Columbiana Economic Development Opportunities Report July 2025

 

Nestled in northeastern Ohio near the Pennsylvania border, Columbiana, a city of more than 6,500 people, is a delightful community where historic charm meets modern innovation. Proudly known as “The Nicest Place in America,” it radiates warmth and strong civic pride, making it an ideal place for families, entrepreneurs and businesses. With a rich heritage of craftsmanship and community spirit, Columbiana is filled with tradition, growth and abundant opportunities for all.

Location, Location, Location

 

Columbiana’s location provides excellent access to regional business and cultural hubs. Situated just 17 miles from Youngstown, 55 miles from Akron, 58 miles from Pittsburgh, and 78 miles from Cleveland, it offers the peace and simplicity of small-town life with the convenience of nearby metropolitan centers and markets. The closest airports are the Pittsburgh International Airport (42 miles), followed by the Akron-Canton Regional Airport (48 miles), and Cleveland Hopkins Airport (85 miles). The city boasts enviable access to major transportation corridors, including being only 4 miles from OH-11 and 6.5 miles from I-76. Whether seeking business connections, entertainment options, or weekend getaways, you’re never far from what you need in Columbiana.

Adding to its appeal is Columbiana’s unique place in American industrial history. As the hometown of Harvey S. Firestone, founder of Firestone Tire and Rubber Co., the city celebrates his legacy through Firestone Park — an expansive 68-acre green space gifted to the community. The park remains a centerpiece of local life, offering walking trails, athletic fields, playgrounds, and spaces for community events and seasonal festivals.

Columbiana is a vibrant and welcoming place to explore. The historic and vibrant downtown Main Street district exudes small-town charm with antique shops, boutiques, eateries, and craft stores lining its walkable streets. Visitors can enjoy live entertainment at the newly renovated Columbiana Arts Theater (The CAT) or relax at the nearby Best Western Inn or local Airbnb offerings in the Cozy Clipper, The Thomas and The Henry. Columbiana is a DORA (Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area) community, allowing patrons to enjoy their favorite beverage outdoors on historic Main Street or at Firestone Farms.

The Firestone Farms district is a historical hub for commerce, exceptional dining and entertainment. Life’s special moments can be celebrated at The Barn, a beautifully restored event venue perfect for weddings, gatherings, and more. In the summer, free outdoor movies and live concerts bring the community together for unforgettable evenings. Columbiana’s shopping and entertainment districts including Historic Downtown, Northpoint, and Firestone Farms blend history with modern charm that keep visitors returning season after season.

Recreation opportunities abound in and around the city. Columbiana boasts two golf courses, several fitness centers, Hippley Gardens, and easy access to additional outdoor destinations throughout the region. Firestone Park offers scenic trails, fishing areas, disc golf, a dog park, a playland for children, and sport court facilities, including basketball, tennis and pickleball. Whether you’re an avid golfer, nature enthusiast, or enjoy an active lifestyle, there’s something in Columbiana for everyone.

Why Columbiana?

Columbiana was first settled in 1802 by Joshua Dixon and officially laid out in 1805 with the help of William Heald. Originally a quiet farming community, Columbiana grew steadily thanks to the railroad’s arrival in the 1830s. It was incorporated as a village in 1837 and became a city in 2000.

Many businesses proudly call Columbiana home, contributing to the city’s growth, convenience, and vibrancy.

• Birdfish Brewing Co.
• Paws on Main
• Generations Cafe
• Homestead Kitchen and Cocktails
• Hogan’s Baking Co.
• Ill Will Brewing
• Das Dutch Hause Restaurant and Bakery
• Garwood Arena

 

The city’s Columbiana-SR 14 Industrial Site is poised for growth, with land and utilities ready for new ventures. In particular, the Columbiana-SR 14 Industrial Site features 45 acres of available land and presents a high-potential opportunity for companies seeking proximity to major transportation routes, reliable municipal utilities and a skilled regional workforce.

This site has frontage on State Route OH-14 and is currently vacant and mostly wooded with all utilities available, including electric transmission lines bordering the side and back of the property. The Norfolk Southern main rail line is adjacent to the southern edge of the site, with this line running from Pittsburgh to Fort Wayne, Ind. To further support development and attract new investment, the city has included this site in an Ohio Enterprise Zone incentive district. Columbiana offers a 15-year, 100 percent abatement for commercial projects, subject to guidelines.

The site has already been zoned I-2 Industrial and is development ready. The viability of the site is further buoyed by its location near the following institutions: Youngstown State University, 17.6 miles away; Kent State University Salem Campus, 11.2 miles away; Kent State University East Liverpool Campus, 22.7 miles away; Mount Union College,  23.5 miles away; Kent State University, 43 miles away; University of Akron, 52.8 miles away; and Robert Morris University, 42.7 miles away.

Further supporting economic development is Columbiana’s participation in the Community Reinvestment Area (CRA) Tax Abatement Program, a powerful incentive that encourages commercial and residential development. The CRA program offers real property tax exemptions for new construction or significant improvements to existing structures, helping reduce startup and expansion costs for residents, businesses and developers.

Columbiana’s vibrant business community complements its strong educational offerings, creating a well-rounded and thriving resident environment. The Columbiana Exempted Village School District and Heartland Christian School provide comprehensive educational opportunities for students from preschool through 12th grade. The Columbiana Exempted Village School District, a well-regarded public system with about 1,000 students, emphasizes academic excellence through gifted programs and advanced placement courses. Its three schools, Joshua Dixon Elementary, Columbiana Middle School, and Columbiana High School, are integrated into the fabric of the community through youth engagement. Columbiana High School, established in 1861, is especially recognized for its strong academic and athletic programs, competing as the Clippers in the Eastern Ohio Athletic Conference. Located in the heart of downtown, Heartland Christian School is a private, non-denominational Christian institution founded in 1996. Serving about 440 students, Heartland focuses on nurturing students who are both biblically grounded and academically prepared, offering a faith-based curriculum that supports spiritual growth alongside scholastic achievement.

In addition to its strong educational institutions, Columbiana offers a supportive environment for families, businesses, and community growth. The city’s commitment to quality of life is reflected in its schools and investment in infrastructure, public services, and economic development. This well-rounded approach helps create a thriving community where education, safety and opportunity go hand in hand.

Businesses benefit from municipally owned and operated water, sewer, and electric services, making setup cost-effective and straightforward. Columbiana also offers a strong foundation of public safety services, including local Police, Fire, and EMS.

Columbiana offers something special for a family looking to put down roots, a business seeking a supportive home base, or a visitor discovering a new favorite getaway. Explore available properties and see what makes Columbiana the perfect place to grow, connect, and thrive.

Visit 28 W Friend Street to see all this city has to offer.

Site development opportunities include:

Columbiana-SR 14 Industrial Site

• 45 acres of vacant land

 

Public Power and AMP

Public power utilities are not-for-profit, community-owned electric systems that work to provide the highest-quality, most reliable power to residents and businesses. They are part of the communities and focus on what is best for the people and businesses they serve.

 

American Municipal Power, Inc. (AMP) is the nonprofit wholesale power supplier and services provider for more than 130 Members in the states of Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia, as well as the Delaware Municipal Electric Corporation, a joint action agency with nine Delaware municipal members. Combined, these Member municipal electric utilities serve approximately 661,000 customers. AMP Members receive their power supply from a diversified resource mix that includes wholesale power purchases through AMP and the open market and energy produced at AMP and Member-owned generating facilities utilizing fossil fuel, hydroelectric, solar, wind, and other renewable resources.

 

For more information about our Member communities and programs, visit searchampsites.com.