Brookhollow - Columbus, OH

Along with other Columbus suburbs, the land that is now Brookhollow was used by a variety of Native American tribes that came through en route to the Scioto River. The French fur trade in the 1700s attracted other settlers to the area, but Brookhollow's position west of the river ensured that it remained a rural suburb. Development in the neighborhood began in earnest during the 1980s and continued into the 1990s.

As an unincorporated neighborhood, Brookhollow doesn't have a strong community identity or arts scene. Residents travel into downtown Columbus to visit the Ohio Craft Museum and the Ohio Museum of Biological Diversity. For entertainment, the Grandview Theater and the Columbus Children's Theatre offer regular performances. Each year, the city of Columbus hosts regular events, including RiverFest, the Asian Festival and the Columbus Arts Festival.

Residents of Brookhollow have a limited number of dining options in the neighborhood. Several chain restaurants, including Wendy's and Subway, sit on or near North Wilson Road and Interstate 70.

When you're in the mood for pizza, enjoy the crisp thin crust at Minelli's Pizza. Local diners rave about the sauce, which contains the perfect blend of garlic and spice. Eat in the cozy and casual dining room, pick up takeout or call for delivery.

Twin Sunlight, a tiny eatery on Trabue Road, serves a variety of pan-Asian dishes. For a classic meal, try the well-spiced kung pao chicken, or go for the more adventurous basil squid. Many diners opt to pick up food to go, but the restaurant also has a small dine-in area.

A few miles west of Brookhollow, Wild Ginger garners acclaim for its fresh sushi and large selection of Japanese dishes. Try the salmon-skin roll, or go for broke with a speciality Hottie Roll. If you're not into raw fish, the restaurant also serves teriyaki dishes, stir-fry items and soups.

Brookhollow doesn't have many nightlife options. One bar, the Next Door Tavern, sits on North Wilson Road. Stop in to watch NASCAR on Sundays or check out major NFL games during the season. Make the short drive east to join the locals at Fairweathers Cafe, a cozy neighborhood joint with pool tables, a patio and cheap drinks. For live music, you need to head into downtown Columbus.

Given Brookhollow's distance from downtown Cleveland and the lack of shopping and dining in the area, you'll need a car to get around. The individual residential areas within the neighborhood feature walkable streets, but the high-traffic boundary roads prevent long-distance strolls. You won't find any bike lanes, but it's possible to ride safely if you watch for unaware drivers.

When you need to go to other areas of Columbus without a car, a number of cab companies can provide rides if you call ahead. Alternatively, download the Uber app to schedule a ride on the go. No public transportation lines run through the residential sections of Brookhollow, but bus lines 5, 57, 66, 67 and 68 stop along the boundaries of the neighborhood.

Many of the streets in Brookhollow feature free street parking, but you should check for permit signs to avoid violations. Interstates 70 and 270 run along the southern and western boundaries of the neighborhood, so you can get on the road in a matter of minutes.

Although Brookhollow doesn't have any parks of its own, a short drive takes you to two large, fee-free parks to the east. Bring the kids to the playground at Scioto Woods Park, or allow them to work off their energy on the large grassy area. The park also features an open-air pavilion for picnics and group events.

Redick Park, which covers 24 acres, provides a large wooded area for hiking or exploring. Work up a sweat on the basketball court, or get up a game of soccer on the open athletic field. The park also features a playground and a picnic area. Bring your pets to the park, but make sure they stay leashed the entire time. If you're looking for an event the entire family can enjoy, make the drive to Heritage Park for the Westerville Area Chamber of Commerce Music & Arts Festival.

The cost of living in Brookhollow is considerably higher than the Columbus citywide average cost. As you search for a rental property, expect to pay at least $650 for a one-bedroom per month. A beer at a local pub usually costs no more than $5, and a ride into downtown Columbus costs $2 on the local bus and $2.75 on the crosstown bus. At the pump, you pay about 2 percent less than the national gas average price.

Residents of Brookhollow don't have many shopping options within walking distance, but one or two stores sit on the perimeter of the neighborhood, and a few more lie just south of Interstate 70. For clothing and high-end shopping, most locals drive closer to downtown.

When your bed springs start to sag, pop over to The Original Mattress Factory on North Wilson Road. Feel free to try out the beds and enjoy the quick delivery service. A few miles to the east on Trabue Road, join local gamers at The Guardtower. This friendly store welcomes people at all levels, and the friendly staff members never hesitate to offer recommendations. If you want to join a game, check out the gaming tables in the back of the room.

If you need to restock your kitchen or pantry, you need to drive a few miles west to find a major grocery store. Meijer, Giant Eagle, Kroger and Target all sit along Hilliard Rome Road. One store, the well-stocked Trabue Food Mart, sits within the boundaries of Brookhollow and provides a convenient spot for quick shopping trips. A short drive to the northeast, you find the Upper Arlington Farmer's Market, where Ohio-based vendors sell flowers, produce, locally made cheese and desserts.