Liberty is a rural community that surrounds Baltimore
About 30 minutes east of Columbus, Liberty is a vast swathe of land in Fairfield County that encompasses the farmland and green spaces surrounding the village of Baltimore. Spread out and rural, this community attracts residents looking for privacy, acreage and well-maintained homes. “There’s very little crime, and everybody knows everyone,” says Alex Finnerty, general manager of the Baltimore Pint House. “It’s a nice, quiet place to live.” This quality of life draws retirees in particular, though a considerable selection of school districts also brings families to the area.
Lots tend to have plenty of acreage
Most homes are in the northern half of the region. Spread out between streams, woodlands and fields, most lots have at least an acre of green space. As a result, traditional neighborhoods are a rarity, bringing a level of privacy and elbow room. Homes are typically midcentury or traditional designs built in the 1970s onward. Renovated turn-of-the-20th-century farmhouses are also available, often accompanied by agricultural outbuildings. The median price for a single-family home in Liberty falls in the mid-$470,000s.
Liberty Union High is known for its music program
Liberty Union-Thurston Local School District serves most of the area, which has a C-plus from Niche. Smaller sections of the region are covered by the school districts of Southwest Licking, Pickerington, Bloom-Carroll and Walnut Township. Liberty Union High School is recognized for its strong music program, with several state and district recognition for its band and concert band.
Public parks have historic buildings and sports fields
Smeck Park features over 75 acres of outdoor recreation, historic buildings and green spaces. Local historians can visit the centuries-old architecture of Fetter-Hood Barn or the Cruit House, while hikers and nature lovers can trek across 2 miles of trails. Camping is popular in the area, and sites like Rippling Stream offer campgrounds for RV, tent and primitive camping. Johnson Park has a swimming pool, basketball court and baseball fields.
Most shopping and restaurants are in Baltimore
Liberty’s closest restaurants and shopping are in Baltimore, including the Baltimore Market and Dollar General. In addition to live music and entertainment, the Baltimore Pint House has a rotating menu of tavern cuisine and a selection of craft beers. The Farmhouse Café offers a rustic atmosphere of wood and exposed brick to go with its hearty breakfasts and lunch specials. Papito’s Kitchen specializes in fresh seafood, including bourbon glazed salmon, shrimp po’boys and gumbo.
Local celebrations have rides, performers and beauty pageants
Every year, Smeck Park celebrates autumn with the Harvest Celebration. Held over two days, activities include farming demonstrations, live music and food trucks. There’s even an opportunity for visitors to roll up their sleeves and get involved, picking their own produce and taking it home. The Baltimore Festival has celebrated their village with carnival rides, parades and a car show since 1993. Locals show up for the fair food and stay for the crowning of that year’s Festival Queen.
The village is 30 miles east of Columbus
The area’s main thoroughfares are state Routes 188, 204 and 256. Liberty is about 30 miles east of Columbus. The nearest hospital is Fairfield Medical Center in Lancaster, about 12 miles south.
