Is Grove City really bad? (Columbus, Upper Arlington: middle-class, foreclosures, low crime)

[Torn2pieces]

Ok, I've heard some bad things about Grove City in the past - Well I have been here for over 2 months and I actually love the area. I'm not really sure about the schools, I've heard bad things about them, but my neighbors say differently. I do notice the differences in certain parts of the town itself. Where Im located the houses are nice, well kept and the people are just so friendly.

I came here from Kansas and I have to say, the housing - prices aren't much different from there. The plus side, is the tree's and the green grass.

I find that there's enough shopping here and I don't need to venture elsewhere. I have stayed in other areas of Ohio - When I was looking to move here a few months back and house hunting - Grove City stuck out most and left some sort of impact on me. I have been to many other towns, but liked it best here...

So, for those who are familiar with Grove City is it really that bad as others say????

[bgfalcons86]

Grove City is far from 'really bad'. I've lived in the Columbus area for 20 years now and my experience has been that some people from some of the northern suburbs (especially Dublin and to a lesser degree Worthington and Upper Arlington) generally look down on everyone else. Mention Grove City to someone from Dublin and you're likely to get a look of horror, nausea or just general unpleasantness. Grove City's history is that of a town that is basically tied to agriculture and blue-collar industry. It has made strides towards becoming a comfortable, middle-class suburb attractive to families. Dublin, on the other hand, was just a crossroads and was really very small until Muirfield. Thus, it exploded straight into an elite suburb with first-rate amenities. The people I've met from Grove City are generally down-to-earth, friendly and unpretentious. Much of the negativity comes from those who live in more status-conscious, uptight locales.

As for the schools... Grove City seems to have decent-to-good schools, but overall South-Western CSD does not have a good reputation due to a number of factors (below average test scores, financial difficulties). However, you are living in the part of South-Western CSD where the schools are generally decent-to-good.

In short, I don't think you should be worried - just expect that some people won't share your opinion (no big deal anyhow). Enjoy Grove City!!

[Torn2pieces]

Thanks bgfalcons - I actually like the area and I haven't met a nasty person yet, well just one! I've been to other locations and I found no real differences - Hubby works in different area's in the Columbus area - and he's more so fond of Grove then other places..

It's sad that a town would be looked down upon you know?? I know what Bad is - the town I must moved from (state actually) was bad.....I've just heard some negatives from reading some posts on here awhile back.

Thanks for taking the time to respond. Much appreciated!!!!

[babybear101]

Torn2pieces, this side of Columbus is not bad at all. People just want to think they are better than others. Grove City is a very nice and up in coming place to raise a family in Columbus. I for one would rather not live in a "keeping up with the Jones" community. It is very down to earth on this side of Columbus. And except for a few places the crime is low over here. Schools are not bad at all my son went to Darbydale last year and it was very pleasant. I prefer a slower pace that is near the city myself. I also dont feel the need for a cookie cutter $300,000 home. I think you have made a good decision.

[GretchenB]

Originally Posted by Torn2pieces

Ok, I've heard some bad things about Grove City in the past - Well I have been here for over 2 months and I actually love the area. I'm not really sure about the schools, I've heard bad things about them, but my neighbors say differently. I do notice the differences in certain parts of the town itself. Where Im located the houses are nice, well kept and the people are just so friendly.

I came here from Kansas and I have to say, the housing - prices aren't much different from there. The plus side, is the tree's and the green grass.

I find that there's enough shopping here and I don't need to venture elsewhere. I have stayed in other areas of Ohio - When I was looking to move here a few months back and house hunting - Grove City stuck out most and left some sort of impact on me. I have been to many other towns, but liked it best here...

So, for those who are familiar with Grove City is it really that bad as others say????

Overall, the west and south sides of Columbus don't seem to be very desirable for a number of factors, although it really comes down to personal preference.

I have friends in Grove City, so I go there once a month or so. I don't think Grove City is a bad place, but it has grown very quickly. The tract housing is pretty affordable, so it seems to draw more people with blue collar jobs (not a bad thing, just an observation). It also appears that there are quite a few foreclosures (although that is prevalent in most areas right now), and it's almost cheaper to go down the street and buy new from the builder (with incentives) than to purchase resale. There seem to be more families with kids than singles or childless couples, which of course puts more of a burden on the school systems.

The schools aren't the best, but they could be worse. It doesn't seem like they're bad for the price. If people want UA-quality schools, they'll have to pay UA-type taxes!

I wouldn't let the opinions of other people bother you. All that matters is that you like it. It's one of the fastest-growing suburbs in Columbus, so you're not alone in your opinion!

[Torn2pieces]

Thanks all. I think I live in a nice area. Only problem is finding people my age with young kids!!! I'm one of those older moms with young kids.

[babybear101]

Torn2pieces, I hope you dont take my comments earlier as negative. I just hear so much negative feedback about this side of Columbus it gets old after awhile. How old are your children? There are some great mommy groups around here:

Ohio Newcomers Clubs, Moms and Dads Organizations, Womens Clubs Directory

I dont know what religion you are, but this church is very large and has a ton of stuff for young children going on all the time. I know they welcome everyone we have visited several events.

Welcome to Grove City Church of the Nazarene

HTH

[Torn2pieces]

Originally Posted by babybear101

Torn2pieces, I hope you dont take my comments earlier as negative. I just hear so much negative feedback about this side of Columbus it gets old after awhile. How old are your children? There are some great mommy groups around here:

Ohio Newcomers Clubs, Moms and Dads Organizations, Womens Clubs Directory

I dont know what religion you are, but this church is very large and has a ton of stuff for young children going on all the time. I know they welcome everyone we have visited several events.

Welcome to Grove City Church of the Nazarene

HTH

I didn't take your comments bad - I like to hear different opinions..

I have a 4 and 1 year old.

Thanks for the Links. Much appreciated.

[Subway]

From Wikipedia:

Grove City is known as being a working-class, low crime area. Grove City is, according to statistics, the third safest suburb of Columbus, with Dublin and Upper Arlington being the two safer areas. Of the near 30 ZIP Codes that make up metro Columbus, the Grove City ZIP Code, 43123, is the fourth safest. Grove City has had just one murder in the past ten years.

Grove City, Ohio - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

[sjtigers]

That is interesting because looking at grove city there are definately more affordable housing than what is in the north. As I am coming from out of country to attend OSU cost definately will have an effect on my choices... As well as the fact that I have six kids under 12 so we need a reasonably priced larger house.