Hilliard subdivisions? Which are good? (Columbus, Worthington: new house, neighborhoods, good schools)

[bgfalcons86]

Originally Posted by NewToCA

Ah, that helps a bit.

If you don't like the planned neighborhoods but want to still be close in, the ideal place for you may be the Hillard area south of Renner Rd, and west of Hillard Rome Rd. A few homes are for sale in that area, in your price range, and the area has less of a subdivision look and feel. The lots tend to be quite large for the vicinity, and they are frequently wooded.

Yes, that is the Timberbrook area. You're right, it kind of resembles portions of the older suburbs.

There is also Norwich Street and some of the streets adjacent to it in Old Hilliard, if you can find something for sale. Unfortunately, that doesn't happen very often.

[streetcreed]

If you have $230k to spend, there are much nicer areas of the city to look for a home.
HuskerDu---Such as? Ideally we would love to be in an unplanned neighborhood closer to the city, but at the same time we don't want to be surrounded by crime like Bexley and German Village are. Upper Arlington is great, but out of our reach right now. We appreciate any and all suggestions.

I feel like your looking for something in the wrong area. Hilliard is mostly new development and the words character and walkable are not the first things that come to mind, when describing Hilliard.

On another note, I know many who live in Bexley and German Village. Crime is not bad in those actual areas. German Village has had incidents, but within Bexley city limits crime is relatively low.

The actual downtown proper of Columbus has one of the lowest crime rates in the whole city.
Now Clintonville, NW Columbus, Grandview, Beechwold, Upper Arlington. These are areas with character that have good schools, character, and are walkable.

[bgfalcons86]

I noticed in your original post you mentioned "family friendly". I didn't address that concern. Hilliard is very family-oriented, with many sports and activities available for families with children. Among the sports that the local recreation leagues offer are football, basketball, baseball, softball, lacrosse and of course, soccer.

Also, I'm not exactly sure what streetcreed means that Hilliard isn't 'walkable'. Most neighborhoods (particularly the newer ones) have sidewalks. New sidewalks have also been put in on both sides of Hilliard-Rome Rd./Main St./Avery Rd. from Roberts Rd. to Davidson Rd to permit pedestrian traffic. I'd say that Hilliard seems as 'walkable' as an area like NW Columbus, which by the way is pretty suburban in flavor.

As with every place, Hilliard has it pros and cons, but I've lived in quite a few different areas (including Clintonville, Reynoldsburg, North Side, and Short North) and we've certainly enjoyed it here and our kids have gotten a good education.

Bexley, Grandview and UA do have that established, seasoned feel. Decent-sized homes in your price range might be a bit of challenge to come by, though. So, if you're looking to get away from planned neighborhoods, I encourage you to also check out Worthington. Among its attributes are good schools, stable community, family-friendly and safe. In fact, IMHO, it might be a better option than Clintonville, Beechwold and NW Columbus. Take a look at Worthington and Good Luck.

[Ireanna]

Hi there, I moved to Hilliard a few years ago and went through doing tons of research and examined countless communities and homes. We finally ended up in an area I originally turned away from...and I'm so glad we came back to it. It was Cross Creek - right across from Hyde Park - both are great - although I'm biased to Cross Creek as it is truly an exceptional place for families -- and those without kids (as our neighbors immediate neighbors were without any little ones). The sidewalk community has elementary schools within walking distance, and it makes it nice that all the kids go to school together -- so you don't have to travel far to take your little ones to see their friends. We have a prime location on a cul de sac, which I now couldn't live without. Our neighbors are the greatest - and make it nice in the summer with occassional cornhole tournaments. My experience with the elementary school has been awesome. The ladies in the office are super nice and teachers are great with the kids. We could've afforded up to $200k and looked at alot of higher end communities, but I can honestly say we chose the right spot for us and our kids.

some areas I tried to stay away from were up near Davidson/ Avery (they had some shootings in the apartments up near there not too long ago)... Also any other spot that is surrounded by apartment complexes, as there are lots of transients, which sometimes can pose problems to immediate neighboring homes.

good luck and feel free to contact me with any questions. I found this board when I moved to Ohio and hope to help others --as others helped me.
Take care.

[streetcreed]

Also, I'm not exactly sure what streetcreed means that Hilliard isn't 'walkable'.

You can walk around the neighborhood. The definition of a walkable community means easy walking/biking access to retail, ammentaties such as libraries, parks, restaurants,swimming pools etc. Most sub division, in Hilliard/Dublin/etc, are isolated from retail strips and thus driving is needed. Many like to grow a family in a "walkable" community.

Hilliard, and most Columbus area post 90s subdivisions have sidewalks, but the allure of seasoned neighborhoods like olde Worthington, Clintonville, and Grandview are the communities cohesive neighborhoods near amendities. That is why you see higher housing prices in the places that I listed above.

I would suggest Hilliard as a great place to raise a family. Everyone just has different specifications for the location they want to raise their family in. Based on this poster's comments it seems he is looking for something possibly more seasoned and known for having "character" per se.

[bgfalcons86]

Originally Posted by Ireanna

some areas I tried to stay away from were up near Davidson/ Avery (they had some shootings in the apartments up near there not too long ago)... Also any other spot that is surrounded by apartment complexes, as there are lots of transients, which sometimes can pose problems to immediate neighboring homes.

Fortunately, no one ended up hurt. Still, it was a wake-up call to the police to root out the trouble in that area (Avery Estates condos). From what I understand, progress was made in the last 18 months. I would still say that area right across Avery Road from Davidson HS is an area to avoid.

Lots of good info in your post, Ireanna!

streetcreed, Thanks for the clarification. I see where you're coming from.

[gsher]

Thanks for all the replies. What does everyone think of the South Bexley area? The area between Main St. and Livingston. The homes there are very attractive to us and we found one in particular. However, it is about 9 houses north of Livingston. The street looks like a nice street, but I'm a little weary about being so close to Livingston. Again, we don't want live around crime.

[streetcreed]

Actually south of Livingston, just south of Bexley and WEST of JAMES RD. is one of the highest income areas in all of Columbus, it is a neighborhood called Berwick. I recommend driving across Livingston and looking at the Berwick, I think you will feel very comfortable with your well to do neighbors.

East of James Rd. is a neighborhood called Berwin that is mostly minority middle income owner housing but has some low income apartments.

Livingston's retail corridor has seen better days and does not give the area a good appearance, but you should have little to worry about. The bad areas of the east side are west of Bexely between downtown and Bexley and south of Livingston. You are not near there. Good Luck. Let us know how everything goes.

[bgfalcons86]

Originally Posted by bgfalcons86

I would still say that area right across Avery Road from Davidson HS is an area to avoid.

I should clarify this comment... I'm specifically talking about the Avery Estates condos. I believe that particular condo complex is better than it was a couple years ago, but is still a bit sketchy. The other neighborhoods (Brixston, Hayden Run Village) are safe and offer good opportunities in the Davidson Rd. area.

Again, Good Luck wherever you end up... be it South Bexley, Worthington or otherwise!

[gsher]

Worthington has been mentioned several times. What parts of Worthington are recommended?