Proctorville, OH

Located along the Ohio River in southern Ohio, Proctorville gives residents a quiet, small-town lifestyle right across the water from Huntington, West Virginia. The village has deep roots as a 19th-century riverboat stop, but today it is best known as a welcoming, convenient home base for commuters. Thanks to the East End Bridge, getting across the river to Marshall University, downtown restaurants, or regional hospitals takes only a couple of minutes.

ATTRNyttend / Public domain

Families are drawn here in large part for the Fairland Local School District, whose schools anchor much of the community's activity throughout the year. You will find everyday essentials along State Route 7 and near Elizabeth Street, including the local library branch and hometown eateries. Overall, Proctorville offers an easygoing neighborhood feel with the added bonus of having bigger-city amenities just a short drive over the bridge.