LICKING COUNTY
County Offices
20 South Second Street
Newark 740-670-5000
www.lcounty.com
Chamber of Commerce
50 West Locust Street
Newark 740-345-9757
www.lickingcountychamber.com
Named for the salt licks in the area, Licking County is ideally located adjacent to the rapidly growing Columbus metro area. This former sleepy agricultural community has experienced phenomenal growth and development in recent decades. The presence of high-speed highways and large and small airports literally connect the county with the rest of the nation and the world. Yesterday’s field are now dotted with handsome new housing developments as well as mass retailers, colleges and universities, manufacturing companies, and service or professional businesses—together creating an attractive and vibrant suburban atmosphere.
Services
Residents of Licking County are fortunate to have first-class healthcare facilities and services just beyond the front door. Recognized as a leader in patient safety, Licking Memorial Health Systems is dedicated to the improvement of the health of the community. Toward that end, LMHS continues to invest in expansions and upgrades that allow the hospital to remain at the forefront of technology. Those efforts have resulted in a ranking by Thomson Reuters, the nation’s leading source of healthcare business intelligence, as a 100 Top Hospital in the medium-hospital-size category for 10 years—longer than any other medium-sized hospital in America. The 227-bed facility offers a full spectrum of quality patient care services, from emergency medicine to home health care, as well as a wide spectrum of specialized services that are unique for a hospital of its size. The Licking Memorial Health Professionals, more than 90 skilled professionals, maintain offices throughout the county for easy access to routine and specialized care. When exceptional needs arise, the hospitals of Columbus are minutes from home, including Nationwide Children’s Hospital.
The educational resources are equally outstanding for Licking County residents, serving students of all ages in all walks of life. In addition to quality public and private schools from preschool through 12th grade, three institutions of higher education are located in the county. Central Ohio Technical College provides a highly respected curriculum in a wide range of pertinent and in-demand programs and disciplines leading to associate degrees and certifications. Ohio State University Newark provides local access to one of the nation’s top-rated public universities with 18 colleges and more than 170 undergraduate majors along. OSU also ranks seventh among public universities and 11th among all universities. The presence of this leading university raises the bar on educational excellence throughout the metropolitan area, providing teacher education programs, student mentoring, and state education reform. Licking County is also the proud home of Denison University, one of the nation’s leading liberal arts colleges. A non-sectarian institution independent of any denominational affiliation since the 1960s, Denison appeals to outstanding students from across the nation and around the world.
Lifestyle
Newcomers to Licking County will discover a rare quality of life that blends quaint small towns and growing suburban cities. Spectacular natural and recreational sites, historic preservation, cultural enrichment, first-class arboretums, agri-tourism, great golf, multi-purpose trails, water parks, and unique shopping can all be found in Licking County. Return to nature at attractions like Buckeye Country Alpacas, the William C. Kraner Nature Center, the Blackhand Gorge State Nature Preserve, and Dawes Arboretum or step into the past at Flint Ridge State Memorial and Museum, the National Heisey Glass Museum, or The Works: Ohio Center for History, Art & Technology. This museum and educational complex combines exhibits with demonstrations, classes and hands-on activities for residents of all ages. Newark Earthworks, maintained by the Ohio Historical Society since the 1930s, offers the best-preserved examples of the monumental geometric earthworks of the Hopewell Native American culture. Licking County is the headquarters for Longaberger—nationally known for its premier, hand-crafted baskets—open to the public in three locations. The National Trail Raceway offers the nation’s fastest drag race facilities and features all classes of competition.
The arts are well-represented by talented performing groups and active supporters of the visual arts. Whatever Works Art Space, the headquarters of Granville’s Markers’ Market, serves as an art space and art community that is socially, ecologically, and creatively conscious. Midland Theatre presents touring and local artists in a live performance series and hosts many other special events in beautifully restored surroundings. Leisure activities are available for the entire family, crowned by the Cherry Valley Lodge and CoCo Key Water Resort, the only hotel in the nation recognized as an arboretum and botanical garden. The Heath City Water Park is a public option, set in a new sports complex. Take your time discovering Licking County, a wonderful place to call home in the Greater Columbus metro region. From lakefront villages and small towns to the growing cities of Newark, Heath and Pataskala, Licking County has the perfect setting for every lifestyle dream.
Buckeye Lake
Village Offices
740-928-7100
http://buckeyelakevillage.com
Chamber of Commerce
740-345-9757
www.lickingcountychamber.com
The primarily residential village of Buckeye Lake offers a breathtakingly beautiful background for homes and neighborhoods. The village is conveniently adjacent to Interstate 70 as well as State Routes 79 and 360, which makes it ideal for commuters or those who want a weekend vacation home. Situated on the northern side of Buckeye Lake, the village enjoys views of the spectacular 3,300-acre lake and the panoramic park that surrounds it. Residents enjoy an unparalleled “vacation lifestyle” that is focused on outdoor enjoyment and water sports. Premier recreational opportunities just beyond the front door include boating, fishing, water skiing, swimming, picnicking, ice skating, ice fishing, snowmobiling, ice boating, and even camping. Nearby amenities for shopping, dining and entertainment add to the quality of life in this idyllic setting. The housing choices are widely varied, from country cottages to upscale waterfront homes with their own boat docks. Best of all, the attractions and urban advantages of Columbus are just minutes from home.
