7 Best Small Towns to Live in Ohio

America’s heartland is home to a multitude of hidden gems, like quirky small towns that have that classic Main Street look. Ohio’s charming small towns radiate an allure different from its bustling cities like Cincinnati and Cleveland. They often have interesting historical legacies, with a twist lent by their colorful artist havens, private colleges, and picturesque landscapes that defy the flat farmland stereotype.

When choosing Ohio towns for this list, we focused on those with fewer than 20,000 residents. Towns like Dublin and German Village, which were clearly part of an urban metro landscape, were excluded, as were the small vacation towns along Lake Erie and its islands. Sorry, Put-in-Bay!

What you’ll find instead are classically Midwestern towns that embrace the essence of small-town living, but often with a twist. Discover places with friendly neighbors, historic architecture, and quirky attractions that make them among the Buckeye State’s top small towns.

Yellow Springs

Population: 3,700

Region: Greater Dayton metro

You wouldn’t expect “hippie” and “Ohio” to appear in the same sentence, but that’s what you’ll find in the eclectic Yellow Springs. This college town east of Dayton is well-known for its progressive atmosphere. Its most famous resident is the controversial comedian Dave Chappelle, who’s been known to try out new material with pop-up shows in the local cornfields.

Yellow Springs’ edgy counter-culture vibe starts with its roots. A Welsh social reformer founded the town on the ideals of a utopian community. The approach was more open-minded from the start and carried through as the town grew. It was a final stop on the Underground Railroad in the 1800s, giving rise to many Civil Rights Movement leaders in the 1960s. As early as the 1970s, it promoted LGBTQ+ rights.

The march-to-your-own-drummer energy is apparent the moment you drive downtown. If the hand-knitted telephone pole sweaters didn’t give it away, the colorful storefronts, independent boutiques, and eclectic shops that line the streets will. You won’t find chains here; it’s all farm-to-table, local, and handmade. It’s all about art galleries showcasing local talent and bookstores with literary treasures. The Yellow Springs Street Fair, held twice a year, is a highly anticipated event that showcases the town’s artistic flair.

Backing its independent and free-thinking spin is Antioch College, which was one of the first nonsecular institutions for higher education and one of the first coeducational colleges in the nation. And, it was the first to appoint women to its faculty and the Board of Trustees. Exactly what you’d expect from a progressive town like this.

Besides arts and out-of-the-box thinking, locals also appreciate outdoor recreation. The extensive network of green spaces starts with the Glen Helen Nature Preserve just outside the town. The pathways connect to its extensive network of hiking trails that end up in John Bryan State Park. Along the way, they wind through picturesque forests, along breathtaking waterfalls, and beside the tranquil Yellow Springs Creek. The system provides access to camping, fishing, and rock climbing.

Marietta

Population: 13,000

Region: Southeast Ohio

Marietta stands out as a distinctive place with timeless appeal. It’s on the Ohio River in southeast Ohio, facing the rolling hills of West Virginia. You can tell this is a town with a long history if the Native American mounds or riverfront steamboat didn’t give it away.

Known as the “First American Settlement in the Northwest Territory,” Marietta was established in 1788 and played a crucial role in the early westward expansion of the United States. This heritage is underfoot when you walk the brick-paved streets, marvel at the well-preserved architecture, and visit the museums.

Even though Marietta’s faced its fair share of flooding, rather than abandon the Main Street downtown, it’s been painstakingly maintained. As you stroll around  the brick storefront of cozy cafes and shops, you’ll see flood markers on the side of the buildings.

The Ohio and Muskingum Rivers flow gracefully through Marietta and significantly shaped the town’s unique character. In modern Marietta, the rivers are a picturesque backdrop and an opportunity for boating, fishing, and river cruises. Back in the day, they were busy with steam wheel and barge activity as the port helped transport the region’s riches to destinations further beyond. The annual Sternwheel Festival celebrates the town’s river heritage.

Another quirk of town life is Marietta College, a prestigious liberal arts institution founded in 1835. The college adds to the town’s appeal and contributes to the cultural and intellectual fabric of the community.

Granville

Population: 5,700

Region: Central

Want small-town living but with great schools for your kids, family-friendly attractions, and a historic vibe? Drive 30 miles east of Columbus to Granville, a picturesque small town with New England-style charm.

