Clintonville Columbus, OH

Clintonville was built by one business that moved to Worthington in 1812. After buying 600 acres, the Bull family began farming but struggled with limited local amenities. To attract citizens, the oldest Bull son built homes along High Street and offered them to skilled people. Eventually, a hamlet developed, and professors and graduates of Ohio State University built summer homes in the area. Today, it has expanded beyond a summer destination into a year-round haven for the best of suburban life. No museums exist within the neighborhood, however historical outlets such as The Ohio Historical Society lie miles away. Likewise, the neighborhood does not host festivals, but the Ohio State Fair draws crowds less than 4 miles away. Eclectic culture established by locals has brought art and theatre events into the neighborhood in the form of the Columbus Civic Center, and galleries such as Art Pad Gallery and Galleria Evangelia.

Similar to retail options, the area’s restaurants and cafes hover along High Street south of Henderson Road. Cuisine in the neighborhood ranges from Mediterranean and Greek to savory vegetarian and classic Italian, allowing locals to taste the best of world’s flavors without leaving the Clintonville zip code.

Start with the North Star Café, a new American bistro specializing in superb vegetarian options. Order the Northstar Burger for a veggie burger unrivaled in the state. If you feel more adventurous, get the esteemed Buddha Bowl. This legendary dish combines pan-seared organic tofu with fresh vegetables and a layer of creamy peanut sauce. Locals say you can't go wrong with anything on the menu, even when it comes to beverages. Sip on a Shooting Star or craft beer such as the Mt. Carmel Nut Brown.

Lavash Café is a Middle Eastern gem featuring exotic flavors and dishes such as chicken shawarma, house-made hummus and silky Turkish coffee. Locals suggest ordering the falafel sandwich or chicken kabobs. If you’re in a hurry, grab beef kefta or lamb moussaka to go.

At just miles away from the heart of Columbus and a major university, after-hours fun in Clintonville is centered around a string of drinking establishments. Dive bars, pubs, wine bars and music venues cluster High Street and make a central location for nightlife. First on the list of late-night destinations is the Natalie’s Coal Fired Pizza and Live Music. This pizza joint and music bar hybrid hosts live bands on a regular basis and features show-stopping pizzas such as the Venetian Jail. Locals appreciate the huge craft beer selection and strong cocktails. After grabbing drinks from Bob’s Bar or Paddy Mac’s Pub, head to the India-Oak Grill for live music on the weekends and killer drinks for reasonable prices. With hours extending well past midnight, locals enjoy the best the bar has to offer, including the $5 nachos that are rumored to be life-changing.

Residents in Clintonville take their pick between a variety of transportation options. You can typically walk to three restaurants or coffee shops in 5 minutes on foot. Areas along High Street and Weber Road are particularly walker friendly, since many more retail and dining options line the roads. To avoid competition with the 90 percent of residents who drive, bikers choose to take their own wheels along Como Avenue, Indiana Avenue and Calumet Street, where roads are most biker-friendly. Designated paths and lanes also exist along the neighborhood’s western edge along the Olentangy River.

The nearest rail lines serve Columbus, but for a more local transport option, COTA bus Routes 83, 2 and 4 serve Clintonville with major stops along High Street and Broadway. The residential neighborhood keeps it from being a location where taxis can readily be hailed, but locals use Uber or Lyft to schedule their rides. Plentiful parking ensures you don't have to worry about where to put your car. Pick up your wheels and head out of town by accessing Interstate 71 from Weber Road. This interstate connects to Interstate 670 just outside Columbus city center. The Olentangy Freeway passes through Clintonville on the westernmost side and extends north until merging with the Outerbelt, which circles Columbus.

At least four green spaces exist within Clintonville. Topping the list is the free Whetstone Park of Roses off High Street. Nature lovers flock to the 13-acre park for fields of radiant blooms planted along winding paved paths perfect for leashed pets. The park suits locals looking to relax with its many gazebos, benches and calming fountains. Joggers and bike riders follow the path past its connection to the Olentangy Trail for a total immersion into nature. Locals also head to what they consider a hidden treasure in the city. Glen Echo Park allows locals to pursue their adventurous sides. Starting on Cliffside Drive, a wooden staircase takes explorers down into the ravine. From there, the only manmade features for miles are picnic tables and historic plaques. If these locations leave you wanting more, head to the Whetstone Park. This free 136 acre community park blends active and passive activities. From organized sports to jogging trails and playgrounds, the park has something to offer everyone.

Life amid the high-end homes with Cape Cod embellishments is relatively equal to the Columbus average. Though the average cost of living averages around 9 percent higher than the city’s average, locals face equally affordable prices for standard goods and services, and fuel costs sit about 10 percent lower than the national average. A COTA daily bus pass is $4.50 with one-way fare as low as $2.

However, housing prices are significantly more in popular Clintonville, where 63 percent of residents own homes. A standard one-bedroom apartment averages $790 per month, but single dwelling apartments can be found for as little as $700. Groceries and utilities help ease the high cost of homes since they are as affordable as the Columbus average. For all that the neighborhood has to offer, residents consider the value excellent, especially since the overall affordability allows locals to enjoy a pint of beer for only $5 to $7.

Shopping destinations in Clintonville are most populous along High Street. Though the selection includes chain stores, a selection of local shops rival the corporate offerings and contribute to the locals' pride in small businesses.

Boomerang Room buys and sells home furnishings, artwork, lighting, antiques and more. Shoppers can find a diverse selection of stylish sofas, chairs, coffee tables, dining sets, dressers and desks, and the store's inventory even includes vintage audio equipment, speakers and vinyl records. Boomerang Room also carries vintage bicycles for residents who want to bike the area in retro style.

Thrift mavens frequent the Rag-O-Rama and Eclectiques Antique Mall for affordable used goods and vintage apparel. Each location carries a selection of home goods and clothes, and prices are affordable. Locals recommend the basement of Eclectiques Antiques for the best offering of retro clothes and accessories. Stores like Lost Weekend Records and used bookstore Karen Wickliff Books are true testaments of Clintonville's artistic culture. Locals can spend their time weaving in and out of aisles of records or stacks of paperback books without leaving the neighborhood.

Locals generally pick up groceries from chain stores. However, local options such as the Clintonville Community Market remain long-time favorites for residents. The staple grocery provider sees more business than other locations for its selection of organic options and bulk products. Weiland's Market on Indianola Avenue, however, is a goldmine of local produce that combines a specialty grocery store with the best liquor store in town. Residents say this market tops others by offering excellent grab-and-go prepared dishes and items from Clintonville bakeries. The Clintonville Farmer's Market operates successfully from April through November and is committed to bringing the area baked, harvested and handmade products.