Neighborhoods
Olde Towne East
Olde Towne East (commonly known as O.T.E.) is a neighborhood located in the historical Near East Side of Columbus, Ohio and is one of Columbus’ oldest neighborhoods, between Downtown, Franklin Park, Old Oaks, and King-Lincoln. The area has over 1,000 homes, some as old as the 1830s, and more than 50 architectural styles including Italianate, Queen Anne and Victorian, and several options for food, including Black Creek Bistro, Upper Cup Coffee, Angry Baker, or Yellow Brick Pizza. Olde Towne East is also home to The Columbus Museum of Art and Franklin Park Conservatory.
Short North
The Short North is known as the art and soul of Columbus, Ohio. It is centered on the main strip of High Street, immediately north of Downtown and extending until just south of the Ohio State University campus area. Home of the Convention Center, Nationwide Arena, and The North Market, the Short North is heavily populated with art galleries, specialty shops, pubs, nightclubs, and coffee houses. Dining options include North Star Cafe, Bakersfield, The Eagle, Hai Poke, Jeni’s, and you can also view more places to dine on Short North’s website. Gallery Hop, the first weekend of the month, brings in a crowd exploring the vibrant neighborhood known for its wide variety of art, dining, nightlife, fashion, home décor, and unique gifts.
Italian Village
The Italian Village area was one of Columbus’ first suburbs, annexed to the city of Columbus in 1862. A booming neighborhood just east of the Short North Arts District, Italian Village continues to grow and be a prime location for up and coming Columbus businesses, and home to dining options including Fox in The Snow, Seventh Son, and Drunch.
Franklinton
Columbus’s historical roots are firmly planted in Franklinton. This neighborhood was Central Ohio’s first settlement and the downtown area. Franklinton is the oldest, yet hippest community in Central Ohio. Franklinton has a proud, pioneer tradition that began with the first settlers of Columbus and continues today with the many dedicated community leaders that call Franklinton home. Now a booming area of town with art galleries including 400 W. Rich and The Vanderelli Room, home of the center for makers, The Idea Foundry, as well as food and drink options including Strongwater, and Land Grant.
University District
The University District is located north of Downtown Columbus, and is the home to The Ohio State University, the Battelle Institute, and the Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute. The district is Columbus’ most densely populated area and contains more than 650 businesses, human service agencies, churches, schools, boutiques, mixed retail, tattoo studios, the Landmark Gateway theater, and a diverse range of restaurants and bars.
Westerville
Westerville is a northeastern suburb of Columbus, with a population roughly around 37,000. Westerville is a leader in job creation, home to many businesses, and is located just 10 miles from the airport. Over 41 recreational parks or facilities, including a state-of-the-art community recreation center, as well as home of Otterbein University, and many food options including Thai Grille, Delaney’s Diner, and Cardone’s Restaurant.
New Albany
New Albany is a growing suburb in Columbus, and is a very wealthy community, with a per capita income that ranks 12th out of 1,065 places in the state of Ohio. The city promotes the progress, growth, and improvement of the New Albany, Ohio business, professional and civic community. New Albany is home to countless restaurants including Firefly American Bistro, Eagles Pizza Restaurant, and Hudson 29.
Merion Village
Merion Village is a diverse historic neighborhood located just south of German Village along High Street and Parsons Avenue. Home to historic houses, churches, schools, a hospital and businesses, the Merion Village area remains a vibrant and special place. Today, many of the people residing in the area have strong family ties dating back to the early 1900s. Merion Village is home to amazing dining options including Barcelona, Hey Hey Bar and Grill, and The Red Brick Tavern.
Victorian Village
Victorian Village, which runs along Neil Avenue south of The Ohio State University and northwest of downtown Columbus, is one of central Ohio’s cores of fine residential architecture. The area is known for its Victorian houses, which were built when a streetcar line first ran along Neil Avenue around 1900.
