Strawberry Farms - Columbus, OH

The community of Strawberry Farms was first established in the early 1980s and has grown to include around 950 single family homes, condominiums and apartments. Nestled on the outskirts of Columbus, residents actively participate in running the Strawberry Farms Civic Association throughout the year. The community prides itself on its non-discriminatory policies and welcomes diverse populations to seek residency within the community.

With a thriving arts community, you can take your pick among museums to let your free-spirit run wild. Visit the Columbus Museum of Art built in 1931, or explore the COSI Science museum downtown.

Annual events such as the Ohio State Fair, one of the largest state fairs in the country, the Jazz and Ribs Festival downtown on the Riverfront and the Hot Times Fest, which celebrates music, food, diversity and the arts, ensure that residents never run out of interesting things to do and see.

While the community of Strawberry Farms prides itself on tradition, dining out presents an entirely different experience. With a variety of culinary choices to choose from, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

If you’re feeling tired of the standard meat and potatoes dinner and want to shake things up, head on over to Fiesta Jalisco in Northland Plaza and order its signature Cancun Platter. Fresh crab, shrimp and chicken is doused in wine, topped with cheddar and Monterey jack cheese, and then baked to perfection. Served with warm flour tortillas, rice and beans, this dish surpasses all expectations. If a taste of Italy, or in this case, New York City, is what you crave, look no further than Borgata Pizza Café. Serving up everything from enormous, New York style pizza slices, to more traditional pasta dishes like hearty, meaty lasagna, this popular restaurant attracts customers from all areas of Columbus. With signature Italian desserts such as Lemon Ricotta Cake and fresh Cannoli’s, diners find themselves in a perpetual New York state of mind.

For the more adventurous diner, there’s no place quite like Mili Café. Serving up traditional and fresh Vietnamese cuisine, Mili Café in Emporium Square has you covered from the minute you walk through the door. Enjoy the best pho and banh mi in town while sipping your mango or papaya bubble tea. Experiment with sauces as you season your egg noodle with BBQ pork in between nibbling on your pork skin roll.

Nightlife near Strawberry Farms is as diverse as the local cuisine. Whether you want to keep it chill or enjoy a classic and simple wine tasting experience, you are certain to find a place to call home on a Friday or Saturday night.

Established in 2009, Quail Crossing Cellars provides patrons with an unbeatable best wine-tasting experience. Priding itself on high quality ingredients and techniques, QCC wants you to enjoy the magic of drinking wine with friends in a welcoming and relaxing environment. With experienced sommeliers on staff, you are sure to leave the cellar a much wiser wino.

For a change of pace from the average high energy, high-volume nightclub scene, check out the more unique Studio 35 for a night out like no other. Take a trip to the center of Clintonville to experience the old-school charm of Columbus’ oldest draft house and independent movie theater. With over 35 new theatrical releases, tons of special events, classic movie screenings and cold, craft-brewed beer, you can enjoy the best movie-going adventure of your life.

In the mood for live music? Head down to the Express Live! music venue in Columbus where you can rock out to some of today’s most popular bands.

Getting around town is a piece of cake, with easy access to Interstate 70, Interstate 71 and U.S. Route 23. There are also numerous bridges located throughout the city, along with a relatively flat terrain for the more health-conscious residents who prefer to walk or ride their bike to work or around town. With designated bike lanes all over, you can enjoy a greater sense of security if you are an avid cyclist.

If you choose to use public transportation, the Central Ohio Transit Authority, or COTA, runs throughout the day with designated and easy to understand routes for commuters. Despite the absence of a functioning rail system, people seem to do just fine by car, bus, foot or bicycle.

Downtown Columbus offers plenty of public parking, though make sure to do your research on the best rates near where you plan to park, as the cost can vary anywhere from $3 to $15 per day.

Antrim Park rests on a stunning 120 acres of land surrounded by a man-made lake, with something for everyone. The Olentangy Greenway Trail is perfect for runners, cyclists, walkers and skaters, providing a calming and tranquil feeling as you have a constant view of the lake throughout your trek. If you like to fish, there’s no better spot than the park’s lake. Stocked with rainbow trout once a year, you are sure to reel the perfect catch.

The park also has soccer, football and rugby fields, as well as a basketball court, a lighted tennis court, pavilions available for rent and a playground for your little ones. Dog-friendly and free to the public, Antrim Park should be first on your outdoor adventure list.

The cost of living in Strawberry Farms can be described as moderate, with plenty of affordable housing options including single family homes, condominiums and apartments. The average price of a one-bedroom apartment sits between $600 to $800, with COTA prices running between $2.00 and $2.75 and gas averaging about 0.9 percent lower than the national average. Residents can expect to pay between $4 to $5 for a pint of beer at local taverns and pubs.

For any high-end or high-value shopping needs, you can head over to the Easton Town Center to enjoy the incredibly spacious mall, which features standard stores such as Sears and JC Penney for the thriftier spender as well as upscale stores such as Nordstrom's, Anthropologie and J Crew. Easton Town Center also features smaller shops such as Celebrate Local and Northstar Cafe. Francesca's, a women's clothing boutique, offers an eclectic selection of stylish clothing and fashionable accessories. From casual clothing to intimates and outerwear, this popular boutique has it all. The store's dress shop features everyday dresses, work dresses and party dresses in all styles. With new arrivals nearly every day, shoppers can always find something new and exciting at Francesca's.

Shopping near Strawberry Farms offers plenty of convenience, with popular grocery chains such as Kroger, Giant Eagle and Trader Joe's all located within a few miles of the community. Whether you need to pick up a few minor things, or do your weekly shopping, you can rest assured that these trusted stores have exactly what you're looking for.

If you prefer a sunny day out in pursuit of the freshest ingredients, be sure to check out the local farmers' markets in town. Battelle Plaza Farmers Market on Front Street and Bexley Farmers Market on North Cassady Avenue offer the best locally-grown produce in town. Be sure to check when they are open as their hours and dates change to reflect each new season.