Southwest Airport - Columbus, OH Area Guide

Southwest Airport sits immersed within the larger west Columbus village known as Galloway, which came to be in the early 1800s. The town, named for the once-prominent Ohio political figure Samuel Galloway, thrived from its founding and has grown while maintaining its historical values. Although there are no museums within the neighborhood itself, you can visit the village's original post office, church and school as educational structures that remain standing today.

By way of culture, the neighborhood hosts the annual Central Ohio Folk Festival at the nearby Battelle-Darby Creek Metro Park each spring. The three-day community event is completely free to the public and welcomes feature concerts, music and dance workshops, as well as children's activities and games.

With most of the neighborhood dedicated to residential development, the area lacks an abundance of restaurant options, but the ones that do exist deserve a visit. Named the International Pizza Challenge "Best of the Midwest," Flyers Pizza & Subs on Hall Road satisfies your cravings with signature pies, subs and salads. Be sure to try the award-winning meatza pizza, ideal to carry out any night of the week.

Looking to grab a quick bite? Join others taking part in the food-truck craze at Las Delicias. The truck always sits on Sullivant Avenue, allowing you to take your time ordering from among so many authentic Mexican eats. Tacos filled with asada, carnitas, pastor, chorizo and more are served rain or shine Tuesday through Sunday. Just be sure to save room for a scoop (or two) of the exquisite homemade ice cream.

There are a few local dive bars in the neighborhood, but if you're seeking night-time excitement you're better off heading to Columbus. The vibrant downtown area features numerous clubs and bars to make your weekend unforgettable.

Given the neighborhood's proximity to I-670 E, most residents travel to the city by car and arrive in less than 20 minutes. Generous amounts of street parking as well as public lots and garages make parking your vehicle in this area easy and affordable.

No car? No worries. The Central Ohio Transit Authority runs numerous routes to help you navigate within and outside of the neighborhood.

Once you're in the city, you won't have trouble hailing a cab. But if you have a smartphone, use the Uber application to find a more immediate, yet still affordable taxi or private car.

Most main roads within the neighborhood feature bike lanes, making eco-friendly travel a breeze. The residential areas also have sidewalks, so if you choose to navigate by foot, you can do so safely and easily.

Along the 13-mile stretch between Big and Little Darby Creeks, sits Batelle Darby Creek Metro Park, an ideal spot for any outdoor enthusiast. Whether you're hiking, fishing, biking or canoeing, this 7,000-acre park has it all. You can even pay a visit to the newly reintroduced bison that roam the vast open areas within this kid- and pet-friendly park.

If you'd rather stay active indoors, visit the Southwest Community Center on 1st Avenue. Memberships include access to a variety of community programs, health, fitness and aquatic centers, as well as classes and camps.

The cost of living in the Southwest Airport area is lower than surrounding locations, explaining its appeal to both young professionals and small families that typically rent property in the neighborhood. Tenants typically pay an average rent of $575 per month for a one-bedroom apartment, a rate that hovers near the Columbus average cost for a similar unit.

Commuters not only have direct access to the city, but can also fill their tanks for prices around 12 percent lower than the national average price. If you prefer public transportation, a local COTA bus ride runs you $2.50, with discounts for children, students and seniors.

The cost of goods and services in the neighborhood mirrors the Columbus average cost, and residents can expect to pay around $5 for a beer at a local bar.

As a primarily residential suburb, the neighborhood lacks much commercial development, but that doesn't limit your access to shopping choices.

Head 15 minutes north on I-70 and check out the Mall at Tuttle Crossing. Although it lacks the popularity of Columbus's other shopping hubs, this mall still offers the same variety of retail options without the crowds. Within the two-story complex, you can shop at over 200 stores, including household names such as Macy's, Express, Bath and Body Works, and Gap. Make a day of it, and grab a bite at the many on-site restaurants and cafes.

If you're looking for more signature local styles, head east to Grandview and find one of the area's premiere clothing boutiques, Thread. This locally owned shop brings high-end European designers straight to you, making it easy to stay trendy and chic all year round.

When it comes to grocery shopping, Southwest Airport residents have plenty of nearby options. For a wide variety at an affordable price, visit the neighborhood Kroger or Walmart, each featuring fresh produce and a fully stocked deli and bakery.

Looking to shop for local meat and dairy without leaving the house? Home Grown Cow has you covered. This so-called "virtual farmers' market" connects locals farmers with consumers online, making it easy and more affordable to get local livestock delivered straight to your door.