Sometimes, it can be difficult to choose between the calmer and tight-knit atmosphere of a small town and the hustle and bustle of a big city. But lucky for you, when you move to Zanesville, you can get the best of both worlds!

Zanesville is a lovely small town just outside the edges of Columbus, one of Ohio’s biggest cities. Here, you can enjoy day-to-day life in a relaxing small town, and then drive just 30 minutes into the city when you’re looking for some excitement!

Don’t get it confused — Zanesville may be much smaller than Columbus, but it still has lots to offer within the town limits. Residents love their friendly local community, and enjoy their town full of shops and restaurants with staff that will treat you like family.

Here’s what you should know about moving to Zanesville:

• History of Zanesville
• Facts and figures about Zanesville
• Local favorite things to do in Zanesville
• And more!
  

History of Zanesville

Before Moving to Zanesville, Get to Know the History of Your New Home

Zanesville is named after a pioneer named Ebenezer Zane. Long ago, Zane constructed a pioneer road called Zane’s Trace, which started in Virginia and passed through Ohio on its way to Kentucky.

In 1797, Zane gave some of his land to his son-in-law, John McIntire. He ceded the land where Zane’s Trace met the Muskingum River. The two collaborated to develop a plan for the town and constructed an inn and ferry by 1799. Zane officially founded the village of Zanesville in 1800. 

The village was situated at the junction of two rivers, the Licking River and the Muskingum River. The ferry service helped to bring people and trade to the town, and by the war of 1812 Zanesville was home to over 1,000 people.

Zanesville was once Ohio’s state capital! As a result of political motivations of Democratic-Republicans in the state, Zanesville served as the capital city between 1810 and 1812. The capital was then moved to Chillicothe, and then Columbus. Zanesville remains the seat of Muskingum County to this day. 

Over time, Zanesville became an important commercial center in its region of the state. This is due in part to the city’s location, which connects Zane’s Trace, the National Road, and the Muskingum River. 

A significant part of Zanesville’s economy throughout its history has been manufacturing. In 1846, seven iron foundries, one cotton mill, five flour mills, four sawmills, two oil processors, and one paper mill were operating in Zanesville.

In addition to manufacturing, the number of skilled craftsmen and small shops in town had a great impact on the economy. Some businesses made soap and candles, and there was a successful pottery industry thanks to all of the clay found nearby. Pottery was especially important in the late nineteenth century.

Zanesville by the Numbers

Learn About Zanesville’s Economy, Demographics, and What It’s Really Like to Live Here

Moving can be stressful enough — you don’t want to arrive at your new home without knowing anything about the neighborhood! Here, we have some of the most important basics about Zanesville to put your mind at ease.

Your New Neighbors

Zanesville is home to over 25,300 residents, a population that has stayed at about the same level over the last twenty years. Population density is 2,157 people per square mile. This is certainly not one of the smallest towns in Ohio, but it isn’t quite as crowded as Columbus or Cleveland! 

Zanesville is a relatively diverse place, in terms of race and ethnicity. Around 84% of residents are white, 7% are black, 6% are biracial or multiracial, and the remaining population is a mix of people of Asian, Native American, or unknown backgrounds. 

6,289 of the 11,234 households in Zanesville are family households. Many of these households are home to children, who make up about 20% of Zanesville’s population. These children attend Zanesville’s public school district, the Zanesville City School District. This district happens to be one of the most diverse in the state!

The school district is small, with only 769 students in the high school, which allows for students to develop a close relationship with their teachers, forming a more quality education. Zanesville High School offers AP classes and a gifted program that supports its most academically inclined students. Students overwhelmingly feel safe and supported at Zanesville schools. 

Economy and Jobs

The unemployment rate in Zanesville currently sits at 5.8%, slightly below the national average of 6.0%. In fact, this neighborhood has actually seen modest growth in the job market over the past year, despite the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

This growth in the job market is predicted to continue at a strong rate in the future. Future job growth over the next ten years is estimated to be 28.0%, showing that Zanesville’s economy is robust and will continue to evolve over time!

Some of the most common occupations of Zanesville residents are in the fields of manufacturing, retail trade, construction, wholesale trade, and transportation and warehousing. . 

The family median income in Zanesville is about $36,789 and the median home cost is $111,700. While these numbers are lower than their respective national averages, it is important to remember Zanesville’s lower cost of living, especially in the fields of housing, transportation, and groceries. 

Plus, home appreciation in the last 10 years has been 16.2%, which is an increase of 9.3% from previous estimates. This shows that buying a home in Zanesville could prove to be a worthwhile investment!

Weather and Climate

Like most Zanesvilles in Ohio, Zanesville is no stranger to any of the four major seasons. You’ll get your fair share of spring, summer, fall, and winter every year! In July — the hottest month — the average high temperature is 84 degrees, while the January low is 21 degrees. This is around the average for the state of Ohio overall.

Each year, on average, there are 173 sunny days and 120 days of precipitation in Zanesville. This precipitation includes around 39 inches of rain and 19 inches of snow each year.

