Taylor Ridge Reynoldsburg, OH

Reynoldsburg was the main location of the Cumberland Road, also known as the National Road, the first major improved 620-mile-long highway built by the U.S. Government. The highway connected the Potomac and Ohio Rivers and became the major portal for settlers traveling west.

The Motorcycle Hall of Fame recounts motorcyling history and includes an exhibit showing the progression of riding gear. Reynoldsburg is known as "The Birthplace of the Tomato" thanks to Alexander W. Livingstone who developed tomatoes into a stable crop suitable for commercial use. Every September, Civic Park hosts the Tomato Festival and fireworks in July. Tartan Day celebrates the Scottish influence in the area, and the National Hot Rod Association's annual race occurs. Olde Town Reynoldsburg attracts antique and arts-and-crafts fans every summer, and local restaurants sponsor the Taste of Reynoldsburg expo.

A nice mix of restaurants — from pizza to Chinese, Middle Eastern to the best burgers in town — dots the thoroughfares of Reynoldsburg. Creno's Pizza, the recipient of numerous awards since 1981, features Sicilian-style thick crust pizza with some fascinating toppings such as the BLT, the Philly Cheese Steak and the Crunchy Taco. The locals rave about the stromboli, calzones and subs, but Sunday dinner is not complete without Creno's spaghetti and meatballs, lasagna and warm cinnamon flatbread.

Outstanding Chinese fare from the long-standing, family-owned Lantern Chinese Restaurant keeps residents coming back time and again for more. Located just east of Reynoldsburg on East Broad Street in neighboring Blacklick, patrons enjoy traditional Chinese menu items with excellent service and affordable prices. The decor from the restaurant's early days makes it a formal yet relaxed setting that has invited families to visit for over fifteen years.

If you're looking for great place to hang out with your friends, have a few beers and eat amazing food, locals head to The Hickory House. In business since 1979, the two owners believe in quality and treating their guests like family. Here you'll eat the ribs that have kept diners coming back for more than 35 years.

If you're into live music, locals recommend taking a trip into downtown Columbus to visit the Ohio Theater. While the venue sits several miles east of the neighborhood, the theater's lush interior, outstanding acoustics and state-of-the-art stage facilities easily make the trip worthwhile. Performances by the Columbus Symphony Orchestra, the BalletMet, Broadway Across America and performing artists such as Julie Andrews, Kenny and Itzhak Perlman provide entertainment throughout the year.

Taylor Ridge, with a walkability score of 7, is a car-dependent neighborhood with easy access to I-70, I-270 and State Highway16. Amtrak and an enclosed bus station with public restrooms and telephones make commuting a snap from this neighborhood. Cabs and Uber service readily meet your private transportation needs. No public parking exists in the area. Sidewalks line the streets, but the streets have no dedicated biking lanes.

Whether you just want to take the dog and a picnic lunch to the park, or spend a Saturday afternoon hiking or biking, recreational opportunities flourish in the area. The 632-acre Blacklick Woods Metropolitan Park draws crowds from all over Ohio where they enjoy amenities such as a 36-hole golf course, a nature preserve and viewing area, 4 miles of marked trails, a 4-mile jogging and bike path, playgrounds and wide-ranging sheltered picnic areas. In the winter, supervised ice skating and sledding attract kids of all ages. Huber Park features sporting fields, tennis courts, a playground, senior center and a gazebo with picnic tables, and a 1.2-mile long scenic walk or bike path that connects with Kennedy Park's additional shuffleboard courts, restroom facilities, horseshoe pits, four lighted tennis courts and a well-used skate park.

The cost of living in Taylor Ridge equals that of Columbus. Transportation via COTA costs less than $2 one-way, with an express ticket less than $3. Weekly and monthly passes give regular riders an economical way to commute to the city center. The median rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Taylor Ridge averages $675, the typical price of a pub beer is $3, and fuel runs slightly lower than the national average.

The Taylor Square shopping center features anchor stores such as the Walmart Supercenter, Sam's Club, Best Buy and JoAnn Fabrics. If you require a new battery or band for your watch, or need it cleaned or repaired, head over to Heins Jewelers, family-owned and operated for over 25 years. The gemologist can help you select that special ring or necklace, while the on-site appraiser can determine a fair price when you want to sell your gold, silver or platinum pieces.

Once Upon a Child, a unique Columbus creation carrying kids' clothes, books, toys and school supplies, features a Reynoldsburg location just west of Taylor Ridge. This local thrift store also purchases your gently used children's items, so you can trade in your child's old stuff and find a great deal on something new.

Kroger, Meijer, Walmart Supercenter, Sam's Club and Target provide food and general shopping necessities, and the Reynoldsburg Farmer's Market operates from June to September.