When it comes to the coolest small town in Ohio, there are a few locations that come to mind. All have charm, character, and friendly residents, but one in particular stands out. Yellow Springs, Ohio was named as one of the coolest small towns in the country by Matador Network. The rankings weren’t compiled using any data-driven formula. Rather, the “researchers” listened to the stories of residents and travelers, looking into what makes a particular place stand out and what sparks that magical small-town vibe. Yellow Springs was selected based on its originality and charm. As with all of the towns listed, this tiny Ohio community is a place that most people would be thrilled to call home. Check it out:
Welcome to Yellow Springs, Ohio … a little slice of paradise hiding in the heart of it all.
Sue Reynolds/Flickr This petite village in Greene County is home to about 3,700 residents. The name of the village is a nod to a nearby spring that’s rich in mineral content.
Upon arriving here, you’ll understand why Yellow Springs has captured the attention of groups like the Matador Network.
JR P/flickr Their report calls Yellow Springs a “post-utopian bubble in the middle of Ohio.” That’s because it was originally founded as a utopian community in 1825 by about 100 idealistic families.
There’s quite a bit of history in this town, including an unshakable dedication to the community.
Flickr/Earl Though the commune eventually fell apart, the town blossomed into a center of learning with the establishment of Antioch College in 1852. Since then, Yellow Springs has been known for its open-minded residents, vibrant community, and commitment to harmony between people from all walks of life. In fact, this town was full of Civil Rights Movement leaders, and to this day, it has the largest LGBTQ+ population of any Ohio village.
Yellow Springs is truly a scenic place where residents and visitors alike can enjoy the natural beauty of the area, including nearby Clifton Gorge and Clifton Mill.
Facebook/Yellow Springs, OH Clifton Mill, if you’ve never been, is absolutely magical during the holidays. Millions of lights invoke holiday cheer … and that’s not even an exaggeration! Some four million lights twinkle and glow here each season.
If kicking back with a beer is more your style, check out the Yellow Springs Brewery. There’s also plenty to see just wandering around downtown.
Flickr/Jess R. You might even run into Dave Chappelle, who lives in Yellow Springs. Chappelle actually grew up in the area, and it’s plain to see why he chose to stay here. It’s magical.
And if you’re really trying to kick back, grab a cigar at The Smoking Octopus and check out the odd architecture of its storefront.
Eric Fredericks/Flickr There are all sorts of eye-catching architecture in town. Drive around and see what catches your eye!
And speaking of odd, no trip to Yellow Springs is complete without a trip to the local art-centric pizza joint.
Marty Brockman/Google Images Ha Ha Pizza is crazy colorful, and its unforgettable mural is always entertaining. Ooey, gooey, and delicious, their offerings will really hit the spot.
All in all, this quaint town offers solace and peace that you can only find in Ohio.
Jess R./Flickr Whether you’re swinging by Young’s Jersey Dairy or taking it easy and enjoying the local state park, you just might fall in love with this quirky and cool place.
Any way you look at it, there’s no denying this small Ohio town is worthy of being ranked amongst the coolest spots in the nation. Are there any other towns you love? We want to hear your nominations for the coolest small town in Ohio in the comments!
Sue Reynolds/Flickr
This petite village in Greene County is home to about 3,700 residents. The name of the village is a nod to a nearby spring that’s rich in mineral content.
JR P/flickr
Their report calls Yellow Springs a “post-utopian bubble in the middle of Ohio.” That’s because it was originally founded as a utopian community in 1825 by about 100 idealistic families.
Flickr/Earl
Though the commune eventually fell apart, the town blossomed into a center of learning with the establishment of Antioch College in 1852. Since then, Yellow Springs has been known for its open-minded residents, vibrant community, and commitment to harmony between people from all walks of life. In fact, this town was full of Civil Rights Movement leaders, and to this day, it has the largest LGBTQ+ population of any Ohio village.
Facebook/Yellow Springs, OH
Clifton Mill, if you’ve never been, is absolutely magical during the holidays. Millions of lights invoke holiday cheer … and that’s not even an exaggeration! Some four million lights twinkle and glow here each season.
Flickr/Jess R.
You might even run into Dave Chappelle, who lives in Yellow Springs. Chappelle actually grew up in the area, and it’s plain to see why he chose to stay here. It’s magical.
Eric Fredericks/Flickr
There are all sorts of eye-catching architecture in town. Drive around and see what catches your eye!
Marty Brockman/Google Images
Ha Ha Pizza is crazy colorful, and its unforgettable mural is always entertaining. Ooey, gooey, and delicious, their offerings will really hit the spot.
Jess R./Flickr
Whether you’re swinging by Young’s Jersey Dairy or taking it easy and enjoying the local state park, you just might fall in love with this quirky and cool place.
Love small towns? Take a road trip to visit a few other small towns in Ohio!
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Address: Yellow Springs, OH 45387, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Coolest Small Town In Ohio November 08, 2020 Nikki Rhoades What is the most scenic small town in Ohio? Ohio is full of scenic small towns. Chagrin Falls, near Cleveland, has a waterfall right at its heart. Millersburg, out in Amish Country, is full of rolling hills and farms. You’ll find it all as you drive around the state. What are the oldest communities in Ohio? Marietta is the oldest city in Ohio, dating back to 1788. Cleveland actually isn’t too far behind it … less than a decade later, representatives of the Connecticut Land Company stepped on the shores of Forest City with General Moses Cleaveland in tow. Where is the creepiest town in Ohio? Arguably, Athens is the most haunted city in the state. There’s a history of hauntings here, from the old Athens Lunatic Asylum to the many halls of the local college.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Coolest Small Town In Ohio
November 08, 2020
Nikki Rhoades
What is the most scenic small town in Ohio? Ohio is full of scenic small towns. Chagrin Falls, near Cleveland, has a waterfall right at its heart. Millersburg, out in Amish Country, is full of rolling hills and farms. You’ll find it all as you drive around the state. What are the oldest communities in Ohio? Marietta is the oldest city in Ohio, dating back to 1788. Cleveland actually isn’t too far behind it … less than a decade later, representatives of the Connecticut Land Company stepped on the shores of Forest City with General Moses Cleaveland in tow. Where is the creepiest town in Ohio? Arguably, Athens is the most haunted city in the state. There’s a history of hauntings here, from the old Athens Lunatic Asylum to the many halls of the local college.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Ohio is full of scenic small towns. Chagrin Falls, near Cleveland, has a waterfall right at its heart. Millersburg, out in Amish Country, is full of rolling hills and farms. You’ll find it all as you drive around the state.
What are the oldest communities in Ohio?
Marietta is the oldest city in Ohio, dating back to 1788. Cleveland actually isn’t too far behind it … less than a decade later, representatives of the Connecticut Land Company stepped on the shores of Forest City with General Moses Cleaveland in tow.
Where is the creepiest town in Ohio?
Arguably, Athens is the most haunted city in the state. There’s a history of hauntings here, from the old Athens Lunatic Asylum to the many halls of the local college.
