Just 50 miles east of Columbus, Ohio, Zanesville is a small city located at the confluence of the Muskingum and Licking Rivers. As the county seat of Muskingum County, the city was historically a hub for manufacturing, textiles and pottery. This old-timey atmosphere can still be enjoyed today by residents visiting the Putnam Historic District or taking rides on the Lorena Sternwheeler. "It's a great area to live because you have the big city amenities of Columbus within an hour's drive, but you're also close to Ohio's beautiful countryside," says Brent Glass, an area local and Broker at Town and Country Realty.
Nowadays, the city's population has increased to over 24,600 people, helping support a healthy downtown shopping district and prominent companies like Genesis HealthCare System and Shelly and Sands Highway Construction. "Interstate 70 and National Road both pass through our city, bringing a lot of manufacturing opportunities and economic growth. Intel and Amazon are both planning to expand here in the next 5 years," Glass says.
I-70 runs through Zanesville, making the city a key stop along the highway.
Enjoy seasonal boat rides on the Lorena Sternwheeler in downtown Zanesville.
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Zanesville's revitalizing downtown and other shopping
Like many American cities, Zanesville experienced a post-industrial decline in the late 1900s, but efforts are underway to revitalize its downtown and attract more business to the city. "A lot more restaurants, antique shops and art studios have been coming to downtown. It's a really nice place to just take a walk," Glass says. Many of downtown's buildings have appealing Classical Revival and Victorian architecture from the 1800s. Built in 1870, The Muskingum County Courthouse is known for its Second Empire facade, complete with mansard roofs and a steeple.
The Downtown Exchange is a renovated antique mall that offers artisanal restaurants, coworking space and other tenant opportunities for businesses. For daily errands and other shopping, Colony Square Mall has 65 different stores and retail options. In addition to chain food options and a Cinemark, the indoor shopping mall is also surrounded by most of the city's big box stores, from Sam's Club to Kroger.
The Downtown Exchange supports Zanesville’s local economy and small businesses.
Colony Square Mall is Zanesville’s main indoor shopping destination.
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An expanding housing market in Muskingum County
Zanesville's housing inventory ranges from the late 1800s to new construction, with midcentury builds and suburban styles from the '60s being the most common. The median sales price has risen in recent years to over $198,000, meaning that homes in Zanesville are more affordable than both the Columbia and national average. "It's a growing city that still has competitive pricing. You can get a lot more house for your money compared to larger areas like Columbus."
Areas like Pleasant Grove offer brick ranch-styles sitting on large half-acre lots, while Putnam has historic bungalows and American Foursquares set close together on gridded sidewalks. Located near the city's hospital and most its new shopping, North Zanesville has a wealth of recently developed homes, with custom builds and attached garages being common.
The bungalow homes in Zanesville remain popular for their affordability and character.
Zanesville’s housing market includes new construction homes with modern designs.
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Zanesville City School District and lower rates at Zane State
Rated with a C-plus from Niche, Zanesville City School District is a relatively small public network that serves the city's 3,000 students with 5 different schools. Zanesville High School ranked as the fifth-best high school in the greater area, and is known for being the home of Ohio's first Mr. Football Award winner, Buster Howe.
Higher education options include Zane State College and Ohio University Zanesville. In addition to a recognized real estate program at Zane State, both schools offer a catalogue of associate's and bachelor's-level courses at lower rates than schools like Ohio State University. "One thing these schools offer is that you can get a good education without going into major debt," Glass says.
Zanesville High School is home to the Blue Devils and a strong academic community.
Zane State College provides degrees in business, healthcare, and technical fields.
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Getting around Muskingum County with I-70
Like its rivers, multiple highways also converge in Zanesville, making the city and its greater area highly accessible for drivers. The 55-mile drive to Ohio's largest city, Columbia, only takes 50 minutes on Interstate 70. The SEAT Bus offers two fixed routes and a reservation-based system for rides around the city.
In the case of emergencies, Genesis Hospital is located in the northern part of Zanesville, just off of Route 60. "Genesis is a prominent employer here and a top-rated healthcare system. The cardiovascular department is particularly renowned," Glass says. For flights to Wheeling, Parkersburg and larger airports like Columbus International Airport, Zanesville Municipal Airport is six miles east of the city.
Entertainment and attractions in Y-Bridge City
One unique feature the city is known for is the Muskingum River Y Bridge, one of the only Y-shaped bridges in the world. First built in 1814, this historic three-way bridge spans both of the city's rivers and is open to vehicle traffic. Tourists can visit the Putnam Park Overlook to get a scenic view of the bridge and Zanesville's downtown.
The Military Road Art Museum is another popular attraction that brings in art from all around the country, with exhibitions throughout the year. The Seacrest Auditorium and Music Hall is Zanesville's other prominent venue, hosting concerts, ballet and comedy events like ZaneY Laughs at Secrest. "The city also has plans for Seacrest to be renovated soon into more of a convention-type complex with some shopping, too. It should help bring in more business to the city," Glass says.