Granville
Village Offices
740-587-0707
www.granville.oh.us
Chamber of Commerce
740-587-4490
www.granvilleoh.com
Drawing newcomers to the undeniable charm of a quaint village reminiscent of a small town in New England, Granville serves as home to Denison University. Granville also boasts one of Ohio’s most highly rated school districts. The modest population of the village nearly doubles when the university is in session, and the collegiate atmosphere only heightens the vitality and progressive attitude within the village. The careful planning of the original founders left many signature structures that give Granville its unique appeal. The central town square preserves many of those historic elements and serves as the heart of the community today as it did in the 1800s. More than 100 buildings are on the National Historic Register in the historic downtown district, lined with shops and restaurants. The village manages nearly 90 acres of lush parkland for outdoor recreation and enjoyment. Several local golf courses are available for those who want to perfect their backswing. Many residents of Granville return home from jobs in Newark or Columbus, retreating to the friendliness and charm of a quiet small town.
Heath
City Offices
740-522-1420
www.heathohio.gov
Chamber of Commerce
740-345-9757
www.lickingcountychamber.com
Located just 35 miles east of Columbus, the growing city of Heath is situated in the heart of Licking County. This progressive city has accommodated tremendous expansion in recent years, yet retains the feeling of a comfortable and welcoming hometown. The park system is highly developed and one of the family-friendly features of Heath. Beautiful parks include Geller Park and Hoback Park, the former offering four-season recreation with sports facilities, walking trails and a tubing hill. Hoback Park hosts summer Little League and summer camps, combining abundant sports equipment with a Riverfront Walkway and a Bikeway Corridor. The Heath City Water Park is another family favorite. Good schools, attractive neighborhoods, a pleasing mix of older and new homes, and economic vitality are all hallmarks of a city on the move.
Hebron
Village Offices
740-928 2261
www.hebronvillage.com
Chamber of Commerce
740-345-9757
www.lickingcountychamber.com
The village of Hebron is nestled in the Buckeye Lake area, ensuring quick and easy access to premier recreational opportunities. The village is surrounded by high growth spurred in part by the presence of Denison University, Ohio State University, and Central Ohio Technical College as well as economic expansion. Buckeye Lake offers premier water-oriented recreation and a yacht club on a small island connected to the North Bank by a bridge. The exceptional educational research and educational resource of Dawes Arboretum is another attraction in this area. Families will appreciate Devine Farms, a 96-acre farm with an 1890 farm house that hosts a variety of seasonal activities. Those who are looking for a quiet village setting in close proximity to rural and urban attractions, including the world-class amenities in Columbus, will find a serene home in Hebron.
Johnstown
Village Offices
740-967-3177
www.villageofjohnstown.org
Chamber of Commerce
740-345-9757
www.lickingcountychamber.com
Another choice for small-town living in Licking County is the village of Johnstown, a community that proudly reflects the ideas of its founding fathers. The local recreation center plays a leading role, providing a wide range of activities and programs for residents of all ages. Johnstown Community Sports Club is another popular destination, particular when the club holds its annual swap meet. Residents enjoy farm-fresh produce and other items at the local farmer’s market in season. In the middle of Johnstown, the cultural jewel of the Opera House hosts lectures, plays, musical revivals, and vaudeville acts as well as special community events including high school graduations. The Johnstown Opera House is a true treasure, one of five remaining opera houses in Ohio and serves as home to the Johnstown Historical Society.
Newark
City Offices
740-670-7500
www.newarkohio.net
Chamber of Commerce
740-345-9757
www.lickingcountychamber.com
Newark is the leading city of Licking County, serving as the cultural, healthcare, educational, commercial, and industrial hub of the region. Fine and casual dining, vibrant shopping, culture and the arts, golf courses, sprawling parks, lush parks, recreational trails, nature centers, and a water resort are just a few of the attractions that local residents can enjoy. In addition to excellent public schools, the city is home to two institutions of higher education: One of the extension campuses for Ohio State University and a campus for Central Ohio Technical College. Licking Memorial Health Systems serves a regional population with a top-rated, 227-bed hospital and medical complex that provides a level of care associated with much larger urban hospitals. Fine museums, performing groups, the visual arts, cultural venues and lively entertainment centers appeal to a wide range of lifestyles and tastes. The home styles are equally varied, from historic gems to executive and upscale properties.
Pataskala
City Offices
740-927-2021
www.cityofpataskalaohio.gov
Chamber of Commerce
740-964-6100
www.pataskalachamber.com
The city of Pataskala is well-positioned to blend quality neighborhoods with acres of green-field development, preserving a rural character and complementing vital commercial corridors. The city enjoys 40 sprawling acres located between the essential Interstate 70 and State Route 161 highways. In addition, the city is traversed by State Routes 16 and 310 for unrivaled access to regional destinations. Just 20 miles east of Columbus, Pataskala has abundant space in which to grow yet still offers the peace and serenity of country living. Newcomers will find a full range of housing options, from well-kept older properties to new construction in a wide variety of styles and sizes.
Licking County Townships
Township Listing and Information
www.lcounty.com/depts/planning/zoninginfo/default.htm
Besides the cities, villages and towns within Licking County, 25 townships comprise a large part of the area in the county. These townships range from smaller rural communities with a few hundred residents to more than several thousand people. The townships are spread throughout the region and are generally comprised of farm, rural and residential land.
Click on the link above to go to the State of Ohio listing of municipal web sites for the county. You may also go to the State of Ohio listing of municipal web sites for the county by clicking here.
