Here, nature is nurtured and many artists are drawn to a special hometown.

"I love the culture, love the arts and music an emphasis on creativity," said resident Joan Edwards.

The cornerstone of this small village is a liberal arts college founded in the 1850s that has had some financial setbacks, but village officials say Antioch College will welcome back students in the fall of 2011.

"It's ebbed and flowed in that time, but the Yellow Springs we are now, does have a lot to do with culture that Antioch brought," Karen Wintrow, of the Chamber of Commerce.

A culture that is proud of its liberal identity.

Wintrow said the village overwhelmingly voted for President Obama even though Greene county is a Republican stronghold. She believes it is because residents identified with "being tolerant, free thinking and having big ideas."

Boutiques, a locally owned grocery store and other unique shops line the two main roads in town.

Wintow said you can often walk downtown and see someone you know.

"We have a bustling, thriving little community," said Edwards.

But it is one that is never too busy to stop and appreciate what has helped get it named to the Best Hometowns list.

Check back with ONN-TV and ONNtv.com next week when we will feature our next city and make sure to check out the Ohio Magazine Web site for more on all of the Best Hometowns.

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