Best Places to Live in Licking County, Ohio: A Guide to Local Communities

©Journal Communications/Nathan Lambrecht

There’s so much to love about Licking County, Ohio, from its gorgeous landscape providing ample possibilities for outdoor recreation to its vibrant arts and cultural scene to its incredible educational offerings, to name a few. Each of its many communities – cities and villages alike – are uniquely attractive for residents and visitors. Ahead is a quick overview of these amazing places and what makes them so compelling: 

Granville 

Granville is the largest village in the county with nearly 6,000 residents. One of the most desirable communities in the region, it’s known for its appealing downtown shopping district, beautiful architecture (including the lovely Bryn Du Mansion) and New England-style charm. Granville is also home to Denison University, which adds a layer of youth, culture and community engagement to the area.

Newark 

As the county seat, Newark is the largest city in Licking County. With over 50,000 residents, Newark is known for its affordability, revitalized downtown – including an idyllic walkable district and historic square – and other quality of life amenities. It’s also home to Dawes Arboretum, a gorgeous botanical garden, The Midland Theatre, which was built in the 1920s, and the Newark Earthworks, a major prehistoric earthen mound complex and UNESCO World Heritage site. 

©Journal Communications/Nathan Lambrecht

Pataskala 

Just east of Columbus lies Pataskala, which grew significantly after merging with Lima Township in 1996. Pataskala offers a unique value proposition for those who need to commute but still enjoy rural charm and a slower pace. There are seven parks within the city, which include gorgeous wooded areas and trails along the South Fork of the Licking River. There’s a strong sense of community here, with local events and markets providing plenty of opportunities for residents to show up and support small businesses. 

Heath 

Centrally located along State Route 79 and near other major highways, the city of Heath is well-connected and convenient for commuters. Heath attracts many young families, as its suburban atmosphere lends itself well to that lifestyle. Residents enjoy hundreds of acres of preserved green space, parks, trails and even a community water park. There are also plenty of community events to attend throughout the year, including the annual Star Spangled Celebration. 

Johnstown 

A smaller city in western Licking County, Johnstown is located equidistant from Columbus and Newark, about 25 minutes from each. The city has grown and adapted over the years and now boasts a seamless blend of new housing developments and well-preserved historic buildings alike. Johnstown embraces the identity of small-town America and has a strong school district and family-friendly amenities like parks and trails to support that claim. 

Buckeye Lake 

While three counties each claim a portion of Buckeye Lake, the Licking County portion is pretty special. Located right next to Buckeye Lake State Park, this village fully embraces an outdoorsy identity, with many businesses catering to tourists and boating enthusiasts. Buckeye Lake attracts folks who enjoy fishing, swimming and other water sports, and as such is much busier in the summertime. 

Hebron 

Conveniently located along Interstate 70, U.S. Route 40 and State Route 79, Hebron is also known as the “Historic Crossroads of Ohio,” a well-deserved nickname if ever there was one. Not only is Hebron located along several major roads and highways, but it also has a rich history of transportation via canal and railroad. Today, the village has gorgeous parks and trail connections, including the Ohio Canal Greenway and Evans Park. Hebron is also known for its annual Pie Festival, which takes place each fall. 

Utica 

The smallest village in the county, Utica has roughly 2,200 residents who enjoy a scenic setting along the North Fork of the Licking River. It’s chock-full of small-town rural charm, thanks to its long history as a farming and mill community. Local farms, such as Branstool Orchards and Legend Hills Orchard, open their doors to the public to come pick their own produce, from apples to peaches to pears. Locals also loyally frequent Velvet Ice Cream, which is located in the historic Ye Olde Mill.