When it comes to great suburbs in America, Westerville, Ohio consistently ranks among the best of the best. Sitting just under 15 miles to the northeast of the City of Columbus, you’re just a stone’s throw from the major business and cultural center of Columbus while remaining nestled in a perfectly picturesque suburb with a lively community of its own.
You might be attracted to Westerville because of the great quality of life and reasonable cost of living, but you’re also bound to fall in love with the vibrant community, storied past, incredible schools, and strikingly low crime rate.
There are many things to love about Westerville, and that’s exactly why the Westerville real estate market is hot right now. Let’s break down what makes Westerville such an appealing place for purchasing property that will explain why many have flocked to this ideal Ohio suburb.
Top 10 Reasons to Move to Westerville
1. One of best suburbs in America
2. Excellent job market
3. Statistically superior schools
4. Relatively low cost of living
5. Proximity to Columbus
6. Low crime rates
7. Diverse cuisine options
8. Strong sense of community
9. Up and coming area
10. Promising real estate investment
Westerville - Where is it?
Westerville is approximately 15 miles to the northeast of Columbus, Ohio in what is more or less central Ohio. Its position in close proximity makes it an excellent spot for young professionals that still need to be close to a city to tap the job market on a greater scale, although there is also plenty of industry in Westerville itself.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city is just shy of 13 square miles, making it much more traversable than the nearby City of Columbus but similarly sized to neighbors like Lewis Center, Dublin, Worthington, and more.
The History of Westerville
As with most regions of Ohio, the area was populated with indigenous tribes originally, predominantly the Wyandot. After the American Revolution as settlers pushed west to enjoy a nice piece of property, courtesy of the newly formed government of the United States, they were met with Native Americans occupying “their land” and so a conflict between the new Americans and the Natives ensued.
Following the Treaty of Greenville, the land was officially property of the United States and the Wyandot were pushed out completely by 1843. Simultaneously, the nearby City of Columbus was becoming a great place for fur traders and other merchants to meet, thanks to the passageways of the Scioto and Olentangy rivers, but Westerville itself was not incorporated until 1858. In that year, the population was a mere 275.
One of the most notable periods of Westerville’s history occurred immediately following that year and, in 1859, it declared itself the “Dry Capital of the World.” A town ordinance prohibited the sale of alcohol, and conflict developed between two opposing sides of the prohibition issue. The so-called “Westerville Whiskey Wars” began, with big businessmen like Henry Corbin opening up saloons to defy the local legislation only to be met with a small militia of townsfolk blowing them up with gunpowder.
Westerville’s reputation as a dry town was so well-established, the Anti-Saloon League, established in 1893 in Washington D.C., moved their headquarters from D.C. to Westerville in 1909. Now situated in a prominent location where temperance reigned, the League was responsible for the 18th Amendment in 1919 which led to the Prohibition Era of the United States.
The town would remain dry for over 70 years with the first beer being sold in 2006 by a local pizza parlor. Despite this polarizing policy in Westerville, growth was steady in the 1900s. The once small town of not even 300 people grew.
Today, Westerville is home to an estimated 40,443 people.
Career Opportunities in Westerville
Whether you’re an amateur in the industry or a seasoned pro, there are opportunities abound in Westerville. Not only is it a hop, skip, and jump from the major city that is Columbus, Ohio, currently the 14th largest in all of the United States, but the City of Westerville has many major employers and industries thriving right there in the suburbs as well.
This gives working folks the freedom to commute into the city, or not. You’ll find lots of places for employment in Westerville including:
• JP Morgan Chase
• Mount Carmel Health Center
• Otterbein University
• AllianceData
• Ohio Health
• ESC of Central Ohio
• 1-800-Flowers / Cheryl’s Cookies
• DHL Supply Chain
Not only will professionals in banking, health, insurance, and logistics find incredible companies to continue a strong career trajectory in Westerville, but the City itself is a top employer, as are its school districts. Along with other areas of this Ohio region, Westerville is one of the best places for teachers and education staff in all of Ohio.
Crime in Westerville
The crime rate in Westerville is very low, and it’s no surprise since it’s constantly earning a distinction as one of the best suburbs in America. Whereas your chances of being a victim of a violent crime in Ohio is 1 in 327, your chances in Westerville are much less with only 1 in 1,005 falling victim.
Property-related crime, on the other hand, is quite similar to Ohio as a whole, whereas your chances anywhere in Ohio are 1 in 55 and your chances in Westerville are 1 in 57. Nonetheless, it is a very safe suburb.
