Relocation: considering Upper Arlington, Dublin, Westerville, and New Albany (Columbus: houses, landscaping)

[Cumin]

Thanks again, I'm not really into the equetrian scene but I like ambiance. My daughter would like to be into horses but I'm afraid her interest may be short lived for such an expensive hobby.

I have been checking out Powell and it looks good to me too. The truth is it will be hard to narrow down my search until I can actually fly out to Columbus. But for now this helps me to get some what oriented to the Colubus area.

My daughter will be a freshman when we move. Between Powel, Upper Arlington, Westerville and New Albany which high school would you send your daughter to? I'm kind of leaning toward a town with just one high school such as Powell, Upper Arlington or New Albany. My daughter is very friendly, smart, cute and usually makes friends easily. Any thoughts regarding schools?

[baygirl]

I should first point out that Powell does not have it's own high school. It is part of the Olentangy School district and I believe they have more than one high school. You may want to check that out. I think they have two and may be looking at building a 3rd. In all honesty, I would have to recommend New Albany. I hate to say that when I only have experience with New Albany! I feel as though I have nothing but generalizations with which to substantiate my preference. My daughter is a freshman at New Albany and while all of the schools that you mention are known for the relative wealth of their districts, New Albany has more of a small town feel to it and is more focused on the arts. In fact they are currently completing a performing arts complex. It's such a small place that everyone knows everyone and they are generally accepting. The kids mix well (the well off and the not so well off). The faculty and staff at the schools tend to be really concerned about the students and treat the family as family. (with the notable exception of the
K-! bldg Principal )

Again, I can't say that this doesn't exist in the other two places, but those are larger districts. I have to say that people who live in Upper Arlington love it. It isn't a diverse place by any stretch of the imagination, but it has a great following so to speak and is very family oriented. New Albanys curriculum and possibly its entire education system have alot of influence from Upper Arlington.

[LancasterNative]

Originally Posted by Cumin

My daughter will be a freshman when we move. Between Powel, Upper Arlington, Westerville and New Albany which high school would you send your daughter to? I'm kind of leaning toward a town with just one high school such as Powell, Upper Arlington or New Albany. My daughter is very friendly, smart, cute and usually makes friends easily. Any thoughts regarding schools?

No troubles. And since you asked, there are subtle differences among the 4 communities you're looking at...although by the standards of most people you talk with, all of them would be generally regarded as "nice" places to live.

If I were in your shoes, I'd prefer to send my daughter to Olentangy schools (first choice) or New Albany (second).

Westerville has probably the least of what you're looking for. Sometimes called the "suburb on steroids" Westerville has grown explosively in the last decade, and infrastructure has yet to catch up. As former farmland is cookie-cuttered into subdivisions, the overwhelmed school system is busting at the seams! As I mentioned before, Westerville now has 3 high schools.

Powell is more laid back than W'ville, and its growth spurt over the past 2 decades has been much better managed. Its school district is consolidated with surrounding Liberty Township (unincorporated territory, much of it beautifully rural, hence all the horse pastures & farms!) Alas, Baygirl is right; the Olentangy Local SD seems to have now reached the point where they've gone with two high schools.

For New Albany, I'd defer to what Baygirl said above but with one caveat: zoning/housing codes in NA are very strict. Almost the entire community—anything built there after 1990—is planned, planned, planned! Billionaire Les Wexner, who moved there and spearheaded NA's development, wants it that way.

Upper Arlington is perhaps the most different of all these communities. It too began as a planned suburb—in 1914! The old part of UA (historic district) was mainly built in the 1920s–30s. Today, these stately old Tudors, Colonials and Georgians stand as monuments to old money. The rest of Arlington, the "upper" two-thirds, was pretty well built out by 1975. Most of the homes there, still well maintained, date to the '50s–60s.

Unlike all the newer 'burbs, UA has proudly stuck to its tradition as a one-HS town, and the folks there wouldn't have it any other way.

Thinking specifically of your daughter...coming to a whole new state/city/school as a freshman, it will be a complete life-shift for her! Knowing folks from each of these areas as I do, I would caution that UA can be a tad "cliquey" and may not be as welcoming to outsiders. Some of the current students there are 3rd-generation Arlingtonians! Popularity, status and fashion are mucho important to some of these kids

On the other hand, your daughter may find it quite easy to make friends in a town like Powell or New Albany, where many of her classmates will also have parents who moved here from out of town/state. This is because the population of both Powell and NA is much more mobile and less static.

Hope this helps...

[ABLewis]

I agree w/ Monique - I've lived in Westerville for 4 years and wouldn't trade it for anything. We have a great little downtown area, community center, and wonderful walk/bike paths. My kids are 6 and 4 and it is a great area for families. I am very sad to be leaving soon - husband got a new job and we're headed to the Raleigh, NC area. I will miss this area a lot!

[baygirl]

Originally Posted by LancasterNative

No troubles. And since you asked, there are subtle differences among the 4 communities you're looking at...although by the standards of most people you talk with, all of them would be generally regarded as "nice" places to live.

If I were in your shoes, I'd prefer to send my daughter to Olentangy schools (first choice) or New Albany (second).

Westerville has probably the least of what you're looking for. Sometimes called the "suburb on steroids" Westerville has grown explosively in the last decade, and infrastructure has yet to catch up. As former farmland is cookie-cuttered into subdivisions, the overwhelmed school system is busting at the seams! As I mentioned before, Westerville now has 3 high schools.

