Nice Affordable Suburbs Outside of Columbus (Westerville, Upper Arlington: crime rate, homes, neighborhoods)

[vitalove]

Can anyone suggest nice affordable suburbs outside of Columbus? I've read a lot about Upper Arlington, Worthington and the like. However, I would like some info on other suburbs including but not limited to: Gahanna, Blacklick, Grove City etc.

Thanks in advance.

[Torn2pieces]

Do a search in this forum - Lots of helpful threads.

I live in GC - where I am, nice neighborhood, very afforable, lots of shopping, etc.

[vitalove]

Thank you. I did a search of the forums and have been reading this forum for awhile. I haven't read much about Blacklick though and other suburbs. I see everyone mentions New Albany, Upper Arlington, Dublin, Worthington etc. I just wanted a little more information on some of the others. And some that I don't even know about. TIA.

[streetcreed]

That is because, Blacklick, is an area that is nearly invisible to most of Columbus, other than people who live in Blacklick.

The suburbs and Columbus neighborhoods, mentioned on this form, are the most established and larger, well known suburbs and neighborhoods. Most have their own school district, retail districts, and a small or medium sized downtown.

However, the "exurbs" some call it, are more townships that use another suburbs schools. Blacklick is really just a township like, bedroom community. No one goes to Blacklick unless you live there, which may be an upside for you. I believe, Blacklick uses Reynoldsburg schools (the nearby suburb.) I do know they do not have their own schools.


An example of another township that is now a dense, developed area is Lewis Center. They use the Olentangy School district (same as Powell and some other parts of Delaware county)

[vitalove]

Ohh, I see. So what are the benefits of places like Blacklick. What does Blacklick have other than homes. Does it have shopping and the like or do you have to drive to another suburb or into the city for that.

Thank you so much for your input. I tried doing a google search on the area but I wasn't coming up with much. TIA..

[streetcreed]

Blacklick, is located close to Columbus' outerbelt and right near areas of Columbus and Reynoldsburg with A LOT of retail.

Being not far from the outerbelt you are only a 15minute drive (at the longest) to Easton Town Center, and really not that far off from downtown Columbus. It is just that Blacklick doesn't have much retail/shopping, but there's a lot near by.

[LancasterNative]

Hi Vitalove, and welcome to Columbus! (...or welcome to the 'burbs, rather)

One important thing to know about Columbus suburbs: nearly ALL of the major communities ringing the outerbelt (270) started out historically as separate towns—with their own identity, economy and (mostly rural) culture, apart from Columbus. This is true of Worthington, Westerville, New Albany, Gahanna, Reynoldsburg, Groveport, Grove City, Hilliard and Dublin! That's why—despite all the soulless modern sprawl around it—each of these communities still has its own historic downtown area.

Of the places you listed, Grove City and Gahanna are both really nice. Grove City in particular has a friendly, "down home" feel to it—a tangible legacy of its history as a small town totally separate from Columbus (see above). GC is also home to Beulah Park, a race track where they have thoroughbred racing, and occasionally concerts. Many parts of GC still feel semi-rural, in fact.

Gahanna is more white-collar than Grove City, but still has many nice, down-to-earth people. In Gahanna you're very close to the airport—which could be a positive or a negative, depending on your point of view. Gahanna has also invested considerably in the restoration of its picturesque downtown, and today there's lots to do there (non-chain restaurants, bars, unique shopping).

Another place you may want to consider: Canal Winchester. Tucked away in the SE corner of the county, CW has access to 270 via 33. It's still only about 15 mins. from downtown by car. CW's growth spurt has been among the more recent, and the community still has a lot of its distinct character including a beautiful historic area, one-of-a-kind shops, some lovely older homes, and a spirited Labor Day parade to cap off every summer.

As others have already explained, Blacklick is a less developed area and isn't really a "suburb" in the typical sense. Places like Blacklick offer a quiter, strictly residential atmosphere.

Best of luck to you!

Lanc

[vitalove]

Thank you all so much for your answers. And for the clarity of the suburbs and "exburbs." I must say that I find this side of the forum very friendly and people are so giving and willing to share information. I really appreciate that. Can't wait to move.

I will definitely check more into Gahanna, Grove City and of course Canal Winchester.

[LancasterNative]

No problem Vitalove! Let us know how it goes..

Lanc

[tonsoffunsy]

Just Checking The Stats On This One, It Says That The Crime Rate In Blacklick Is Very High...is This Correct?