Friendlier Columbus suburbs? (Dublin, Worthington, New Albany: appointed, lease, neighborhoods) - Ohio (OH) - City-Data Forum

deckchair · 01-17-2012, 11:10 PM

We moved to Dublin a year ago and are wondering if there are friendlier areas around...or even friendlier areas of Dublin. We have been disappointed at how closed-off our neighborhood seems to be. No one has been out-and-out mean, but it also feels like no one wants to know you beyond a quick wave before pulling into their garage and shutting the door. We'll walk around the neighborhood and it feels like a ghost town.

We are wondering if we made the right choice in coming to Dublin, but now we're nervous about trying to pick a new place...we're originally from the East Coast and don't know Central Ohio like a native would.

Any suggestions would be helpful and appreciated. Thank you.

fmpitw · 01-18-2012, 08:47 PM

You will likely get a similar vibe in all of the suburbs. If you are someone who likes to wave and shut the garage door too then the suburbs work out great but...if that's not you, look at areas like German Village, Victorian Village, Clintonville or Italian Village. Best wishes in finding the right fit.

Dewddd · 01-18-2012, 11:03 PM

I agree, all suburbs would have the same vibe. Maybe it's just bad luck in picking the wrong neighborhood / subdivision! I know im in the same situation. It seems the only thing that makes people say hello is if theres a fire in the neighborhood. What a shame!

Ringo1 · 01-19-2012, 06:41 AM

I don't think it's just Dublin . . . .

CVCMH · 01-19-2012, 02:01 PM

Worthington Hills is pretty darn friendly -- we know all the families on our street and have block parties at Halloween and the 4th of July.

That being said, Clintonville has to win the award for friendliest area in the metro (in my experience).

bgfalcons86 · 01-19-2012, 03:01 PM

As for the Columbus area (both suburban & urban), I think it really depends on the block or maybe subdivision, moreso than anything else. As for Clintonville, I know some who would consider it friendly, some who would not. Again, probably depends on the block or street. Suburban families may have a tendency to connect more over the activities that their kids share than a shared location.

jbcmh81 · 01-19-2012, 04:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bgfalcons86

As for the Columbus area (both suburban & urban), I think it really depends on the block or maybe subdivision, moreso than anything else. As for Clintonville, I know some who would consider it friendly, some who would not. Again, probably depends on the block or street. Suburban families may have a tendency to connect more over the activities that their kids share than a shared location.

I also think that, in general, people that move out to the suburbs are not looking to be social butterflies and that they like their space and privacy. In more urban neighborhoods, you are forced into more interactions, and usually, end up making more friends as a result.

behindenemylines · 01-20-2012, 07:14 AM

Our time in New Albany has been highlighted by our wonderful neighbors. We have never lived in a friendlier neighborhood. When we moved in, everyone came over and introduced themselves (some even brought baked goods). They asked if they could help us unpack or watch our kids to give us time to unpack. A month doesn't go by that someone isn't putting together a potluck, BBQ, holiday or some other sort of party. One of our neighbors projects movies outside during the summer for all the kids to come over and watch while the parents enjoy a cocktail or two. In a couple weeks all the families on our block are going bowling together. Many of the families even vacation together. It's really made moving to Ohio an easy transition for the entire family.

SmokyMtnPeace · 01-20-2012, 10:40 AM

We lived for a brief time in Columbus, and I don't think it's necessarily the neighborhood you're in. With our experience, we noticed that people were too harried and less friendly in the city than other areas that we've lived. We did make friends, but I don't think we were overly accepted either. I know parts of the country don't like 'outsiders', but Columbus is pretty transient. I don't think that is the issue there. I myself have a bit of a Southern accent, and some just couldn't get past that. Why? I have no clue. I met people from all walks of life there, and didn't care where they came from or how they talked. I tried being polite with the neighbors when I went out, but I usually got the blank stare. Maybe it's just a regional thing. I just gave up after a while, and waited for our lease to be up and we left. No use to being somewhere you don't feel like you're part of the community or not wanted.

deckchair · 01-20-2012, 01:28 PM

WOW behindenemylines, can we move to your block?? Seriously!! You've got a real treasure, there! That would NEVER happen on our block. ((ugh!)) Thank you all for your responses. A lot of people have mentioned Clintonville to us, but then are quick to add that we'd have to send the kids to private school. Sorry for your experience, SmokyMtnPeace--I'm wondering myself that if Columbus is indeed transient, maybe people just think we're only going to be here a short while so why bother getting to know us. I have met some moms at my child's school, so I'm hanging on to that for now...clinging, really.