Thinking about moving to Columbus? Arch City is one of the most affordable cities in America and offers a great job market, incredible outdoor recreation, and tons of family-friendly activities. If you’re looking for the best places to raise your family in Columbus, check out these five neighborhoods and suburbs!
Bexley
Photo via @thecarruthersteam
- Home Price: $337,683 median purchase price; $395 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 95% of Ohio cities
Bexley is a quiet, family-friendly suburb located just ten minutes east of Downtown Columbus! This historic Columbus area was established in 1908 and offers a variety of housing options ranging from affordable ranches and charming Tudor-style homes, all ideal for raising a family. Parents can find great public schools in the area like Cassingham Elementary School and Bexley High School, two highly-ranked Bexley City Schools. There are also several parks in the area, as well as plenty of shopping and dining options in the Main Street commercial corridor for residents to walk to and enjoy!
Things to Do in Bexley
Spend an afternoon at Drexel Theatre watching independent films like John Lewis: Good Trouble, Jazz on a Summer’s Day, or Lucky Grandma. Take the kids to the Bexley Public Library to check out some books or play fun games. Enjoy a bike ride or play a game of softball on the field at Wolfe Park. Start off your morning at Scotty’s Cafe with French Toast, Pancakes, or a Veggie Omelet. Try a Falafel or Brisket for lunch at Brassica. Savor the Original Pizza Sub or go for Hawaiian Pizza or Greek Pizza at Bexley Pizza Plus. Get out with the family and order Lamb Chops, Chicken Pakora, or Tomato Soup at AAB India. Or head out to Johnson’s Real Ice Cream to satisfy your sweet tooth with a Mocha Chip or Raspberry Cheesecake-flavored Ice Cream.
Clintonville
Photo via @jessicahoward8
- Home Price: $209,483 median purchase price; $743 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 95% of Ohio cities
Located about ten minutes north of Downtown Columbus near Ohio State University, Clintonville is a top destination for families. This Columbus neighborhood offers Craftsman and Tudor-style homes that are ideal for growing families and is home to well-rated schools like Clintonville Academy, The Graham School, Colerain Elementary School, and Whetstone High School. In addition, Clintonville has great local parks like Columbus Park of Roses and Overbrook Ravine Park for kids and their parents to explore!
Things to Do in Clintonville
Take a stroll through the beautiful Columbus Park of Roses, a 13-acre public garden that has over 12,000 roses. Spend an evening watching blockbuster films at Studio 35 Cinema & Drafthouse. Order tasty treats like Carrot Cupcakes or a Pumpkin Walnut Muffin at Pattycake Bakery. Sit out on the patio while dining on Chicken Wings, a Chicken Sandwich, or Drumsticks at Hot Chicken Takeover. Feast on Vietnamese dishes like a Pho Soup Bowl or Rice Bowl at 6-1-Pho. Or sample the Spring Chicken Sushi Roll, Tuna Poké Bowl, or Tofu Thai Crunch Salad while dining at Fusian.
Gahanna
Photo via @rickandrobinlemmons
- Home Price: $195,100 median purchase price; $984 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 55% of Ohio cities
If you’re looking for a family-friendly place to live in Columbus, consider Gahanna! This suburb is perfect for families looking for spacious housing, plenty of dining and entertainment options, and a convenient commute into the city center! Gahanna has a wide array of outdoor recreation spots, including its many local parks and Gahanna Woods State Nature Reserve. Not to mention, it’s an ideal home for families that love live music, festivals, and outdoor events, which can be found at nearby Creekside Plaza!
Things to Do in Gahanna
Feast on Mexican favorites like a Chile Verde Burrito or Fajita Quesadilla at Mi Tradicion. Start off your morning with Red Velvet Pancakes, Cinnamon Toast Crunch Waffles, or the SuperChef’s Breakfast Pizza at SuperChef’s Breakfast & More. Try Italian dishes like Fettuccine Alfredo or Shrimp & Lobster Ravioli at Lola & Giuseppe’s Trattoria. Enjoy cocktails like a Pineapple Martini or Mojito at Arepazo. Get in some bowling with the family at Gahanna Lanes. Explore the hiking trails and appreciate the trees and wildflowers at Gahanna Woods Park. Or play a game of baseball or basketball with the family on the fields at Academy Park.
Hilliard
Photo via @annette_marble_realtor
- Home Price: $213,000 median purchase price; $1,004 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 76% of Ohio cities
With abundant green space, budget-friendly housing options ranging from condos to traditional single-family homes, and great schools in the Hilliard City School District, the Columbus suburb of Hilliard is an excellent place for families to settle down! Families can find plenty of things to do among the area’s local parks and kid-friendly entertainment spots, or they can make the quick 20-minute drive into Downtown Columbus to explore museums, shopping districts, incredible restaurants, and more!
Things to Do in Hilliard
Visit Hilliard Civic & Cultural Arts Center to attend a summer outdoor concert or participate in dance and theatre classes. Bring the family out to Ten Pin Alley to go bowling, hit the arcade, or play some laser tag. Become a member at Heritage Golf Club to practice your swing, get in a game of tennis, or take the kids to the pool. Dig into breakfast dishes like a Vegetarian Breakfast Burrito, Cheese Omelette, or Banana Pancakes at Starliner Diner. Enjoy a Cappuccino, Dirty Chai, or a Latte at Coffee Connections. Or order Korean Steak Tacos or Crispy Chicken BLT Tacos at Yabo’s Tacos.
Upper Arlington
Photo via @myohiohome
- Home Price: $335,316 median purchase price; $776 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 95% of Ohio cities
Want a family-friendly place to live that’s just outside of the city center? The suburb of Upper Arlington may be the place for you! This popular Columbus area is great for families looking to settle down in cozy ranches or trendy condos and apartments near top-rated schools within the Upper Arlington School District like Greensview Elementary School and Upper Arlington High School. In addition, residents of Upper Arlington can find a variety of things to do among the suburb’s parks, shopping districts, and restaurants!
Things to Do in Upper Arlington
Make your way to Cambridge Tea House for Fresh Baked Scones or an Egg & Cheese Breakfast Sandwich. Order an Apple & Bacon & Cheddar Panini, Caprese Wrap, or Berry Belgian Waffle at Chocolate Cafe. Try the Bluefin Tuna or Roasted Eggplant & Tomato Salad at Lupo. Play a game of golf on the 18-hole course at Scioto Country Club. Go for a scenic jog or stroll through Cardiff Woods Park. Enjoy a bike ride or picnic with the family at Jack Nicklaus Park. Stop by the Best American Arts gift shop to find handcrafted jewelry and home decor. Or peruse stores like Bed Bath & Beyond, Ulta, Athleta, and more at Shops on Lane Avenue.
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Neighborhood and suburb statistics from AreaVibes
