Portsmouth, OH

Set along the Ohio River right across from Kentucky, Portsmouth is a scenic river town of about 18,000 residents. Shawnee State University sits right next to downtown, giving the area a steady stream of campus events and youthful energy. Locals spend their weekends exploring the historic Boneyfiddle district, which is packed with antique shops, cafes, and local spots in restored 19th-century buildings. Just down the block, the famous floodwall murals stretch for blocks along the riverfront, making everyday walks feel like an open-air art gallery.

ATTRAntony-22 / CC BY-SA 4.0

Portsmouth carries plenty of history, from its 19th-century riverboat days to hosting the original Portsmouth Spartans football team. Today, that rich past mixes with affordable housing and plenty of room to explore. The sprawling Shawnee State Park and Forest is just outside town, offering miles of hiking trails, rolling Appalachian foothills, and quiet lakes. It is an easygoing, friendly community for anyone looking for riverside views, historic charm, and a relaxed pace of life.