Westerville, a hidden gem

Columbus Ohio is a city of many cities. On the north end is Worthington, Westerville, Dublin and Powell. In the heart there is Clintonville, German Village, Victorian Village and the Short north. The list goes on, so I wont bother you with the details, but you get the idea. Within this city are many hidden gems. Cities that are overlooked by many but which hold surprising variety.

Westerville is one of those hidden gems. I may be a little bias because I live there but I have a major magazine to back up my claim. Westerville was ranked number 46 on Money Magazines Top 50 Places to live. (http://money.cnn.com/galleries/2007/moneymag/0707/gallery.BPTL_top_100.moneymag/46.html)

Westerville boasts a variety of activities including over 40 parks that includes Hoover Reservoir, bike trails, art galleries, community centers and festivals. Westerville's quaint downtown, named Uptown Westerville is a thriving business district with shops and restaurants. Otterbein College is located in Westerville and regularly participates in city activities.

Home prices range from below 100,000 to well over 500,000. Westervilles housing market is probably it's best kept secret. Not only is there a range of affordable housing in a top notch school district, but there is also a varity of housing styles. Westerville has a large area to work with, where as many other high end neighborhoods in Columbus have become landlocked. Olde Westerville has mainly older Victorian homes with a mix of ranches. Moving out from the city center there is a mix of tradition, modern, ranch and two story homes. If it is land you desire in many communities large lots are still available. Waterfront along Hoover reservoir is still very affordable, with a waterfront home starting in the 280's.

If it is a mix of art, community spirit, commerce and recreation that you are looking for in a new community then I think Westerville should be top on your list.

For more information please visit www.visitwesterville.org