As we were preparing the sixth annual Best Hometowns cover story, Ohio Magazine’s editors reflected back on the communities that have been recognized over the years. All have outstanding services, good schools, parks and cultural amenities. But one characteristic stands out: community pride.

Residents of this year’s Best Hometowns — Archbold, Hilliard, Lebanon, Nelsonville and Oberlin — like those who preceded them, enthusiastically describe their attachment to their communities, both in nomination materials and in conversations with the editors who visited each town to prepare the stories that begin on page 58.

Archbold’s entry materials, for example, begin by colorfully describing the community: “Rising from the cornfields of Northwest Ohio, the Village of Archbold … is a gem in western Fulton County. Charming homes, well-manicured lawns and beautiful parks dot the local scenery, and the recently renovated downtown … offers a picture-perfect downtown landscape.”

Supporting the community’s worthiness as a Best Hometown are anecdotes describing Archbold residents’ compassion for their neighbors, including the remarkable effort by a group of schoolchildren, ages 5 to 18: When they learned in 2009 that a fellow student was living in a home without heat, the kids rebuilt their classmate’s home during summer break, with the guidance of parents and community contractors. Supplies were donated by local businesses. Archbold’s residents are justifiably proud of that effort.

Similar stories of community pride accompanied other entries. Several residents of Lebanon wrote about the charms of the Southwest Ohio town, including friendly residents, historic homes and shopping districts and festivals in every season. Hilliard residents described their efforts to preserve the past and create new traditions in this growing Central Ohio community. Nelsonville’s community spirit has transformed the tiny Southeast Ohio community into a visual- and performing-arts destination. Meanwhile, Oberlin has partnered with nationally recognized Oberlin College to offer high-school students outstanding educational opportunities.

Read these stories and you’ll understand why the people who live in this year’s Best Hometowns are so proud of their communities. And you’ll also feel proud to live in Ohio, where so many similar narratives unfold every day.