Living in Ohio shapes a distinct set of habits, frustrations, and shared groans among residents. While many love the state for its affordability, friendly people, and hidden gems, true Ohioans know that there are certain things you just can’t help but gripe about. If you recognize these 10 complaints, you’re absolutely an Ohioan at heart.
1. The Weather—All Four Seasons in a Week
Ohio’s wild swings between snow, rain, heat, and humidity are legendary. You’ll grumble about shoveling snow in April, needing AC in March, and those muggy, “air you can wear” summers. “If you don’t like the weather, just wait five minutes” is practically the state motto.
2. Potholes and Untamed Roads
From salt-eaten highways to crater-sized potholes, Ohio roads are a constant source of anger. Your car’s alignment is never quite right, and the annual appearance of orange construction barrels feels like a cruel joke.
3. Endless Gray Skies
The sun can disappear for weeks during the winter, leading to the infamous “Midwest gloom.” Ohioans are quick to moan about the lack of sunlight and that perpetual cloud cover, dreaming of brighter states.
4. Property Taxes and High Local Taxes
While Ohio is known for a reasonable cost of living, the shock of high property taxes and city income taxes—especially when paired with aging infrastructure—gets people fired up, especially if they feel amenities don’t match the bills.
5. Sports Heartache (Especially for the Browns)
Between die-hard fandom for the Buckeyes and constant heartbreak from the Cleveland Browns (and sometimes the Guardians and Bengals), Ohioans vent their joy and sorrow in equal measure, often loudly.
6. Boring Reputation and Flyover Stereotypes
If you’re tired of jokes about corn, boredom, or Ohio being “flyover country,” you’re not alone. Residents often complain about their state’s unfair reputation for being bland or irrelevant.
7. Flat Scenery—Except for Hocking Hills
Many buckeyes wish for mountains or an ocean view. Aside from pockets like Hocking Hills, some find the landscape a little too… flat and monotonous. “Where’s the wow factor?” is a common refrain.
8. Allergies—The Revenge of Ohio’s Flora
Spring and fall bring a relentless pollen onslaught; allergy sufferers joke it’s Ohio’s “fifth season.” Sneezing, sniffles, and red eyes become statewide bonding cues.
9. Bad Drivers and Road Salt Woes
From erratic drivers dodging potholes to winter “salt season” wrecking your car’s undercarriage, there’s always a reason to rant about the hassles of being a commuter or just running errands.
10. “O-H!”… “I-O!” Overkill
Nothing unites or irritates Ohioans like the ubiquitous, often spontaneous chant. For passionate sports fans, it’s homey—everyone else? They roll their eyes at hearing it, yet find themselves doing it anyway.
These everyday grievances are more than annoyances—they’re part of Ohio’s shared identity. Whether it’s the unpredictable weather or collective allergy misery, you can bet that if you’ve complained about these, you’re true Ohio through and through.
Sources
[1] https://www.reddit.com/r/Ohio/comments/1k4lb7e/whats_your_brutally_honest_opinion_of_living_in/
[2] https://thehonestlocal.com/pros-cons-of-living-in-ohio-moving/
[3] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2B0ETJ6IL68
[4] https://www.ohioattorneygeneral.gov/Media/Newsletters/Consumer-Advocate/February-2022/Most-Common-Complaints-of-2021
[5] https://ohio.gov/residents/resources/file-a-consumer-complaint