Zanesville’s iconic Y-Bridge has been rebuilt multiple times since the early 1800s.
Located downtown, Secrest Auditorium offers a stage for arts and entertainment in Zanesville.
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Getting out along the Muskingum River
Zanesville Parks and Recreation maintains 12 parks throughout the city, from small neighborhood playgrounds like Maple Hill Park to fishing opportunities at Riverside Park. Bike paths are woven throughout the city, while the Lorena Sternwheeler is a historic vessel that gives rides on the Muskingum River. For more fishing, swimming and camping, Dillon State Park surrounds Dillon Lake just 9 miles northwest of the city.
Zanesville has four distinct seasons, and a relatively moderate climate. Winters are cold, bringing an annual average of 19 inches of snow. Flood damage from the Platte River is possible, but a system of dams overseen by the Stormwater Utility Department helps guard against it.
Nature lovers in Zanesville enjoy birdwatching and walking at Maple Run Park.
Riverside Park in Zanesville offers trails, sports fields, and scenic river views.
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Important to know
According to the FBI Crime Data Explorer, Kearney's violent crime rates are lower than the national average. Its property crime rates are more than double the national average, but have also decreased by 40% since 2015.
One of the latest programs aimed at combatting violent crime is a $350,000 dollar grant that the Zanesville Police Department is using to install crime prevention programming technology and Flock Cameras that locate gunfire.
Written By
Bayley Malo
Photography Contributed By
Holly Haarmeyer
Video By
Conar McDaniel
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Tiffany Wisecarver,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Zanesville, OH sell after 49 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Zanesville, OH over the last 12 months is $200,000, up 7% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Enjoy your own peaceful getaway on over 3 beautiful acres in a subdivision with no HOAs, where space, comfort, and privacy meet. This unique home offers more than 5 bedrooms and over 5,600 finished square feet--perfect for everyday living or multi-generational needs. Two main-floor primary suites, each with a private en suite bath, make life flexible and convenient. The roomy eat-in kitchen is
Located in the Laurel Ridge subdivision on the north end of Zanesville within the West Muskingum School District, this impressive 5-bedroom, 5-bath residence offers over 5,000 square feet of space, scale, and undeniable potential. Built in the early 1990s, this home was designed to stand out, featuring expansive living areas, oversized bedrooms, and a layout that delivers both functionality and
If you’ve been waiting for something that actually feels like home... this is it. This 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath ranch in the Maysville School District has been updated where it counts—new A/C, fresh flooring, and paint that gives it that clean, move-in ready feel the second you walk in. But the real lifestyle here? That’s where it gets good. Start your mornings on the front deck with your coffee, and
Completely remodeled from top to bottom, this stunning home blends timeless character with modern updates in a way that is truly hard to find. Originally built in 1925, you’ll be amazed at how seamlessly this home has been transformed while still maintaining its charm. I've added some virtually staged photos to help you visualize you and yours in this incredible home. From the moment you walk in,
Welcome to 5135 Tiffany Drive in the desirable Tri-Valley School District! This spacious and well-maintained home offers the perfect blend of comfort, functionality, and lifestyle. The main level features a welcoming layout with a bright living room, cozy family room, formal dining space, and a kitchen that flows beautifully for both everyday living and entertaining. The standout sunroom is truly
Rare opportunity for spacious, low-maintenance condo living with flexible space across three levels. Beautifully maintained and thoughtfully designed, this condo features soaring ceilings, hardwood flooring, and a bright open living area filled with natural light. The kitchen offers abundant cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, and a large peninsula ideal for casual dining and entertaining.
Fantastic Investment opportunity this well maintained Duplex-Each unit has three bedrooms. Off Street parking with 2 car garage, level lot, with public utilities. Front covered porch, new windows on 1245 unit, new gas F/A furnaces and central air conditioning on both units. This Duplex features several updates to the interior and offers immediate rental income. Each unit features 3 bedrooms-1241
Enjoy your own peaceful getaway on over 3 beautiful acres in a subdivision with no HOAs, where space, comfort, and privacy meet. This unique home offers more than 5 bedrooms and over 5,600 finished square feet--perfect for everyday living or multi-generational needs. Two main-floor primary suites, each with a private en suite bath, make life flexible and convenient. The roomy eat-in kitchen is
Carefree living meets peaceful country charm with this beautifully updated Cape Cod just outside of Zanesville. Situated in a scenic rural-farm setting, this home offers 3 bedrooms, 1 1/2 baths, and a full, open basement with endless potential. You'll love the original hardwood floors throughout, adding warmth and character, paired with major updates completed within the last year--including a
Spacious 3-bedroom home with a bonus room and 3 full baths, offering a functional layout and numerous recent updates. The kitchen was updated in 2022 and features granite countertops and ample workspace. The home includes a main-floor laundry room, hardwood floors throughout, a whole-house generator, and a 2-car heated garage for added convenience. Exterior updates include a roof and siding both
Opportunity knocks... Here is you chance to start your own business, or bring you existing business to the center of Zanesville. This property has 3 parcels. You can live in the house while you build or move your business. House has new furnace, hot water tank. You won't find a better deal in Zanesville. Call for your private showing today.
