Reynoldsburg vs. Pickerington (Columbus, Hamilton, Lancaster: section 8, sales, homes)

[namdetss]

My family and I will be moving to the Columbus area this summer. We have narrowed our choices to Reynoldsburg and Pickerington. Schools (high school and middle school) are important to us. We would also like to be in an area that is welcoming to newcomers. We don't want an extremely rural area but don't want extreme congestion either. We'll be looking for a 4 bedroom in the range of $260,000 to $300,000 range.
What are the pros and cons of Reynoldsburg vs. Pickerington?
Thanks?

[streetcreed]

Honest, I don't think theres much of a different between the two, they both are newer columbus suburbs, with typical suburban housing stock and retail strips. I am sure there are some, on this forum, who live in those suburbs and would maybe know the differences better.

[where_to_move]

I agree w/ PP
both are very similar. and would be nice areas for families

I just hope u won't be working in DownTown Columbus or needing to drive west bound, b/c that area has really bad commuter traffic.
IMO it is the worst w/ regards to traffic if you have typical job hours only if u plan on commuting towards downtown.
GL!

[LancasterNative]

Howdy namdetss!

Between these two east-side suburbs, development in Pickerington is newer—most of the growth has occurred there post-1980s. Reynoldsburg's big growth spurt was more in the 1950s–70s, although sporadic new development continues to this day.

Pickerington lies a little further out from the city, and in fact Pickerington proper is entirely outside Franklin County, which means lower sales taxes, and possibly other savings to area homeowners.

Reynoldsburg, due in part to its age and location, is starting to be encroached upon by elements of the east side's ever-growing ghetto. I'm not saying R'burg is part of the ghetto by any means (yet); but it's starting to get a little flaky around the edges.

Pickerington schools are better regarded than those in Reynoldsburg.

I agree with the poster above, that the daily commute from either of these areas into Downtown is a total nightmare! Hardly a workday goes by that I don't hear a traffic report starting off "I-70 on the east side, between Brice and 256..."

Just the other day, I was coming into town (the opposite way) around 4:PM and noticing all the bumper-to-bumper oncoming traffic. That was just the start of rush hour. If you hate traffic jams as much as I do, then you might re-think either of these areas if you work Downtown!

Otherwise of these two particular 'burbs, Pickerington is probably the better choice for a family w/school age kids.

[ulsterscot]

LancasterNative is right on the money. Reynoldsburg gets increasingly seedy as you go west from 256 into town. Picktown is very nice.

I drive out that way everday from downtown. Here's a traffic tip to help. On I-70 East, stay in the far left lane until just before the Hamilton road exit. Then merge over to the far right lane. Just after this exit, that lane becomes EMPTY! There is a sign that says 270 South exit only. But the exit is a couple miles ahead. Most people don't seem to realize this and panic, cramming over into the stalled traffic to the left, and leaving you a nice open route home. Just before you hit 270 traffic always slows down and pockets open up from people merging over. You can merge easily here and you have missed 90% of rush hour traffic.

[LancasterNative]

Thanks UlsterScot And if I'm ever in that area during a future rush hour, I'll have to give this right-lane technique a try.

Also for what it's worth, I haven't been to R'burg for a few yrs now. It was just starting to get bad in some areas, but who knows...maybe it's gotten worse since(?)

[ulsterscot]

It's still not too bad. Just alot of section 8 type housing etc. The west side of Reynoldsburg is basically an extension of Whitehall.

[maestro]

PICKERINGTON, HANDS DOWN. Pickerington has better schools, nicer homes, nicer shopping areas.

Reynoldsburg is getting worse all the time.

[LancasterNative]

Originally Posted by ulsterscot

It's still not too bad. Just alot of section 8 type housing etc. The west side of Reynoldsburg is basically an extension of Whitehall.

Uggh! Section 8...that'll destroy an area quicker than anything.

[wickedclown1020]

Pickerington, but further out toward lancaster. Reynoldsburg has been getting a lot worse especially off brice rd (from my experience at least).