Granville stands out because it was an early master-planned community. Over 200 settlers from Massachusetts platted the town as part of a move seeking a new life for their families. They purposefully created a New England-like village based on harmonious living within the surrounding hills. 

The result is a charming downtown surrounding a tree-lined square. From here, the town hosts classic small-town American festivals and events, like the Fourth of July celebration and a Christmas Candlelight Walking Tour of the historic homes. The Granville Farmers Market, held on Saturday mornings, is a beloved community gathering for perusing fresh produce, artisanal goods, and homemade treats. 

It’s also another Ohio college town, home to the almost two-century-old Denison University, a prestigious liberal arts college founded in 1831. The college campus has stunning Georgian Revival-style buildings and well-manicured grounds that further add to the old-world charm of historic Granville.

Cap off the New England vibe with rolling hills and expansive parks. The nearby Infirmary Mound Park has walking trails, picnic areas, and equestrian facilities, while the Dawes Arboretum features a vast collection of trees set in beautiful gardens.

And, for such a small town, the school district often ranks exceptionally high. The Granville High School was no. 19 in the state for 2023 on US News and World Report.

Loveland

Population: 13,000

Region: Southwest Ohio

Cyclists may recognize Loveland as a pass-through city on the 70-mile Little Miami Scenic Bike Trail, but residents know this is one of the more special towns on this former rail line.

Nicknamed the “Sweetheart of Ohio,” Loveland beautifully blends nature, recreational opportunities, and a strong sense of community, making it an enchanting destination to call home.

It’s small and compact, covering just five square miles in the countryside outside Cincinnati, but don’t let the size fool you. Residents have multiple restaurants with patio dining to enjoy the beautiful spring, summer, and fall days, the famous Loveland Dairy Whip ice cream, and U-pick farms for all seasons. The dining choices are surprisingly sizable and varied!

Victorian-style homes and historic commercial buildings add to the town’s character. You can’t miss the unique Chateau Laroche, or Loveland Castle, built out of stones from the Little Miami River. But while the buildings may be old and distinct, the businesses inside and thoroughly modern, including a craft brewery and bistro.

The Little Miami River, a designated National Scenic River, flows through the heart of the town. From here, residents and visitors launch for a calm day of canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. The river’s forested and cliff-facing backdrop is a serene backdrop for water activities.

Loveland’s strong community spirit is evident year-round. One hallmark event is the annual Loveland Frogman Race, a charity event that supports local military veterans. It draws participants from near and far for a challenging triathlon.

Peninsula

Population: 540

Region: Greater Cleveland metro

Situated between a sharp bend in the Cuyahoga River, Peninsula is one-of-kind: a town surrounded completely by a National Park. This is one of Ohio’s most scenic regions: the Cuyahoga Valley. While just 45 minutes from Cleveland, the so-called “Gateway to the Cuyahoga Valley” is surrounded by 32,000 acres of rolling, forested hills.

Out the front door lies an extensive network of hiking, cross country skiing, and biking trails, cascading waterfalls, and panoramic views of the valley’s beauty. The Peninsula Ledges Trail is one of the park’s most iconic and popular loops for visitors to check out its rock formations and valley views, but the options to get outside go for miles. 

As a town and one that heavily caters to park visitors, the historic downtown area is lined with cute shops and cafes. The restored Peninsula Depot serves as a visitor center and a reminder of the town’s railroad history. The Boston Store, a historic building that once served as a general store, is now a fascinating museum offering insights into Peninsula’s past.

The architectural style is signature New England, as the original inhabitants came from Connecticut. But the energy feels more Appalachian with banjo-strumming music festivals and a one-room schoolhouse now-concert space.

But living inside a national park comes with its challenges. Peninsula is uniquely isolated, and water must be trucked in and stored in cisterns on the property.

Sugarcreek

Population: 2,400

Region: Amish Country

You may feel like you need a pair of suspenders to live here, but you don’t. Ohio’s “Little Switzerland” is also smack in the middle of its Amish Country, giving it an all-around vintage vibe. You’re as likely to get behind a horse and buggy as you are a tractor or a touring Corvette.

Among tourists, Sugarcreek is known for things like Swiss cheese (it has an incredibly high concentration of cheese factories), handmade Amish furniture, and its Alpine-style downtown, complete with a working huge Cuckoo Clock. Visitors descend in September for the annual Ohio Swiss Festival with a stone tossing competition.

