Ohio Magazine’s Best Hometowns 2025-26

Each year we celebrate communities across Ohio that make the Buckeye State such a special place to live by bestowing our Best Hometowns honor. For 2025-26 we recognize Ashland, Barnesville, Green, Mount Vernon and Yellow Springs. To determine the honorees, Ohio Magazine solicited nominations and conducted site visits across the state during the summer. To learn more about  Ohio Magazine’s Best Hometown 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. Read about our Best Hometown 2025: Ashland.

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. Read about our Best Hometown 2025: Green.

Mount Vernon: This Knox County city works to create a vibrant community that stands at the crossroads of history, education and the arts. Read about our Best Hometown 2025: Mount Vernon.

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. Read about our Best Hometown 2025: Yellow Springs.

For more Ohio travel inspiration, sign up for our Ohio Magazine newsletters.

Ohio Magazine is available in a beautifully designed print issue that is published 7 times a year, along with Spring-Summer and Fall-Winter editions of LongWeekends magazine. Subscribe to Ohio Magazine and stay connected to beauty, adventure and fun across our state.