Mason, Ohio

A Cincinnati suburb just 30 minutes north of downtown, Mason is the biggest city in Ohio’s Largest Playground—the nickname for Warren County. The fast-growing Mason is back on Fortune’s list after making an appearance in 2022, increasing in population by 332% over the past 13 years.

That’s partly because it’s such a family-friendly area. Its public schools are highly rated, with a 95% graduation rate. There are also 41 above-average nursing homes within a 50-mile radius, per Caring.com, making it a convenient place for the sandwich generation, taking care of both kids and parents. And it’s relatively affordable: Attom puts the median sale price for a single-family home at $397,661.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur or a corporate worker, there are many career opportunities in Mason. It’s home to the headquarters of LensCrafters and the Procter & Gamble Mason Business Center, which includes main offices for P&G subdivisions like oral care and pet care. The city’s downtown area also has a thriving small-business community, great for aspiring small-business owners and patrons alike.

Kids might consider Mason a paradise: The city is home to two theme parks, the Great Wolf Lodge indoor water park and 364-acre amusement park Kings Island. Its location also means it’s not far from some of Cincinnati’s finer offerings, like the Great American Ball Park to watch the Reds play, the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, and the Cincinnati Art Museum. 

There’s plenty of ways to stay active and healthy, from the affordable recreational programs at the Mason Municipal Aquatic Center and Mason Community Center to its 301 acres of parks.