Nelsonville, OH

Tucked into the rolling hills of southeast Ohio, Nelsonville is a historic valley town about an hour from Columbus. Life here centers around the brick-paved Public Square, which is lined with colorful Victorian storefronts, local cafes, and the restored Stuart's Opera House. The city holds onto its hardworking past through landmarks like the original Rocky Boots factory store, while Hocking College brings energy and practical career training in fields like forestry, culinary arts, and natural resources.

ATTRTim Kiser ( w:User:Malepheasant ) / CC BY-SA 2.5

For day-to-day living, Nelsonville pairs a close-knit small-town feel with incredible access to nature. Stuart's Opera House keeps a busy calendar of live concerts and community arts, and the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway offers classic train rides through the valley. Wayne National Forest surrounds the area, giving residents hiking, mountain biking, and ATV trails right outside their doors. Athens and Ohio University are also only fifteen minutes away, making it easy to pop over for extra dining, healthcare, and campus events.