Any Columbus, OH DISers out there?

[Rafiki Rafiki Rafiki]

DH went to a job interview in Ohio this morning, and it could be amongst the places we might move.

I'm wondering if anyone around lives in the area and can point me in the direction of school districts/good places to live.

TIA!

 

[snowball22]

I live just outside of Columbus. The following are just my opinions.

Columbus-Inner city schools. High drop out rate, high crime. Low testing results.

Westerville-North of Columbus. Nice neighborhoods. Great library. Many professional sports figures live here. Affordable. Westerville is a melting pot of many cultures. Average to high testing results. Just passed a huge school levy. Levy issues get very hot.

Bexley-Affluent area near downtown Columbus. Surrounded by high crime. Schools are great. Very expensive to live.

Reynoldsburg-East of Columbus. More affordable. More crime. Test results are average.

Pickerington-East of Columbus. Affordable. Growing. Nice schools. Test results are average to high.

Canal Winchester-East of Columbus. Affordable. Levy issues. Growing.

Groveport-More Crime. Cheaper housing. Test scores low average.

Dublin-Very affluent in some areas average in other areas. Average to high test scores. Nice schools.

Hilliard-Gowing. Affordable.

New Albany-Top notch schools. Great test scores. Schools are more like a campus setting. Low Crime. Extremely affluent. Many CEOs, a race car driver, famous musician live in this area. It is a growing area. Great library.

Olentangy-Growing. Average to high test scores. Schools are in transition as more buildings are being built along with redistricting issues. Nice area.

 

[MomofKatie]

We lived in Columbus for nearly 2 years when DD was a baby and toddler- we loved it!

We lived in Dublin- it is a nice suburb in the NW Columbus area. Hilliard is next to Dublin, and it is good, too. Schools are good all over the Columbus metro area. DH's uncle lives in Upper Arlington- it is a very nice (albeit expensive), close-in suburb. The University area is really fun- more urban and edgy. There are some neat areas downtown, as well. The German area (4th ward? Can't remember) is cool, and there are some beautifully restored Victorian townhouses there, too.

If you choose to live in Columbus, you will love it! We would move back in a second.

 

[helenabear]

I don't think I can disagree with any of what the above poster said. I will add that both Dublin and Hilliard have added new schools in the last few years. So they have had off and on issues with over crowding.

I have friends with kids at Hilliard and they are way over crowded. In a few years they *might* get a new HS, but I would avoid that one for a while IMO if you can get a house in Dublin.

The above poster left off Upper Arlington as well. I would say it is one of the better ones out there as well. Old community, no room for growth (which in the area is a good thing since some schools are being stretched to the limit with size). Lots of professors, professionals, some famous people here and there. Some areas are way over priced like (sorry New Albany, Bexley and Murfiedl are IMO) but the more northern part of the city is a good one for prices.

Grandview was left off as well. I'd say that one is more mid range in general. Not the best, not hte worst

Worthington also has wonderful schools and a wonderful area to live in. Especially the old part of the city. Just charming and so nice there!

German village is wonderfully beautiful, but surrounded by a lot of crime

Right now in Columbus it is the buyer's market, so no matter where you go, you should get a rather decent deal on the house.

 

[lindakmonty]

I work in Reynoldsburg but I commute from Mansfield 75 miles north.

I agree with what has been posted so far...but Powell is also very nice. Seems like the nicest suburbs are on the north end and some ne.... Good luck, I hope your dh gets the job. Columbus is a great city. There is so much to do. So many malls. Ohio has several amusement parks, several indoor waterparks... If you like to shop check out Easton Towne Center!!!! Polaris Fashion Place is also nice. Good luck

 

[Rafiki Rafiki Rafiki]

Thanks. Any more opinions?

We find out on Monday.

 

[snowball22]

There are alot of very nice private schools also.

Columbus School for Girls

The Columbus Academy(abt $16,000 a year)

Wellington(abt $16,000 a year)

Genoa Christian

Worthington Christian

St Pauls Catholic School

Desales Catholic School (about $6,000 a year)

St. Charles

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Central Ohio is a great place to live. We have so much to offer:

COSI
Santa Maria
Columbus Zoo/Wyandot Lake

Columbus Clippers
OSU sports
NHL Hocky

Magic Mountain(two locations)

Many great restaurants

Great bike trails

movie theaters

high designer shopping malls(Polaris and Easton)

Childrens Hospital

Many public parks

Great downtown theaters for plays and operas