Polaris - Columbus, OH Area Guide

Built on the potential of development, Polaris began in 1987 when a general N.P. Limited partnership purchased the 15 parcels of land. Working with Delaware County, N.P. was granted permission to build Ohio's first publicly funded interchange on I-71 and following completion, Polaris was officially annexed by the City of Columbus in 1990.

In 2001, the commercial expansion continued with the construction of Polaris Fashion Place--an over one million square-foot mall complete with seven anchor department stores, smaller boutiques, and endless restaurants and entertainment.

For the past 30 years, Polaris has exponentially grown from simple farmland without even roads or utilities to one of Columbus' most livable and commercially developed neighborhoods. Although the neighborhood lacks internal museums, residents looking for history and culture can visit the nearby Hanby House or the Ohio Railway Museum.

Residents and visitors find numerous dining and entertainment options for a bite to eat or to spend a night out. Head down Polaris Parkway and you will find a wide range of venues, cuisines and prices to meet both your taste and budget.

Little Lebanon Bistro & Bakery, located on Sancus Blvd, creates made-to-order Lebanese dishes perfect for lunch, dinner or dessert. Hailed for its superb food, excellent prices and super friendly staff, this family owned casual eatery delivers traditional Mediterranean favorites like keftha wraps, falafel platters, warm pita with hummus or baba ghanouj, and of course a variety of delicious baklava for dessert.

If you're looking for something a little more upscale, Eddie Merlot's is right for you. This traditional high-end steakhouse provides hospitality and comfort combined with high-quality food and wine perfect for date night or celebrations. From its prime-aged steaks, sides like Brussels sprouts and garlic mashed potatoes to fresh salads, seafood platters and an entire menu dedicated to indulgent desserts, Eddie's will leave you happy and satisfied.

Swing by one of the many pubs off of Gemini Place for an after-work happy hour. Make it a date night with a cold brew at Keystone Pub followed by a movie at the Polaris 18 and XD theater next door.

For a unique night out, head over to Star Lanes Polaris on Lyra Drive. With high-quality food and drinks, VIP lounges, arcade games and more this "swanky and grown up" venue transforms a traditional bowling alley into an entertainment Mecca suitable for the perfect night you'd hardly forget.

As the central and most significant link of a Powell Road and U.S. 23 from the west, and Cleveland Avenue and Route 3 from the east, directly to I-71, Polaris's most common mode of transportation is by car. Although, the city's COTA bus does make several stops along Polaris Parkway, the busiest and most accessible road.

It is fairly easy to hail a cab in the area. 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.

Within the neighborhood's main shopping and restaurant areas, walking is also a very appropriate option. If you do choose to drive your car, the various malls have plenty of free and available parking. The majority of roads also contain bike-friendly lanes.

Via the easily accessible I-71 south, residents can easily travel to Downtown Columbus in less than 20 minutes.

Within the neighborhood, there are no official parks, but just south off of Lazelle Road sits Lazelle Woods Park. This nearly 40 acre park includes several athletic fields, a one mile walking trail as well as a playground and picnic shelter. Lazelle Woods Park is both kid and pet-friendly all year round.

Nearby, residents will find the Lazelle Woods recreation center which provides a fitness facility, gymnasium and several activity and meeting rooms. The center is perfect for both individuals and families to stay healthy within the community.

Polaris's cost of living reflects the town's lavish middle to high atmosphere and amenities. Within one of Ohio's wealthiest counties, the clean and safe luxury provided comes at a cost nearly 13 percent higher than the national average.

In contrast to neighboring towns that draw younger, college-age residents, Polaris's increased expense instead draws a median age of 33.6. The average cost of a one-bedroom apartment runs $901, a cost that is 59.8 percent greater than the Columbus average.

Local amenities like coffee and pizza cost more than the city's average, but a local beer costs about 7 percent less than downtown Columbus, at $5. Residents typically pay 16 percent less than the national average for gas. A local COTA bus ride costs $2.00, with discounts for students, seniors and children under 12.

Polaris serves as the quintessential hub for commerce in Central Ohio. Polaris Fashion Place, a multi-level indoor and outdoor shopping center provides over 200 stores ranging from high-end fashion boutiques to well-known chain retailers.

This go-to shopping center for residents and visitors alike has been described as "a clean, well-maintained mall filled with the usual and the not so usual suspects." Looking for a wardrobe revamp? Spend some time at the variety of prime retail stores including Saks Fifth Avenue, Von Maur, J.Crew, Express and more to find suitable looks to stay chic all year round.

This central shopping Mecca was expanded in 2009 with the addition of the Polaris Lifestyle Center, a 167,000 square-foot space that provides shoppers even more retail options, as well as outdoor entertainment, valet service and a children's salon.

Those looking for local flair need search no further than Simply Vague. Located within the Polaris Fashion Place this Columbus owned store supports over 250 local businesses in its "real life version of Pinterest or Etsy" and offers everything from food, clothing, furniture and everything in between.

Earth Fare serves as the sole natural and organic food market. The store provides products that are fresh with the highest quality, a large gluten free selection, and a juice and smoothie bar, but at a price. Shoppers should be prepared for higher prices than traditional grocers.

More affordable grocery options can be found nearby at Kroger just off Polaris Parkway. And although Polaris lacks any local farmer's markets, many are available in nearby Columbus.