Olentangy Commons - Columbus, OH Area Guide

Originally settled in 1806, the United States Military Lands were payment for Revolutionary War soldiers. The Olentangy Commons area became part of Clinton and Perry Townships with the Shattuck landholders from Groton, Massachusetts, who established a settlement, building a small schoolhouse in 1856. Olentangy River Road was constructed in 1828 and Columbus and Toledo Railroad entered in 1876. In 1939, a bridge was built across the Olentangy River bringing North Broadway to Olentangy River Road.

Primarily residential, without a real arts or events scene, Olentangy Commons is involved in much of Greater Columbus life. Urban development began in the 1950s, as Columbus expanded with baby boomers. Olentangy River Road expanded from two to four lanes north of Ackerman in 1956, and the University City Shopping Center was built in 1961. A new freeway called the Olentangy Freeway, State Route 315, was proposed in the early 1960s.

With Olentangy Commons located near Upper Arlington and a close walk, bike ride, or drive to the restaurants and bars, there is nothing better than a night out close to home. In addition to nearby fast food and chain restaurants, such as Wendy’s, KFC, and Little Caesar’s Pizza, several national cuisines lie right down the street on Bethel Road within walking distance.

Lashish the Greek known for its hummus and fattoush salad, Jiu Thai Asian Café with popular lamb skewers and lamb cakes, Buckeye Pho serving bahn mi Vietnamese sandwiches and pho on the side, Banana Leaf Restaurant known for an Indian dinner buffet, and Refectory Restaurant & Bistro with popular mussels soup and desserts are all within walking distance.

Several local bars and pubs lie within walking distance of Olentangy Commons, providing venues for a safe and convenient night out. Average Joe’s Pub & Grill and Gallo’s Tap Room are right there for convenience and comfort, with happy hours, entertainment or a full night of drinking if desired. Plenty of other bars and pubs in the local neighborhoods are within a convenient distance for drinks and food, such as the Crafty Pint, Winking Lizard Tavern, and many others with daily food and drink specials for enjoyment away from the house.

While many surrounding taxi and limousine transportation services allow for scheduled rides into and out of Olentangy Commons, including Uber, popular use of the Central Ohio Transit Authority bus service provides public transportation all over the county with regular fees and monthly passes available with children brought along for free. As a small residential community, Olentangy Commons provides simple transportation throughout the neighborhood, including the ability to walk or bike around the neighborhood and to nearby shopping and dining locations. Sidewalks are convenient to the homes, providing access to the surrounding streets with restaurants, shops and other active locations.

Right down the street on Olentangy River Road sits Anheuser Busch Sports Park, known for wide-open play spaces for the kids and a friendly dog park along with all of the athletic fields and included events that occur throughout the year. Several nearby community and university parks are available as well, including the Whetstone Park of Roses, with its beautiful atmosphere year-round, and Griggs Reservoir Park with a disc golf course and several biking and hiking trails available. This park also includes the beautiful view of the reservoir and dam while hiking and biking along the various park trails.

Median monthly rent is $755 for a one-bedroom apartment in the Olentangy Commons apartment village, with several floor plans and upgrades available. Gas prices near Olentangy Commons run slightly below those in downtown Columbus, at about 10 percent lower than the average cost in the area, and 14 percent lower than the national average cost. In addition to primary commute via individual vehicles, local public transportation provided by the Central Ohio Transit Authority provides buses all around the city area with the general fare of $2 with the ability to add children or transfers for free on individual trips. For those afternoons or evenings out, a simple domestic beer in surrounding restaurants and pubs averages $3.25, with many happy hour specials and meals available throughout the week.

Several Kroger and Target locations offer convenient spots for groceries, pharmaceuticals and general retail needs. Olentangy Commons is also within walking and biking distance of local stores and other chains. Right down the street on Bethel Road, Plato's Closet, and Marshall's offer options for budget-minded individuals in need of a wardrobe boost as well as Staples for office needs.

In nearby Clintonville, shopping centers and independent locations sell antiques, arts and crafts, home decor, gardening and home supplies, clothing for the whole family, specialty foods and much more. Family-owned and in business since 1961, Weiland's Market on Indianola Avenue features a wide selection of specialty foods, including cheeses, seafood and baked goods. The market also sells its own line of "Weiland Wearable" T-shirts and hats adorned with quotes about food and wine.

In Kenny Centre Mall of Upper Arlington, the popular little gift shop J Avenue provides a modern selection of gifts and collectibles. Also close by in the Clintonville neighborhood, Boomerang Room and Elm & Iron offer vintage furniture and home decor items.