Unbelievable warmth, character and country charm awaits you in this beautiful hillside ranch with walk out lower level! Absolutely gorgeous home featuring a large great room with stone floor to ceiling fireplace, beautiful bamboo flooring, country kitchen with deluxe appliances, huge primary suite leads to beautifully updated bath and two additional bedrooms and half bath on the first floor. The
Ranch home on Corner Level Lot with covered front porch. Chain Link fenced yard, charming 3 bedroom, one bath home with laundry for your convenience. Level Lot with two car detached garage. Updates including Gas F/A furnace and Central Air Conditioning and new Roof all in 2025, New Electric Panel 2023. Rents for $850/Monthly.
Nicely-updated 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath two-story home offering both comfort and functionality. The kitchen features granite countertops, all appliances included, and a spacious eat-in area perfect for everyday living or entertaining. Just off the kitchen, you’ll find a cozy family room, while the large living room showcases a beautiful propane gas fireplace for added warmth and charm and built in
Check out this spacious downtown apartment featuring a convenient and comfortable layout. The unit includes in-unit laundry located just off the kitchen, adding extra ease to your daily routine. Tenant is responsible for electric. All applicants are subject to credit and background checks.
Your New Lifestyle of comfort and convenience awaits you at the charming apartment community of Kensington Village. With 4 spacious floor plans to choose from, these 1-and 2-bedroom ranch style apartment homes boast all the latest in desired features and conveniences, including attached garages and so much more!
This charming 2 bedroom/1 bath home has been all updated for the new tenant. The house has a large covered front porch. The kitchen includes all the appliances for an easy move in. The large full bathroom with a tub/shower combination has room for a stackable washer/dryer. The interior has new light fixtures and laminate flooring. There is an newer HVAC system that will help with heating and
Welcome to Mapleview Terrace Apartments, a HUD Section 8 community offering affordable, income-based housing in Zanesville, Ohio. Mapleview Terrace provides one, two, and three-bedroom units for families that are available now. If you meet HUD's low-income requirements, rents are based on 30% of your adjusted income.Eligibility:Applicants must meet HUD income requirements, typically
Spacious two-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment located on the north end of Zanesville in the desirable Waters Edge community. This unit offers a comfortable layout with a bright living area and a functional kitchen equipped with a refrigerator, range, and dishwasher for your convenience. Security deposit and first month’s rent are due upon move-in. All applicants are subject to credit and
Muirwood Village Apartments has the perfect blend of amenities, custom design, and ideal living spaces, all carefully wrapped within lush country landscape and tranquil views.Our location puts you just minutes away from the city's finest shopping, dining, and entertainment. Muirwood Village offers stylish, distinct, and effortless apartment living.Contact us to tour your
Spacious two-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment located on the north end of Zanesville in the desirable Waters Edge community. This unit offers a comfortable layout with a bright living area and a functional kitchen equipped with a refrigerator, range, and dishwasher for your convenience. Security deposit and first month’s rent are due upon move-in. All applicants are subject to credit and
Welcome to Colony Terrace Apartments, a HUD Section 8 community offering affordable, income-based housing in Zanesville, Ohio. Colony Terrace provides one-bedroom apartments for seniors aged 62 and older or individuals aged 50 and older with qualifying disabilities. If you meet HUD's low-income requirements, rents are based on 30% of your adjusted income.Eligibility:Applicants must
1 bedroom, 1 bath apartment in a 4 unit apartment building in the Putnam Historic District. All utilities paid by the owner. No pets. Np Section 8. It’s located next door to the Historical Society, close to the Muskingum River and the popular Muddy Misers Restaurant. All applicants are subject to standard credit and background checks. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to call this apartment HOME!
PICTURE YOURSELF… ...at home at MEADOWOOD APARTMENTS enjoying the convenience of city living as well as the quiet charm of country life. A host of restaurants and stores, doctors offices and banks, even Walgreens and Kroger are within easy walking distance. Historic downtown Zanesville and access to I-70 are less than 10 minutes by car. Earn a degree and soak up culture at local colleges
Spacious 2 bedroom, 1 bath apartment located in a duplex with a spacious side and backyard. Off street parking. Pets may be permitted with owner's approval. All applicants are subject to a credit and background check. Security Deposit and first months rent are due upon move in. Tenant is responsible for all utilities and snow removal. Owner responsible for lawncare. No Section 8.
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