Zanesville is ranked 7.2 out of 10 on the BestPlaces Comfort Index. This makes it “one of the most pleasant places in Ohio.” June, August, and September are considered the most pleasant months of the year in this area, while January and December are the least comfortable.

Get to Know Zanesville Like a Local

Where People Shop, Dine, and Hang Out in Zanesville

Once you move into town, you’re gonna want to eat at all the best restaurants and shop at all the best stores around. But with so many places to visit in Zanesville, it can be hard to decide where to go! We have a handful of local favorites to get you started.

Muddy Misers Restaurants 

Delicious Riverside Eats You’ll Love!

112 Muskingum Ave | Zanesville | facebook.com

If you’re looking for a restaurant that has both delicious meals and a beautiful view, look no further than Muddy Misers! This restaurant sits right on the banks of the Muskingum River that helped to build Zanesville into the town it is today!

This restaurant focuses its menu on American-style dishes, with special attention on seafood and steak. Some of their most popular dishes include the ribeye, the crab cakes and the Muddy Mac & Cheese. 

This restaurant is a favorite of many locals. It’s named after a fisherman from author Zane Grey’s childhood — Grey grew up in Zanesville, and is one of the town’s more famous former residents. Muddy Miser’s is a true Zanesville staple!

“Yummy food, beautiful outdoors, and super nice server… It was our first time and me and my family had an amazing experience… The outdoor seating have views which will keep you gazing [at] the nature… A perfect place to enjoy brunch/lunch in a very nice location and yummy food.” — Google Review

Olde Towne Antique Mall

Here, There’s Truly Something for Everyone!

527 Main St | Zanesville | visitzanesville.com

When you move to a new place, there’s lots of shopping to be done. You might need some new furniture, or some fun and unique decorations that you can’t find anywhere else. Plus, after you settle in and make friends with your neighbors, you’ll need a place to find all of your Christmas and birthday gifts each year!

This is where the Olde Towne Antique Mall comes in. From furniture to statues to ceramics to jewelry and even more, the 80 antiques dealers who have set up shop in the Olde Towne Antique Mall have something for everyone. 

The Olde Towne Antique Mall is also known as the “Pottery Capital of the World.” Beautiful pottery has long been a part of Zanesville’s history, and this antique mall is keeping the tradition alive! 

“This place has become my favorite stop for finding some great items to give as gifts, as well as for myself. 2+ levels filled to the brim with antiques, collectables, crockery, glassware, jewelry, etc.… If looking around at the local shops on Main St, start with this place. You won't regret it.” — Google Review

Russo’s Wood Fired Pizza

The Best Family-Owned Pizzeria in Zanesville

2526 Maple Ave | Zanesville | russoswoodfired.com

It’s just a fact — every neighborhood needs a good pizza spot. A restaurant that can find the perfect combination of crispy dough, tangy sauce, and melt-in-your mouth cheese is a must — and luckily, downtown Zanesville has Russo’s Wood Fired Pizza.

As the name suggests, Russo’s cooks their pizzas in a Neapolitan-style wood-fired oven, giving it crispiness and authentic Italian flavor. Plus, the oven cooks the pizzas in just three minutes, so you aren’t waiting as long for your delicious meal!

At Russo’s, you can customize your own pizza toppings or buy one of their signature pizzas. This includes flavors like Buffalo, Pesto Margherita, and Hawaiian BBQ. There are also select salad, pasta, and sandwich options available!

“We were first timers and it was delicious.  The staff was very patient and sweet. From the gourmet pizzas to the chubby cheese bread to the GIANT meatball... everything was excellent and weren't over priced. Finally a date night that doesn't cost an arm and a leg!” — Yelp Review

Old Market House Inn 

Visit Italy Without Leaving Town!

424 Market St | Zanesville | ardonettos.com

Every city needs a Little Italy, even a smaller city like Zanesville. At Old Market House Inn, you would think you just stepped off the streets in Rome to eat at an authentic Italian restaurant! 

Many of the Old Market House Inn’s most popular meals are their pasta dishes. Fettuccine, ravioli, penne, spaghetti — you name it, they have it. What’s more, they also serve delicious steak, chicken, and seafood dishes to their happy customers!

Located in a 1919 half-timbered building with stone walls, this restaurant’s rustic feel only adds to the enchantment that their food brings. The Old Market House Inn is located right across the street from the site of Zanesville’s original farmers’ market, which was in operation as early as the start of the nineteenth century. 

“The Old Market House Inn is the best. The staff is amazing, especially during these unprecedented times. Food is prepared and fit for a king. Ronnie is one of the best bartenders around. You won't be disappointed. Make a reservation today.” — Google Review

There is so much to be excited about in Zanesville, Ohio! This town is home to so many restaurants, shops, and more for you to enjoy, and its growing economy is attracting even more new businesses. 

While their town may be growing and evolving, the Zanesville community has remained as neighborly and welcoming as ever. What are you most excited to do when you move to Zanesville? Let us know in the comments below!