11 Of The Friendliest Towns In Ohio
Ohio is the perfect place to experience trademark Midwestern charm and hospitality. Across the state, you will encounter down-to-earth communities that welcome strangers with a smile. Their courteous mannerisms and genuinely positive attitude reflect a strong sense of community that has been engrained from a young age. Small-town Ohio especially impresses with locals taking pride in cultivating a culture of inclusivity, where people freely interact and socialize. From historic villages steeped in local tradition to urbanized towns with young professionals, these small towns in Ohio will make you feel like being home away from home. While each locality offers a distinct vibe and flavor, they all share a slow pace of life and friendly residents who won’t hesitate to point you in the right direction when lost. So, if you are all about positive vibes and warm interactions when visiting the Buckeye State, these charming towns should feature in your itinerary.
Twinsburg
This suburban community in Summit County is dotted with acres of green spaces and miles of lovely nature trails. Many locals gather at the sprawling Liberty Park to socialize and enjoy quality time outdoors. This popular space stretches 100 acres, providing recreational opportunities like hiking, picnicking, and sports. The town’s unique name is not a coincidence; it was named after the identical twins who founded it, Moses and Aaron Wilcox. You can learn more about this interesting past at the Twinsburg Historical Society, which preserves local history by exhibiting a vast collection of artifacts.
Every year in August, the town draws twins from near and far for the world’s largest twin gathering to celebrate the beauty and wonder of twins. This is an excellent time to experience the warmth of the city in a festival that unites strangers from all walks of life.
Marietta
Popularly known as “Riverboat Town,” Marietta sits at the confluence of the Ohio and Muskingum rivers. It was established in 1788, making it the oldest city in Ohio, and boasts a wealth of historical heritage that is well-preserved at different sites and landmarks. The Campus Martius Museum offers a vivid look into the first organized United States settlement built in the state through a replica. Meanwhile, the Castle Historic House Museum takes you back to the 1800s with its Gothic Revival façade and exhibits a range of original period artifacts, including furnishings and art.
However, Marietta’s authentic charm comes to the fore during the annual Ohio River Sternwheel Festival. Almost 100,000 people, locals and tourists, congregate in Marietta to honor the town’s riverboat heritage. The extravaganza features lots of fun events, from boat races and fireworks to live entertainment.
Loveland
Loveland’s charm comes from its host of family-friendly attractions, some adopting a fairytale theme. A quintessential “happy place,” this artsy community welcomes visitors to explore its art galleries and have fun at its gorgeous castles. Newcomers get instantly drawn to the Loveland Castle Museum, a beautiful medieval-style castle built in the early 20th century by Harry D. Andrews. Its location on the picturesque banks of the Little Miami River offers spectacular photo opportunities. Another popular spot you can’t miss out on is Castle Skateland, housing a friendly roller skating rink frequented by families.
Stepping outside, Home of the Brave Park presents the ideal setting for a fun, family day out. It has a unique playscape, sports fields, and several picnic benches in its 54-acre expanse. You can cap off the experience with a generous scoop of delicious ice cream at Loveland Dairy Whip.
Oberlin
Home to Oberlin College, this Lorain County suburb has a youthful population that injects an upbeat vibe into the community and a thriving arts scene. Art connoisseurs can look forward to the ideal pastime inspecting over 15,000 pieces of art inside the Allen Memorial Art Museum. They can follow this up with a tour of Ginko Gallery & Studio to check out a diverse collection of pottery, glass, and jewelry art. On the other hand, outdoorsy tourists will find a delightful green space to hang out at Tappan Square. Originally opened in 1885, the 13-acre park is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Oberlin hosts a string of annual events and festivals that bring the community together in celebration of its culture. Each year in May, the Big Parade brings downtown Oberlin to a standstill as thousands descend upon them to mark a long-held tradition. The atmosphere is electric, featuring a grand parade with eccentric costumes and lots of family-friendly entertainment.
Perrysburg
There is always something to bring out a smile or laugh in Perrysburg, from the lovely green spaces and the luscious restaurant scene to the friendly locals you meet along the streets. Several parks in the town let you make the most of the outdoors, with the 60-acre Sawyer Quarry Nature Preserve offering recreational activities like bouldering, top-rope climbing, and hiking. For culinary enthusiasts, Calude’s Prime Seafood impresses with a diverse menu, satisfying all your cravings with delicious dishes in a cozy setting.
But if you want to crack your ribs, be sure to stop by the Funny Bone Comedy Club. The cabaret-style venue hosts comedy acts from around the nation, exploring all forms of humor. While at it, you can also order from a Southern-style menu and a tasty drink selection.
Marysville
Nicknamed “Shaded City” due to the maple trees lining its streets, Marysville lives up to its slogan, “Where the Grass is Greener,” through numerous nature spaces. Several beautiful parks provide an excellent setting to hang out and breathe fresh air. Mill Valley Park is especially popular among the public, housing soccer fields, a disc golf course, a baseball field, and other recreational facilities. Marysville BMX Track is also a family-friendly venue where the local community gathers to catch entertaining races, including qualifiers for the Ohio State Championship.
