Eastmoor Columbus, OH

Eastmoor proudly declares its designation by the City of Columbus as a historic neighborhood. It earned this distinction because of its age as it was laid out in the 1920s. Eastmoor Academy, a public high school in the neighborhood, boasts both jazz musician Michael Feinstein and two-time Heisman trophy winner Archie Griffin as alumni.

Neighborhood plans called for Eastmoor’s layout around a polo field, bought by Charles Johnson in 1923. The upscale development included large homes, complete with horse barns, built around its perimeter, some of which still stand. In the 1950s after World War II, the neighborhood expanded when a growing population demanded smaller houses.

The Eastmoor Civic Association and Blockwatch hosts an annual picnic, called the Social on the Circle, on the polo field now called Virginia Lee Circle Park. Residents of the neighborhood gather to listen to music, play games, eat ice cream and to reminisce and socialize.

While some chain restaurants exist in the neighborhood, most of the establishments are one-of-a-kind. Choices range from Mediterranean to Chinese to steaks to pizza.

The Top Steak House stands as a neighborhood favorite and has been so for decades. When you walk in the door you feel like you have stepped back in time as the place still has its original 1950s look. Residents and visitors to the area can enjoy upscale charbroiled steaks, lobster, ribs and seafood, just to mention a few of the items on the menu. Enjoy live music and a bottle of wine while you dine in comfort.

La Glorys Café aims to satisfy hungry diners and cater to the neighborhood’s ethnic roots by serving Southern comfort food. Daily specials include deep-fried chicken, macaroni and cheese and liver and onions. Stop by on Sundays for a plate of chitterlings.

Just a short drive to downtown Columbus provides an almost endless array of nighttime fun. Catch a live show at one of three downtown theatres – the Ohio Theater, The Palace and the Southern Theater. All three book musicians, orchestras, dance troupes and off-Broadway productions year-round. Or spend an evening checking out the almost endless array of pubs and restaurants in the area.

Motorists can travel to any part of Columbus from Eastmoor, with easy access to Interstate 70, which runs east and west through the city and beyond. Interstate 70 intersects Interstate 71, which runs north and south. The 270 Outerbelt circles the metropolitan area and is crossed by both interstates.

A short trip north will bring you to Port Columbus International Airport on the International Gateway. The airport provides air service around the country and to different parts of the world.

Travel the city by COTA bus. Park your car at the lot on Livingston and board either the #1 bus, which runs east and west along Livingston, or the #92 bus, which runs north and south on James Road. Both buses connect with others to get you where you need to go in the area.

The Car2Go service offers an alternate way to get around the city by renting one of its cars, which you find parked in designated areas throughout the neighborhood. Once you have located a car, swipe your membership card, answer questions on the touch screen on the dashboard, and then off you go. Drive it as little or as long as you like. When you no longer need it, park it in any designated area. You must be a member to utilize this service

The polo field in the middle of Eastmoor, given as a wedding gift to Virginia Smith and Lee Hamilton, now bears the name the Virginia Lee Circle Park. The field serves as the site of community-related events such as its annual Social on the Circle.

Jeffrey Park, on Parkview Avenue, sits in neighboring Bexley within walking distance of much of Eastmoor. The 30-plus-acre park features natural woodlands with more than one mile of walking trails, a play area for kids, picnic tables complete with grills and two tennis courts. No dogs are allowed in the park.

A short drive west to the city center will bring you to the Columbus Commons, situated just one block from the heart of the city. This beautiful park, spread out on seven acres, is the go-to place for outdoor activities such as festivals, musical and stage acts, as well as movies broadcast on a large screen. It abounds with features such as a state-of-the art stage, a hand-carved carousel that operates during nice weather, beautiful gardens, bocce courts, an outdoor reading room, outdoor cafes and even a life-size chess set, making it a popular destination all year long.

The overall cost of living in Lincoln Village stands about 3 percent lower than that in the rest of the country. Groceries and transportation costs are about the same as the rest of the country while housing costs are about 10 percent less than that of other cities across the United States. Housing options include apartments, condos and single-family homes. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment runs about $600 per month.

A one-day bus pass costs $4.00, with a $.75 transfer charge if needed. A one-month pass can be purchased for $62.00. Gas prices generally remain about 4 percent lower than the national average. Expect to pay about $6 for a pint of beer in the local restaurants and pubs.

Well-known national chain stores provide convenient shopping for residents of Eastmoor. Pick up your prescription, have your eyes checked, or print out your favorite photos while filling your cart with everyday essentials at the Walmart on E. Main Street in neighboring Whitehall. Nearby Target, also on E. Main Street, gives shoppers a chance to take a break and grab a cup of coffee and a fresh pastry in their in-store Starbucks. If you are looking for boutiques, take a drive to N. High Street, near downtown Columbus, where you will discover boutique shopping at its finest. Shop at Ladybird for women's clothing and accessories, and sample a variety of specialty olive oils at the Green Olive Company. Residents of Eastmoor can purchase their groceries at the nearby Aldi on E. Main Street in neighboring Whitehall. The national chain market stocks a limited selection of bakery, deli, dairy, produce and frozen items, canned goods and alcoholic beverages. Another national chain choice, the Giant Eagle on S. Hamilton, carries a full line of groceries, plus they provide in-store services such as banking, dry cleaning and pharmacy. Take a break from shopping and grab a bite to eat at the in-house cafe.