Gahanna, New Albany, Reynoldsburg for 55+ community living? (Columbus, Hamilton: for sale, real estate)

[SKGreene]

I am gratefully downsizing and moving to the Columbus from Northeast Ohio area to be near one of my children, and because of ease of living am seeking a quieter villa/condo area or single family home in the ranch style and 140K tops range. I haven't retired yet and plan on continuing some part-time work in customer-community services/office areas.

I'm seeking a community with a certain arts/crafts/old style downtown area or main street feel, with a fairly strong school system to support real estate/resale values, that isn't too rural but interestingly diverse. (I am liberal minded as well). I've noticed several condo areas near the Blendon Metro Parks, Gahanna, or further south in Reynoldsburg, Blacklick area that seem to have the ranch/villa style homes and neighborhoods. What are they like? Anyone have a clue?

Any input would be truly appreciated about the differences in those areas (or any other areas elsewhere) and if they are safe as well as less chaotic or *keeping up with the Joneses" sections. Hey, I am older, a new grandma and prefer a little less frenetic social climbing, suburban sprawl, rah rah chaos! (grin) Been there done that and want to relax a bit!! I enjoy intellectual sanctuary but still like a community that has a bit of an artsy pulse

Any suggestions?
Thanks, in advance !

[Lily55]

My husband and I live in Pickerington - the next town south of Reynoldburg. My husband is retired from the Air Force and now works for DFAS (Defense Finance and Accounting Services) up by the airport. I work as a substitute teacher. We bought a ranch condo in 2006 and are very happy with our condo community and with the town of Pickerington. Our condo is in the Villas at Milnor Crossing on Jamie Lynn Circle.

There is a condo right across the driveway from us that just went up for sale. For a 2BR/2Bath, they are asking $173,900, but I think they are way, way overpriced. Also, the builder is just finishing up a new building. As far as I know, there is one unit left available in that building.

Gahanna is a great community! We drive up there every so often. It has a very diverse population. I can't tell you about the housing there. But, if you find something in your price range, you would probably be happy with the area. It is fairly centrally located town in the Columbus area, so you could get to other locations easily. Gahanna seems to be a fairly safe town. There schools are good.

We hardly ever go to New Albany, so I can't tell you much about it. It seems to be mostly wealthy people there. It is a very lovely area! I don't know if you could find a decent condo at your price point there. They have a beautiful school campus! However, the latest school levy did not pass, so they are having some issues right now.

Reynoldsburg has some good areas and some not-so-good areas. You would really have to check things out to make sure that you are in a safe area. In September/October, the teachers went on strike for three weeks. It really was a bad time for the town! There seems to be continued tension between the Administration and the teachers. You could probably find a condo at your price point in Reynoldsburg.

[Cbus76]

You might consider some of the Epcon ranch condos off of Thompson Road between Hamilton Road and Johnstown Road (Route 62). They are fairly new, have great access to all of the commercial activity on Hamilton, and you sit between New Albany and Gahanna. Although the condos have New Albany mailing addresses, I think they are in the Columbus school district, so not many kids live there. That will help with your taxes. The area is safe as it is within a mile, maybe less, of New Albany Country Club and the expensive homes that surround it.