Tri-Village - Columbus, OH Area Guide

Like much of the Columbus area, Tri-Village has rich history beginning with pre-historic residents. Mound builders occupied central Ohio long before European settlers or even Native Americans called the area home. Many Native American tribes lived in the Tri-Village area until European settlers began to develop communities in Columbus shortly following the Revolutionary War. As Columbus began to grow and industrialize throughout the next few centuries, small urban neighborhoods, such as Tri-Village, began to develop their own identities and community traditions. Tri-Village began as a part of the larger neighborhood of Grandview but began establishing its own identity around the turn of the 21st century.

While the neighborhood does not include any museums, several annual events bring together community members. A local favorite, Tour de Grandview bike race, draws a large crowd every summer. The event brings cyclists of all ages and abilities to race through Tri-Village and the adjacent communities.

Chain and fast food restaurants pack the streets of Tri-Village, so if you need a quick place to grab lunch, you don't have to look far. Subway, Dewey's Pizza, and Noodles & Company serve as chain favorites in the neighborhood.

If you desire upscale American fare, give Third & Hollywood a try. Start with a famous cocktail, such as the Great Gatsby or Havana Sidecar, while sampling bacon-wrapped roasted dates. For the main course, you can't go wrong with zin braised short ribs or a corn and black bean burger.

Nightlife in Tri-Village retains some of the college vibe of its northern neighbor, Ohio State University. With plenty of college bars just a few blocks away, you can find plenty of entertainment on game days. To watch the game head over to King Avenue Five on King Avenue. With reasonably priced drinks, plenty of TVs, and good food, you can't go wrong at King Avenue Five. For a relaxed beer and burger with friends, locals prefer Bar 145 on 5th Avenue. Don't miss burger specials on Wednesdays and plenty of local drafts every night of the week.

Tri-Village proves to be an incredibly walkable neighborhood, with many shops and restaurants within a few short blocks. Pick up coffee, buy a newspaper and do a little shopping all on a morning walk. Cyclists also find Tri-Village a convenient neighborhood to travel. While not all streets have dedicated bike lanes, other vehicles generally share the road fairly with cyclists.

Many people in Tri-Village do choose to travel by car, and most shopping areas and restaurants provide parking lots free of charge. Most streets also feature on-street parking for a small fee. Close proximity to Highways 315 and 670 makes travel throughout the Columbus area fast and convenient for drivers.

When it comes to public transportation, Columbus public metro, COTA, provides a wide selection of routes connecting Tri-Village to almost any other part of the city. While it may prove challenging to hail a cab, many taxi services frequent the area for call-ahead rides. Uber also serves the Tri-Village neighborhood and surrounding areas.

Several parks near Tri-Village provide plenty of free outdoor recreation for residents of all ages. Olentangy Greenway Trail, a 13-mile paved, mixed-use path, cuts through Tri-Village. For cyclists, walkers and runners, this trail offers a safe and convenient place to enjoy the outdoors. Bring your dog on an afternoon walk while enjoying a unique route through the neighborhood's residential areas.

During the summer, travel south of Tri-Village to Pierce Field, where you can enjoy a little league game or take a short afternoon walk. Eat ice cream at one of the park's shaded picnic tables. Pierce Field welcomes children and leashed dogs, so bring the whole family for an evening of afternoon fun. The park even features two tennis courts, where you can try your hand at the sport for free if you bring your own rackets.

On average, living in Tri-Village costs about the same as other parts of Columbus, though housing costs remain slightly above city averages. Renters in Tri-Village pay an average of $871 a month for a one-bedroom residence, about 10 percent higher than average rental rates throughout the city.

When it comes to dining and entertainment, prices remain more comparable to other neighborhoods in Columbus. Residents find plenty of dining and shopping options to suit all tastes and budgets. You can expect to pay between $4 and $6 for a pint of beer at local bars. A ride on the COTA metro bus to other areas of the city, including downtown Columbus, costs $2. Drivers find gas prices generally equal to city- and nation-wide averages.

Plenty of retail and grocery options in Tri-Village make shopping a breeze. Most grocery shoppers choose Giant Eagle for its convenience and affordability, while several United Dairy Farmer stores also provide a smaller grocery selection. Grandview Heights Farmers Market, just a few blocks from Tri-Village, features locally grown produce as well as home-produced baked goods, salsas and other fare.

Lennox Town Center, on the northeast corner of the neighborhood, provides a large selection of chain and department stores for shoppers to enjoy in a small, convenient location. If you're looking for more local alternatives, check out the independently owned shops along Fifth Avenue. At April's Flowers and Gifts, two local cats greet customers shopping for hand-made flower arrangements. Choose the perfect arrangement for your special someone, or order flowers for your next big party or event.