Columbus Monthly Special Section: Choosing Communities

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Choosing Communities

10 Things to Love About Gahanna

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There’s a reason Gahanna has been named America’s No. 1 Hottest ZIP Code by Realtor.com for the last two years. With an ideal location that provides easy access to major interstates and connection to world-class education and regional amenities, Gahanna offers an affordable cost of living with the warmth of a welcoming suburban community.

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Serving more than 8,100 students, the Gahanna-Jefferson School District provides high-quality learning experiences that encourage creativity and prepare graduates for careers, college and beyond. In 2026, the district will celebrate the opening of a newly constructed, state-of-the-art high school, reaffirming its commitment to inspiring learners and building futures.

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With 800+ acres of parkland, a new mountain bike trail, and 20+ miles of scenic trails that travel along the picturesque Big Walnut Creek, Gahanna’s extensive park system provides countless opportunities for hiking, biking, fishing, kayaking and connecting the outdoors.

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The Creekside District, located in the heart of Gahanna, features

shops, restaurants, paddleboats, scenic walking paths and an arboretum. Home to live music concerts such as Creekside Live and Midweek at the Creek, a summer farmers market, boutique hops and more, Creekside is a favorite gathering spot for locals and visitors alike.

5 Named the “Herb Capital of Ohio” in 1972, Gahanna celebrates its special moniker with the Herbal Cocktail Trail, Herb Day and the Ohio Herb Center.

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Gahanna’s historic roots and rich culture are showcased year-round in signature events that embrace the city’s welcoming spirit, such as the Creekside Blues & Jazz Festival, Creekside Hops & Vines, Great Gahanna Goblin Fest, the Mill St. Market and Holiday Lights Celebration.

7 From sizzling sandwiches at Marlow’s Cheesesteaks to old world Italian dishes at Lola & Guiseppe’s, fine dining at The Barn at Rocky Fork or Three Creeks Kitchen & Cocktails, or pub food at High Bank Distillery, Gahanna is a foodie’s paradise! With many family-owned restaurants, every meal is more than just dining—it’s a community experience.

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Gahanna’s business landscape is booming. Proud home to companies like Donatos, KEMBA Financial Credit Union and AEP Ohio, as well as thriving local startups like Simple Times Mixers and Noble Cut Distillery, Gahanna fosters success through strategic development, strong entrepreneurial support, and a community driven by innovation.

9 The Crescent at Central Park, located near John Glenn International Airport, is a transformative mixed-use development in the city, offering immediate access to innovative healthcare from top providers like Orthopedic ONE, Ohio Gastro and Central Ohio Urology Group, together with modern housing, retail, office, green space and trails.

10 Ask any resident what makes our city special and they’ll tell you it’s our small town vibe mixed with our strong sense of community pride. Here, neighbors look out for one another and are quick to offer a hand when needed. Whether at schools, pools, or community gatherings, people of all ages and stages of life find meaningful connections—making Gahanna not just a place to live, but a place to belong.

Big Walnut Trail

10 Things to Love About Grove City

1 Our History and Community Spirit

One of the best ways to get to know Grove City is by visiting the Grove City Welcome Center & Museum or Visit Grove City, where you can learn about our history, community events and local recommendations.

2 Inclusion for Everyone

Grove City is a place where everyone belongs, and people of all backgrounds are valued. Anchored by our Buddy Ball program giving athletes with special needs the chance to enjoy sports, our adaptive and inclusive programs and playgrounds allow kids of all abilities to play together.

3 The Heart of Our Community

You’ll love historic Town Center— our charming, walkable downtown. It’s filled with local shops, cozy cafés and lively events. Whether you’re catching a farmers’ market, grabbing coffee or listening to live music, it’s a great place to experience Grove City’s friendly vibe.

4 30 Parks—Perfect for Outdoor Adventures

We take pride in our beautiful green spaces. Families love Fryer Park, where kids can enjoy a space-themed playground, cast a line in the pond, or visit the historic buildings in Century Village. And wait until you experience the 600-plus-acre Scioto Grove Metro Park, where scenic riverside trails offer the perfect escape into nature.

5 Live Music and Entertainment

You don’t have to go far to find great entertainment. Catch a performance at Little Theatre Off Broadway or bring a chair to Town Center Park for free weekly outdoor summer concerts. It’s the perfect way to spend an evening with friends and family!

6 Bicycle-Friendly Community

If you love to ride, you’ll fit right in here! Grove City is one of just four Central Ohio cities to earn the League of American Bicyclists’ Bronze-Level Bicycle Friendly Community status. With multiple cycling events and a growing network of more than 40 miles of bikeways, it’s a great place to ride!

7 A Hub for Business & Healthcare

Grove City is a thriving place to work with businesses employing more than 33,000 associates. Home to major healthcare employers, Mount Carmel and OhioHealth hospitals, and soon Nationwide Children’s Close to Home — whether you’re looking for career opportunities or top-quality healthcare, we’ve got you covered.

