Northern Woods - Columbus, OH

Northern Woods sits within the larger region of North Columbus, an area that would be considered Ohio's eighth largest city were it incorporated and included. Previously a primarily working-class area, Northern Woods has welcomed a significant population of young professionals and worked to revive its neighborhood after a depression following the Northland Mall closure. Like the surrounding districts, the neighborhood's evolution involved the settling of immigrants. Northern Woods houses many Somali refugees and ranks as one of the most multi-ethnic neighborhoods in Columbus. As one of the oldest railroad museums in America, the Ohio Railway Museum on Proprietors Road educates and entertains residents and visitors with a dose of culture through 65 years of railroading in this Ohio town. Since 1948, the museum educates visitors through exhibits, displays and demonstrations.

Plentiful dining and drinking options feed the residents of Northern Woods, each providing varied cuisines and atmospheres to fit their tastes. Start by making your way through the concentration of restaurants located near the south border of the neighborhood on East Dublin Granville Road. For a quick bite, Taco Nazo offers Mexican cuisine with generous portions at affordable prices. Off the north side of 161 between Maple Canyon and Spring Run Drive sits the little yellow trailer with big taco flavor. Known for its excellent service and authentic flavors, Taco Nazo makes tacos hailed by reviewers as "vastly superior to restaurant tacos." Borgata Pizza Cafe, a casual but high-quality neighborhood favorite, serves New York-style pizza, pasta and meatballs topped with a house-made sauce. Whether you're carrying out or dining in, this family-owned Italian eatery attracts residents on a quest for the best pizza in Columbus. Borgata also features an open kitchen, allowing guests to watch their pizza's creation from dough to plate. Residents looking to take advantage of global cuisines can visit one of the many Indonesian, Vietnamese, Chinese, and Indian eateries along East Dublin Granville Road.

The far north neighborhoods of Columbus rely heavily on automobile transportation for navigating within and out of the neighborhood. With easy access to I-71 South, residents of Northern Woods can commute to the downtown area in around 20 minutes. The city provides plenty of public parking spaces, so you can always find a place to park your vehicle. Street parking is readily available, but usually involves meter fees. Private lots vary in terms of costs, while garages charge by the hour. Area cab companies can be reached with a phone call, and if you have a smartphone, the Uber application eases transportation needs by providing a more affordable and reliable taxi or private car at the click of a button. Those looking for public transportation can also take advantage of the Central Ohio Transit Authority's many bus routes. Those who choose to navigate Northern Woods by foot can do so safely, as sidewalks line the majority of residential areas. Several roads within the neighborhood also cater to cyclists with bike lanes and trails. Cyclists can even safely navigate their way into the city.

Residents of Columbus appreciate time outdoors, and Northern Woods caters to that desire with various local parks and recreation centers. At Woodward Park, you can enjoy nearly 50 acres of green space, athletic fields, picnic shelters, playgrounds and walking trails. Sharon Woods Metropolitan Park presents nearly 800 acres of forests and fields. Those looking to boat or fish can do so on the 11-acre lake in the center of the park. Bring the whole family and enjoy a day of pet- and kid-friendly recreation. The park hosts wellness classes, childen's activities, Cub Scout events and other forms community recreation year round. For indoor recreation, visit the local YMCA on Sandalwood Place to get fit while supporting your community. With facilities for fitness, aquatics and recreation, the North YMCA supports keeping the whole family active.

Living in the far north portion of Columbus can be quite affordable, with the cost of living hovering at 7.9 percent less than the national average. Given its large young professional population, Northern Woods houses a large amount of rental property. Those looking for a one-bedroom apartment can expect to pay around $614 per month. Local amenities like coffee and pizza cost slightly more than the city's average, but are still quite affordable. A beer at a local pub typically costs around $5. Residents commonly pay 19 percent less than the national average for gas. A local COTA bus ride costs $2, with discounts for students, seniors and children under 12.

Those seeking shopping opportunities have plenty of options for both bargains and high-end merchandise within and just outside the neighborhood. Northern Woods houses several consignment boutiques to buy, sell and trade your clothing. The Discount Fashion Warehouse on Northland Plaza Drive deals in famous brands at discount prices that are guaranteed to please both your style and wallet. Voted Columbus's best thrift store, the Ohio Thrift Store is located just off Columbus Square and sells clothing, home decor, furniture, books and more. Since the late 1980s, the store has satisfied Central Ohio's need for quality products at affordable prices. If you're looking for traditional retail options conveniently concentrated, look no further than Columbus's shopping hub, Easton Town Center. This perpetually expanding indoor and outdoor shopping complex attracts 21 million visitors per year with its nearly 250 stores. Although Easton houses leading stores such as American Eagle Outfitters, Bath and Body Works, LuluLemon, Victoria's Secret, Nordstrom and Macy's, it also has a selection of both Midwestern-based and international shopping boutiques. With high-end options such as Louis Vuitton, Michael Kors and Henri Bendel, plenty of scenic space, a movie theater and numerous restaurants, residents can easily spend an entire day walking, shopping and eating in style. You can also begin at Easton Town Center for grocery shopping. Trader Joe's on Townsfair Way sells a wide variety of fresh and wholesome food at reasonable prices. Giant Eagle on East Dublin Granville also has the convenience of one-stop shopping. Thanks to the cultural diversity in Northern Woods, residents can visit one of the many international markets along Morse Road to find more exotic fare.