Galloway Ridge - Galloway, OH

In the late-1990s, development began on homes in the Galloway Ridge community. Development continued throughout the early part of the 21st century, ending when the last of the community’s 600 houses were complete.

Galloway Ridge doesn’t have an arts scene, museums or annual events. However, a short drive into downtown Columbus gives you access to a wide variety of entertainment options. Downtown Columbus houses The Central Ohio Fire Museum, the Ohio Craft Museum and COSI, a hands-on science museum, as well as numerous art galleries. The downtown area also hosts several annual events, including the Greek Festival, the Columbus Scottish Festival and Columbus Winter Beerfest.

Lots of restaurants that serve pizza, fast food and Chinese food sit just south of Galloway Ridge on U.S. Route 40. Grab a cup of coffee from Tim Horton's on your way to work, or pick up a bucket of chicken from KFC on your way home.

Don Gino's Pizza, located on West Broad Street, doesn't look like much from the outside, but don't let its plain facade fool you. The restaurant serves some of the best pizza in Columbus.

The stone-baked pizza, made with homemade dough and the pizza joint's special sauce, comes loaded with fresh ingredients of your choice. In addition to pizza, the restaurant serves a variety of pasta dishes, subs and salads. Check the menu before you order; the restaurant features a variety of specials each day.

Located in the Lincoln Village Plaza shopping center, Joseppi's Pizza has a reputation for having affordable prices and great food. A pinball machine and jukebox make the restaurant a good choice for family dinners, and the restaurant's lunch buffet opens Monday through Friday.

New Fortune China on West Broad Street serves Chinese and Thai food. Known for serving large portions of food at affordable prices, the restaurant serves a flavorful pad Thai that keeps customers returning.

A handful of neighborhood bars, sports bars and pubs on U.S. Route 40 comprises the area's nightlife scene. Locals visit Front Row Sports Bar to watch The Ohio State football games. The laid-back bar features daily drink specials and 10 big-screen TVs. Visit Front Row Sports Bar on Fridays between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. for free pizza. Other local favorites include Madden's Traditional Irish Pub, O'Toole's Irish Pub, and Neon Moon Saloon.

The majority of Galloway Ridge residents rely on their own vehicles for transportation. Neighboring businesses offer ample free parking, and nearby access to U.S. Route 40 and Interstates 70 and 275 makes driving the most convenient transportation option.

Most of the residents who don’t drive ride the bus. The Central Ohio Transit Authority has bus stops along U.S. Route 40. You can’t hail a cab in the area, but cab companies schedule pick ups by phone, and Uber services the area. Residents consider walking and bike riding a leisurely activity since you have to travel outside of the community to complete errands, and the neighborhood doesn’t have dedicated bike lanes.

Parents take their kids to Galloway Ridge Park on Ridgeland Drive on warm days. The community park features two separate play sets -- one for younger kids and one for school-age children. Other playground options include Greene Countrie Park and Freedom Park. Both parks sit just south of Galloway Ridge in Galloway and make good alternatives for when you need to kill some time between errands.

For day-long family outings, visit Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park in Galloway. The park features natural play areas, picnic areas and a nature center. Go cross-country skiing or sledding in the winter and biking, canoeing or kayaking in the summer. The park welcomes dogs. However, they must remain in control and on their leashes. The park also offers numerous programs throughout the year, including group hiking outings, scavenger hunts and photography hikes.

The cost of living in Galloway Ridge averages slightly higher than Columbus’s overall cost of living. Expect to pay approximately $620 per month for a one-bedroom residence and between $3 to $5 for a beer at a local pub. One-way bus fare costs $2, or $2.75 if you take the express bus, and neighborhood gas prices average around 1 percent lower than the national average.

You have to travel into downtown Columbus to find high-end retailers, and the closest department stores sit in The Mall at Tuttle Crossing in Dublin. Multiple stores that sell basic necessities and few locally owned stores sit along U.S. Route 40.

Visit the Strader Garden Center to purchase beautiful plants or a variety of herbs and flowers to decorate your abode. Grillmasters love the extremely large selection of charcoal and gas grills sold here. Depending on the season, Straders also sells ripe produce. Be sure to catch its peach sale every July, courtesy of The Peach Truck.

When you need to pick up a gift quickly, visit Villager Flowers & Gifts on West Broad Street. The florist specializes in themed flower arrangements for special occasions such as Valentine's Day, anniversaries and birthdays. Have flowers delivered to your significant other, or order a gift basket to welcome a new baby into the world.

Galloway Ridge residents complete the majority of their grocery shopping at Kroger or ALDI, both located on West Broad Street. Visit the Kuhlwein's Farm Market & Deli in Hilliard to purchase fresh produce, deli meats and baked goods.