Lisbon is the historic center of Columbiana County
The village of Lisbon is the second-oldest settlement in Ohio, founded in 1803. It’s the county seat of Columbiana County, and its historic courthouse is still the keystone of its village center. It’s not the largest or busiest town in the county, but it is its historic center. “It’s one of the most historic towns in Ohio. It has lots of historic homes and a beautiful old village green,” says Harry Hofmeister of Hofmeister Realty, who’s been selling in the area for over 20 years. Homes dating as far back as the 1810s grace the village’s tree-lined streets. The buildings surrounding the courthouse in Lisbon’s small downtown are also well over 100 years old, and they’re now home to coffee shops and restaurants. The town’s leadership takes pride in upholding its significance. “The village has a really progressive council,” Hofmeister says. “They’re really on top of things and make sure everything is nice.” This includes everything from basic upkeep to a Shade Tree Council.
Early-1800s and early-1900s homes
The village’s homes show its age. The median price is about $180,000. Bungalows, workers cottages and large Foursquares from the 1910s are common along the village’s tree-lined streets. These go for around the median, but options in need of updates can cost under $100,000. Around downtown, homes as old as 1810s Greek Revivals and 1880s Carpenter Gothics and Queen Annes can be found along the tree-lined streets. These large older homes often cost over $200,000. The same goes for relatively newer 1960s ranch-style and split-level homes a few streets removed from downtown.
Downtown has long been the heart of Lisbon
U.S. Route 30 runs through downtown Lisbon and is the village’s main street. Everything centers around the courthouse and village green at the intersection of Route 30 and South Market Street. Nourish Coffee + Kitchen and Dashing Divas Boutique occupy late-1800s and early-1900s buildings. Columbiana County Coffee is a block away, and The ‘Sip Taproom is a newer cocktail bar addition to downtown. The village supermarket, Save A Lot, is also downtown. Still, Lisbon’s most storied establishment isn’t downtown; it’s Pondi’s, just east of the village center. For over 100 years, Pondi’s has been serving classic American fare to the people of Lisbon.
An official stop on the North Country National Scenic Trail
The North Country Trail Association, NCTA, recognizes Lisbon as an official Trail Town. Multitudes of hikers stop in the village every year on their journey along the North Country National Scenic Trail. The NCNST is the longest in the National Trails System, covering 4,800 miles east to west across eight states. Lisbon’s section is called the Little Beaver Creek Greenway, which follows Little Beaver Creek next to downtown Lisbon. Locals can follow the greenway for shorter nature walks and bike rides. There are also kayak and canoe launches on Little Beaver Creek. The Lisbon Canoe & Kayak Launch is just south of downtown, and the Willow Grove Park access is on the west side of town.
Lisbon Exempted Village School District
The Lisbon Exempted Village School District serves local students and receives an overall C grade from Niche. The district has two schools: McKinley Elementary on the village’s east side and David Anderson Junior and Senior High on the west. Both earn a C-plus grade.
The Columbiana County Fair and Johnny Appleseed Festival
Late summer means it’s time for the Columbiana County Fair. This weeklong event is hosted on the fairgrounds in Lisbon. It’s put on by the Columbiana County Agricultural Society, and the events have an agricultural focus. The main events occur on the dirt track, like barrel racing, tractor pulls, mutton busting and a demolition derby. Lisbon’s next big event is the Johny Appleseed Festival, held on the third weekend in September every year. It celebrates the legacy of John Chapman, also known as Johny Appleseed. On this third full weekend in September, downtown is filled with artisans and food vendors serving apple-everything, and of course, there’s an apple pie contest.
Just under sixty miles to Pittsburgh on U.S. Highway 30
As the county seat of Columbiana County, Lisbon has many county government jobs, along with other small industries. Still, most people commute to Pittsburgh for work. It’s just under 60 miles southeast on U.S. Route 30, the main artery through downtown Lisbon. Pittsburgh International Airport is just 40 miles southeast on Route 30. State Route 45 is the village’s north-south artery, leading 10 miles northwest to the small city of Salem. Salem Regional Medical Center is the closest large hospital to Lisbon. Columbiana is 10 miles north on state Route 164.
