Woodward Park - Columbus, OH

Due to political infighting regarding which existing city should be the state capital, Ohio officials decided the formation of a new city in 1812 was necessary. Soon after, officials formed the new capital city, named it after Christopher Columbus, and placed it centrally within the state, near major transportation routes.

By the end of the 19th century, Columbus was home to several major manufacturing businesses, including two dozen buggy factories and the famous Buckeye Steel Castings Company. The city has benefited from a diversified economy for many years, which softened the blow of the Great Depression.

Delve deeper into the past at one of Columbus' museums or historical sites, located about 10 minutes away from Woodward Park in downtown Columbus. Explore the mysteries of Kelton House Museum & Garden, a documented site of the Underground Railroad, or engage in stimulating, interactive programs at the Columbus Museum of Art.

When hunger pangs strike, head to the southeast corner of Woodward Park to find a tempting variety of ethnic eats and favorite hole-in-the-wall restaurants.

Enjoy the cozy vibe and artsy walls at Huong Vietnamese Restaurant where customers fill up on steaming bowls of rich, flavorful pho and freshly crafted spring rolls. Nearby, get your Mexican food at El Ranchero Kitchen, and sample the pupusas, a traditional Salvadoran breakfast of thick corn tortillas filled with beans, pork or cheese.

For a simpler meal, grab a satisfying slice at Grandad's Pizza, a family-owned neighborhood pizzeria that doesn't skimp on the cheese and heaps on toppings. Alternatively, feed your soul with the heavenly fried chicken at Lawsheas Southern Fish and Ribs. Here, the rib-sticking plates come heaped with sides such as mac and cheese.

At night, locals shoot pool at 8 Ball Sports Bar and Billiards. The giant room of tables gives big groups plenty of space, and regulars call out the cheerful, funky environment and great drinks at low prices. Next door in Northland, local bands rock out at O'Sheckys. The small venue wins over music lovers with big sound, reasonably priced drinks and acoustic open mic nights for aspiring singer-songwriters. Pool tables and an outdoor patio provide a welcome place to hang out with friends.

The city of Columbus implements a variety of programs to promote alternative transportation, including a city-wide bike share program and Car-2-Go. In addition, the Central Ohio Transit Authority services Woodward Park and the rest of Columbus with a comprehensive network of public transportation. From Woodward Park, hop on the well-used Route 8 and be in the heart of downtown Columbus in less than an hour.

Neighborhood bikers frequent Morse Road, where designated biking lanes make the busy street safer. Additional biker-friendly roadways include Karl Road on the east border of Woodward Park and a network of trails through the namesake park. The southeast corner of Woodward Park constitutes the neighborhood's most walkable area.

Although Columbus enjoys yellow, orange and blue cabs, consider registering with the membership-based taxi service Uber to try an alternative cab experience. Instead of waiting to hail a cab or calling an hour ahead of time, simply order and pay for a quick taxi from your smartphone, anytime and anywhere.

As Interstate 71 borders Woodward Park on the west, a quick three-minute drive connects you to the convenience of the freeway. Prepare to pay a few bucks to park in downtown Columbus, where parking garages and lots usually cost between $10 to $20 during the week, and metered street parking runs up to $1 per hour.

The nearly 50 acres of Woodward Park sit peacefully in the north of the neighborhood. Named after C.H Woodward, who donated the lands and funds to build the park in 1960, Woodward Park provides endless refreshment and free outdoor stimulation to visitors and residents alike.

Swing a bat on the lighted baseball diamond, kick a soccer ball on the field or spend an afternoon shooting a pickup basketball game. Bring your picnic, and let your kids explore the fine playground while you play a game of tennis.

Escape the city and breathe the fresh air of the nature preserve, and consider taking a camera or a pair of binoculars for bird and wildlife watching. Make your dog's day when you bring her for a walk through the network of trails.

In addition to providing a gym and various courts for indoor sports, Woodward Park Recreation Center hosts a variety of creative programs, camps and events. Participate in one of the educational services, take a pottery class or celebrate at holiday events such as the annual Halloween Party.

Woodward Park has a cost of living 11 percent lower than Columbus' metro average. Rent a one-bedroom residence for an extremely affordable average of $504 in this neighborhood.

Pay $2 to ride to Columbus' city center via public transportation and about $3 for a beer at a local pub. Neighborhood gas prices coast at a pleasant 8 percent lower than the national average.

Take your local shopping expedition to the south of Woodward Park, where a selection of stores lie scattered along Morse Road.

Browse the spacious, bright interior at Comic Town, and choose a comic book or a new game at this popular hobby shop. Nearby, make any day special with a single lovely flower or well-crafted bouquet from local flower shop Flowerama. Upgrade your furniture from the high-quality selection at Furniture Land Ohio.

Neighborhood grocery stores include Kroger and Saraga International Grocery, with a Giant Eagle nearby. For locally grown fruits and veggies, visit the farmers market located in the North Market in downtown Columbus, one of the oldest and largest indoor markets in central Ohio. Specific dates and hours of operation can vary depending on weather conditions, but the market typically opens in June.