Greenbriar Farm - Columbus, OH

Greenbriar Farm sits in modern-day Franklin County, named for Benjamin Franklin. The city of Columbus and its surrounding suburbs make up most of Franklin County. Columbus was established as a city in 1810, and its neighborhood suburbs began to form gradually in the decades following Columbus' establishment as the state capitol. As the population of Columbus grew, so did its suburban neighborhoods. Because of this growth, outlying neighborhoods like Greenbriar Farm began to thrive.

Today, a mix of new families, young professionals and lifelong residents make up the population of Greenbriar Farm. While the neighborhood does not include any museums, residents can learn more about their neighborhood's history in the adjacent community of Bexley. Bexley Historical Society features documents and artifacts chronicling the development of Columbus' eastern suburbs, including Greenbriar Farm. Several annual events in the area, including a Fourth of July parade and festival, bring community members together.

While Greenbriar Farm remains a predominantly residential area, plenty of dining options exist just outside the neighborhood. Plenty of local establishments serve a variety of fare that's sure to please all tastes and budgets. For authentic Greek dishes, head over to King Gyros on Hamilton Road. Try the Greek vegetarian feast, complete with grape leaves, falafel balls, tomatoes, cucumbers, pita and hummus. You can't miss the classic specialty gyros, with variations including lamb, chicken, curry chicken and steak. Just down the street, Lalibela Restaurant and Bar serves up Ethiopian dishes in a vibrant atmosphere. Locals rave about the vegetable stew and marinated hot beef. Be sure to give the beyaynetu a try. The vegetarian dish includes a combination of lentils, collard green, cabbage and yellow split peas. For a truly authentic experience, pair your meal with an Ethiopian beer. When it comes to nightlife, a few bars and clubs attract the locals of Greenbriar Farm. If you're in the mood for watching sports and sipping beers with friends, stop into Roosters or Tailgaters Sports Bar. If hip hop is more your scene, check out Puckers Bar, featuring happy-hour specials and late-night dancing Wednesday through Saturday.

Because many areas of Greenbriar Farm are residential and far from shopping and dining areas, most people in the neighborhood travel by car. The neighborhood's easy access to major highways makes car travel an optimal choice for commuters. Most shopping centers and restaurants near Greenbriar Farm provide plenty of free parking, so driving proves an affordable and convenient option.

Walkers and cyclists find the neighborhood more challenging, with few designated bike trails and no cycling lanes. However, cyclists do find it possible to share the road with other vehicles in most areas. Columbus' COTA metro bus provides a convenient alternative, with several routes connecting Greenbriar Farm to downtown Columbus and other neighborhoods. Uber also serves the entire area, but don't expect to catch a cab without calling ahead.

Greenbriar Farm includes both free and membership-based recreation facilities and parks. Visitors from around the city travel to the neighborhood's Columbus Country Club. Paying members enjoy golf, fitness facilities and tennis courts. The club also includes a large swimming area for members of all ages, along with upscale dining services.

If you're looking for a free recreation option, Whitehall Community Park has something for the whole family. The park welcomes children and leashed dogs, so bring the whole family for an afternoon of outdoor fun. Enjoy the park's facilities free of charge. Kids love the playgrounds, and picnic areas make a great place to enjoy an outdoor lunch. During the summer, families enjoy free outdoor concerts at the park, along with free art activities for kids. For an annual fee, visitors can also access the park's indoor recreation and fitness facilities.

The cost of living in Greenbriar Farm generally matches city averages. The average rental rate in the neighborhood remains around $758 per month for a one-bedroom apartment. When it comes to shopping and dining, residents find plenty of options that range from casual and inexpensive to upscale and luxurious. You can expect to pay between $4 and $6 for a pint of beer at local pubs.

Gas prices in Greenbriar Farm, like other parts of Columbus, tend to match national averages. The cost of a ticket on the COTA metro bus ranges between $2 and $2.75, depending on the route and type of bus service.

Greenbriar Farm and the surrounding neighborhoods feature wide variety of shopping opportunities. The area includes both high-value stores and upscale boutiques. Grocery shoppers usually choose Kroger and Super Saver. A short drive to Bexley Farmers Market reveals an alternative to chain grocery stores, with fresh produce, baked goods and meats straight from local farms.

If you need a poster for an upcoming event or fliers for your son's birthday party, First Impressions Printing has what you seek. With a wide variety of printing services, this locally owned shop offers consistently good service and reasonable prices for both business and personal orders. First Impressions Printing has served residents of Greenbriar Farm for over 35 years.

For unique gifts, coins and collectible items, stop by Mr. Bill's Collectibles on East Broad Street. Bring your own collectible items to sell for extra cash, or browse the shop's wide selection of one-of-a-kind gifts and jewelry. Collectors flock to Mr. Bill's for a wide selection of well-preserved items, including stacks of rare stamps, coins and sports cards.