Glenbrook - Columbus, OH

Suburban Columbus began to flourish following the development of the Interstate highway system through Central Ohio in the 1950s and 1960s. This combined with the relocation of many large corporations to the area throughout the latter part of the 20th century helped make Columbus the fastest growing large city in Ohio, and it spurred demand for development outside the city's core to house new residents. As a result, many new residential areas such as Glenbrook were established.

While organized art and culture don't exist within Glenbrook, the city of Columbus features an active arts scene with regular events at both the Columbus Museum of Art and on campus at The Ohio State University. Other museums in the area include the Ohio History Center, which educates visitors on the history and culture of the Buckeye State, and COSI Columbus, an interactive science museum.

Glenbrook features numerous dining destinations along Refugee Road, and the adjacent neighborhood of Eastland also features a variety of restaurants that remain popular with area residents. For an even bigger selection of dining and nightlife options, downtown Columbus lies just a 10-minute car ride away.

A Glenbrook neighborhood staple since 1955, Berwick Manor Restaurant is known throughout Columbus as a top-tier catering company that serves delectable Italian food at weddings, banquets and business meetings, but this locally owned business also features a popular dining room open for lunch Monday through Friday. Many locals prefer to go on Mondays as Berwick Manor chooses the first day of the work week to put out its lunch buffet, where diners chow down on appetizers, home-cooked entrees and sweet desserts. On the other days, local favorites from the menu include the homemade lasagna and the tortellini with homemade vodka sauce.

Many locals from all over the metro area rank Erawan Thai as the best Thai restaurant in Columbus. Its friendly neighborhood feel and attentive service allow diners to enjoy their stay while they savor popular menu items like the shrimp pho and the holy basil chicken. The Bangkok spring rolls make a great side order to complement any dish at this local haunt.

Amazing food stands catch immediate attention when out and about in Glenbrook and the surrounding Columbus areas. OD on BBQ sits at the Smith Farm Market on Winchester Pike. This barbecue food stand has deliciously saucy menu items. The most ordered menu items? The brisket and corn pudding. Just like the name, overeating happens to be easy with these cheap prices, great food and large portions.

For nightlife, the Glenbrook neighborhood contains one bar, Retro Lounge, which sits on the other side of Interstate 70. For more extensive nightlife options, the vibrant downtown area of Columbus lies only a short drive or taxi ride away.

Light on traffic and pedestrian-friendly, the residential streets within Glenbrook unfortunately don't feature bike lanes. However, most Glenbrook residents drive as their primary means of transportation. The neighborhood contains abundant free parking and offers easy access to numerous major highways.

Residents can't hail a cab in Glenbrook, but numerous taxi companies serve the area and may be called for a pick up. Also, Uber maintains a strong and ever-growing presence throughout the Columbus metro area.

For residents who prefer to use public transportation, the Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) public bus system features a stop near Glenbrook.

Glenbrook contains one park, Easthaven Park. It doesn't have exercise facilities, but it provides over five acres of wide open green space ideal for picnicking or tossing a Frisbee with kids or dogs. Free parking and admission make a day here an affordable excursion.

Directly across the Southeast Expressway from Glenbrook sits a much larger park, Three Creeks Metro Park, which features multiple athletic fields, pet trails, fishing areas and biking trails. This park and its many amenities attract lots of visitors from all over the southern reaches of Columbus on weekends with excellent weather. Three Creeks also hosts numerous events throughout the year, such as an annual half-marathon race in March.

The cost of living in Glenbrook sits much lower than the average cost of living in the Columbus metro area. Residents pay an average of $476 per month to rent a one-bedroom apartment, $2.50 for a beer in a local pub and $2 for a bus ticket to downtown Columbus. Gas prices in the area hover at 13 percent lower than the national average.

For large shopping excursions, Glenbrook residents only have to head one neighborhood over to Eastland and its expansive Eastland Mall, which houses numerous high-end stores, big box retailers and discount chains. Several boutiques and specialty stores also reside within a short drive of the neighborhood.

Joni Fashion Boutique sits a couple miles west of Glenbrook and features an assortment of formal wear for ladies, including wedding gowns, prom dresses and other attire for when a special occasion calls for being dressed to the nines. Men who need to look good head a couple miles west on Interstate 70 and visit New York Fashions for its selection fine suits, dress shirts and footwear.

Residents head to the Kroger in Eastland for large grocery shopping trips. Just south of Glenbrook, the Smith Farm Market carries local fruits and veggies, flowers, vegetable plants and baked goods.