South Hilltop - Columbus, OH

Lucas Sullivant arrived in the area in the late 1700s, and gifted 1600 acres of land, now known as Hilltop, to his sons. The land stayed in the family for more than 100 years, which left South Hilltop mostly undeveloped throughout the 19th century. During the early 20th century, South Hilltop slowly began its transition from a farming to an urban community. After the 1913 flood, a need for housing caused the large population surge that created modern-day South Hilltop.

For an arts scene, museums or annual festivals, a short drive into downtown Columbus takes you to COSI, a hands-on science museum, the Central Culture Center and the Columbus Museum of Modern Art. Downtown Columbus also hosts several annual events, including the Greek Festival, the Columbus Scottish Festival and Columbus Winter Beerfest.

Several restaurant options line State Route 62, but don’t expect to find a wide variety of options or any fine-dining establishments. South Hilltop’s restaurant scene consists of family-friendly chain restaurants that serve classic American fare, fast-food and pizza along with Chinese restaurants and a few locally owned establishments.

Located on Brown Road, D & E-Z-O’s Pizza serves some of the best pizza in Columbus according to the locals. Made with a thin buttery crust that has a slight crunch to it, a bright red tangy sauce and mounds of fresh toppings, pizza from D & E-Z-O’s attracts customers from all over the city. Order a 30-inch Destroyer pizza to feed your guests on game night, or try the spaghetti or lasagna dinner instead of pizza. Regardless of what you choose, order a side of breadsticks. Locals describe them with one word: amazing.

Grandma’s Pizza & Pasta has a reputation for great customer service. In fact, employees frequently remember regular customers by name. Customers enjoy the restaurant’s pizza, but they really rave about the 6-inch and 12-inch subs. Made on freshly baked bread and topped with fresh ingredients, some with the restaurant’s homemade sausage, the big oven-toasted subs arrive piping hot and full of flavor.

Visit Wong’s Golden Wok, located in Southwest Square shopping center, for Chinese food. The restaurant, operated by a husband and wife team, features an extensive menu filled with scrumptious Asian dishes. Regulars rave about the restaurant’s fried rice, spicy chicken and pork lo mein.

A handful of pubs, sports bars and dive bars comprise South Hilltop’s nightlife scene. For a laid-back night, visit DJ’s Corner Pub on West Mound Street. The bar features vintage arcade games, Keno and a jukebox to keep patrons entertained, daily drink specials and a decent-sized regular crowd that welcomes everyone. Other popular options include: Bill’s Other Place, Bob’s Bar and Grill and Phil and Young’s Tavern, all of which sit on Harrisburg Pike.

Driving remains the most popular mode of transportation in South Hilltop. Businesses that offer ample free parking and access to State Route 62 and Interstate 70 make it the most convenient option.

Most of the residents who don’t drive ride the bus. The Central Ohio Transit Authority has several bus routes that run through the neighborhood that transport passengers throughout the entire Columbus area.

Several shopping centers sit along State Route 62, making it easy to accomplish some errands on foot. However, the lack of bike lanes and heavy traffic doesn’t provide a safe environment for bikers.

Several cab companies service the area, but you can’t hail a cab on the street. You have to call the company to schedule pick up, or schedule a ride using your Uber app.

Hauntz Park, the only park in South Hilltop, sits on Columbian Avenue in the northwestern portion of the community. The family-friendly park spans 5.67 acres, and features a sheltered area perfect for family gatherings. The park also houses a playground, a basketball court and a baseball diamond. Families and exercise enthusiasts enjoy spending time at Glenwood Park in Highland West. The 15.67-acre park features a playground, basketball court, tennis courts and a swimming pool.

In June, visit Westgate Park on Wicklow Road to attend the annual Historic Hilltop Bean Dinner. The event features great food, live music, local art vendors and a historic car show.

South Hilltop’s average cost of living typically sits around 5 percent lower than Columbus' average cost of living. Expect to pay approximately $549 per month for a one-bedroom residence, and between $3 and $5 for a beer in a local bar. One-way bus fare costs $2, or $2.75 if you take the express bus, and neighborhood gas prices average around 1 percent lower than the national average.

South Hilltop houses numerous shopping centers, located along State Route 62 and West Mound Street, filled with stores that sell basic everyday necessities such as pet supplies, beauty supplies and cleaning supplies. Several pharmacies, auto parts stores, convenience stores and grocery stores sit in the neighborhood as well.

Located on West Broad Street, Memory Lane Collectible Records carries the best selection of vinyl records in the city. The shop opens Saturday afternoons between 11:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. or by appointment through the week. In addition to selling records, the shop owner transfers music from vinyl to CD for a small fee.

South Hilltop residents complete large grocery shopping trips at Kroger or Save-A-Lot, and visit one of the numerous small grocery stores, such as Mound Street Market or Mid-Way Market to pick up basic necessities between grocery trips. Visit Dubai Shop on Harrisburg Pike for Indian food and spices and Schuman’s Meats for steak, deli meats and party trays. During the summer months, visit Grandview Avenue Farmers Market in Grandview Heights for fresh produce and baked goods.