Why Do Young Professionals Love Living in Licking County?

Nathan Lambrecht

Licking County offers a one-two punch of small-town life with the proximity of big-city amenities a short drive away. This makes the region attractive to young professionals in all walks of life. Meet two residents who enjoy living in Licking County and find out why they love to call this region home.

Meet Nate Adams 

Nate Adams was born in Newark but grew up in Connecticut. However, his heart never left Ohio. “Even at a young age, I could tell that I was meant to be a Midwest kid and loved the pace of life here versus the East Coast,” Adams says. 

Today, Adams, 33, has built a family with his wife, Courtney, and their three girls ages 8, 5 and 3. When they entertain visitors, the Adamses have a few surprises waiting. 

“Our guests love revitalized downtown Newark,” he says. “The number and quality of restaurants, venues and things to do is something that we are proud of, and visitors take notice.” 

Nate Adams

The Adams family also revels in the abundance of kid-friendly amenities available in Newark and Licking County. Nate says The Works museum and the Midland Theatre are two popular destinations for his children, as well as natural attractions like Rotary Park, Wildwood Park, Infirmary Mound Park and Buckeye Lake.

Some of the family’s favorite local spots include DankHouse Brewing Co., 1922 on the Square, Newark Station, Don & Sue’s Pizza, and Papa Boo’s on Buckeye Lake. For dessert, Whit’s Frozen Custard at Buckeye Lake or Velvet Ice Cream’s Ye Olde Mill are go-tos that locals love. 

Career opportunities abound for the couple. Nate is a financial adviser with Edward Jones, where he works with two of his lifelong friends. “This career allows me to do what has always been most important to me, which is to be present for my family, educate others and give back to the community that has done so much for me,” he says.

“We often tell people, if you haven’t lived here, it’s hard to explain just how special Licking County is. Licking County is a great place to go to school, make a living and raise a family. It’s our duty, as those who have come before us, to leave it better than we found it, so one day our kids will see just how lucky they were to call Licking County home.” 

Meet Jayme Blackstone 

This 37-year-old Newark native serves as the career development coordinator for C-TEC of Licking County, and works part time at Trek Brewing Co. She’s also a board member of Young Leaders of Licking County, a program of the Licking County Chamber of Commerce, where she says her involvement helped her form connections with others through their networking and programming opportunities. 

Blackstone says networking is easier in Licking County. 

“I feel like, in most rooms I enter, I can find someone that I know and want to connect with,” she says. “If you choose to be involved within the community, the connectedness it provides is unending.” 

One of the top reasons Blackstone says she decided to stay in the region is her connection to family members, as well as the circle of friends and work colleagues she’s built so far. She also enjoys the amenities her hometown offers. 

“I’m a big fan of the arts and encourage everyone to spend time at The Works in downtown Newark, the Midland Theatre or Weathervane Playhouse,” she says.

“My love of The Works turned into a volunteering position for me, helping with their gallery openings and other adult programming.” 

Other can’t-miss opportunities on Blackstone’s list include the Canal Market District Farmers Market in downtown Newark, The Dawes Arboretum and Downtown Newark Association’s Final Friday events. Of course, Trek Brewing claims a special place in her heart. 

“It’s my version of ‘Cheers’ – everybody knows your name, and it’s a comfortable environment to enjoy time with others,” she says. 

Blackstone says she wouldn’t change anything about her experience growing up in the region. 

“I’ve always felt this area has been good to me, so I want to give back to the community that helped shape who I am. It takes more than family and friends to make a person who they are; it also takes a strong and supportive community, which I feel I have here in Licking County. I truly feel Ohio is the heart of it all, and I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else.”