Best Hometowns
Ohio Magazine recognizes five great places to live, work and visit.
Ashland, Barnesville, Green, Mount Vernon and Yellow Springs are recognized as great places to live, work and visit in our 2025-26 Best Hometowns issue.
To determine the honorees, Ohio Magazine solicited nominations and conducted site visits across the state in the spring and summer. The editors evaluated the nominees in six categories — Community Spirit, Education, Entertainment, Health and Safety, Business Environment and Culture and Heritage — to help finalize our selections.
Each of Ohio Magazine’s Best Hometowns will be featured in the Nov./Dec. 2025 and July/Aug. 2026 issues, showing readers unique places to visit and ways to enjoy each location. For more information about past honorees and Ohio Magazine’s annual Best Hometowns honor, visit ohiomagazine.com/besthometowns.
Ashland
This college town in Ashland County offers an inviting downtown, events that build a sense of community and deep ties between campus and city.
Barnesville
This Belmont County village’s historic architecture and annual pumpkin festival showcase the rich traditions the community is building on for a new generation.
Read about our Best Hometown 2025: Barnesville
Green
This community along Interstate 77 in Summit County has only been a city since 1992, but the area has a long history that’s reflected in its public amenities and businesses.
Mount Vernon
This Knox County city works to create a vibrant community that stands at the crossroads of history, education and the arts.
Yellow Springs
This village in Greene County has long promoted creativity and inclusivity, resulting in a place where the arts and acceptance are part of the fabric of the community.