Maize-Morse - Columbus, OH

Like many neighborhoods across the country, Maize-Morse sprang to life during the housing boom following the end of World War II. Single-family homes were constructed for returning servicemen.

The housing boom triggered a business boom along Morse Road. Stores there attracted shoppers from all parts of Columbus. But other shopping centers were built around the city, drawing business away from the area and sending the business and housing market into decline. The past few years have seen a rebirth in the area with widened streets, the addition of bike lanes, new stop lights and street lamps, and a general sprucing up along the main thoroughfare.

The Ohio Fairgrounds in the nearby Linden area hosts many activities and events throughout the year. The biggest, the annual Ohio State Fair, attracts residents and visitors alike for food, music, exhibits, live entertainment and more. You must pay for both parking and admission.

National chain fast food and sit-down restaurants can be found along and near Morse Road, but some unique establishments serving a variety of ethnic foods are there as well. The diversity of food choices tends to reflect the diversity of the neighborhood's residents.

Mili Café appears small and rather spartan, but what the restaurant lacks in amenities it makes up for with delicious food. The owners' philosophy of treating "every customer like they were a part of the family" will make you feel special as you sample authentic Vietnamese dishes such as wontons, egg noodles with barbecue pork, beef noodle soup and chicken pho.

For a traditional Nigerian meal, go to the Intercontinental Restaurant. Do not let the ordinary dining area fool you as the food can only be described as extraordinary, as can both the service and the hospitality. The owners make you feel welcome the moment you walk in the door. Their love for their business shines through in their attitudes as well as in their food. Enjoy some Nigerian specialties such as jollof rice, stewed spinach or beans and plantains.

If your tastes are more Italian, be sure to visit Pasqualones, which cooks up classic Italian dishes from family recipes. The owners want you to experience the taste of Italy in the dining room with its relaxed atmosphere. Start your meal with some bruschetta, followed by a plate of veal scaloppini with a glass of wine. Add some gelato and a cup of Italian cappuccino for dessert.

How about a good ole American cheeseburger served with a heaping plate of fries? You can find both at Fitzy's Old Fashioned Diner. With appetizers, soups, salads, "slamwiches," a long list of sides, and old-fashioned entrees such as meatloaf or liver and onions, you can find something good to eat 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

For late-night fun, locals head to Easton Town Center, just west of the neighborhood on Morse Road. There you can eat a late meal at the Ocean Club, hang out at Fado Irish Pub and Restaurant, catch a late movie at the AMC Easton 30, or watch a live show at the Funny Bone Comedy Club & Restaurant.

Sidewalks line a few of the streets in Maize-Morse, particularly along Morse Road and around the newer sections of the neighborhood. You will find bike lanes along Morse Road as well. However, ride with caution as traffic tends to be heavy there.

Residents have easy access to I-71, which runs north and south through the greater Columbus area. I-71 connects with the 270 Outerbelt, which circles the city, and I-70, which runs east and west through the city.

Public parking can be found along Morse Road in the business lots that line the streets. Residents can park their cars in one of the lots and catch a ride on a COTA bus. No bus lines run through the neighborhood, but they circle around the area. Residents can also call for a cab or book an Uber using their smartphones.

Those looking to fly out of the area can make the short trip southeast to Port Columbus International Airport on International Gateway.

No parks lie within the boundaries of the Maize-Morse neighborhood, but residents still have plenty of parks within a short distance of their homes. Cooke Park on East Cooke Road has over 9 acres of ground covered with ball diamonds, a basketball court, a tennis court and a playground area.

Brevoort Park, on Indianola Avenue, consists of a bit less than 3 acres of ground. A basketball court, picnicking facilities, a shelter house and a playground all fill this small park.

Whetstone Park, on North High Street, has over 136 acres of ground with much to offer. Along with baseball diamonds, a basketball court, a tennis court, a playground and picnicking facilities, you will also find walking trails, woods and a wildlife area, a gazebo, a pond and the ever-popular Park of Roses, a park within a park boasting 13 acres of gardens filled with over 400 varieties of rose. Locals come here to relax, enjoy nature, hike, picnic and play. Pets are allowed here, as well as in the other parks, but they should be restrained at all times.

The Park of Roses plays host every June to the Park of Roses Festival. In addition to viewing the lovely roses, which are in full bloom in June, visitors can enjoy learning about roses, browse through artistic exhibits, and listen to live music, all with no admission or parking fees.

The overall cost of living in the Maize-Morse neighborhood stands about 1 percent higher than Columbus as a whole. Grocery and transportation costs remain about the same for each, while housing costs about 5 percent more in Maize-Morse than in Columbus. The average cost of a one-bedroom rental runs about $455 per month.

A one-day COTA bus pass costs $4, while a one-month pass costs $62. Gas prices tend to run about 6 percent lower in Maize-Morse than the national average. Expect to pay about $5 for a pint of beer in local restaurants and pubs.

Businesses of all types line the streets of Morse Road. Some other businesses are scattered around the outskirts of the neighborhood. Locals have several choices when it comes to buying groceries. They can shop at Save-A-Lot, Cook's Oakland Park IGA or Weiland's Market. Places such as Target, Dollar General and Walmart sell household items.

Residents of Maize-Morse can find ethnic foods and groceries at several small shops around the neighborhood. The Little Lebanon Bakery sells Lebanese groceries and baked goods. Estilo Brazil stocks products from Brazil. Salam Market and Bakery carries Middle Eastern groceries and baked goods. Carfagna's Markets sells Italian foods.

April through November, fresh produce can be found a bit north of the neighborhood at the Clintonville Farmers Market. Local farmers and producers also sell honey, fresh baked goods, salsas, cheese and other items.

For boutique shopping, locals go to Easton Town Center. Aldo sells quality but affordable footwear for both women and men. Whether you want flats, wedges or stilettos, loafers, moccasins or athletic shoes, you can find them all there.

Bink Davies carries fun gifts and accessories for yourself and for your home. The stock includes an eclectic mix of goods from well-known designers, as well as hand-crafted items made by Ohio artisans.

Outfit the little ones in the latest fashions from Janie and Jack. Turn your tot out in trendy clothes from head to toe, from T-shirts to trousers and sweaters to swim trunks.