Best Hometowns

Ohio Magazine recognizes five great places to live, work and visit.

Bryan, Hilliard, McConnelsville, Millersburg and Urbana are recognized as great places to live, work and visit in our 2024-25 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 November/December 2024 and July/August 2025 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.

Bryan

An effort to fill vacant buildings revived this city’s downtown, illustrating the sense of pride and spirit of collaboration in this community about 64 miles west of Toledo.

Hilliard

This Columbus suburb offers a rich history and a small-town atmosphere, while its location along Interstate 270 has made it a destination for development. 

McConnelsville

This historic river town offers a picturesque setting, a charming downtown and deep ties to the coal-mining heritage that shaped this part of Ohio.

Millersburg

This historic village in Holmes County offers a destination of its own as a well as a taste of the slower way of life practiced in the surrounding Amish and Mennonite communities.

Urbana

Downtown redevelopment has made this Champaign County community a regional destination for those seeking fresh flavors and interesting finds.