What you say is true, but I would actually say that Westervilles 3 highschool communities make up their own suburbs in themselves. People in all of these sub-communities are quite happy with Westerville. Theres the Westerville South, North and Central...Central being the newest and is actually located in a subdivision that, I swear, is a town within itself. I have yet to hear anyone who isn't happy with Westerville. It has alot to offer its residents including a fantastic Rec center and sports complex, plus I think its location is pretty good. Similar to Upper Arlington, people who attend Westerville very likely have parents that attended Westerville also.

Powell is more laid back than W'ville, and its growth spurt over the past 2 decades has been much better managed. Its school district is consolidated with surrounding Liberty Township (unincorporated territory, much of it beautifully rural, hence all the horse pastures & farms!) Alas, Baygirl is right; the Olentangy Local SD seems to have now reached the point where they've gone with two high schools.

I don't know much about Powell, but it is slightly remote and getting in and out of that area can be a bear. We considered the area before moving to New Albany and found that the staff at the schools that we visited were very dismissive and you could tell that there was alot of frustration with its recent growth. I couldn't seem to coax a smile (nor a straight answer) out of anyone I encountered and thus decided on New Albany where everyone pretty much stopped what they were doing for our visit (which was unannounced and unplanned ).

For New Albany, I'd defer to what Baygirl said above but with one caveat: zoning/housing codes in NA are very strict. Almost the entire community—anything built there after 1990—is planned, planned, planned! Billionaire Les Wexner, who moved there and spearheaded NA's development, wants it that way.

INDEED! But it has a nice feel to it. I appreciate the smallness with the relative proximity to "bigger and better" things. I mostly appreciate the schools! They are a bit intimidating, but I like that the schools did not go overboard in the inside (Lounges, fastfood restaraunts and the like). The money is well spent on instruction materials, technology and teacher/staff training.

[B]Upper Arlington is perhaps the most different of all these communities. It too began as a planned suburb—in 1914! The old part of UA (historic district) was mainly built in the 1920s–30s. Today, these stately old Tudors, Colonials and Georgians stand as monuments to old money. The rest of Arlington, the "upper" two-thirds, was pretty well built out by 1975. Most of the homes there, still well maintained, date to the '50s–60s.

Unlike all the newer 'burbs, UA has proudly stuck to its tradition as a one-HS town, and the folks there wouldn't have it any other way.

Thinking specifically of your daughter...coming to a whole new state/city/school as a freshman, it will be a complete life-shift for her! Knowing folks from each of these areas as I do, I would caution that UA can be a tad "cliquey" and may not be as welcoming to outsiders. Some of the current students there are 3rd-generation Arlingtonians! Popularity, status and fashion are mucho important to some of these kids

On the other hand, your daughter may find it quite easy to make friends in a town like Powell or New Albany, where many of her classmates will also have parents who moved here from out of town/state. This is because the population of both Powell and NA is much more mobile and less static.[/b]

New Albany, I believe, is always considered to be an Upper Arlington "wanna be" for a few reasons, but I think what they pull off better than the other schools you have listed is a refusal to cave into being a school that's just "good on paper", they teach respect, environmental responsibility, a love for the arts and nature (lots of nature preserves on school grounds) and knowledge and interest about global concerns. There is a very well-rounded education.

Hope this helps...

DITTO!!

BTW...Lancaster Native...I always enjoy your very informed, insightful and intelligent responses. Keep up the good work!!

[sftong]

Westervill school district performance is not consistent in the past 2 years. Rating from Excellent (the best a school district can get in 5 ratings) to Effective (1 step down).

I recalled some dramas related to Westerville last 2 years that school levy did not pass, programs shut ... Not sure how it worked out now.

Upper Arlington has the best high school around central Ohio, and be prepared to fork over lots of money to live in the distirct. I said it's the best because Ohio Department of Education has a Performance Index Score, and UA has consistently getting top score around Central Ohio for the last 2 years.

Grandview Heights is closely 2nd, while Bexley, Dublin, and New Albany Plain local is closely 3rd/4th/5th.

[LancasterNative]

Originally Posted by baygirl

[/b]

DITTO!!

BTW...Lancaster Native...I always enjoy your very informed, insightful and intelligent responses. Keep up the good work!!

Ahh, shucks. Thanks Baygirl! You rock!

[Cumin]

I'm looking into Powell any thoughts? Is it more like a town or a city? What kind of a community is it?

[Cumin]

I really appreciate all the in put you have all given me. This is great. I don't know anyone in Ohio so I can't call anyone up and say where should we live.

I love LA (believe it or not) and it will be hard for us to leave our friends, the weather and the beautiful ocean views, but I think I'm going to like Ohio.

I'm really encouraged by how helpful and friendly everyone has been. Thank you especially to Landcaster Native. The insite to high school life really helps. I know what it can be like to move into an area where if you weren't born here you don't belong. I don't wish that on my daughter.

Are you from Lancaster, PA? My husband was born there.

I think Powell is in the lead at the moment. Originally I was very excited about New Albany but I'm a bit concerned that it may feel a little too planned and too cookie cutter.

Thank you all, with warm regards,

Cumin

[LancasterNative]

Cumin, you are most welcome! Glad I could be of help. I've actually been to L.A. once, and would have to agree with you about the weather (which sucks over here, esp. today). I was impressed by the gorgeous Pacific Ocean and the breathtaking mountains. Probably not somewhere I'd live personally, but what a great place to visit!

Anyway...I'm originally from Lancaster, Ohio! It's a little historic town, a county seat about 30 miles SE of Columbus. It is sometimes referred to as a gateway to Ohio's Appalachia. Right about Lancaster is where the glaciers stopped, and thus the boring flatness starts to break into the foothills of some major mountains further south. Not too far beyond Lancaster are the incredible Hocking Hills; if you like scenic natural beauty then that's an area I'd definitely recommend seeing once you get settled over here

All the best to you & your family!

-LN