Necko-Weinland Park - Columbus, OH

Weinland Park, named for 1920's city councilman Edgar Weinland, developed nearly 100 years ago to serve railroad workers or those taking the streetcars to jobs in downtown Columbus.

Similar to most urban neighborhoods, Weinland Park has suffered job and population loss, but significant public and private investments have helped revive this diverse community. A $81 million investment contributed a row of new homes, rebuilt traffic circles and cleaned up local parks.

Focusing on sustainability, this neighborhood attracts new residents while retaining current ones. The neighborhood showcases vision and evolution as it continues on the path of revived development. The neighborhood is not home to any museums or major art galleries.

For those looking to participate in group fitness, the community offers low cost fitness classes at the near by Godman Guild, just off 6th Avenue. For a mere $3, residents get fit and have fun with Zumba every Friday evening.

Weinland Park provides numerous eating and drinking options all conveniently located along the same street. Head North of 5th Avenue on N. High Street to find a wide range of restaurants and bars to meet your needs in cuisine and budget.

The Table opened in fall of 2014 and offers freshness, health, and vibrancy to its customers. Open daily for dinner and on weekends for brunch, the Table serves up local flavor in a hip, rustic atmosphere. Locals recommend the Harvest Platter, the Beet Burger or just about anything from the brunch menu.

As home to a large Ohio State University Student population, Weinland park surely doesn't lack bars and a strong, sports-centered nightlife. For craft local brews in a laid back environment, check out North High Brewing Company. Focusing on the experience of brewing, this locally owned company claims the title of "Columbus's first and only brew-on-premise establishment," making it a must-visit for any beer lover.

If you're looking for a younger crowd and great drink specials, Ugly Tuna Saloona is for you. Ugly Hour from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. offers $1 wells, $1 Long Islands and $1 drafts, not to mention a shot wheel and live entertainment 7 nights a week.

Weinland Park's convenient central location gives residents easy access to both The Ohio State University and Downtown Columbus by foot, car or bike.

While the majority of residents travel by car, thanks to numerous bike-friendly roads with dedicated bike lanes, cyclists also commute to the city's center quickly. Easy access to N.High Street, Summit Street and N.4th Street let residents travel easily by car. But close proximity to downtown also provides access to Uber. Riders may also flag down taxis in the area, though it is far easier to call ahead.

The Central Ohio Transit Authority also runs numerous routes all day and night for those seeking more affordable public transportation.

Although mainly an urban setting, this neighborhood houses a central green space known as Weinland Park. Within the area, residents enjoy nearly 4 acres of open space, a basketball court, picnic areas and playgrounds. This kid- and pet-friendly space provides a perfectly suitable environment to meet residents' outdoor recreation needs. The park is free for regular recreational activities and home to a variety of activities hosted throughout the year.

Just a bit southwest of Weinland Park, Thompson Park offers a 4.4 acre open space with basketball courts and playgrounds, as well as a community recreation center. Residents can enjoy indoor recreation and leisure through the center's gymnasium, art rooms and boxing facility.

Life in Weinland Park can be classified middle to low, but its low cost of living doesn't necessarily sacrifice quality. The cost of living in Weinland Park is 8.5 percent lower than the Columbus average and 17.1 percent lower than the national average.

With close proximity to The Ohio State University, a large majority of the Weinland Park population falls between 20 and 24 years old, explaining the neighborhood's disproportionately high amount of rental properties. A resident seeking a one-bedroom apartment in Weinland Park can expect to pay $555.29 per month on average.

The cost of gas in Columbus hovers well below the national average, and Weinland Park maintains that reduced cost at about 19 percent below national averages. At a local bar in Weinland Park, you can expect to pay $5 for a beer. Traveling into the center using public transportation costs about $2 each way.

Weinland Park doesn't house any large shopping centers. While it lacks chain retail stores, it makes up for the experience with small, unique shopping boutiques. Head south on N.High Street, and you may find it hard to leave without making a purchase.

For more mainstream clothing options, head across the street on 5th Avenue to American Apparel, or for affordability, visit the many used clothing and consignment shops, such as Grandview Mercantile's Revue along N.High Street. This specialty shop provides an eclectic collection of vintage and used clothing to help round out any wardrobe. No matter your taste or budget, Weinland Park offers shopping options to fit your style and wallet.

Residents looking to grocery shop within the neighborhood can do so at the nearby grocer, Kroger. Just off the corner of N.High Street and 7th Avenue, this traditional chain supermarket, deli and bakery supplies locals with their grocery needs.

Weinland Park lacks any local farmer's markets, though many are available in nearby Columbus.