Marble Cliff Crossing - Columbus, OH

Marble Cliff Crossing remains one of the smallest and oldest suburbs of Columbus. Named one of the best places to live in Central Ohio in 2006, the neighborhood has maintained a safe, friendly and tight-knit community made possible by the small area and overall population of less than 1,000.

Marble Cliffs Crossing celebrates the arts with its neighboring community of Grandview Heights through the Grandview Heights/Marble Cliffs Arts Council. The Council enriches the community through experiences that promote creativity. It hosts periodic art expos, classes and other events to promote artistic participation throughout the community.

The most prominent museums in the area are located on the Ohio State campus and pertain mostly to the rich athletic history of the area. Check out the Jack Nicklaus Museum, which celebrates Ohio State athletics under the namesake of one of its most famous alums,

Marble Cliff Crossing's proximity to downtown Columbus and neighboring Upper Arlington opens a world of possible food and drink options. Passport Cafe and Catering in Columbus combines American cuisine with Caribbean flavor. Try their jerk chicken or burgers for unique fusions of flavors that are sure to impress. Passport's dining area is very small, seating around 25 people, and it only opens for lunch during the week, so plan accordingly.

For a truly international taste, try AAB India. This upscale Indian restaurant in the heart of Grandview serves traditional dishes that range in spice, flavor and sauciness, depending on your taste. The classy setting and moderate pricing make this a perfect spot for a night out.

Woodlands Tavern provides some of the best entertainment in the area when it comes to the nightlife and bar scene. This casual bar on West 3rd in Grandview Heights hosts nightly events from musical entertainment and open mic opportunities to special happy hours. Some of these events are free and some charge a cover. In the warm-weather months, Woodlands hosts volleyball leagues on their courts as well as open-court nights for pick-up games.

Biking around Marble Cliff Crossing and the surrounding area is safe, due to a grid of roads with bike lanes. For a scenic route, bike and hike trails run along the Scioto River. Driving is also an easy way to get around because of the area's position on the outskirts of Columbus and generally negligible traffic. The neighborhood has easy access to Route 33 and sits about 10 minutes away from the I-70/I-670 interchange. Public parking is free and accessible at all of the establishments in Marble Cliff Crossing, and ample street parking exists in the neighborhoods.

The number 5 COTA bus arrives every half hour at the W. 5th Avenue and Grandview Avenue bus stop. This local route costs $2 per trip, with the option to purchase daily, weekly or monthly bus passes. Besides public transport, the Yellow Cab and Blue Cab companies serve the area and can be called in advance. Uber service is also available to and from the downtown and surrounding areas.

Within the small village of Marble Cliff Crossing, you can visit Falco Park and Tarpy Woods for outdoor recreation. Both parks remain open year round from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. There is no charge to enjoy these parks, however there are fees for renting out certain facilities for parties and picnics. Dogs are explicitly prohibited at both parks. To take the dogs for a run, head to one of the parks in Grandview Heights.

Grandview Heights also offers recreational programs for the kids of the Marble Cliff Crossing community. All children of the village are granted resident status in Grandview Heights for participation in youth leagues and activities. The same designation applies to the use of the community pool. With help from the Grandview Heights Parks and Recreation Department, Marble Cliff Crossing puts on events and programs throughout the year for the community to enjoy. Many of these events vary by year, while some are annual and coincide with the holidays.

On average, the cost of living in Marble Cliff Crossing is almost double that of Columbus. Driven by high-end apartments, the average cost of a one-bedroom rental comes in at $703 per month.

Public transportation to the downtown area costs $2 each way. Expect to pay about $3 to $4 for a domestic beer in a local bar at the bar, but most places offer nightly or happy-hour specials that make it cheaper. The average gas price in the greater Columbus area is typically about 20 percent below the national average.

Marble Cliff Crossing's proximity to the city ensures plenty of shopping options that are just a short drive away from the neighborhood. For a quick grocery stop within the village limits, the Quarry Market has you covered. However, with the convenience factor prompts higher prices at this store. For a wider array of shopping options, head to the Short North neighborhood in Columbus.

Fashion and home-decor boutiques are plentiful in Short North. Tigertree and many others sell unique items that encompass the local culture. Short North also has a full-service Kroger grocery store with an attached liquor store for alcohol and spirits. If gaming or hobbies are more your calling, check out the Guardtower on Trabue Road. This shop operates less than a mile from the center the Marble Cliff Crossings neighborhood and offers one of the best hobby and video gaming selections in the Columbus area.

Farmers markets pop up all over Columbus in different cities around the metropolitan area. Grandview Heights Market in Grandview Heights is the closest one to Marble Cliff Crossing. The Grandview Avenue Farmer's Market is a traditional farmers market, selling only local goods and operating with limited weekend hours.