Job offer in Columbus (Toledo, Hamilton: apartment complex, to rent, public schools)

[ChrissyR]

Hi all. My husband has been offered a position at DFAS. The government Finance Center there. We now live in Tucson, AZ. We have been here for 10years. Before that we always lived in Columbus. I'm sure alot has changed in 10yrs. We are definitly going to take the job. My husband has been trying to get on there for quite sometime. He is already a government employee.

I know where DSCC is because both my husband and I used to work there. I know that DFAS is located there. I've been doing some reading. Now for my question. When we move we are going to rent first. I would like to live close to DFAS. Many many years ago we lived in Whitehall. I've been hearing that it has gone downhill quite a bit. How are the other surrounding areas there? For instance Reynoldsburg or Gahanna.

What apartments are safe to live in? I realize no where is 100% safe. We have two sons ages 17 and 13. Which public schools are the best? We can't afford private.

When we moved from there I believe Easton was just being built. I'm so excited to come back home. I do love it here in AZ but miss my family and friends back home. Not looking forward to the winter though!!!

Thanks for any and all help. Chrissy

[LancasterNative]

Good morning Chrissy,

First, congratulations to your hubby on the job offer! That's terrific

Yeah...I'd say you've heard correctly about Whitehall. It's gotten pretty ghettofied in the last decade. I used to take my g/f down there to get her hair done at a place on E. Main; even though it meant a good 2-hr. wait, I'd always stay with her 'cuz I didn't want her to be driving around that area alone.

Gahanna on the other hand, is really nice. In the past decade, Gahanna has invested considerably in the restoration of its picturesque downtown, and today there's lots to do there (non-chain restaurants, bars, unique shopping). And of course, Gahanna offers the quickest access to Easton—which you'll hardly believe when you see it now

Reynoldsburg is a mixed bag of sorts; new growth is still happening in pockets there, but most of the housing stock there is 1950s–70s and nothing to shout about. And west of 256, there are areas that have gotten a little seedy with the encroachment of nearby ghetto.

So yeah...of all these, I'd say Gahanna is your best bet by far.

Another area that's really gotten some attention lately is Blacklick; it's unincorporated and mostly residential, but a little more spread out (ah, breathing room!)

Pataskala is another great place, a little further out and with an awesome rural character. That could be good depending on whether you mind the slight distance. UlsterScot, who often posts here, could tell you more about Pataskala.

Anyway, best of luck to you & your man on your upcoming move/new job!

Blessings...
Lanc

[ChrissyR]

LancasterNative: Thank you very much! I will keep in mind all of your helpful info.

[LancasterNative]

No problem! Delighted if I could help...

[ehopkins77]

I couldn't believe when I read your message. My husband has been offered a job in Columbus at DFAS also. We haven't made our minds up yet, but it looks like we are going to move. We live here in Ohio around Toledo, we have four kids. We went for a drive down there this past weekend to look at some sights. We were told by some people we should stay out of Reynoldsburg b/c it's getting bad. She gave me a number for a realtor, if you want his number I can give it to you. We are going to call him just b/c I am not sure about all the schools and best places to live. I have one in school and another in preschool. The hardest is going to have to tell them.

[ChrissyR]

ehopkins77 I sent you a private message.

[ChrissyR]

Hi again. I'm resurrecting my thread. We have basically been looking at Reynoldsburg. Does anyone know of apartments that are safe there? I sent for an apartment guide so I'm not sure where to look. Another thing is we need a 3 bedroom garden. It's hard to find a 3 bedroom and a garden style. I can't do stairs as I have arthris in my knees. I know this narrows it down alot. I got a relocation package and it says the Reynoldsburg schools are really good. There scores were high. Any ideas? I may still check Gahanna also.

[mitmax]

ChrissyR: May I recommend the Residences of Gahanna? It is a three-story building at the corner of N.Hamilton and Morse Road. That intersection blends Gahanna, New Albany, and Columbus! You wouldn't recognize it from ten years ago, when it was rural! It is within minutes of every type of shopping you could imagine, including Easton. Best of all, it is an "enclosed" building; i.e. you enter the building in order to get to the individual apartments. All are garden-style; many are three-bedroom, and you could live on any of the three floors: the building has two elevators. There are families with children, couples, singles, elderly. It is quite well kept up, and the rent is reasonable. I know - I lived there! BTW-the building fronts a "regular" apartment complex owned by the same company), where there are also 3-bedroom styles, if you don't like Residences. The location is wonderful; the schools are good, the people are nice. I think you'd like it. Good luck!

[ChrissyR]

mitmax - Thank you. I will check into it. Right now I'm leaning toward Reynoldsburg. I'm not locked into anything yet; so I will look up those apartments. Have a good one!