If you have a thing for cultural pursuits, you will enjoy the experience at the Amish Heritage Country Market. Besides interacting with the warm Amish vendors, you get an opportunity to shop for authentic Amish delicacies, including home-baked goods, farm-fresh meats, cheeses, and handmade crafts.
Tipp City
This conservative village in Miami County maintains a strong sense of community that will make you feel right at home. Tourists are drawn to its superb natural surroundings, which offer a suburban feel. While there are numerous nature spaces to explore, Charleston Falls Preserve is sure to leave a smile on your face. It houses an eclectic mix of nature trails and a boardwalk, with the highlight being a picturesque waterfall. If visiting with family, Kyle Park will be an excellent alternative, presenting kids with an opportunity to play baseball and soccer as the adults watch.
Tipp City boasts a thriving restaurant scene that is a must-have experience. The town center houses numerous eateries, grills, and pubs, serving diverse cuisines. If you have a soft spot for Mexican dishes, remember to stop by Dos Lunas Mexican Bar & Grill and sample a sumptuous selection of dishes.
Put-In-Bay
Everybody knows everybody in Put-In-Bay; this secluded village on South Bass Island hosts a tiny community of about 200. Besides spoiling tourists with unprecedented views of Lake Erie, it packs a punch of family-friendly attractions that will keep you coming for more. You can’t ignore the imposing Perry’s Victory & International Peace Memorial, which commemorates the Battle of Lake Erie while symbolizing the friendly atmosphere in the town. Visiting families will automatically gravitate towards Perry’s Cave Family Fun Center, an entertaining complex with mini-golfing and gem-mining adventures.
Within the complex is the beautiful Butterfly House, a cute sanctuary where you can admire diverse butterfly species. One of the best experiences in Put-In-Bay involves getting on the water for a fun boating or kayaking excursion. Put-In-Bay Watercraft Rentals organizes fun trips where you get to share a kayak with other thrill seekers.
Millersburg
Set in the heart of Ohio’s Amish Country, Millersburg is easily among the friendliest towns in Ohio. The local community maintains a rich Amish heritage, which features a simple way of life and strong family ties, with a friendly attitude towards strangers. Unsurprisingly, travelers from around the state come to witness cultural treasures like the Victorian House Museum. Also, a tour of Yoder’s Amish Home offers an immersive experience where you get to live an authentic Amish life with buggy rides and farm animal rearing.
The visit is not complete without taking a bite at the delicious Amish cuisine. At Hershberger’s Farm and Bakery, you can sample a range of house-baked Amish goods and fresh farm produce. The establishment also houses a petting zoo that brings you into up-close contact with farm animals.
Bellville
This Richard County village offers a peaceful getaway from the rowdy streets of nearby Columbus. Its historic downtown creates a tight sense of community, and front porches invite conversation with passersby. Before you begin exploring the town, start by checking into the Wishmaker House, a renovated 1890s home currently serving as a bed and breakfast. Outdoor lovers will love the idyllic setting of Palm Park, especially when visiting with children. The popular nature space offers a variety of amenities, including playground equipment, fishing ponds, and horseshoe pits. Bellville also boasts a bustling restaurant scene, with dozens of diners and eateries at every turn you take. One of the most popular local joints worth popping into is Fast Eddie’s Pizza. It serves delicious Italian pizzas and pasta, which you can down with a glass of wine or beer.
Berlin
Another Ohio Amish Country gem, Berlin is known for its friendly locals and deep Amish heritage, which draws tourists looking to absorb the unique culture. Start your visit at the Amish Mennonite Heritage Center near Bunker Hill to explore the massive circular mural "Behalt Cyclorama", one of the few remaining cycloramas in the world. For a more authentic experience, tour an Amish home and witness simple farm life firsthand at Schrock's Heritage Village. As you wander the village, be sure to stop at the Berlin Village Antique Mall and browse two floors of interesting collectibles.
Complete your visit with a taste of local flavor at Boyd & Wurthmann Restaurant. Family-owned since 1938, it has delighted guests with homestyle Amish fare focused on pies baked fresh daily. The down-to-earth atmosphere and hearty cuisine make it the perfect way to end a day exploring Berlin's Amish heritage and friendly community that has endured for generations.
Final Thoughts
Beyond the exquisite natural scenery, captivating historical sites, and endless outdoor adventures, trademark Midwestern hospitality is a prime reason why tourists flock to the Buckeye State. The small towns in Ohio are a perfect example of how strong community ties, a friendly attitude towards strangers, and basic human decency can be attractive to travelers. If you need a break from the commotion and tense atmosphere in big cities like Cleveland, these friendly towns in the Buckeye State will restore your faith in first-time human interactions.
