Shawnee, OH (Village)

Tucked into the rolling hills of southeast Ohio, Shawnee got its start as a booming coal town in the 1870s. During its heyday, miners and shopkeepers flocked to the area, quickly building a bustling downtown filled with Victorian brick storefronts, two grand opera houses, and distinctive second-story wooden balconies. Long after the coal rush ended, Shawnee kept that historic character intact, and driving down Main Street today still feels like stepping right into the past.

ATTRChristopher L. Riley / CC BY-SA 4.0

Today, that historic core is finding fresh energy as local preservationists and entrepreneurs restore old buildings for small shops, eateries, and lodging. Daily life here is quiet and easygoing, with the surrounding Wayne National Forest offering miles of trails for hiking, fishing, boating, and horseback riding right outside your door. For anyone looking to relocate to a close-knit Appalachian community with rich history and instant access to the outdoors, Shawnee has a unique appeal.