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Best Neighborhoods for Families in Columbus, Ohio
Moving to a new city is always challenging. And a large part of that challenge is looking for a place to live, especially when you have a family. There are so many things to consider when weighing your options and it can be quite overwhelming.
That’s why we’ve done the research for you, so you don’t have to (oh, and by way of introduction, we’re Bellhop —Columbus movers and movers throughout the country).
If you’ve seen our Columbus City Guide, you’ve noticed the brief neighborhood section listing a few of our favorite Columbus neighborhoods. This list, along with our “Best Neighborhoods in Columbus,” and our “Best Suburbs in Columbus” posts are more in-depth neighborhood guides. These provide links to helpful resources and suggestions for nearby activities, grocery stores, venues and restaurants, and more.
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A Little About Raising Families in Columbus
With more than 26 highly-ranked school districts, a ton of family-friendly attractions, and a variety of parks and green spaces to enjoy, Columbus is a great place to raise kids. There is no shortage of sporting events happening in the city, thanks to The Ohio State University, the Columbus Clippers, and the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Then there are museums such as COSI, which has more than 300 interactive exhibits, and the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. Factor in the reasonable cost of living, the excellent schools and the laid-back way of life and you’ve got a great place to raise a family.
And now, let’s talk about the neighborhoods.
Whether you’re looking to live in the city or one of Columbus’ suburbs, rest assured you’ll find a neighborhood that’s right for you and your family. And don’t worry, we’re here to help. So here are some of Columbus’ best neighborhoods for families.
1. German Village
You might not think of German Village as very family-friendly because of its proximity to the Brewery District. But what goes better together than kids and beer? We kid, we kid. Seriously though, and the high-energy feel and the many activities going on in this district that makes it so appealing for families. The German Village has a strong sense of culture, family, and home because of its history, distinctive architecture and quaint, locally-owned shops.
What’s Happening in German Village
It’s difficult not to become involved in this community. The German Village has something for everyone. With the German Village Walking Club, Fun Bunch Bowling, it’s art crawl, its winter lights display during the holidays, along with its range of shops and restaurants, plenty is going on. The German Village may not be your typical neighborhood to raise kids, but then again, it’s not your ordinary neighborhood.
Schools in German Village
Saint Mary School in the German Village ranks in the top 20 percent of private schools in Ohio for diversity and history. ‘Nuff said.
Homes in German Village
There’s plenty of variety when it comes to housing in the German Village. With unique, German-influenced architecture defining many of the homes in the area, as well as apartments and townhomes to rent, this area’s average home price is around $271,000, while the average rent is around $1,100 a month.
2. Clintonville
We’ll be upfront about this one. If you’re not an Ohio State fan, you might want to avoid Clintonville. We’re being facetious here. But it helps if you do like college life since Clintonville is so close to the University District, home to Ohio State. But Clintonville is not defined by the college the way the University District is. It’s got its own identity as a large neighborhood with independent shops and restaurants, with a more intimate feel.
What’s Happening in Clintonville
Even if you’re not a football fan, you’ll still want to take the kids to Ohio Stadium, which is known as “The Shoe,” and home to the Ohio State Buckeyes football team. Then there’s the 18,000-seat Schottenstein Center, where Ohio State’s hockey and basketball teams play.
The Wexner Center for the Arts hosts a vast variety of events, along with rotating art exhibits that will keep the kids cultured and well-rounded. Then there’s the world’s largest cartoon and comics collection at the Billy Ireland Cartoon Museum, which will more than likely be a hit for young ones and old folks alike.
Schools in Clintonville
Clintonville is part of the Columbus City Schools district and has four elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school. There are also a few private schools as well, such as Clintonville Academy and Columbus Academy.
Homes in Clintonville
There are a variety of house styles in Clintonville, some stylish, some historic, and even one that’s mysterious. See what’s for sale and rent in Clintonville.
3. Merion Village
First, Merion Village is 49 percent below the national average in safety, an important factor when looking for a family-friendly neighborhood. Merion Village is a historic area with proud residents who are active in its neighborhood association. This community was once in decline but is now in high demand.
What’s Happening in Merion Village
Residents of Merion Village enjoy life at a slower pace. When it comes to family life, that’s a good thing. With Schiller Park, Scioto Trail and the German Village within walking distance, there’s plenty for families to enjoy in this neighborhood.
Schools in Merion Village
Among the schools serving Merion Village are Indianola Informal School, Columbus Downtown High School, and St. Paul’s Lutheran School.
Homes in Merion Village
Merion Village is the perfect neighborhood for families on a budget, but it won’t be for long. The average house price is already around $244,000.
4. Eastmoor
Five miles from downtown Columbus, Eastmoor is between the cities of Bexley and Whitehall. It’s a neighborhood that prides itself in diversity, a melting pot of families from all walks of life. Eastmoor has quaint streets lined with mature trees and decorative streetlights. Residents are tight-knit and collectively take care of the area’s common green areas, making the neighborhood a prime example of what community means.
What’s Happening in Eastmoor
Besides the regular events the neighborhood association hosts, Eastmoor is close enough to enjoy all the things downtown Columbus has to offer. They even have their own neighborhood pool for residents to enjoy on hot summer days!
Schools in Eastmoor
There are a number of nearby public, private and parochial schools around Eatmoor, including Eastmoor Academy High School and Fairmoor Elementary School. There is also Capital University serving residents looking for a higher-education option close to home.
Homes in Eastmoor
Eastmoor is a historic neighborhood with a variety of historic homes such as large mansions, colonial and Tudor homes, mid-century ranches and modest Cape Cods. Besides a few exceptions, houses here are affordable with apartments and new condos for rent as well.
5. Westgate
The fact that Westgate doesn’t change is why it’s so appealing to families in Columbus. It’s never undergone a period of revitalization because it’s never had to. Many of the residents who live in this neighborhood have been here for years, and have maintained its traditions, safety, and sense of community. Anchored by the 46-acre Westgate Park, this green space has tennis courts, athletic fields, a large shelter, and a fishing pond. Yards are well maintained, kids ride their bikes around the neighborhood and play ball in the park.
What’s Happening in Westgate
The long-held Hilltop Bean Dinner welcomes more than 40,000 visitors a year and includes a car show and live music. There are also a few locally-owned restaurants nearby to enjoy, along with everything else Columbus has to offer.
Schools in Westgate
There are a number of schools Westgate is zoned for. You can find them all on the neighborhood’s website, along with the closest Boy Scout troop.
Homes in Westgate
Most of the homes in Westgate were built after World War II, with many of them boasting original woodwork. But don’t worry, a lot of these houses are affordable, going on average for around $130,000.
There you have it: the best neighborhoods for families in Columbus
Neighborhoods are about location and lifestyle, to be sure. But they are also about the people who live in them. These neighborhoods offer a variety of lifestyles to meet most anyone’s needs.
We hope this guide helps you make the right choice to fit your lifestyle. If you decide to move in or to Columbus, don’t hesitate to reach out. We coordinate local and long-distance moving services in Columbus, as well as other nearby cities such as Cincinnati and Cleveland.
Need to move quickly? We also provide last minute moving services!
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