Westchester-Green Countrie - Columbus, OH

After World War II, when veterans began to receive benefits from the G.I. Bill, development began on several planned communities west of Columbus, such as Lincoln Village. Throughout the 1950s and '60s, people began migrating away from downtown Columbus in favor of the newly popular urban lifestyle. During that time, development began on the land surrounding the planned communities expanding the residential areas, and homes were built in Westchester-Green Countrie.

Westchester Green Countrie doesn’t house any museums, nor does it have a thriving arts scene or host annual events. However, a short drive east on U.S. Route 40 takes residents to several museums in the downtown area, including the Central Ohio Fire Museum and the Ohio Craft Museum. Downtown Columbus also hosts numerous annual events, including the Ohio State Fair, the A Taste of Hungary Festival and the Columbus Arts Festival.

You won’t find any fine-dining establishments in Westchester-Green Countrie, however, the neighborhood houses several restaurant options. Fast food and pizza restaurants sit along Hall Road, Norton Road and U.S. Route 40.

Don Gino’s Pizza on West Broad Street serves traditional stone-baked pizza loaded with the toppings of your choice. Many locals consider this some of the best pizza in the Columbus area, and appreciate Don Gino’s affordable prices. The restaurant tops their pies with fresh ingredients, and regulars rave about the sauce and homemade pizza crust. The restaurant also features pasta, stromboli and 14 different subs.

For Chinese food, visit Wok Wok Kitchen on Hall Road. The family owned restaurant features an extensive menu filled with Americanized Chinese cuisine. Like other Chinese take-out restaurants, Wok Wok’s menu includes dishes such as General Tso’s chicken, sweet and sour chicken and steamed dumplings — but it’s the lo mein and fried rice that regulars rave about.

Tres Potrillos Mexican Restaurant sits at the intersection of Galloway and Hall Road. It strives to provide patrons with authentic Mexican dishes and a unique dining experience, and according to the locals, it succeeds. It has a reputation for having incredible food, amazing margaritas and great prices. Crowds visit Tres Portillos for its lunch buffet, mango margaritas and the burrito verde — a chicken burrito topped with green salsa.

Westchester-Green Countrie boasts a lively nightlife scene. Mingled in with the restaurants on U.S. Route 40, Hall Road and Norton Road, a handful of bars and one nightclub provide plenty of evening entertainment options for the locals. To enjoy a draft beer and watch the game, visit Sloopy’s Pub on West Broad Street. Sloopy’s features several large TVs, IPA beer on tap and games of keno. The bar also hosts karaoke on Saturday nights.

Evolution Social Lounge on Hall Road features a welcoming atmosphere, a large dance floor and hosts a DJ on weekend nights.

Direct access to U.S. Route 40 and the area’s ample free parking makes driving the most convenient transportation option around. So, it makes sense that the majority of Westchester-Green Countrie residents rely on their own vehicles to get them to their destinations.

Residents that don’t drive mainly ride the bus. The Central Ohio Transit Authority operates several bus routes in the area that transport passengers into downtown Columbus and other areas of the city. If you need a ride that's faster than the bus, local cab companies schedule pickups by phone, and Uber services the area.

This neighborhood sits in an extremely hilly area of Columbus, and the streets don’t have designated bike lanes. Because of this, most of locals consider walking and biking a leisure activity rather than a commuting option.

Westchester-Green Countrie houses the Greene Countrie Park on Branding Iron Drive. Spanning more than 17 acres, the park features a basketball court, numerous baseball fields and a playground. With a picnic area and an open-air shelter, the park makes the perfect location for a family outing. Exercise enthusiasts and dog owners frequently take advantage of the park’s walking trial.

South of Westchester-Green Countrie, in Galloway, Freedom Park makes a popular alternative for families. The park houses baseball diamonds, a basketball court and a playground. Each year in May, Freedom Park hosts the Central Ohio Folk Festival, which features concerts and fun events, such as the worst song contest.

The cost of living in Westland remains on par with the average cost of living in Columbus. Expect to pay approximately $540 per month to rent a one-bedroom residence in Westchester-Green Countrie, and between $3 and $5 for a beer at a local bar. One-way bus fare costs $2, but taking the express bus costs $2.75. Commuters pay around 3 percent less than the national average for gas.

Westchester-Green Countrie doesn’t have a main shopping area, but, like the restaurants and bars, the neighborhood’s stores primarily sit along U.S. Route 40, Norton Road and Hall Road. The area doesn’t house any upscale stores or boutiques, but it has several specialty stores and plenty of stores that sell basic necessities.

Black Hole Comix on Norton Road specializes in new comic books and trading cards. It also features a limited selection of collectible figurines and statues. According to the locals, the shop provides exceptional customer service, and the knowledgeable staff takes time to recommend titles that the customer may enjoy, based on their individual interests.

When you need a gift for a special occasion, visit Villager Flowers & Gifts on West Broad Street. The shop features flower arrangements made specifically for a wide range of occasions, as well as bouquets of flowers perfect for a first date, indoor plants for your home and an assortment of gifts.

Locals complete their grocery shopping at Kroger, Aldi or Giant Eagle, all of which sit along U.S. Route 40. Visit New Rome Carry Out on West Broad Street or United Dairy Farmers on Norton Road to pick up basic necessities needed in between grocery trips. La Michoacana on Norton Road specializes in Latin American food, and Grove City houses the nearest farmers market, Kirk’s Farm Market, on U.S. Route 68.