Busch - Columbus, OH

The city of Columbus was designed and formed as Ohio's state capital, strategically placed in a central location and close to major transportation routes. After forming Columbus in 1812, authorities officially incorporated the tailor-made capital as a city in 1816.

Due in large part to its prime location, Columbus grew quickly in its first few years, and continued to grow both economically and population-wise over the following decades. In the 20th century, Columbus earned a reputation as the most illuminated city in the country bbecause of the great arches that spanned the city's major thoroughfare, High Street. Although the arches disappeared mid-century, the city began reconstructing them in the early 2000s to celebrate Columbus's past.

Take a 15 minute trip from Busch to a documented site of the Underground Railroad, Kelton House Museum, or experience diverse art exhibits and interactive cultural activities at the Columbus Museum of Art.

Start your search for tasty munchies in southern Busch, where an eclectic variety of restaurants satisfy all sorts of taste buds. Try the authentically crafted shrimp and pecans at China Jade, and enjoy the big portions at this hole-in-the-wall restaurant. Compare the fare to the popular Helen Asian Kitchen on Dublin-Granville Road, where you kick back and warm up with the best soup dumplings in Central Ohio.

Satisfy your desire for Thai food in the dim, sweet atmosphere at Thai Lagoon Bistro, and try the Pla Jian (fried tilapia with pork) for a savory treat. Nearby, appreciate the beautiful tile decorations and artwork at Casa Hacienda Grill, and choose a dish featuring their authentic flour tortillas.

Check out a show and shoot some pool at the Billiard Club/Pub 161. For other types of entertainment, catch a cheap movie at the nearby Screens at the Continent movie theater or grab a group of friends and bowl a few rounds at Capri Lanes.

The concentration of restaurants and shops in the south of the area makes Busch a fairly walkable neighborhood. Expect to walk an average of 5 minutes to the nearest restaurant or bar.

Feel free to get your bike out and travel through Busch on Schrock Road to take advantage of designated bike lanes on the major roadway. The city of Columbus actively endorses alternative transportation options through a variety of initiatives, including bike-share and Car-2-Go programs.

In addition, the Central Ohio Transit Authority serves Busch and the rest of Columbus. Hop on route 8 in the southern part of the neighborhood to take an hour-long ride to downtown Columbus.

Yellow, orange and blue cab companies all service Columbus. You can also consider registering with Uber to avoid waiting to hail a cab or calling one hours ahead of time. Simply order and pay for a ride from the convenience of your smartphone, and the nearest one picks you up within 10 minutes.

Those with their own four wheels enjoy proximity to Interstate 71, which borders the neighborhood. Just prepare to pay a few dollars to park your car. Garages in downtown Columbus cost between $10 and $20 during the week, and $5 to $10 on weekends, while metered street parking costs up to $1 per hour.

Several parks situated just minutes from Busch's borders serve to refresh and revitalize the neighborhood's residents. As is the case throughout Columbus, the parks are available to residents and visitors free of charge.

About a mile west from the center of Busch, play a game of soccer at Huntley Bowl Park, or bring your kids to the playground at the well-maintained McCord Park, situated behind a local community recreation center. Come back in the spring to participate in the annual Easter egg hunt at McCord Park. Across the interstate to the east, make your dog's day when you take her for a walk through the woodsy trails at Devonshire Park.

Access all that Columbus offers while saving your pennies in Busch, with a neighborhood cost of living 24 percent lower than Columbus's metro average, and nearly 45 percent lower than the state average. Rent a one-bedroom residence in Busch for an average of about $590 per month.

Pay $2 for a bus ticket to Columbus's city center, and $3 for a beer at a neighborhood bar. Gas prices sit about 3 percent lower than the national average.

Check out southern Busch to discover the local collection of popular shops. Sift through the well-curated selection at The Catique. Despite the name, the selection comprises some clothing, unique knick-knacks, gently used furniture and home decor at extremely low prices. Run by volunteers three days a week, the store uses its profits to support the nearly 200 stray cats that the organization cares for. Nearby, browse the vast accumulated collection at the discount warehouse Saturday Liquidation. Find whatever you're looking for in one of the roughly sorted categories of housewares, outdoors, kids, pets and more. A little to the west, get all your bike needs taken care of at Tri-Tech Multisport. Whether preparing for a triathlon or just trying to find the best bike for you, the staff at Tri-Tech has you covered. Neighborhood grocery stores include a Giant Eagle, and a Whole Foods Market sits just 10 minutes west of Busch. Check out the North Market Farmers Market, open in Columbus on Saturdays in April through October, to experience one of Central Ohio's oldest and largest farmers markets.