Crosswoods - Columbus, OH

In 1803, the same year that Ohio became a state, 11 families from Connecticut traveled by wagon train to settle in a tract of land located specifically for them by Thomas Worthington, one of Ohio's first senators and future governors. In 1835, Worthington was incorporated as a village with a stable population that served as a central market for surrounding farms. In 1893, electric street transportation connected Worthington to Columbus, and the village grew to a suburb. From post-World War II through the 1970s, new subdivisions spread growth and prosperity in the area. Today, the neighborhood continues to anchor a community of commuters to the New England charm of Worthington with its arts scene and annual activities centered in the Village Green. The Ohio Railroad museum holds a collection of local historic railway equipment.

Restaurant and entertainment opportunities abound when you live in Crosswoods. If you enjoy sushi, stop by Sushiko for the sushi rolls, the house specialty. The Samurai is an elegant roll filled with shrimp tempura, avocado, cucumber, eel, cream cheese and spicy crab topped with tuna. For a thick meaty roll, sink your teeth into the Fantastic 4, which features tuna, salmon, red snapper and yellowtail complemented with masago, cucumber and avocado. topped off with a drizzle of spicy mayonnaise. More traditional dishes such as beef, chicken and seafood teriyaki, chicken katzu and a children's menu with choices like shrimp tempura or pan-fried noodles satisfy the entire family.

J Gilbert's Wood-Fired Steak and Seafood, proud winner of the "Best Entree" award at the annual Taste of Worthington Festival, features Angus beef procured from local producers, free from antibiotics or growth hormones. Savor lobster mac and cheese, oysters on the half-shell or the iced shellfish platter with oysters. Pair your dinner with wines from an extensive cellar. For gluten-free and vegetarian fare, an eight-vegetable platter that includes poblano, asparagus and mushrooms hits the spot. In addition to great food, the restaurant hosts wine and beer tastings, fundraisers and wedding receptions.

First Watch, a popular eatery with a health-minded menu that includes omelets, salads and soups, is situated in the nearby Shops at Worthington Place mall. The warm and comfortable Winking Lizard Tavern, in its location since 1983, has everything you'd ever want in a local hangout. In addition to a menu that includes a variety of spicy wings and dry-rubbed ribs, burgers, sandwiches and wraps, the Winking Lizard carries 445 types of beer, including English pale ales, stouts, ciders, Weizenbock, Witbier and Hefewizen. The best-kept secret in the neighborhood is the Winking Lizard's jalapeno martini. A selection of over 100 non-alcoholic drinks, multiple TVs, tables and booths, and a patio make this tavern a great home-away-from-home destination.

An unusual recreation and concert destination exists 2 miles away at Flannagan's in Dublin. This volleyball club features 13 courts, a full bar, a deck and patio and a pool complete with a swim-up bar. Join a competitive league or participate on a casual basis. Flannagan's holds a two-day St. Patrick's Day celebration each year that includes a 5K race and performances from artists like Grammy award-winner Zedd.

Wide sidewalks throughout the neighborhood encourage locals to accomplish errands on foot, although most residents are car-dependent for work and shopping. Convenient access to public transportation makes commuting especially easy, as does the neighborhood's proximity to the I-270 "outer loop" that circles Columbus. Alternative transportation options include widespread cab and Uber service. Plentiful public parking lots dot the area at minimal or no cost. City planners thoughtfully provided not only biking lanes, but numerous bike parking lots in the area.

Lazelle Woods Park covers 40 acres of land that include a playground for the kids, picnic shelter, soccer fields and baseball diamonds in addition to a 1-mile walking/jogging trail that circles the wooded area filled with wildlife.

By far the most popular park in the area is the Worthington Green, referred to by locals as the Village Green. The Village Green comprises 3.5 acres set aside in 1803 by settlers. This lovely, open green space hosts summer festivals, art fairs, the farmers market and Sunday night concerts.

Pack up the dog and head 2 miles west to Dublin for some exercise and play in a fenced, no-leash dog park. Only children ages 9 and 15 when accompanied by a parent may enter this area.

For a day of mountain biking, hiking or sledding, head 5 miles north for a great day in the Highbanks Metro Park, a dog- and kid-friendly preserve. Originally a Native American burial ground, 100-foot high bluffs afford fabulous views of fishermen and kayakers on the river. Five trails wind over 11 miles with natural play areas and lots of critters to observe.

The cost of living in Crosswoods runs 12 percent higher than the city average. A one-way bus fare costs less than $2, an express bus less than $3, and 7- and 31-day passes afford regular riders even more advantageous fares. A one-bedroom apartment averages $803, and a beer in the pub costs between $3 and $4.50, with premiums between $4 and $6.50. Gas costs in the area run 1 percent lower than the national average.

The Shops at Worthington Place, an upscale shopping mall anchored by Jos A. Bank and Talbots also features the Pendleton Woolen Mill, a great place for any seamstress or tailor to shop. For handcrafted treasures designed by local residents, visit Pizazz, owned and operated by the Worthington Craft Guild. Another menu of options exists at the Polaris Fashion Place, which features the largest indoor children's play area in the region, high-end shopping at Saks Fifth Avenue and Macy's and eateries such as the charming Molly Woo's and the Brio Tuscan Grille.

When you need a housewarming, congratulations or get-well gift for someone special or just want to treat yourself, Sugarbush Gourmet puts together amazing gift baskets of fruits, chocolates, wines, cheese, nuts and imported specialty foods, custom-made to order with choices that include gluten-free or diabetic-friendly ingredients.

Following a move, call on Move 'N Designs, an unpacking and home organizing service whose tag line is "From Box to Beautiful in Days." This service includes unpacking and breaking down boxes, making beds, arranging furniture and helping you decide on appropriate window treatments.

Kroger grocery stores dot the area at convenient locations. The Worthington Farmers Market operates in the Village Green from May through October with over 70 local vendors offering fruits and vegetables in addition to cheeses, jams, maple syrup, eggs and homemade soaps. The indoor winter market runs from November through April each Saturday morning.