AARP Liveability Index Guide for Northeast Ohio Homeowners
Choosing where to live is about more than a house—it’s about how your life works day to day.
For homeowners in Northeast Ohio who are thinking about aging in place, downsizing, relocating, or selling,
understanding whether a community truly supports long-term living is essential.
That’s where the AARP Liveability Index comes in.
This guide explains what the AARP Liveability Index is, how it works, and how Northeast Ohio homeowners can use it
to make confident housing decisions—especially later in life.
What Is the AARP Liveability Index?
The AARP Liveability Index is a free, data-driven tool created by AARP that scores communities across the United States
based on how well they support people as they age.
You can access the official tool here:
AARP Liveability Index community comparison tool
.
The index evaluates cities, suburbs, towns, and even ZIP codes using objective data—not opinions—so residents can compare communities
based on real-life livability factors.
In short: it helps answer the question,
“Is this a place where I can live safely, affordably, and independently over time?”
Why the AARP Liveability Index Matters for Northeast Ohio
Northeast Ohio is known for:
- Established neighborhoods
- Relatively affordable housing
- Strong health care systems
- A large population of adults age 55+
But livability can vary dramatically between communities—even those just minutes apart.
Using the AARP Liveability Index for Northeast Ohio cities and suburbs allows homeowners to compare places like
Cleveland, Lakewood, Solon, Hudson, Strongsville, Mentor, Chagrin Falls, Stow, and surrounding areas based on factors that directly
affect quality of life as we age.
This is especially important for homeowners asking:
- Can I realistically age in place here?
- Would downsizing improve my lifestyle?
- Is my current neighborhood still a good long-term fit?
How the AARP Liveability Index Works
The index scores communities across seven core categories, each representing a key part of daily life.
Scores range from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating stronger support for livable, aging-friendly communities.
The 7 Liveability Categories Explained
Housing Affordability and Choice
Looks at home prices, rents, housing variety, and cost burden.
For Northeast Ohio homeowners, this category often highlights the contrast between older housing stock and newer developments.
Neighborhood Walkability and Access
Measures sidewalks, access to daily needs, and neighborhood design.
Walkable inner-ring suburbs often score higher than car-dependent areas.
Transportation and Mobility
Evaluates public transportation, ride options, and alternatives to driving—critical as driving becomes less practical with age.
Environment and Health
Considers air quality, green space, and environmental safety.
Access to parks and clean air plays a major role in long-term wellness.
Health Care Access and Preventive Services
Measures proximity to hospitals, doctors, and preventive care—an important strength in many Northeast Ohio communities.
Community Engagement and Social Connection
Assesses opportunities for volunteering, civic involvement, and social interaction—key to preventing isolation.
Opportunity, Equity, and Inclusion
Looks at income equality, employment access, and inclusivity across ages and backgrounds.
What AARP Liveability Scores Actually Tell You
A common misconception is that a “low” score means a community is bad. That’s not the case.
Scores are comparative, not judgmental.
They help you:
- Identify strengths and limitations
- Compare one community to another
- Understand trade-offs (for example, affordability vs. walkability)
For Northeast Ohio homeowners, this is particularly useful when comparing:
- Urban vs. suburban living
- Established neighborhoods vs. newer developments
- Staying put vs. relocating nearby
How to Use the AARP Liveability Index Step by Step
1. Search by City, ZIP Code, or Address
Visit
the AARP Liveability Index website
and enter a city name, ZIP code, or exact address. This is ideal for comparing specific Northeast Ohio neighborhoods.
2. Review the Overall Score
Start with the overall livability score, then drill down into category scores to see what’s driving it.
3. Customize Based on Your Priorities
You can adjust the weighting of categories depending on what matters most—health care, affordability, walkability, or transportation.
This personalization is one reason the tool works so well for retirement planning and downsizing decisions.
Using the Index to Decide Whether to Age in Place or Sell
Many homeowners assume aging in place simply means staying in the same house. In reality, it also depends on whether the
community supports aging well.
The index can help answer:
- Will I have access to health care if my needs change?
- Can I get around if I stop driving?
- Are daily necessities close by?
If the data suggests future challenges, selling or downsizing may actually increase independence—not reduce it.
How Adult Children Use the AARP Liveability Index
Adult children often use the index to help parents:
- Evaluate whether their current home still makes sense
- Compare nearby communities without emotional pressure
- Make proactive decisions before a crisis occurs
Because the data is neutral and third-party, it often makes difficult conversations easier and more productive.
How Professionals Use the AARP Liveability Index
City Planners and Local Leaders
Use the data to identify gaps in transportation, housing, and services.
Real Estate and Housing Professionals
Use the index to educate—not sell—by helping clients understand how lifestyle, location, and long-term needs intersect.
What the AARP Liveability Index Does NOT Measure
The index does not capture:
- Personal relationships
- Neighborhood culture
- Emotional attachment to a home
- How a place “feels” day to day
That’s why it works best when paired with local knowledge and personal guidance.
Tips for Getting the Most Value From the Index
Use It as a Planning Tool, Not a Final Answer
Think of the index as a compass—it points you in the right direction, but you still choose the path.
Pair Data With Local Insight
Visit neighborhoods, talk with professionals, and consider how your needs may change over time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is the AARP Liveability Index free?
Yes. The tool is completely free and publicly available.
Can I compare specific Northeast Ohio ZIP codes?
Yes. You can search by ZIP code or address for localized insights.
Is the index only for seniors?
No. Communities that support aging well benefit residents of all ages.
How often is the data updated?
The index is updated regularly using reliable public data sources.
Should I rely on the index alone when making housing decisions?
No. It’s best used alongside local expertise and personal planning.
