Park Club - Westerville, OH Area Guide

Park Club sits within the larger town of Westerville, an area that developed in the early 1800s. Known early on as "the dry capital of the world," the neighborhood welcomed the Anti-Saloon League's national headquarters during Prohibition in the early 20th century.

It wasn't until the tail end of the century that the town annexed "non-dry" land to the north and began residential and commercial development that continues to grow and thrive. Today, residents can enjoy the neighborhood's 20th-century history memorialized at the Anti-Saloon League museum on South State Street.

The Hanby House on West Main Street, built in 1846, once housed an important station along the Underground Railroad. The house now stands a national landmark and welcomes and educates visitors daily.

Locals travel just a few miles north to Polaris Parkway to eat, drink and enjoy the town's mixture of national chain restaurants and local establishments. Whether you're in the mood for ethnic cuisines, American classics, quick bites or fine dining, Park Club restaurants offer something to fit both your taste and budget.

For some of the best Lebanese fare in Columbus, visit Little Lebanon Bistro and Bakery. Featuring traditional hummus platters, falafel wraps, fresh salads and warm soups, this family-owned eatery makes each dish fresh to order. Just don't get too full before you try the house-baked baklava.

For high-quality food in a laid-back atmosphere, head just west of the neighborhood to J. Alexander's. Traditional favorites made from fresh ingredients keep guests coming back for more and make this restaurant the ideal eatery for first dates, birthday dinners and everything in between.

With access to nearby Columbus, as well as nearby pubs and bars, weekends can be as wild or as low-key as you prefer. Matt the Miller's describes itself as an "upscale tavern experience" and proudly serves craft beers brewed fresh from local companies. Beer connoisseurs and amateurs alike benefit from the friendly and knowledgeable staff. Be sure to come back on Sunday mornings for brunch, complete with a build-your-own bloody mary bar.

As a primarily residential community, most of Park Club's roads are lined with sidewalks, making navigating the neighborhood by foot a very feasible option.

Most residents choose to travel to the city by car via Interstate 71 and typically endure a 30 minute commute. Those looking for public transportation can also hop on a local Central Ohio Transit Authority bus to navigate within and out of the neighborhood.

For more eco-friendly travel, you can choose to bike via the numerous cycle-friendly roads surrounding the neighborhood.

If you are in need of a lift, request an Uber using your smartphone. Uber offers efficiency in speed, availability and price. Another option is to call one of the many cab or a private car companies for all your travel needs.

One of the most rewarding qualities of Park Club is its proximity to one of Columbus's largest parks, Sharon Woods Park. With 768 acres of towering forests and open green spaces, this kid and pet-friendly park pleases the entire family. Bring the dog, bring the kids and stay fit outdoors on the park's biking and walking trails.

Like to fish? You can do so at the lake that sits within the 11-acre Edward Thomas Nature Preserve. The park pleases residents from the surrounding communities at no cost from dawn to dusk all year long.

Lazelle Woods Park sports both outdoor and indoor recreation just north of the neighborhood to keep you and your family healthy and active all year long. The park has several athletic fields, a mile-long walking trail and a playground and picnic shelter; the attached Lazelle Woods Recreation Center provides a fitness facility and gymnasium.

The cost of living in Park Club hovers just below that of Columbus, and residents are happy to have convenient access to the city as well as comfort and safety at a reasonable price.

The neighborhood attracts a large young professional population, most of whom rent their residences. Those seeking a one-bedroom apartment in Park Club pay an average of $597 per month for rent.

Local amenities like grocery, coffee and pizza all sit near the Columbus average as well. At a local pub, residents pay around $5 for a beer. Commuters typically fill their gas tanks for 11 percent less than the national average per gallon.

From national chain retailers, high-end designers and locally owned boutiques, residents of Park Club satisfy both taste and budget on a day of shopping.

Polaris Fashion Place reigns as one of central Ohio's most visited centers of commerce, and sits just a few miles north of the neighborhood. This go-to shopping center pleases every shopper with a variety of reputable stores including Saks Fifth Avenue, the Apple Store, Von Maur, J.Crew, Express and many more -- all in all, there are over 200 stores in this spacious mall. The Polaris Lifestyle Center, annexed in 2009, provides an additional 167,000 square-foot space to give shoppers even more retail options, as well as outdoor entertainment and restaurants.

The unique Simply Vague local artisan market supports over 250 local businesses and brings you local flair at great prices; owners Andrea and Nate Archibald describe their market as "a real-life version of Pinterest or Etsy." Located within the Polaris Fashion Place, this boutique features food, clothing, furniture and everything in between.

As for groceries, the neighborhood’s nearest grocery store is Kroger in Polaris. However, essentials can be found at the United Dairy Farmers on Worthington Galena Road. Residents who seek organic options and are willing to pay extra for them, can head north to Earth Fare for high- quality produce, a large gluten-free selection, and a juice and smoothie bar.