The short version: Leesburg is a small, friendly village of about 1,270 people in northern Highland County. Buyers come for Fairfield Local Schools, a quiet downtown with good local food, and plenty of country living, all within about 15 to 20 miles of Hillsboro, Washington Court House and Wilmington. Homes here do not come up for sale often, so it pays to be ready.

Small-town charm in the middle of everything

Leesburg calls itself "The Friendly Village," and once you spend an afternoon here, you understand why. It sits at the crossroads of U.S. Route 62 and State Route 28, which puts three job and shopping centers within an easy drive:

  • Hillsboro, the county seat: about 15 miles south
  • Washington Court House: about 16 miles northeast
  • Wilmington: about 19 miles northwest

That central spot is a big reason commuters like it. You can work in any of those towns and still come home to a quiet village surrounded by farmland.

Leesburg is also one of the oldest communities in Highland County. It was laid out in 1802 by Nathaniel Pope, John Walters and John Howard and named after Leesburg, Virginia. Quaker settlers held meetings here that same year, and the historic Fairfield Friends Meeting House still stands as a reminder of those roots. Later, the town was a stop on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, shipping grain and goods from the farms around it.

Fairfield Local Schools and Lions pride

For a lot of buyers, this is where the conversation starts. Leesburg is home to Fairfield Local Schools, and in our experience it is one of the first things people ask about when they look here.

  • One campus, K to 12. The elementary, middle and high school share one campus on State Route 771, just south of the village.
  • A long history. Fairfield Local has served the area since 1824.
  • Go Lions. The Fairfield Lions wear red and white, and Friday nights, youth leagues, FFA and 4-H are a big part of community life.

Families who move here for the schools tend to stay, which is a big reason Leesburg homes do not hit the market very often. If schools are important to you, always check the exact address, since district lines do not always follow zip codes.

Downtown life and local favorites

Downtown Leesburg is small, but it has more good food than you might expect for a village this size. A few places to try:

  • Leesburg Dairy Barn, 54 E Main Street: burgers, fries, ice cream and shakes, with indoor and outdoor seating and a swing set for the kids.
  • Becker's SMASH-tastic Burgers, 31 S Fairfield Street: a local smash burger food truck that moved into its own brick-and-mortar spot. Try the Big Becker Burger.
  • Saucy Sisters Pizzeria, 42 E Main Street: locally owned pizza, subs and salads, with gluten-free crust options.
  • Cafe 28 and Batter Up Bakery, also on Main Street: coffee, breakfast sandwiches, doughnuts and cakes.

For everyday life, the Leesburg Branch Library, part of the Highland County District Library, sits downtown with children's programs and meeting space, and the village park has ballfields, a playground and open space for community gatherings.

Outdoor recreation nearby

Leesburg is surrounded by open country, and two of the area's best state parks are an easy drive away, each about a half hour:

  • Rocky Fork Lake, east of Hillsboro: unlimited-horsepower boating, fishing, swimming and lakeside dining. See our guide, Living at Rocky Fork Lake, Ohio.
  • Paint Creek Lake and State Park, near Greenfield: more than 5,000 acres with boating, fishing, camping and trails.

Leesburg real estate snapshot

Leesburg offers a mix of homes that is hard to find in one small area:

  • Historic village homes from the late 1800s and early 1900s, within walking distance of downtown. Plan on a thorough inspection, as with any older home.
  • Post-war ranches and newer builds, including homes in subdivisions just outside the village.
  • Farms, acreage and country homes throughout Fairfield Township, popular with buyers who want land, a barn or room for animals.

Prices per square foot here generally run lower than in counties closer to Cincinnati and Dayton, which is part of the appeal for buyers moving out from the city. Much of the area may also qualify for a USDA loan with no down payment, which makes Leesburg a strong option for first-time buyers. Check the exact address to be sure.

The challenge is supply. Only a handful of Leesburg homes are for sale at any time, spread across three MLS systems. See our latest Leesburg homes for sale update for what is on the market right now.

Thinking about Leesburg?

We can send you every Leesburg home for sale across all three MLS systems, set up alerts so you hear about new listings first, or tell you what your Leesburg home could sell for.

Browse Leesburg Homes What Is My Home Worth?

Call or text Bryan Vance at 937-776-3405 or Rene Vance at 937-205-6513. Vance Team Realtors, 108 Trimble Place Suite A, Hillsboro, Ohio 45133.

Sources, checked November 9, 2026: U.S. Census Bureau 2020; Fairfield Local Schools; Ohio High School Athletic Association; Highland County District Library; Ohio Department of Natural Resources; Highland County historical records; restaurant websites. Distances are approximate. Restaurant details and hours change, so check before you go.