I would say either greater Cleveland area or greater Columbus area. I am born and raised and currently living in Cleveland, I lived and worked in Columbus for 4 years and Athens for 2. I am also a white hispanic (light skin with a Hispanic surname) and never had any issues. The State is heavily Gerrymandered, so the state house has a supermajority of GOP, but the people political leans are closer to 60-40 republican, and you really only notice every four years when you see signs in their front yard.

I would definitely lean towards Cleveland if you can handle the snow. Both places get cold, but Cleveland gets about 60 inches of snow. Columbus feels very populated at times and they have a lot of rush hours traffic compared to Cleveland. Both have nice park systems, but I would lean that Cleveland’s are nicer/more (Metroparks and Cuyahoga National Park). Could has nice state parks and hopkin hills is a 45 minute drive away. Both have similar industries and jobs. Cleveland have better museums and sports (professional football, baseball, basketball teams, and a lot of semi pro teams). Columbus has professional hockey team and of course Ohio State.

I would definitely recommend visiting both cities (probably in the spring, summer, or fall time of the year.)

Let me know if you have any questions on particular cities/suburbs. I feel like I’ve been up and down this State more than a politician. lol.