Which suburb of Columbus would you say is the best planned? (Upper Arlington: best neighborhood, rental)

[funfamilyfun]

Which area would you suggest that has it all? We have lived places that were growing quicker than the town could support and we don't want to make that mistake. It sounds like there are a lot of nice areas, but which one has it all....
**good schools
**good shopping
**planned community, walking trails
**community pools

So far it sounds like Dublin would be the winner...but I wonder if other areas would be a close second? We are used to living with little traffic and a lot of green space.

One last question...if it is Dublin, are their nice areas in Dublin besides Murifield and Ballantrae? I also notice that Ballantrae attends school in Hillard.

Thanks for the input!

[bsimonelli]

Unfortunately, you will find it difficult to get away from the traffic in any of our suburbs

New Albany is a nicely planned suburb with many of the amenities you are searching for. You may consider Powell also. (Powell was rated a top 20 city in the US) Both areas are near shopping and have excellent rated schools.

In Dublin you may check into Bishops Run as well as Wyandotte Woods. Both of these communities have walking trails and green space. (I assume you are looking at newer/new construction because you are looking in Ballantrae).

You can learn about different communities on my website

brittanysimonelli.revealty.com Visit the neighborhood section.

[mrstop]

I was in your same place over 6-years ago.

I'm not sure where you will be working, but I would definitely recommend Dublin. We have lived there for over 6-years and absolutely love it. It has a great sense of community, especially if you have kids. I like that it's still small enough where you can run into people you know while you're out and about.

Dublin has controlled its growth very well and you will not find traffic and other "growing pains" to be much of a problem like you would in some of the neighboring communities.

Where to live in Dublin really depends on your price range. In my opinion, the most desirable area is north of 33/Post road around Avery and Muirfield roads (43017). The area is definitely in Dublin Schools (unlike some of the southern boundary neighborhoods). If you have kids and they play sports, Avery Park is located right there for all of the Soccer games. Dublin North pool is right there and there are parks and walking trails galore!

Muirfield is nice. I have heard that you need to watch out for the add on fees such as HOA and higher property taxes. Your better values will probably be around or south of Brand Rd. Homes in this area will range from mid-200's to under $500.

[funfamilyfun]

Thank you both very much! From everything I have read, Dublin seems to have it all. I have thought about Powell and New Albany, but I'm not sure they had as nice of a rec center, for the pools...and as many walking trails? It seemed like in Dublin you could use the walking trails to get to a variety of places? Since our kids are 15 and almost 11, I'd imagine they would use them. Thanks again!

[jmargaret]

Best "planned" suburb? Most of Columbus just kind of grew and was not planned at all.....but the more inner suburbs like Upper Arlington and Bexley are nicely laid out and have good parks, schools, etc., so I would steer towards those areas if I were you.

[Midwest girl at heart]

We live off Brand Rd in Dublin (Brandon) and they have the best elementary school in the city. Well priced homes (yes, they need some updating) but definately the best neighborhood!

[funfamilyfun]

Thanks everyone!

[HuskerDu]

Dublin has horrible traffic and is the most generic, declining suburb in C-bus...even in the non-awful bits that aren't currently attached to a strip mall, car dealership, rental complex or Outback Sh*thouse-type chain restaurant. That is why people with money, sense and limited imagination started moving out to Powell and beyond. Have you ever seen the movie The Burbs?

[HuskerDu]

Dublin actually was wonderful 25 years ago... I must add.

Please check out Grandview or Upper Arlington if you get the chance.

[1watertiger]

my wife has a brother and a sister who live in grove city. they say its a nice bed-room community, low crime, quiet and good schools. to the north they are only 6 miles from downtown, and to the south is all rural. they like it.