Guess what... it's another "where to live" post! (Columbus: houses, neighborhoods)

[NeoSoulBrotha]

My wife and I are younger professionals in our early 30's with a 3-year-old son. Looking for a decent 3-4BR home in a nice neighborhood for around $200K.

Currently living in OTE, but thinking about moving in a year or two. Both of us love the diversity and excitement of urban living, but with a growing family, we're starting to look at suburban neighborhoods with better public schools and less safety concerns.

She'll be working near Bexley, and I work downtown, so close access to the city by interstate is somewhat important. Specifically, we're looking for somewhere family friendly, that still is engaging and has lots to do (restaurants, activities, cultural events etc.) as opposed to just sitting at home watching TV all weekend. Cultural diversity is a plus, as long as people are friendly I'm not particular about ethnicity and welcome friends of all backgrounds.

We've narrowed the prospects to Gahanna, Hilliard, Bexley, and Westerville. Here's our preliminary analysis:

Gahanna - probably the closest balance amongst our criteria (cost/lifestyle/commute).

Hilliard - nice housing, safe & affordable, but a bit farther commute than the other communities.

Bexley - most expensive and has older housing stock, but most convenient. Ultimately, this means tiny house in a great neighborhood. Close to urban amenities.

Westerville - similar feel to Hilliard. Close to Easton & shopping.


Any feedback would be appreciated! Peace & Blessings

[jbcmh81]

Have you tried Upper Arlington or Grandview? Their schools are actually rated at or above all those suburbs, I believe, and they are still close to the urban core but have plenty of single-family houses with larger lots. Not sure about pricing, but I can't imagine they're as exspensive as Bexley.

[cooks50]

Gahanna or Westerville....both are pretty diverse areas. Upper Arlington lacks diversity

[flimflamman]

Originally Posted by cooks50

Gahanna or Westerville....both are pretty diverse areas. Upper Arlington lacks diversity

I agree with cooks. Gahanna sounds like it would be the best fit. Westerville is nice but the taxes are on the high side. However, they do have a lot to offer for said costs (I.e. impressive community center, they don't mess around when it snows... they clear the streets pretty quick, nice little downtown area...).

[stationplay]

Yeah Gahanna and Westerville are good options. Someone mentioned Grandview as well which is a WONDERFUL area but not really diverse. Still a great area to live and raise a family.

Have you considered some of the east suburbs like Reynoldsburg or Pickerington? Very diverse with pretty good schools.

There are also LOTS of neighborhoods in Columbus that are pretty well kept with decent neighborhood schools as well, especially on the east side of the city. CCS is a huge district so you do have options. you can't completely rule out Columbus. You might get more bang for your buck as well.

But if the quality of life you want is in the burbs then yeah i would definitely say Gahanna,Westerville,Reynoldsburg,Pickerington. But if you want to settle into suburban life in a great community that's not suburban super sprawl i would seriously suggest Grandview. It's not diverse AT ALL, but the kind of people you find there are really down to earth and not so much "Real Suburban Housewives of (pick a city)" If that makes any sense.

[Dewddd]

Grandview and Upper Arlington are not diverse. I would go with 1. Gahanna. 2. Reynoldsburg. 3. Westerville
All are more diverse suburbs with great schools and would likely fit your price range.