Olentangy High Bluffs - Columbus, OH Area Guide

In 1882, the land in the Olentangy High Bluffs area was owned by the Brown family, who ran a produce farm and kept livestock. It remained undeveloped farmland until 1981 when Planned Communities purchased the land with plans to build the Olentangy High Bluffs Village community. The completion of the subdivision led to development of the area’s condos, townhomes, and strip malls.

Olentangy High Bluffs residents visit Worthington to attend festivals and art shows throughout the year. A few of the local favorites include the Worthington Art Festival in June, A Taste of Worthington in July, St. Michael Festival in August and Old Worthington Market Day, a massive one-day event in September. Worthington also houses the Ohio Railway Museum, The Doll Museum at the Old Rectory, Orange Johnson House Museum and the Worthington Historical Society.

While U.S. Route 23 houses several fast food options, including Tim Horton’s, Hot Head Burrito, Waffle House, and Wendy’s, local restaurants nestle around the nearby Polaris Fashion Place, which sits less than three miles east of Olentangy High Bluffs.

Visit North City Tavern on Dillmont Drive for a dinner and a few beers. The tavern serves flavorful, healthy dishes made with fresh ingredients, and it offers a variety of gluten-free dishes. Try the veggie nachos with vegan chili, jalapeno ketchup, and pineapple salsa for a sweet and spicy flavor that tantalizes your taste buds. Other menu favorites include Cobb salad, barbecue chicken, and open-faced s’mores.

Little Lebanon Bistro Bakery on Sancus Boulevard in Polaris serves the best Middle Eastern food in the city, according to the locals. The bistro has a reputation for providing excellent customer service and serving fresh food made to order. In fact, when you order a sandwich, the chef cooks the pita bread while you wait for it fresh from the oven. Regulars recommend the chicken shawarma, red snapper and lamb chops. Regardless of your entree selection, save room for dessert. Crowds cannot get enough of the bistro’s gluten-free cake.

Also located on Sancus Boulevard in Polaris, Claudiana Italian Restaurant features a beautifully decorated dining room with tables covered in white linen tablecloths and an intimate atmosphere that makes it the perfect date-night spot. When you arrive, your server welcomes you with a basket of fresh bread and herb butter. Order a bottle of wine from the restaurant’s extensive wine list, or sip on a limoncelle martini while you wait for your meal. Locals rave about the eggplant parmesan and the Ravioli alla Viktoria. Delight in the homemade tiramisu to complete your meal.

Just outside the quiet Olentangy High Bluffs community, you find a vibrant nightlife scene. The short drive into Polaris takes you to a multitude of sports bars and pubs. Drive south on U.S. Route 23 toward Worthington to dance the night away at Encore. The nightclub, located on High Cross Boulevard, often features a live DJ. Closer to home, The Wine Bistro on High Street features a light menu and a wide variety of wine sold by the glass or bottle.

The majority of Olentangy High Bluffs residents drive their own vehicles. Nearby businesses offer free parking, and commuters take U.S. Route 23 into other areas of Columbus, which makes driving the easiest option. The Central Ohio Transit Authority operates a bus route along U.S. Route 23. However, because the housing options sit away from the main drag, residents don’t typically ride the bus unless absolutely necessary.

Most residents consider walking and bike riding leisurely activities. Nearby businesses don’t sit within walking distance, so most errands require a car. Also, U.S. Route 23 lacks any designated bike lanes or sidewalks, which makes either walking or biking somewhat unsafe. While Columbus has several cab companies that service the Olentangy High Bluffs area, you need to call to schedule pick ups. Alternatively, use your Uber app to connect with a nearby driver when you need a ride.

The only park in Olentangy High Bluffs, Highbanks Metro Park provides plenty of amenities for residents to enjoy. Spend the day hiking, biking, fishing, canoeing or kayaking. In the winter, go cross-country skiing or take the kids sledding.

The park features several picnic areas, perfect for family outings, as well as a natural play area where children can explore their natural surroundings, learn about nature and climb trees. The Nature center offers a variety of programs designed to teach children about the wonders of nature, and it offers day camps during the summer months. The park also welcomes dogs. However, they must remain on leashes at all times.

The cost of living in Olentangy High Bluffs averages higher than the typical cost of living in Columbus. Expect to pay approximately $807 per month to rent a one-bedroom residence and between $5 and $7 for a draft beer at a local pub. One-way bus fare costs $2, or you can take the express bus for $2.75. Area commuters see gas prices that cost about 1 percent more than the national average.

Olentangy High Bluffs residents visit the Polaris Fashion Place mall to shop at department stores, such as Macy’s and JC Penney, chain retail establishments, such as GameStop and Yankee Candle, and upscale stores, such as Saks Fifth Avenue. A multitude of chain stores sit along the streets surrounding the mall as well, including Pier 1 Imports, Five Below and Hobby Lobby. Residents also frequently shop at smaller specialty shops in the Flint Road and Northwoods neighborhoods to the south.

Tabletop Trends on High Street specializes in barware, serveware and accessories designed to help you plan the perfect atmosphere for your dinner guests. From cheese boards and silver serving trays to ceramic vases and cocktail napkin holders, the store has everything you need to host any type of gathering.

Residents drive to Polaris to complete large grocery shopping trips. Kroger, Costco, and Earth Fare all sit near the Polaris Fashion Place mall. In the Polaris Towne Center shopping center, Cost Plus World Market sells an array of international specialty foods. For Latin food, visit La Marquesa Tienda Latina on MarketExchange Drive in Polaris, and for Indian food visit the Bombay Bazaar on Dillmont Drive. For fresh produce and baked goods, visit the HTH Farm Market on West Dublin Granville Road in Linworth. The year-round market also sells farm-fresh brown eggs, homemade jams and jellies, and Amish cheeses.