Buying in Harrison West vs. Clintonville (Columbus, Worthington: condos, house, neighborhood)

[lep6030]

Which neighborhood would you prefer to buy a house in---Harrison West or Clintonville and why?

We are a 20 something married couple with no kids and like to be able to walk to shops, entertainment etc. We've been looking a bit in these areas, as we are relocating to the area soon. We're coming from a major city, so we are used to a more urban, rather than suburban, neighborhood.

Are there any other areas that fit the bill or that you think would fit us better based on the info I have provided? Thanks in advance.

[castlelady]

What's your price range? That will determine which area you can most afford.

Clintonville tends to be a little less expensive than the Harrison West/Victorian Village and Short North areas. All of these areas are the more urban areas in Central Ohio. Another one of my favorites is German Village - there's nothing else like it in Central Ohio. It's very quaint with brick streets and lots of brick homes built mostly in the early 1900's. Also a good selection of newer condos. Lots of great restaurants to walk to and Schiller Park is the hub of activity in that area - great place for walking dogs too!

Clintonville has more of a community feel - you'll find homes with front porches and people really do like to hang out on them and socialize with the neighbors. Clintonville has some places you can walk to - like cafes, some boutique and antique shops and parks, but it's less upscale than the German Village or Short North areas. They also have a farmers market and you can access the Olentangy River bike trail - which goes from Worthington all the way to Downtown Columbus.

Grandview is another area that's kind of a walking community - but has a smaller town feel. Grandview Avenue is the hub of activity with several wonderful restaurants, a ball room, alternative type movie theatre and a great library. They have excellent rated schools - so the taxes will be higher and since you don't have kids might not be an ideal situation. But still it's a neat area that might be worth checking out.

The Harrison West/Short North/Victorian Village areas are probably the most popular right now partially because of being close to the Arena District in Downtown Columbus. The Arena District has a lot of popular night clubs and bars. The Short North Arts district is on North High Street where you'll find lots of really neat shops, art galleries and really great restaurants. So this general area has the most access to night life and entertainment. There's a gallery hop the first saturday of each month that's always a fun time too. This area too has mostly older homes built in the early 1900's with some newer homes and modern style condos as well.

MOD CUT

[Sondra Johnson]

If you're strong on lots of activities, walking to bars, restaurants, etc., look at Harrison West-Short North-Italian village areas. Go more urban and the Nationwide area is a good fit. Have all of the above and a strong community feel with good values- look at Grandview.