Yeah, I used to think the same way when I was younger. Then I grew up. All three major cities offer plenty to do. Bars, restaurants, theme parks, every major sport is represented, museums, music venues, plenty of parks for hiking/camping, etc. The appalachian mountains or only like 3-4 hours away. Major cities like Philly. Nashville, Chicago and NY all within 4-12 hours drive. Damn near the entire East Coast north of Florida is within 12 hours. Jobs everywhere. Lower cost of living compared to the rest of the country.

It's obviously not the best place to live but it certainly isn't the worst. It's just a perfectly average US state. I've lived in Virginia and Florida as well. Ohio is better. I do like Virginia though, but again, I can get to Virginia in a few hours drive.