8 We Support Lifelong Learning & Career Growth

We partner with our business community in support of workforce development, providing a strong pipeline for future careers. At the South-Western Career Academy’s Adult Training Hub, you can upskill or train for a new career for free.

9 We Honor Our Veterans & Military Families

With nine military memorial sites, including the Gold Star Families Memorial Park and the Purple Heart Memorial Walk, we proudly support veterans and their families.

10 We’re Growing, Yet We Still Feel Like Home

Even as we grow, Grove City remains a welcoming, friendly place. With bike-friendly streets, inclusive programs, great schools, and a strong sense of community, it’s a place where you’ll feel at home!

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10 Things to Love About Hilliard

We’re “Well on our Way”!

In 2025, we’re opening our 125-acre Hilliard Recreation and Wellness Campus and its main attraction, The Well recreation and fitness center. The Well will include indoor aquatics, expansive fitness areas, an elevated indoor track, gyms and much more! The campus also boasts 22 new athletic fields, multi-purpose trails, and preserved natural areas.

2 We’re healthy!

Hilliard enjoys 26 community parks, nearby metro parks, nearly 40 miles of multipurpose trails, wooded natural areas, and active athletic facilities. The Well’s partnership with The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center will create an integrated medical center within our recreation and wellness center.

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We’re growing in all the right ways!

Hilliard is responding to Central Ohio’s growth and economic vigor with strategies built on our community’s visions and aspirations. From the I-270 business corridor to the Big Darby Watershed, Hilliard’s plans for environmental sustainability, diverse housing, transportation, infrastructure, and business support will help move our region forward in the years to come.

4 We’re sustainably smart!

We’re protecting amenities that make Hilliard special. Our stewardship includes preserving vital natural areas and offering the community sustainably sourced electricity aggregation programs and recycling initiatives for everything from food waste to Styrofoam.

5 We’re the place to play!

Hilliard means family fun, from our July 4 Freedom Fest and Celebration at the Station summer concerts to the Franklin County Fair. Our vibrant Downtown draws people from throughout Ohio for unique community events, dining, shopping, and family-friendly entertainment!

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We’re parent- and kid-approved!

Hilliard City Schools prepares

students to be Ready for Tomorrow as the next generation of American citizens who will prosper and thrive in the ever-changing world.

7 We’re partners in business success!

It’s no surprise to our 1,200-plus businesses that Hilliard was named “Best Suburb To Do Business” for the past two

years by Columbus CEO magazine. Businesses launch and grow here thanks to personalized, streamlined processes and resources.

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We’re future-focused!

Hilliard City Lab, a unique partnership between the City and entrepreneurs, makes our whole community a high-tech lab, where innovative ideas spring from inspiration to reality! It’s no wonder Hilliard was named one of the world’s Top 7 Intelligent Communities twice by the Intelligent Community Forum!

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We’re safe!

Thanks to dedicated First Responders, Hilliard is a safe community in which to live, work, play and learn, with some of the lowest crime rates in the region!

10We remember our roots! We celebrate Hilliard’s heritage as an 1850s railroad stop, in our Downtown and in the buildings and artifacts we preserve in historic Weaver Park. First Responders Park pays tribute to those who died on 9/11—and to First Responders who have given their lives to protect others.

July 4 Freedom Fest

What puts the “Hi” in Hilliard?

From our lifelong residents to our newest neighbors, Hilliard is celebrated as a welcoming community that offers an exceptional quality of life!

It’s no coincidence 1,200plus businesses call Hilliard home. Our focus on innovation, partnership, and support for our corporate neighbors is attracting the attention of

employers from across the region – and around the globe!

We share a Heart For Service, a Drive for Excellence, and a belief that there is Strength In Teamwork – all of which results in a community where living, working and playing is an exceptional experience!

We are Hilliard. Come say “Hi!”

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10 Things to Love About New Albany

Strong Sense of Community

New Albany’s tagline, “Community Connects Us,” reflects its dedication to fostering a welcoming and engaged atmosphere for residents and businesses. With a focus on collaboration and civic pride, the city regularly hosts community events and initiatives that bring people together.

2 Thriving Economy and Business Growth

New Albany is home to a booming business sector, including the New Albany International Business Park , one of the largest strategically planned business parks in the country. It attracts major companies in technology, healthcare, and manufacturing, including Intel, Amgen, Abercrombie & Fitch, Google, Meta, and Amazon Web Services.

3 Excellent Schools

The New Albany-Plain Local School District is one of the best in Ohio, consistently ranking among the top in academics, athletics, and extracurriculars. The district’s learning campus design places all K-12 buildings in a connected environment, fostering collaboration and student success.

4 Scenic Parks and Expansive Trail System

New Albany is home to some of Central Ohio’s most beautiful parks and outdoor spaces. Taylor Farm Park, a 100acre nature park, offers scenic walking paths and restored wetlands, while Rose Run Park serves as the city’s “central park,” connecting the community with green spaces, playgrounds, and gathering areas. The city also boasts over 80 miles of leisure trails, making it easy for residents to walk, run, or bike throughout the community.

