town hosts seasonal and community events throughout the year.
Retirees looking for more brand-name shopping and gourmet dining can head to Columbus, located under an hour away.
Cost of Living & Taxes
The overall cost of living in Heath is less than national and state averages because of low housing costs.
Ohio does not tax Social Security benefits, and retirees qualify to claim a tax credit of up to $200 on other types of retirement income. Homeowners 65 and older are eligible for a homestead exemption of up to $25,000 to help with property taxes. The combined sales tax rate for Heath is 7.25 percent.
Health Care
The Columbus metro area ranks in the top 85 communities on Gallup's Well-Being Index.
There are no hospitals in Heath. The closest hospitals that U.S. News rates as high performing are Mount Carmel New Albany Surgical Hospital and Genesis Healthcare System-Zanesville. Columbus has several high performing hospitals, including the nationally ranked Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute.