Moving to the East side of Columbus? (Newark, Lancaster: for sale, house)

[MrsKosik]

My husband and I, with our two children (5 months and 3 years), will be moving to the Columbus area after the new year. His home base for work would be between Hilliard and Dublin, however, his driving territory for sales will be from Newark to Lancaster. We originally were looking around the north part (Worthington or Polaris area) as we like the conveniences of shopping, great schools, nice neighborhoods, but with the new territory I am not sure how the drive time would work. So I have been trying to research the East side, but it doesn't seem nearly as recommended as the north side. Schools and conveniences such as shopping are very important to me as I am a stay at home mom and would like to have things to do. We are looking to spend in the $200,000 range with at least 3 bedrooms and at least a 10,000 sq. ft. lot. Could anyone recommend a nice, safe community closer to the east side of Columbus?

[bam989863]

Gahanna would be my number one recommendation. It is a beautiful little community with great homes and schools. Easton shopping center is close by as well which is a huge mall. Pickerington could also be a good option.

[jbcmh81]

Originally Posted by MrsKosik

My husband and I, with our two children (5 months and 3 years), will be moving to the Columbus area after the new year. His home base for work would be between Hilliard and Dublin, however, his driving territory for sales will be from Newark to Lancaster. We originally were looking around the north part (Worthington or Polaris area) as we like the conveniences of shopping, great schools, nice neighborhoods, but with the new territory I am not sure how the drive time would work. So I have been trying to research the East side, but it doesn't seem nearly as recommended as the north side. Schools and conveniences such as shopping are very important to me as I am a stay at home mom and would like to have things to do. We are looking to spend in the $200,000 range with at least 3 bedrooms and at least a 10,000 sq. ft. lot. Could anyone recommend a nice, safe community closer to the east side of Columbus?

While many parts of the East Side of Columbus are gradually improving (Olde Towne East, King-Lincoln, Whitehall, etc), and there are very nice existing neighborhoods like Bexley, the East Side is still Columbus' worst overall side in terms of general conditions and crime. If you move to the East Side, I would try those areas, or suburban areas like Gahanna, Reynoldsburg or Canal Winchester. New Albany would probaby be well out of your price range, especially for that size house. I would be very surprised if you found anything 10K square feet in that price range, actually.

[bam989863]

I think 10k was the lot size they were looking for, not the house size.

[jbcmh81]

Originally Posted by bam989863

I think 10k was the lot size they were looking for, not the house size.

Oops, yeah I read that wrong.

[Lily55]

Check out Pickerington. My husband and I moved here in 2006. There are great schools here! You can find the basic things you need - Kroger, Giant Eagle, Kohl's, Cato's, Bed Bath and Beyond, Meijer, Big Lots, Tuesday Morning, GFS - and it only takes a few minutes by interstate to get to Easton Town Center, downtown Columbus, or the Eastland Mall.

[SueSue06]

We live in Granville, and are currently not loving Granville (nothing personal about the town, we just aren't small town people) and are looking to buy in Westerville or Worthington. Newark would be reasonable from either of those, but Lancaster would be a bit further. I have a friend who recently moved to Granville from Pickerington. I am going to see her Monday and can ask her what they though about Pickerington. I know they were happy with the schools.

There are a few tiny chunks of Columbus right near the Blendon Woods Metroparks that would be in New Albany schools and in your price range. The location might be about perfect. They would have smaller lots, though.