As with anywhere, some neighborhoods are renowned as being safer than others. Among the safest neighborhoods in Westerville, you have places like Victory Camp, Galena South, Center Green Park, Center Village / Harlem, and Genoa Township Park.
Families with children can rest assured knowing there are many safe places for raising kids in the suburbs of Westerville. Overall, it’s one of the best places in Ohio for this specifically.
Schools in Westerville
Again, you don’t rank as one of the best suburbs in America if your schools leave anything to be desired. As such, you’ll receive only the best education at the PK-12 level, and there is higher education available right there in Westerville too.
We’re talking about Otterbein University which, other than being a great place for faculty and one of the top employers in Westerville, is also an excellent university for various fields of study.
Otterbein University is so prestigious, it ranks as # 9 out of 167 schools in the Regional Midwest, making it one of the best and most competitive of the region. The university boasts an incredibly strong program for nurses and other health-related professions, as well as science-focused majors like biology, biochemistry, and psychology.
Otterbein University also has a great early childhood education program, which is great considering the availability of great schools nearby.
Of the best elementary schools in the City of Westerville, the top ranked include Whittier Elementary School, Fouse Elementary School, Hanby Building Elementary School, Annehurst Elementary School, and Emerson Elementary School.
Of the middle schools, the best ones include Genoa Middle School, Blendon Middle School, and Heritage Middle School, whereas top high schools are simply broken into Westerville North, South, and Central, all of which are great options.
With highly rated school districts and the availability of a prestigious private university right there in town, children have access to a wide array of academic opportunities and achievement that will take them far in their studies and later careers.
Outdoor Attractions in Westerville
While Westerville has blossomed into a burgeoning hub for businesses, families, and more, the beautiful green acres that Ohio is known for are out in full force in the City of Westerville as well. The city boasts 650 acres of public parkland for picnics, sports, and other outdoor get-togethers, as well as 51 miles of hiking trails that provide a place for a scenic stroll, a daily job, or a long walk with your furry best friend.
One such park which offers a wide variety of outdoor activities is the Alum Creek State Park. This park, located to the northwest of Westerville, offers 4,630 acres of endless outdoor fun including activities like boating, camping, disc golf, a dog park and swim area for dogs, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, hunting, mountain biking, picnicking, swimming, and more. From its sheer size to the abundance of activities, you’ll always find something fun to get into when at Alum Creek State Park.
For a more local attraction that is a huge crowd pleaser in the summer months, stop by Westerville Highlands Park Family Aquatic Center. The park boasts multiple swimming pools including an all-purpose pool, a pool segmented into lap lanes for exercise purposes, and a fun, family-oriented pool with one of the coolest water slides you can find anywhere around. It’s a sure win with your kids, and with adults too!
Speaking of kids, Westerville has a number of great playgrounds available for the little ones to burn off all that extra energy. Try spots like Hoover Reservoir Park, Spring Grove North, Towers Park, and Millstone Creek Park. Some of these will include recreational areas for older children as well, including basketball courts, fields, and more.
Looking for something extreme? Alum Creek Park South located right in Westerville offers something you can’t find in every locale in the form of a dedicated skate and BMX park. With ramps, rails, and more, every future Tony Hawk will feel right at home playing in the one-of-a-kind local attraction. Just don’t forget your helmet!
Arts and Culture in Westerville
Folks who love arts, culture, and community will have a great selection of outlets available in and around Westerville. Sure, the City of Columbus is barely 15 minutes away and boasts top tourist attractions like the Columbus Museum of Art, COSI (Center of Science and Industry), the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, and the Ohio Theater, but there are commensurate Westerville-based attractions so residents need not schlep to the big city every time the drive to go out on the town strikes.
For theater, the Westerville Civic Theatre is one of the city’s premier attractions, bringing in more than 10,000 people annually to watch local productions of favorites like The Sound of Music and Mary Poppins. Put together by the Arts Council of Westerville, performances are often available to the public in very accessible locations like the Alum Park North Amphitheater.
The Alum Park North Amphitheater in and of itself is a sight to behold. When it’s not in use, it’s a great spot for sitting, picnicking, or pretending to be a famous actor yourself, but the venue hosts local events like plays by the Westerville Civic Theatre, musical performances by the Westerville Symphony, as well as other fun events like festivals.
Westerville hosts many local festivals, from seasonal favorites like fall-themed events, Halloween, and other holiday favorites, as well as cultural events like Oktoberfest, Italian, and Greek festivals, to name a few.