But as a place to live, Sugarcreek is quiet and quaint. Once the visitors clear out each day, locals bask in the beauty of Sugarcreek’s surroundings. The stunning rolling hills of Holmes County are equal parts rustic farmland, vineyards, and parkland. If you like to be outdoors, there’s plenty of hiking, biking, and birdwatching. And the 87-mile Towpath Canal passes nearby, connecting Sugarcreek to the historic Ohio & Erie Canal.

Many of your neighbors will be Amish, as it’s one of the largest communities of this religious group outside Pennsylvania. That also means many of your local stores will be shuttered on Sundays.

Logan

Population: 7,300

Region: Southeast/ Hocking Hills

Ohio has a reputation for miles of flat farmland. While agriculture is a key part of the state’s economy, Logan proves Ohio isn’t just miles of corn and soybeans as far as the eye can see. This region has dramatic plunging ravines and steep hillsides cut by rivers and glacier wash-outs.

Its proximity to Hocking Hills State Park is one of its defining features. For most visitors, Logan is their jumping-off point for exploring the area. The park is renowned for its stunning natural landscapes: deep gorges, towering cliffs, and cascading waterfalls. Visitors come to admire the sandstone arches and breathtaking ravines. Outfitters run scenic canoe or kayak trips along the Hocking River. More centers run tours for ziplining, rock climbing, and horseback riding, ensuring there’s an adventure for every outdoor enthusiast.

The community in Logan is known for its friendly and welcoming atmosphere. None of its town events are as iconic as the annual Washboard Music Festival. As the last place these vintage relics are manufactured, Logan leans into its Appalachian heritage in a multi-day event featuring live folk music, food vendors, and carnival rides.

Chagrin Falls

Population: 4,200

Region: Greater Cleveland metro

Looking at the misting downtown waterfall, you might feel like you stepped into a postcard. But no, it’s just Chagrin Falls, a small town outside Cleveland on the mighty and scenic Chagrin River.

The village is committed to being a true old-fashioned “Village” that is pedestrian-friendly and preserves historic character, while serving creative spaces and running neighborhood events. The tree-lined streets and beautiful parks add to the old world ambiance.

The namesake falls cascade through the center of town, creating a scenic and mesmerizing backdrop. Visitors view the falls from observation platforms and stroll along the riverbanks. The soothing sound of rushing water adds to the ambiance of a weekend brunch at one of downtown’s delicious restaurants. 

Chagrin Falls is a highly desirable place to live among Ohio families because its school system persistently ranks among the state’s best. It carries an “Excellent with Distinction” rating from the Department of Education. Many of the homes are executive-style on opulent estates. 

Athens

Population: 24,000

Region: Hocking Hills Region

Life in Athens in southeastern Ohio revolves around Ohio University, founded in 1804. As the oldest university in the former Territory, today, the campus enrolls around 21,000 students. It features beautiful historic buildings set in expansive green spaces.

Outside the college, the town’s brick-lined Court Street is the activity hub, thanks to numerous cafes, restaurants, boutique stores, and art galleries. The Uptown is a highly walkable part of town that highlights Athens’ independent atmosphere. You won’t find chains here, but local entrepreneurs that lean into the region’s abundance, whether it’s farm-to-table dining or the farmer’s markets.

Residents are highly supportive of its local artisans, musicians, and entrepreneurs. Just check out an exhibition at the Dairy Barn Arts Center just outside the town. And the annual Athens International Film and Video Festival attracts filmmakers and cinema enthusiasts worldwide.

Residents live in the Hocking Hills region’s iconic rolling hills and scenic landscapes. Nearby state parks, such as Strouds Run State Park and Lake Hope State Park, have hiking, fishing, boating, and camping facilities. The Hocking River also flows through Athens, providing a picturesque backdrop for outdoor activities and water-based adventures.

Living in small town Ohio

Small towns like these in Ohio provide a close-knit community atmosphere where neighbors know one another and have a strong sense of belonging. The slower pace of life allows for a more relaxed and peaceful environment, fostering a greater appreciation for nature and simpler pleasures. But as you can see, Ohio’s small towns aren’t just rural farmland havens. They burst with quirky character and color, from the Amish heartland to colorful downtown Yellow Springs. 

If Ohio small-town living sounds right for you, why not explore more with a local real estate agent? There are even more beautiful places to explore across Ohio if you want to move there.