Riverbend - Columbus, OH

Riverbend started out as a farming community in the 1830s. William T.Clime first bought 116 acres, then later purchased more. The farm was passed down through several generation until it grew to over 400 acres. Lots were sold off to create what is now known as Riverbend. Clime Road, which runs along the northern edge of the area, was named for William. The southern edge has Alkire Road, which was named for Adam Alkire, an early postmaster. The city of Columbus annexed most of the property in the neighborhood during the late 1960s and early 1970s.

Grove City remains the destination of choice for cultural activities. Theatre productions are presented at the Little Theatre off Broadway. The city hosts numerous activities downtown throughout the year, including Arts in the Alley and live music in the square.

Riverbend has no restaurants or businesses of any kind with its borders. This keeps the neighborhood residential, just the way the residents like it. Several national chain fast-food restaurants lie just beyond the borders of Riverbend, but popular, long-standing, one-of-a-kind places are easy to find in nearby Grove City.

Talita's Mexican Kitchen, just off Broadway, has been around for decades. They serve authentic Tex-Mex dishes such as tacos, burritos and enchiladas made from family recipes. The large portions and low prices ensure you get a lot of good food for your money. Go there on Thursday evenings for live music.

The locals go to China Bell on Stringtown Road for the Chinese food, but they also go to meet and greet owner Gary Shu. Shu owns and operates the restaurant and makes himself known to customers in the dining area, and he has established quite a rapport with those who visit regularly. The menu contains a long list of Chinese favorites such as moo goo gai pan, almond chicken and Mongolian beef. Try one of the house specialties, including orange beef, sesame chicken or Szechuan four season.

Locals hang out at Memories Food & Spirits on Broadway for late-night fun. The pub serves what has been called "better-than average" bar food, such as grilled chicken sandwiches, BBQ wings and pizza subs. Its casual atmosphere, outside patio, and assortment of live entertainment throughout the week makes this a popular place all year long, mimicking the overall feel of the nightlife in the surrounding region.

Basically a pedestrian-friendly area, Riverbend features many sidewalks for easy walking between locations. There are no bike lanes, so use caution when riding on the roads.

Residents have easy access to I-71, which runs north and south through the city and the 270 Outerbelt, which makes a loop around most of the metropolitan area. Both I-71 and 270 connect with I-70, which runs east and west through the city. Residents park their vehicles on the streets in the neighborhood as there are no public parking lots in the area.

Travelers are limited in terms of public transportation. No city buses go through the neighborhood. The nearest COTA bus stop lies about two miles from the northern edge of the area. Residents can call for a cab or utilize the Uber car service as it is unlikely that you can hail a cab in the neighborhood proper.

Easily find plenty of trees and some wide-open spaces in Riverbend, but only one small park lies within the neighborhood. Aptly-named Riverbend Park contains just over 4.5 acres. It has athletic fields, baseball diamonds, a basketball court, a children's playground and picnicking facilities. The park is free for regular recreational use.

Residents are just a couple of miles from one of Columbus' largest city parks, Big Run Park. With almost 250 acres of woods, wildlife areas, a nature preserve, play and picnic areas, a shelter house, and an athletic complex, the location entices locals to walk, ride bikes, play games, and just enjoy the great outdoors. Pets are welcome at both parks, but they should be kept on leashes.

Crowds gather at Derby Hill in Big Run Park in June for the annual Soap Box Derby hosted by the Columbus Soap Box Derby Association. The association also hosts other derby-related events there as the resurfaced track and wooded setting make it a popular place for the sport.

The overall cost of living in Riverbend stands about seven percent lower than in the rest of Columbus. Groceries and transportation cost about the same for each. However, housing costs are about 23 percent lower in Riverbend, making this an attractive area for first-time home buyers.The average cost of a one-bedroom house or apartment runs about $595 per month.

A 1-day COTA bus pass costs $4. You can purchase a one-month pass for $62. Gas prices generally stay about eight percent lower than the national average. Expect to pay about $5 for a pint of beer in local restaurants and pubs.

No shops or stores stand in Riverbend, but plenty of shopping opportunities are fairly close to home. Residents go to either Central Point or Georgesville Square to buy groceries and household items. Groceries can be found at Kroger, Aldi and Walmart. Household items can be purchased at Lowe's, Dollar General and Family Dollar. Grove City hosts a farmers' market downtown along Broadway during the summer months.

For more choices, residents travel to Parkway Centre South in Grove City. Kohl's, Target and T. J. Maxx provide clothing options, Dick's Sporting Goods carries a wide range of outdoor and sporting equipment, Michael's and Hobby Lobby are good places to find arts and craft items, and Home Depot sells items to update and improve your home.

Local shops are not abound, but head to My Old World Bakery if you seek delicious baked goods. Sullivant Ave has lots of international groceries, so check those out if the standards don't suit.

For boutique shopping, travel to the Short North, just north of downtown Columbus on North High street, where you will find a dizzying array of galleries, cafes and specialty shops. Old World New Home sells authentic vintage garments and household items as well as items that look vintage. Either way, you may find something to give your home that perfect "shabby chic" look.

Artisan Deluxe carries designer shoes, handbags, scarves, and belts for women, as well as tops, bottoms, outerwear, and dresses. The store also has tops, bottoms, and outerwear for men. Stop in and check out the latest lines of designer fashions.

Just for fun, visit Big Fun Columbus, a toy store packed with vintage toys and unique gifts. You might find a Transformer to add to your collection or an original G.I. Joe action figure.