Westerville/newalbany/gahanna (Columbus, New Albany: houses, neighborhood, best school)

[bionmr]

I would grately appreciate your thoughts on my queries:
We have 5+ yr old son, currently attending KG. We will move to (JULY 1st) any one of the aforementioned place. Before, we finalize, would like to know more info about each city and best school district.
THANK YOU ALL.

[Mike Dunn]

Try this link to Columbus Public Schools for more information on school districts.
Columbus City Schools -- Homepage

[klonganbach]

I am originally from Gahanna and live in Westerville so I can give you the scoop. I personally prefer Westerville (which is why I live here). The housing is affordable, the taxes are low (compared to most suburbs around) and there is truely a community atmosphere. Gahanna is nice but they kind of have a east side west side thing going on and then all the kids go to one big high school. That makes it harder to get into sports and stuff because you are just one of many kids. Westerville is all mixed up with income levels but everywhere is nice. New Albany is unbelievably high priced houses and the houses must all look the same as part of their new zoning. IF you get an older house it would look different but you still get less house for the money and more taxes than anywhere else. Check out Westerville's parks and recreation department. THey are award winning and have an amazing catalog of activities. THe community pool has 7 pools and offers swimming lessons. All the streets here are tree lined and you can drive from one side of Westerville to the other in around 15 minutes which comes in handy when you are late for your kids' soccer games across town. Westerville has little league sports of every kind and lots of kids activities. Westerville is also 15 minutes from downtown (during non-rush hour times) and 15 minutes from the airport. It is also between the 2 major mall areas (Easton and Polaris) but doesn't get any of the traffic from any of these locations which is nice. Westerville has a website and you can connect to the parks and rec catalog from there using the "e-government" link at the top. Gahanna isn't bad it just doesn't offer as much. If you have a million dollars move to New Albany

[Mike Dunn]

Here's another good website to research schools in your area.

GreatSchools.net

[chicagoerin]

you should totally check out the neighborhood "harrison pond" in gahanna school district/gahanna taxes with a New Albany mailing addy. Highpoint is one of the best elementary schools in the area. The h.s. isn't as great, but who really staying in one house for more than 5-8 years anyway? I live in HP, we have a wonderful community pool and beautiful homes. Neighbors are great! You can get a great house for 300-350k.