10.6%
lower cost of living
Compared to the rest of the U.S.
27
Colleges & Universities
245
Hiking trails
9
State Parks
64k
Acres of National Forest
17
Craft breweries and Distilleries
335
Miles of RIVERFRONT
Get to know Southeast Ohio.
Embrace the simple life in Southeast Ohio. Safer spaces and slower paces make for a great place to live, work, and raise a family.
Main Street Communities
Twenty-five expansive counties gently hug the Ohio River from the State’s southwest border to the northeast corner, where Ohioans who want a self-paced lifestyle make their homes. Explore the unique communities of Southeast Ohio, including Chillicothe’s Old Capital District, Historic Downtown Marietta,Boneyfiddle and surrounding downtown Portsmouth, rustic Millersburg, the quaint streets of Cambridge, Roscoe Village, Zanesville and more—each steeped in rich history and charm
Arts & Culture
World-class artists love the simple life. Sculptors, musicians, printmakers, potters, and painters draw inspiration from the calming beauty of Southeast Ohio. The region is rich in festivals, art shows, and Earthworks, with murals and museums drawing fans from around Ohio and across the nation. With space to stretch and room to breathe, the people of Southeast Ohio are free to create, appreciate, and support community arts in unique and unforgettable ways.
The Wilds
The Wilds and its 9,000 plus acres are home to rare and endangered species from around the globe, living in open range habitats. On land that was once devoted to strip mining, The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium has built North America’s largest conservation facility and transformed wildlife conservation practices. Come observe giraffes, rhinos, and ostriches completely uncaged. Send your kids to Summer Camp for an incredible learning adventure. Enjoy night hikes, zip lining, horseback riding, sunset tours, safari fishing, and more.
Food & Drink
Award-winning restaurants, microbreweries, distilleries, and farm-to-table destinations await you in Southeast Ohio. You’ll find Amish-style comfort food, fresh cheeses and delicatessen, and deliciously crafted culinary delights worthy of coastal culture but reserved for Ohio’s own. From bakeries to breweries, taverns to estate dining, there’s something for every taste. Grab a cold craft beer at Jackie O’s, sip a fresh cup of joe at River Roasters Coffee Co., try the Ahi Tuna at Strong & Co., or dabble in distinctive dining at The Barker Estate. Whatever tickles your tastebuds.
Amish Country
Trade noisy city streets for a long, white road lined with horses and buggies. You’ll find a pristine paradise of joy and peace in Ohio’s most laid-back community, Amish Country. When you’re here, you’re family—and you’ll enjoy the food, fellowship and friendly hospitality that comes with it. Observe quilting, craftsmanship, faith, and family—all the things that make the Amish lifestyle so beautifully simple. And while you’re at it, sample some fresh-made Swiss at Heini’s Cheese Chalet and unearth a one-of-a-kind find at the Berlin Antique and Craft Malls.
Outdoor Recreation
The Ohio Southeast boasts untouched landscapes and adventure for all. The beauty of Wayne National Forest makes way for trail systems, pump tracks, and bikeways, as well as lakes, camping, and water conservation districts. Hide away in a cabin in the woods or explore the all-four-seasons glory of Hocking Hills State Park, including one-way hiking areas at Ash Cave, Old Man’s Cave, Rock House, Conkle’s Hollow, Cedar Falls, Cantwell Cliffs, and Whispering Cave Trail. You’re sure to refresh and reset in Southeast Ohio’s great outdoors.
Festivals
Southeast Ohioans are festival people! From Ohio Brew Week in Athens, the home of Ohio University, to Steubenville’s Nutcracker Village during the holiday season, you’ll find endless festivities waiting for you. Experience the Nelsonville Music Festival—named one of the Midwest’s best. Take a bite out of life at the Jackson Apple Festival or watch fireworks on the water at the Ohio River Sternwheel Festival. Food and fun, music, arts, and more, there’s something fun for every family in every season.
Scenic Byways
Go ahead. Hit the open road—you won’t regret it. Ohio’s scenic highways and byways get extra gorgeous in Southeast Ohio. Make your way through the mountains on the Appalachian Byway of Ohio. Drive by the riverside along the Ohio Scenic River Byway. Explore the Tuscarawas River Water Trail and Muskingum River Water Trails for a captivating ride you’ll never forget. All roads lead to heaven in Southeast Ohio.
Work & Live
The Ohio Southeast Region employs nearly 500K people in three primary, highly specialized sectors—manufacturing, energy, and agriculture. Our authentic culture and strong work ethic attracts and retains talent from across the nation. If you’re looking for job security, you’ll be happy to know that companies in Southeast Ohio have higher productivity and lower turnover than facilities in other locations. But if you want a big-city job and a small-town home environment, you’re in luck. Nearly 100K more Southeast Ohio residents enjoy a straightforward and beautiful commute into Ohio major metros for work.
Marietta
Marietta is a charming river community with a revitalized main street known for great food, eclectic shops, vibrant nightlife and thriving arts community. Connect with Marietta’s rich history with trolley tours and sightseeing cruises down the Ohio River. Discover the golden age of the steamboat and learn about the ecology of the Ohio River system at the Ohio River Museum. Outdoor adventures and natural beauty await in Washington County, where you can hike or bike in nearby Wayne National Forest or wander the Muskingum River by kayak or canoe.
Athens
With historic buildings and brick streets, Athens is a place to explore. The collection of 88 recognized historical buildings will take you back in time. Check out the eclectic half-mile long Court Street where you’ll find locally-owned restaurants, unique shops and friendly pubs. The Southeast Ohio History Center celebrates the cultural heritage of Southeast Ohio and offers walking tours of the historic Athens Asylum. Outdoor adventurers can get lost in the beauty of Appalachia in Strouds Run State Park.