Lincoln Village Columbus, OH

Lincoln Village can trace its roots back to 1955 when the Peoples Development Company, a subsidiary of Nationwide Insurance, laid plans for the community. President Murray D. Lincoln lent his name to the project. They built the neighborhood so it would have everything essential for a good community: a shopping center, parks, and schools. The shopping center and parks remain with the schools located nearby.

The Fourth of July Parade passes through Lincoln Village on the Saturday closest to July 4. Even when the parade does not take place on the actual holiday, enthusiastic crowds gather to witness the event regardless of the date or the weather.

Downtown Columbus, the site of many cultural activities including the Columbus Cultural Arts Festival in June, can be reached with a short ride east on Broad Street. Many residents of Lincoln Village make the short trip to enjoy the celebrations there.

Well-known chain restaurants, both of the fast food and sit-down style variety, provide most of the dining options in Lincoln Village. Don Gino's Pizza on Broad Street stands out from the crowd as a hometown favorite, with the claim to fame being the stromboli, which comes with your choice of 16 different toppings. Pizzas, subs, pasta, and salads round out the menu.

O'Toole's Irish Pub caters to those who want a fun place to spend an evening with a variety of both domestic and imported beers and a selection of specialty cocktails as well as a few wines. Those looking for a little extra kick can order a special shot or one of their specialty cocktails. Come for the drinks, but stay for the entertainment. A live DJ spins rock, county, pop, and blues tunes every Friday and Saturday night. Catch the local and national sports action on large-screen TVs. Challenge your friends to a game of darts or pool. Finish the evening off with some chicken, pizza, or sandwiches.

Hollywood Casino, about a mile east on Broad Street, awaits those looking for a different type of nightlife adventure. With 2,200 slot machines, an array of big-time game tables, and 36 tables devoted to poker, there's something for everyone here. If you work up a thirst or a hunger while gambling, you have your pick of four different dining options. Choices range from high-end steaks at Final Cut Steak & Seafood, buffet dining at the Epic Buffet, casual dining at the o.h. Lounge and "grab and go" food at Take 2 Grill. The Grill stays open 24 hours a day. Catch a live show featuring top local and national bands and stage acts throughout the year at the o.h. Lounge.

Residents can safely walk around the neighborhood on the sidewalks. Residents also travel around the area by taxi, car, and bus. Hail a cab from the Lincoln Village Plaza shopping center, or board a Cota bus at one of the several bus stops in the neighborhood. Both the 10 and 53 buses make regular circuits around the streets while connecting with other bus lines to take you any place you want to go around the city. If you have a car, you can park your car at the lot at the edge of the village.

Motorists can reach any part of Columbus from Lincoln Village, which provides easy access to the 270 Outerbelt that serves the entire metropolitan area. Interstate 71 runs north and south, and Interstate 70 runs east and west through the city and beyond. Routes 315 and 670, both located within the 270 Outerbelt, give commuters alternate routes for getting around.

Hopping a flight out of the city, or even the country, could not be easier with access to the Port Columbus International Airport, located at 4600 International Gateway. Located in the northeast part of Columbus, the airport allows passengers to book flights ahead of time or buy their tickets there.

Two small parks can be found in Lincoln Village: Carl Frye Park and Friendship Park. The larger of the two, Carl Frye Park, boasts a children's play area, covered picnic tables, and paved walking and biking trails. Friendship Park's open fields and small play area provide a quiet place to sit back and relax. Both parks sit within walking distance from any point in the neighborhood.

Just outside of the neighborhood, Darby Creek Metro Park is the largest park in the area. Enjoy a picnic at one of the many picnic tables, shoot some hoops on one of the basketball courts, play a game of football in the wide open field in the picnic area, let the kids climb and slide in the children's play area, hike or bike on miles of paved trails while you look for deer and other wild creatures, watch a small herd of bison roam the enclosed pastures, and visit the nature center. Enjoy all the activities free of charge. Pets are permitted, but they should be kept on a leash.

The overall cost of living in Lincoln Village stands about seven percent lower than in the rest of the city. Groceries costs about the same, while transportation costs are just a bit higher. However, residents save considerable money when it comes to housing costs, as they hover about 20 percent lower than the city average. Single-family homes dominate the available housing, but several condo and apartment complexes provide alternatives. The average cost of a one-bedroom house or apartment in Lincoln Village averages about $500 month.

A one-day bus pass costs $4, while a one-month pass can be purchased for $62. Gas prices generally stay about five percent lower than the national average. Expect to pay about $5 for a pint of beer in the local restaurants.

Lincoln Village Plaza on Broad Street hosts a small array of choices for residents. Jo Ann Fabrics specializes in fabrics and craft items, while Big Bob's Flooring Outlets carries a full line of floor coverings for your home or business. Travel a couple of miles east on Broad Street and you will find Value City Furniture, Big Lots, and Dollar Tree. Furnish your home with finds at Value City Furniture, and hunt for bargains at both Big Lots and Dollar Tree.

Those looking for specialty shops can travel to North High Street near downtown Columbus to the Short North district. Find just the right pair of shoes at Kifle Shoe Boutique, and choose from a delightful assortment of stationery and related items at On Paper.

Giant Eagle, a chain supermarket in Lincoln Village Plaza, stocks reasonably-priced produce, dairy products, meats, frozen foods, and canned foods, as well as health and beauty items and household products. It also sells beer and wine.