New Concord, home to Muskingum University, is a close-knit community
For much of the year, New Concord is a tiny village with a population of about 2,400. “It’s a lot of, ‘Oh, I know the street department guy because we went to high school together 30 years ago,’” says Dalton Flinn, village administrator, regarding hte size and how everyone knows each other. “But even for someone like me, who didn’t grow up in the area, I’ve assimilated well and everybody’s pretty nice.” Muskingum University is based in New Concord, and the impacts of 1,500 students are felt everywhere during the school year, from extra foot traffic at local businesses to community events to even the village facilities. “Our water flow picks up when school is in,” Flinn says. Columbus
Regional chains, local eateries and Teddington Square offer food
Restaurants in New Concord range from Creno’s, a regional pizza franchise, to the locally owned Dairy Duchess. Most known for its ice cream, this community staple also serves hamburgers, hot dogs and other American fare. “A lot of the college kids walk there because it’s cheap,” Flinn says. Almost everything on the menu is less than $5. Chapman’s Coffee House has an extensive list of coffee and lattes, salads and sandwiches. More dining options are coming with the addition of Teddington Square, an outdoor food court with a stage and seven vendors housed in shipping containers. “The shipping containers are going to be re-fabbed into restaurants,” Flinn says. “They’re not going to look like shipping containers; they’ll be much nicer than that.” Construction is expected to finish by fall 2025. Residents get groceries from Riesbeck’s, and a Dollar General is in the area. Walmart is in Cambridge , about 10 miles away. It is about a 20-mile drive to the Home Depot in Zanesville .
New Concord homes date back to the early 20th century
Grassy lawns shaded by towering trees line the streets of New Concord. Many homes date back to the early 20th century, including those along Main Street. “It’s actually part of our historic district, so you have to go through a little bit more permitting on Main Street,” Flinn says. “We do our best to keep the historic feel of it.” That effort is evident throughout the village, from the occasional brick roads to well-maintained Foursquares, bungalows and Tudor-inspired homes. Some newer construction includes ranch-style houses from the mid-to-late 20th century and New Traditionals built in the 1990s and early 2000s. Depending on size and condition, prices range from $120,000 to $450,000.
Village parks and hunting season are popular among residents
The Upper Reservoir in New Concord is more than just a water source; it is also one of the main recreation spaces. A wide trail goes past a playground and around the lake, where people fish and kayak. Residents can get a pass for the New Concord Area Pool, open from Memorial Day weekend to the middle of August every year. The season ends with an annual Doggy Day, where pups can play in the water. Hunting is a popular sport in the region. “The first day of gun season is sacred,” Flinn says. “Kids get the day off from school.” People hunt on private property or nearby spots like Salt Fork State Park, about 15 miles away. The New Concord Library’s programming includes book clubs, art classes and cooking lessons.
Students are Muskies from kindergarten through college
As part of East Muskingum Local Schools, students complete kindergarten through second grade at New Concord Elementary School and third through fifth grade at Larry Miller Intermediate School. Both earn B-minus grades from Niche. East Muskingum Middle School receives a B-plus, and John Glenn High School scores a B.
Muskingum University is a longstanding institution in the village, first opening in 1837. The private college offers over 60 undergraduate programs, 50-plus student organizations and competes across 22 NCAA Division III sports. “A lot of kids will go from preschool through their college career right in town,” Flinn says.
Events like Community Day are for lifelong locals and college students
The Fireman’s Festival is hosted by the New Concord Fire Association every July. This all-day event starts with a parade down Main Street before people gather at the War Memorial Park for an afternoon of live music, games and a craft market. Attendees also enjoy a beer garden, food trucks and a late-night fireworks show. The village decided to host a similar event, New Concord Community Day, once university students are settled on campus at the end of August. After a morning of businesses opening their doors to students, community members are invited to the first home game of the Fighting Muskies. The village celebrates the holidays with the annual Christmas Parade. “All the businesses get involved,” Flinn says. “They sit outside or in their lobby with cookies and hot drinks. Kids come through town and get as much free stuff as they can.”
People walk, bike and drive through New Concord
Sidewalks line most roads through the village. Flinn says that the upkeep of these paths continues to be a top priority. There is a bike lane along U.S. Route 40, which merges with U.S. Route 22 in New Concord. “Once you get in town, you can get into the parking lane or sidewalk,” Flinn says. “You can easily bike through town.” Otherwise, people rely on their cars, and there is easy access to Interstate 70. OhioHealth Southeastern Medical Center is about 10 miles away. Columbus, including the John Glenn Columbus International Airport, are both about a 70-mile drive away.
