Best Ohio towns to raise ‘Free-Range Kids': Poll
(WJW) — Summer time seems to evoke childhood memories of splashing through a creek, capturing lightning bugs and playing outside until the sun goes down.
But, in today's modern world, those tokens of childhood may seem more and more distant.
We Buy Houses In Denver, a home buyer company, has found many families are now longing for places where 'childhood still feels like childhood.'
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In a recent survey of more than 3,000 parents, they asked for opinions on the best towns to raise 'free-range kids.'
What are 'free-range' kids? According to those surveyed:
18% described it as playing outside unsupervised.
10% said it meant minimal screen time.
Only 6% equated it with walking to school alone.
Across the country, parents named Asheville, North Carolina, as the most 'free range' or wholesome place to raise a family. Also at the top of the list were Bozeman, Montana, and Franklin, Tennessee.
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'In a world where parenting often feels like managing screen time and scheduling playdates, these towns remind us that childhood doesn't need to be over-engineered to be magical. Whether it's riding bikes until sunset, building forts, or simply feeling safe to roam, these communities are bringing back what it means to grow up free,' says Shaun Martin, owner of We Buy Houses In Denver in a press release. 'Families today aren't just chasing affordability, they're chasing a feeling, and these places deliver it.'
Here are the towns Ohio parents pointed to:
#1 Yellow SpringsProgressive, artsy, and proudly independent, Yellow Springs is a haven for creative families. Kids grow up exploring Glen Helen Nature Preserve, taking part in parades, or joining homeschool co-ops and pottery classes. It's a community that values curiosity and confidence over conformity – ideal for kids who want room to grow and parents who want to raise thinkers, not screen zombies.
#2 GranvilleHome to Denison University, Granville is a picturesque New England-style town dropped into central Ohio. It has brick sidewalks, great public schools, and a downtown where kids can walk to the bookstore or grab milkshakes with friends. Parents working in Columbus appreciate the manageable commute, while kids enjoy wide-open yards, treehouse-building space, and a deeply rooted sense of community.
#3 HudsonThis leafy, historic suburb between Akron and Cleveland is beloved for its excellent schools, walkable green downtown, and classic American charm. Kids here roam the village green, ride bikes to school, and join clubs or theater without needing a parent chauffeur. With career options nearby and a family-first atmosphere, Hudson offers suburban living without the sprawl.
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