Somerset - Columbus, OH

Columbus hosts a rich history with a variety of thriving cultural opportunities. Visit the Ohio History Center to learn about Columbus' founding, part in the Civil War and the growth of its business industry.

Art enthusiasts can visit the Columbus Museum of Art for rotating exhibitions of fine art, contemporary art and photography. In addition, attend the Columbus Arts Festival every summer for art, live music, gourmet food and events for the whole family. Columbus has hosted the popular fine art festival for over 50 years.

With plenty of restaurants in the Somerset area, residents have their choice when it comes to where to have their next meal. Besides a host of popular chain franchises, you can find options such as authentic Mexican fare, tender BBQ and flavorful Asian specialities nearby.

Head to Las Margaritas on Stelzer Road for a flavorful Mexican menu and refreshing margaritas. Start your meal with creamy tortilla soup, fresh guacamole or crunchy taquitos. The menu features a variety of salads, combination plates, street-style tacos, fajitas and house specialities. Try the pablano shrimp bake, a savory dish of shrimp, pablano peppers, mushrooms, melted cheese and cilantro and lime rice. Classics, such as carne asada or tender, slow-cooked carnitas, remain popular menu choices.

City Barbeque on S. Stygler Road is a favorite of Columbus locals. The restaurant prides itself on serving the finest quality BBQ, which includes smoking meats on site for up to 18 hours. Sample pulled pork, beef brisket, turkey, chicken or smoked sausage by the pound. City Barbeque also serves St. Louis ribs, fresh salads and specialities such as the Texas toast sandwich piled high with beef brisket, peppers, onions, smoked provolone and creamy horseradish sauce. Order Southern-style sides such as gumbo, macaroni and cheese, fried pickles, cornbread and hush puppies. Be sure to wash everything down with a sweet tea and save room for homemade desserts such as banana pudding or peach cobbler.

Locals favor Asian Kitchen on Stelzer Road for a satisfying and unique meal at an affordable price. Dine in the casual restaurant and start your meal with appetizers including fresh spring rolls, miso soup and the house favorite, spicy chicken wings. The menu hosts traditional favorites such as lo mein, pad Thai and Mongolian chicken alongside unique fusion specialities. Try the Chinese pizza, Asian meatballs or Indonesia fried rice.

Plenty of nightlife opportunities can be found nearby Somerset, from dive bars to sports bars to upscale lounges. Visit Fado Irish Pub on Townsfair Way for happy hour specials, Geeks Who Drink trivia nights and live music. For a variety of entertainment, head to Dolphin Lounge. The lounge provides entertainment on designated nights, including open mic nights, live music, karaoke and stand-up comedy.

Most Somerset residents rely on a car for commuting and running daily errands and can enjoy easy access to major highways including Interstate 71, Interstate 270 and Route 62. Street parking is available in addition to most parks, shopping centers and businesses providing parking lots. While you won't be able to hail a cab, you can call and arrange for pick up service in advance. The ride-share company RelayRides provides service to the area for those who want to rent a car.

Locals can feel safe and comfortable walking the streets of the residential neighborhood. In addition, Somerset is very bike-friendly and provides flat terrain, bike-friendly roads, designated lanes and trails. For those who prefer public transportation, several bus lines service the area including Line 16, which provides direct service to Downtown Columbus.

Spend the day outdoors at one of Somerset's nearby parks. Innis Park provides plenty of activities for the entire family to enjoy. The 97-acre park hosts athletic fields and baseball diamonds ideal for sports enthusiasts. Bicyclists can enjoy access to the Greenway Trail and a walking trail provides plenty of space to jog or stroll with your dog. Children can burn off energy in the park's playgrounds and picnicking facilities ensure convenient family BBQs.

Somerset residents can enjoy a lower cost of living in comparison to Columbus' average while still being in close proximity to major destinations and the city center. A one-bedroom rental averages $654.

The price of gas settles in at around 6 percent higher than the national average and a ride on a Central Ohio Transit Authority bus costs around $2 with discounts available for seniors and children. Expect to pay around $5 for a beer at a local pub.

Take a short trip to Easton Town Center, where you can do much more than shop. Enjoy the scenic fountain, catch a movie or comedy show, ice-skate or visit the largest health and fitness center in Columbus. The center houses several major department stores and shopping options, including Macy's, Nordstrom, Apple, Coach and The Children's Place.

For a more unique shopping experience, visit Occasionally Yours at Easton Station. The inviting boutique sells gifts for every occasion. Browse one-of-a-kind handbags, jewelry and home accessories.

For trendy fashions and quirky accessories, locals head west to Tigertree. This eclectic shop pairs designer fashions with unusual home and gift items, as well as some unique vintage finds. Stop by to enjoy one of its spectacular moving window displays, and then spend some time browsing for a special outfit or a distinctive accessory.

Locals have a variety of options when it comes to grocery shopping, including Kroger, Giant Eagle, Trader Joe's, Walmart Supercenter and Costco. In addition, residents can purchase farm-fresh produce at the Easton Farmers Market every summer. Shop fresh fruit and vegetables, grass-fed meat, cheeses and speciality foods while enjoying live music, kids' activities and chef demonstrations.