Perhaps the most exciting feature of Westerville is the tradition of getting together every 4th Friday of the month in Uptown Westerville. Between May and October, residents are welcome to attend the Fourth Friday Festival and help themselves to local vendors, boutique shopping, food trucks, live music, and more.
The neighborhood is always alive during this special time, and it’s a great feature that encourages a strong sense of community while providing a regular boost to the economy as well.
Both Westerville residents and folks from neighboring areas are welcome to festivals and attractions like these, so there is always something to do in this bustling, busy Midwest region.
Cuisine in Westerville
Compared to Columbus’ 225 square miles and nearly 1 million residents, you may not expect as much diversity when it comes to cuisine in the comparatively tiny Westerville. That’s where you’d be wrong! You don’t need to commute into the city for a great selection of food options and different cuisine types.
For instance, if you have a hankering for some Old World Italian cuisine including all of Nonna’s favorites, look no further than Cardone’s Ristorante. Using only the finest ingredients and family recipes, you’ll have a decadent and delicious meal in this upscale Italian establishment.
Start out with a delicious Caprese Bruschetta before having your pick from pizzas, pastas, and other lavish entrees that will have you feeling full and satisfied before long. Don’t forget to pair your dinner with a full-bodied red, as it pairs excellently with the pasta and red meat options at Cardone’s.
If you want something a little more outside the box, try the Thai Grille, which offers a seasonal, locally-sourced menu that showcases the intricacy and elegance that is Thai cuisine. Try favorites like Pad Thai, Curry Puffs, and Crispy Duck. Don’t forget to order a milk tea as well, as it’s a Thai staple and a must-have for anyone who’s never tried it before! You won’t regret it!
Looking for a local haunt with great barbecue, local brews, and a casual vibe for you and your family to unwind? The Barrel & Boar Creekside is a great place where the atmosphere is laid-back and the food is stellar. Grab tried-and-true classics like Fried Pork Belly Burnt Ends or a heaping portion of St. Louis Style Spare Ribs, or try something a little on the wild side like the Grilled Watermelon, which is citrus sugar-dusted and served with micro greens, cotija, candied peanuts, and a chili vinaigrette.
While Westerville was dry for many, many years, it now hosts a wide array of local breweries that craft and serve some of the best beers around. Temperance Row Brewing Co., for instance, plays on the storied past by naming its beer after that renowned temperance movement. It’s a great spot to grab local favorites like the Watermelon Wheat, Gunpowder IPA, Prohibition Pilsner, or Magpie Nut Brown Ale. Plus, it’s combined with a deli, so you can soak up the alcohol with a tasty sandwich before you hit the road.
If you prefer alcohol made with grapes instead of barley, you’ll love the Good Vibes Winery which serves and sells a great selection of reds, whites, and everything in between. Stop by the tasting room to sample some of the selection with family and friends. With a wide array of wines like the “Pretty Woman” Riesling, the “Let It Be” Bordeaux Blend, and the “How Sweet It Is” Pomegranate Zinfandel, there is a lot to love. Plus, you’ll be singing some of your favorite classic rock tunes with names like these! “Strawberry Fields Forever” Strawberry White Merlot, anyone?
From great eats to excellent alcohol, there’s a lot to love about the food scene in Westerville. Foodies will be delighted with so many eclectic and exceptional options right in town!
Westerville Ohio Homes For Sale
We’ve talked at great lengths about the virtues of Westerville, Ohio, so the burning question remains. How’s the housing market? What are homes for sale in Westerville, Ohio going for these days?
The good news is that property value is still affordable for high quality properties, and there are plenty of Westerville homes for sale on the market now. The median duration that a home sits on the market in 2021 was 36 days, so inventory is moving fast.
The median sale price in 2022 is approximately $390,000, and you will be able to find a number of great properties with newer fixtures, modern conveniences, bedrooms, bathrooms, and a generous amount of square footage even at the median price.
This figure represents a 9.8% increase over last year. It’s to be expected, as many individuals vacated the City of Columbus in 2020 looking for more property and a better price per square foot when compared to the modest properties available in Columbus.
Year over year, the trend continues with more and more people coming to Westerville and driving sale prices up. While that means sellers are having a field day, buyers still have access to great prices and the market indicates that their real estate investment will only continue to grow at a very high rate year over year.
Final Takeaways
If you’re looking for an excellent city with low crime, great schools, and incredible property value, you can’t do much better than Westerville, Ohio. With the growth that’s happening there now and property sale prices rising, it’s becoming one of the biggest up and coming areas in the Midwestern United States.
Westerville is the place for you. Contact your real estate agent now and find your perfect place today!
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