Northeast Columbus - Columbus, OH Area Guide

Even before European settlers reached Outer Northeast Columbus, prehistoric mound builders called it home. Many burial and ceremonial mounds can still be found in the northeast Columbus today. Revolutionary War veteran Edward Phillips and Isaac Griswold settled along Alum Creek in 1806, becoming the first white settlers to inhabit the area. Farms and small settlements dominated the area for nearly a decade. As Columbus grew into a larger metropolitan city, the area northeast of the city evolved as well. Once full of empty fields and farm houses, Outer Northeast Columbus has grown into a populous urban suburb. In Westerville, residents can visit the Anti-Saloon League Museum. Visitors learn about the history of the Anti-Saloon League, which sparked the Prohibition Movement in the early 1900s. Browse shelves of photographs and fliers from the turn of the century. The museum hosts educational programs and events in collaboration with the Westerville library.

Dining options in Outer Northeast Columbus range from plenty of traditional fast food options to upscale, independently owned bistros. Both Westerville and Huber Ridge include many chain restaurants for time when you're looking for a quick, inexpensive meal, with Subway and Bob Evans acting as popular choices in the neighborhood. For local Italian fare, stop into Carsonie's Stromboli and Pizza Kitchen in Westerville. The restaurant serves up Italian favorites, including chicken stromboli and eggplant Parmesan. Don't miss the special kids' menu and freshly fried elephant ears for dessert. Whether you want to grab some takeout or sit down to a casual dinner, look no further than Thai Grille. The small shop focuses on preparing traditional dishes with crisp, fresh produce. The pad see ew comes loaded with plenty of fresh veggies and a generous amount of the preferred protein. For an extra treat, try a creamy Thai iced tea. When it comes to nightlife, outer northeast Columbus offers several casual options for evening entertainment. Cushions Billiards serves up cold drinks and lively games of pool. Along the Hoover Reservoir, Time and Change Sports Bar offers a full dinner menu along with plenty of beers on tap. Enjoy your favorite big game with friends while sampling wings and local brews.

Depending on your needs, you'll find many different transportation options in Outer Northeast Columbus. For commuters to the city, traveling by car or bus proves the most convenient. Many people travel by car, as quick access to major highways and plenty of free and affordable parking make it a convenient option. Columbus' metro bus service, COTA, serves Outer Northeast Columbus with a variety of route and schedule options. Cyclists find outer northeast Columbus a bike-friendly community, with bike paths and dedicated bike lanes along many of the streets in Westerville and Huber Ridge. Cyclists can easily share the road with other vehicles in areas where dedicated bike lanes do not exist. Don't expect to hail a cab in outer northeast Columbus. Instead, plan to call ahead for a ride. Uber also serves most of the community, including Westerville.

Outer Northeast Columbus boasts a wide selection of parks and nature preserves, making it a haven for outdoor recreation. Hoover Reservoir Park provides nearly 5,000 acres of peaceful water, marshes and rolling hills. The park features a large marina, a bird watching boardwalk trail and a 27-hole disc golf course. Children and dogs are welcome at the park for an afternoon or weekend of recreation for the whole family. Access to the park is free, though some services such as boat launching or equipment rentals cost a small fee. A smaller metro park in Westerville, Sharon Woods, provides a mixture of forests and fields. Enjoy a bike ride or afternoon run on the park's wooded and paved trails. Bring the kids for an up-close experience with nature at the park's natural play area. Children and adults can interact with nature in a special off-trail interactive area, climbing trees, playing in streams and digging in the dirt.

Residents of Outer Northeast Columbus find, on average, living costs equal to the rest of the city. Housing rates are slightly lower than other areas of Columbus. Renters pay an average of $697 a month in Outer Northeast Columbus, about 5 percent lower than in central Columbus neighborhoods. When it comes to dining and shopping, prices in Outer Northeast Columbus are similar to city averages. Plenty of dining options, from affordable to high-end, offer a range of options for residents of every budget. Diners can expect to pay $4 to $6 for a pint of beer at local pubs. Gas in the neighborhood, as in the rest of the city, costs about 5 percent less than the national average. A ticket on the COTA metro bus to other areas of the city costs between $2 and $2.75.

Both high-value and high-end businesses provide plenty of variety for shoppers in Outer Northeast Columbus. Westerville Square Shopping Center includes large department stores and specialty boutiques in close proximity. Polaris Fashion Place, a major Columbus mall, is only a short drive away. Meijer, Walmart, and Giant Eagle grocery stores service the Outer Northeast Columbus area. Uptown Westerville Farmers Market provides locally grown and organic grocery options. Residents can shop from community farmers and vendors on Wednesday afternoons from May to October. If you're looking for local art that doesn't break the budget, don't miss Pure Roots boutique on State Street in Westerville. The shop features locally produced products from a variety of Columbus-area craftspeople. Shop for pet toys, clothing, jewelry and children's items. You're sure to find the perfect unique item to take home from this truly local boutique. For gently used clothing, accessories, and jewelry, stop into Deja Vu consignment boutique. The shop specializes in women's clothing, with a vast array of sizes and styles. If you have clothes collecting dust in the closet, you can become a consigner at Deja Vu to earn some extra cash.