St. Marys is a charming small city of about 8,400 on the Miami–Erie Canal with a walkable historic downtown, restored canal locks, and 14 city parks plus quick access to Grand Lake St. Marys for boating, fishing and camping — the kind of low‑key outdoor and community amenities that make multi‑week stays pleasant and livable.
If you crave bigger-city nightlife, flights or museums on off days, Dayton (~60 miles) and Fort Wayne (~70 miles) are both easy day‑trips with airports, dining and entertainment options to round out a longer assignment.