Ironton: From a global top iron producer to a nature destination
A dense city surrounded by natural features, Ironton has been a major player in the Huntington-Ashland-Ironton area since its founding. It was built on the hills of the Ohio River, where iron ore deposits quickly made it one of the biggest global iron producers during the second half of the 19th century. Ironton's industrial influence steadily decreased after 1890, so St. Mary’s Medical Center and companies like Vertiv/Leibert and Dow Chemical took up the baton as major employers. Generations continue to live and work in Ironton, and visitors come from around the country to explore its versatile trails and outdoor spaces.
Ironton, Ohio was built on the hills of the Ohio River.
St. Mary’s Medical Center is one of the major employers in Ironton, Ohio.
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Riding horses through Wayne National Forest
Ironton is pressed between the Ohio River and Wayne National Forest, which covers nearly 250,000 acres of Appalachian foothills. The Ironton Ranger District oversees around 107,000 acres, offering multi-use trails, recreation areas and horse farms like Elkins Creek Horse Camp & Tack. “People come from all over to bring their horses in to do the horseback-riding trails,” says Suzanne Triplett, real estate agent at Century 21 Brooks Wells. “They’re well known in the eastern part of the United States.” She also says Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area is equally popular. Visitors set up tents at Iron Ridge Campground before trekking the hiking trails, and the beach is busy with swimmers, boaters and kayakers during the summer. A few traditional parks are closer to Ironton. Etna Street Park has a playground, sports courts and a skate park. Moltens Field offers baseball, football and soccer fields, while Friends Park turns on its splash park in summer.
She also says Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area near Ironton, Ohio features a bridge over the narrow portion of the lake.
The Ironton Ranger District of Wayne National Forest oversees around 107,000 acres, offering multi-use trails, recreation areas and horse farms like Elkins Creek Horse Camp & Tack.
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Older homes are preserved, and new construction is slowing
Historic homes are in the center of the city. Victorian, American Foursquare and Queen Anne homes have survived since Ironton’s founding in 1849. Radiating from the city center are ranch-style homes, bungalows and Craftsman-style houses from throughout the 20th century. The city’s median home price is $146,000, less than half the national median. New construction is limited, but a few contemporary-style homes built in the past five years sell for double or triple the city’s median price.
Historic homes are located close to the center of Ironton, Ohio.
Midcentury bungalows are common in Ironton, Ohio.
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Ironton High School boasts Olympian graduate
Almost 1,400 students attend Ironton City Schools, which has a C-plus rating on Niche. Ironton High School also has a C-plus rating and boasts impressive track and field alums. Anissa Campbell is the school’s most decorated star, and Ironton native McKenzie Long joined Team USA in the 2024 Paris Olympics. Ohio University Southern and Collins Career Center are the closest options for higher education. Ohio University Southern has a C-minus rating, while Collins Career has an A, ranking as the top community college in the nation.
Ironton High School in Ironton, Ohio is rated C-plus by Niche.
Many students from Ironton, Ohio attend Collins Career Technical Center, which is rated A by Niche.
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Busy bridge over the Ohio River
Highway 52 is Ironton's primary thoroughfare, connecting it to other cities and major employers. Traffic flows back and forth over the Ohio River, increasing congestion. The Ironton-Russell Bridge connects to Highway 23, which leads to Interstate 64. About 16 miles away, the Huntington Tri-State Airport has two airlines offering nonstop flights.
Shopping centers and county cultural attractions
Most restaurants are in the city center, while shops are scattered throughout the community. Ironton Hills Shopping Center is on the other side of Highway 52, while Russell Center offers more options 3 miles away. The Lawrence County Museum and the Ro-Na Cultural Center are also in Ironton. Ro-Na’s art deco-style theater is actively being restored into a rentable event center and live show venue.
The residents of Ironton have plenty of shopping and dining options at Ironton Hills Shopping Center.
Ro-Na’s art deco-style theater in Ironton, Ohio is actively being restored into a rentable event center and live show venue.
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The country's longest-running Memorial Day Parade
County fair season is a busy time for Ironton residents. “We have a lot of farming and people raising animals to take to the fair, so our fairs are big,” Triplett says. The city is within 24 miles of four county fairgrounds, where people show off livestock, enjoy carnival rides and watch thrill shows. Ironton is also home to the nation’s longest continuously running Memorial Day Parade. Thousands of people from the Tri-State area have attended the parade since 1868. Summer brings the annual farmers market and Rally on the River, where live music plays. Residents celebrate the city’s heritage twice yearly, during Ironmaster Days and The Ironton Heritage Festival.
Wildfire watch during dry season and crime reduction grants
Walls keep flooding low around the Ohio River, but homes near Ice Creek and Stroms Creek are susceptible to overflowing waters. High winds and regional droughts increase fire risks in Wayne National Forest, which can impact Ironton residences. State open burn bans help mitigate wildfires during dry seasons. According to the FBI, both violent and property crimes in Ironton increased between 2022 and 2023. In 2021, the Ohio Governor distributed a crime reduction grant to the Ironton Police Department to expand its presence in high-crime areas.
Written By
Isabel Butler
Photography Contributed By
Lyuda Dehlendorf
Video By
Ruo Zheng
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GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Ironton, OH sell after 63 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Ironton, OH over the last 12 months is $145,500, up 15% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Move-in-ready ranch with character, comfort, and has been remodeled over the last 5 years. This 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom perched on a quiet hill offers elevated views and the thoughtfully updated home blends modern comfort with timeless charm. Step inside to discover a bright, airy, open-concept layout with fresh finishes, updated flooring, and paint. The modern kitchen boasts appliances bought in
This Property offers a rare chance to own a piece of Ironton's history at an affordable price. The location with access to parks, and proximity to the Ohio River makes it appealing. Embrace the opportunity to live in a city that blends historical charm with modern potential. Don't miss the chance to add this cash-flowing property to your portfolio, or make this home your primary residence!
Here's your opportunity! Live in one and rent the other. Or use them both as rentals. Just a couple minutes to US 52. Front one was was rented for $650, back one for $550. Both have fenced yards, both have storage buildings. 2101 N 2nd street front and rear is the address. 2101 Rear built in 1975 has 750 sq feet. 2BR 1BA all electric. Seller says rear was built in 1975. Water heater in
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
