Relocation: considering Upper Arlington, Dublin, Westerville, and New Albany (Columbus: fit in, transplants)

[Cumin]

Hi, we will be relocating to the Columbus area in the not too distant future. We currently live in suburban Los Angeles, Palos Verdes, think family oriented, horse country, but not city and not country, nice, friendly, small town feel.

We have two children one finishing high school and one who will be starting high school soon. So a great high school is very important. We also would like an area were we could fit in in a realtively short time. So communities that are open to new comers. My husband and I grew-up on the east coast but my kids have always lived in California.

I would really appreciate some insight into these areas that we are considering.

[LancasterNative]

Howdy Cumin! Welcome to central Ohio!

You may want to add Powell to your list.

Southern Delaware County (which includes Powell/Liberty Twp., Lewis Center, and parts of Westerville) has seen rapid growth in the past 15 years, much of it fairly upscale. Olentangy schools, which serve Powell, have a solid reputation. And that's definitely horse country!

The same is true of New Albany, which is in NE Franklin County.

Upper Arlington is an older suburb, closer in to the city and mostly all developed. But it's still very nice, and is regarded as one of the two blue-blood bastions of "old money" in Columbus—the other being Bexley on the east side.

Westerville, although a "small town" at its core, doesn't really feel that way anymore, to me at least. It's gotten huge with sprawly developments everywhere, big-box stores, chain restaurants, three high schools, etc. Between Westerville and Polaris, I consider it a traffic nightmare...but then, you coming from SoCal...you'd probably laugh at that whole idea!

In any case, you'll be pleasantly surprised at how much lower the price of real estate is here, and how far your money goes compared to California.

Again...Welcome!

[streetcreed]

Most of the communities in Columbus that are open to new comers are not going to be in that (kind of country not really a suburb) place. Those areas are more traditional, conservative, and tend to have less immigration patterns. However, Powell, Dublin, Upper Arlington, they all welcome new people and are nice areas. Really, none of the places that we have mentioned are country, they are urbanized areas, often in a suburban manner.

The Lewis Center, southern delaware county area, is growing fast and is still a mix of suburb and country, but it is growing so much that at this rate all of the issues, feel, and density of a city are creeping into the once country charm.

[baygirl]

I think that New Albany has not quite hit Suburban sprawl...it's way too small and it is still mostly country despite what everyone thinks and despite various attempts by developers. There is development very near here, but the village itself is fairly strict in the amount and type of development it will allow. There are still plenty of older homes with lots of acreage. This was an old village that they later developed into a suburb, but they encourage the small-town village feel. In addition, there are a variety of transplants from not just this country, but many Europeaners (Scotland, England, Italy...etc.) Some homes can be ridiculously priced, but you may consider them a deal coming from Southern Cal. Check out the New Albany Village website (may also be called Plain township). This is a very planned community and I stress planned!

As far as schools, their reputation is awesome and the amenities can't be beat...even in private schools. Be prepared though...the PTO is like the Mafia!!! You can join, but I swear you may actually have to sleep with someone to actively participate!! (I'm only half joking!) There are lots of activities for newcomers given that we have many professionals relocating to this area.

[Cumin]

I will add Powell to my list of towns to check into. Yes you are right the cost of homes is so much better in Columbus for once it should be fun to look for a house.

[streetcreed]

I really like the communities of worthington, and grandview heights. Grandview is just south of Upper Arlington. Worthington is east of Dublin, and a little older smaller suburb when compared to dublin and westerville.
Clintonville section of columbus is a great family neighborhood, but may not be in between country and suburb for you.

[MoniqueK]

Hi...I just wanted to help you with your question. My husband and I relocated here 6 years ago. We have lived in the Westerville area. It is beautiful with a fantastic school system. The zip codes to look for houses in are 43081 and 43082. The taxes, for Ohio, are on the higher side, averaging $4,000 to $7,000 a year. (estimate)
It is a welcoming city that has been established for some time.

New Albany, 43054, is a newer development and is growing QUICKLY. Taxes tend to be on the higher side as well, but they have excellent school sytem as well.

To be honest, Westerville would be a very nice place to relocate to...fitting what you are looking for!

If you have any questions, please feel free to email me!
kaulgia@yahoo.com

[MoniqueK]

I taught in the school systems in Columbus for 4 years, so I am pretty familiar with what schools are the best in the area!

[NewToCA]

Just a quick note of caution about relocating to cities around Columbus, the tax issue is very confusing and you need to take time to understand the impacts for different areas.

Ohio cities generally have local income taxes, rates may vary. Reciprocity agreements also need to be understood, you can end up paying tax to where you live and where you work (partial taxes anyway) depending on the area. Also, some areas, and I think Westerville is one, have a surtax on the state income tax for their school district while others do not.

Just another point for consideration, it is very confusing to outsiders.

[LancasterNative]

No problem Cumin! Oh, and I forgot to mention...if you're really into the equestrian scene...the town of Delaware itself, about 15 mins. north of Powell and Lewis Center, has hosted the Little Brown Jug harness race since 1946!