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One of Ohio’s Safest Cities

New Albany consistently ranks as one of the safest cities in Ohio, thanks to its proactive Police Department Community-oriented policing, dedicated school resource officers, and strong neighborhood engagement contribute to low crime rates and a strong sense of security for residents.

6 Health and Wellness Options for Everyone

Beyond traditional healthcare, New Albany promotes a culture of wellness through numerous fitness centers, wellness programs, and health-focused businesses. Residents have access to top-notch facilities like the Philip Heit Center for Healthy New Albany, which offers fitness classes, medical services, and wellness workshops.

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Historic and Modern Charm

New Albany blends classic Georgian architecture with modern developments. The Village Center offers shopping, dining, and cultural experiences that enhance the city’s small-town feel.

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Vibrant Arts & Culture Scene

New Albany fosters a growing arts and culture community, with organizations like the New Albany Symphony Orchestra, local theater productions, and public art initiatives. The McCoy Center for the Arts and Hinson Amphitheater serve as hubs for performanc-

es, concerts, and educational programs, enriching the cultural landscape for residents of all ages.

9 Commitment to Sustainability

New Albany has made significant strides in environmental sustainability, with initiatives focusing on green building practices, energy efficiency, and tree preservation. The city promotes walkability, bike-friendly infrastructure, and smart growth to reduce environmental impact while maintaining a high quality of life for residents.

10 Residents Love Their City Services

New Albany residents consistently give high marks to city services, from road maintenance and snow removal to community programming and emergency response. Surveys and feedback highlight efficient city management, responsive public safety teams, and well-maintained public spaces, reinforcing why so many people love calling New Albany home.

Taylor Farm Park

Connected. Inclusive. Engaged.

As a strategically planned community, New Albany collaborates with residents and businesses to create a shared vision for the future that brings people together. It’s a friendly, inclusive community that makes you feel at home, encourages a healthy lifestyle, nurtures the creative spirit, invests in lifelong learning, supports business and protects the environment for future generations. It’s more than a place to live, it’s a way of life.

10 Things to Love About Westerville

1 A City Within a Park

With more than 40 parks, 600 acres of parkland and nearly 50 miles of recreational trails, there’s something for everyone in Westerville parks. It’s a four-time national gold medal winner from the National Recreation and Parks Association.

2 Excellent Public Services

Westerville stands in rare company as a suburban community that owns and manages its own electric and water utilities. In addition to superior reliability, it means the city can provide some of the most affordable water and power costs in Central Ohio. It also means program innovation, like energy efficiency offerings and battery and light recycling.

3 Safe and Vibrant Community

Westerville has safe and vibrant neighborhoods. Public safety response times among the fastest in Central Ohio, availability of affordable housing and proximity to park amenities result in diverse and vibrant neighborhoods full of community pride.

4 Distinctive Heritage and Character

Did you know Westerville was known as the “Dry Capital of the World” during Prohibition in the 1920s? It was near the end of the 20th century when the first beer was poured in Uptown, in 1994 at a local pizza shop.

Today, Westerville is home to popular hangouts including Uptown Deli and Brew, North High Brewing and High Bank Distillery.

5 Legacy Business and Industry

Celebrating a quarter century of vision and innovation, the Westar business development annex continues to evolve with businesses like Vertiv, DHL Supply Chain, Central Ohio Primary Care Physicians and Lancaster Colony/T. Marzetti as well as destination gem Renaissance Columbus Westerville-Polaris Hotel. Home to more than 10,000 jobs, Westar is ready to support further job growth and unique investment opportunities.

6 Connected and Engaged Residents

An engaged community is positioned to effect great change. The residents of Westerville have opportunities to join boards and commissions, participate in citizen academies and volunteer with environmental sustainability projects. Westerville residents are connected to each other, their city government and the business community.

7 Education is Our Foundation Home to a top rated university and one of the largest school districts in the state, Westerville’s commitment to education is unwavering. Otterbein University and Westerville City Schools are known for innovative programs that integrate faculty, staff

and students into the community, providing their time and talents to help enrich the lives of others.

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Than a Suburb

Westerville’s location is as hot as they come, with a 20-minute commute to Downtown Columbus and a 15-minute ride to the airport. The city decided long ago it would not become a bedroom community. Today, it’s a full-service municipality that embraces opportunities to grow, welcomes new businesses and residents with top notch amenities, and attracts people to world-class events.

9 Committed to Each Other

Westerville is enriched by the cultural, ethnic and social diversity of the people who live, work and play here. It’s a place that’s attractive to people of all ages. They grow and learn together. Westerville is charitable, encourages grassroots advocacy and checks on its neighbors. In Westerville, kindness is always cool.

10 Ready for the Future

City leaders are looking eagerly into the future with commitment and promise, working diligently to expand renewable energy sources, thoughtfully and responsibly plan for new development, and continue to enhance the quality of life for residents. We encourage transparency, listen attentively and respond authentically.

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