FRANKLIN COUNTY
County Offices
373 South High Street
Columbus 614-525-3322
www.co.franklin.oh.us
Chamber of Commerce
400 Sheryl Drive
Groveport 614-836-5900
www.chambersefc.com
Franklin County has a very diverse mix of communities, ranging from the urban center of Columbus to the rural southern and western portions of the county, where you would be hard pressed to realize that you are in the same county as the largest city in the State of Ohio. Franklin County was founded in 1803 and named after Benjamin Franklin. Rich in heritage, the county has many buildings and areas listed on the National Register of Historic Places
Services
Providing a reasonable cost of living and a high quality of life, Franklin County provides progressive services in healthcare and education. Public school districts consistently achieve recognition for academics, fine arts, athletics, and other extracurricular activities. A variety of private schools, both independent and parochial, expand the options for alternative classroom settings or educational themes. The choices for colleges and universities close to home are abundant.
A number of major educational institutions are located in Franklin County. They include Capital University, Columbus State Community College, Franklin University and Ohio Dominican University. The largest of these institutions is The Ohio State University. Major research service organizations such the Battelle Memorial Institute, OCLC Online Computer Library Center, Inc., and Chemical Abstracts Service are also based in Franklin County.
Lifestyle
Four-seasonal recreational activities in the county or nearby destinations are enhanced by the beauty of state and regional parks. Or you can tour wonderful museums, fascinating historic sites, and farm-fresh markets. Franklin County also has a strong cultural heritage with a large number of music, drama, dance and other arts organizations. The Columbus Museum of Art, the Ohio Historical Center, and the Center for Ohio Science and Industry are three of the county’s museums. Franklin County is also the home of the NCAA football Ohio State Buckeyes. The Columbus Blue Jackets, a member of the National Hockey League, and the Columbus Crew, a professional soccer team, are also located in the city.
The housing selection ranges from historic gems and well-crafted older homes to multi-acre lots that command spectacular views or new subdivisions. Restored historic districts, colorful festivals and events, and a strong sense of community keep Franklin County at the top of the list for desirable environments. With Columbus at its center, access to a world of attractions and amenities is close by. Take your time exploring all that the area has to offer, and you are sure to find an great place to call home.
Franklin County Townships
Township Listing and Information
www.co.franklin.oh.us
Besides the major cities and towns within Franklin County, there are more than 18 Townships and Villages that comprise a large amount of the area in the county. These townships range from smaller rural communities with a few hundred residents to more than several thousand people such as the 30,000+ residents of Jackson Township. The townships are spread throughout the county and are generally comprised of sub-divisions, villages and farm land – while some of them also include a few of the larger cities. Each township offers its residents local service opportunities such as police and fire service, and in some cases local government. The benefits for the residents of the many townships in the county are many, not the least of which is a quiet, comfortable lifestyle.
Click on the link above to access each of the townships web pages and to get more detailed information from the county government.
Bexley
City Offices
614-559-4200
www.bexley.org
Chamber of Commerce
614-236-4500
www.bexleyareachamber.org
Bexley is a community of 13,000 and is a popular suburb of Greater Columbus. Bexley is a community of neighborhoods with tree-lined streets and quiet charm. There are a range of housing options for every family, from starter homes to estate-sized mansions, including the Ohio Governor’s Mansion, Jeffrey Mansion and the estate used for the President of the Ohio State University. Bexley is an well established community that enjoys a high quality of life. Bexley’s Main Street district offers a variety of dining, shopping, and entertainment options. Some of the local Attractions include the historic Main Street Drexel Theatre, restaurants, galleries, and boutique retailers. The newly-constructed Bexley Gateway is an urban mixed-use development featuring restaurants, retail and offices, along with residential condominiums. The community is also home to some strong educational options for students of all ages. The local parks department maintains several facilities and there are year round planned activities. With its location close to Columbus and all of the local amenities, Bexley offers its residents all of the comforts of home, and the nearby convenience of a major city.
Dublin
City Offices
614-410-4400
http://dublinohiousa.gov
Chamber of Commerce
614-889-2001
www.dublinchamber.org
The City of Dublin surrounds the Scioto River in the northwest area of metropolitan Columbus and is a short 20-minute drive to downtown Columbus. Dublin encompasses nearly 24 square miles of land. Dublin is a small city that has a lot to offer its more than 35,000 residents. There are more than restaurants to satisfy every taste located throughout the city. Shoppers can expect to find everything from large indoor malls to shopping villages and unique destinations. Outdoor enthusiasts will be more than satisfied in their search for activities, Dublin features 1,000 acres of parks, including 77 miles of scenic bike trails and 39 developed parks with wooded natural areas and river frontage. Many of these parks are located along the Scioto River, including the two Kiwanis Riverway parks. The Scioto river is accessible at several points for small boats and the nearby Griggs and O’Shaughnessy reservoirs allow boating and sailing as well. Several of Dublin’s parks are home to a unique assortment of outdoor sculptures–part of the Art in Public Places collection, established by the Dublin Arts Council. For the family golfer, Dublin is world famous for its annual PGA Tour stop and the city is home to four golf courses.
Dublin has a strong economic base and is home to the headquarters of a number of large corporations, including Wendy’s, Cardinal Health, Ashland Inc., IGS Energy and several others. Other organizations with significant operations include Nationwide Insurance and Verizon Business. Residents of Dublin have everything they need right at their front door, from high quality local education to a strong economic base and all of the quality of life items they could want. This makes Dublin a great place to live and call home.
Gahanna
City Offices
614-342-4000
www.gahanna.gov
Chamber of Commerce
614-471-0451
http://gahannaareachamber.com
Gahanna is located in northeast Franklin County just eight miles from downtown Columbus. Situated within five minutes of the Port Columbus International Airport, Gahanna also provides easy access to many major highways including I-270, I-70, I-670 and others. Known as the Herb Capital of Ohio (for the high quality of the herbs that were grown here in the late 1800’s, Gahanna is one of the fastest growing suburbs of Metropolitan Columbus, with more than 32,000 residents. Gahanna is a city that has seen a great revitalization in the past several years, including new development along Walnut Creek that brings shopping, dining, office and recreational space together. Gahanna has a long and historic past that can still be seen in along the brick sidewalks that line the downtown streets of this part of the city, an area with more than 16 restored and preserved historic landmarks. Residents and visitors can enjoy shopping in the many galleries and shops in this area, where they are sure to find the antiques, collectibles, house wares, artwork and more.
For outdoor enthusiasts, Gahanna offers more than 700 acres of parkland and reserves. Outdoor spaces, parks, trails, and even Walnut Creek offer significant opportunities for fun and pleasure. Golfers will also find the Gahanna area to be the perfect place to enjoy their sport, with several golf courses in the area. Residents of this historic old city enjoy an enviable small town quality of life, in a community that has a lot to offer them. And with its proximity to Columbus, all of the big city urban activities are just around the corner.
Grandview Heights
City Offices
614-488-3159
www.grandviewheights.org
Chamber of Commerce
614-486-0196
https://chamberpartnership.org
The City of Grandview Heights is located just northwest of downtown Columbus. Grandview Heights is home to a little more than 6,900 residents. Grandview is a blend of urban and suburban life with tree-lined streets, small town charm, easy access to all major highways, and a great location right next to the urban mecca of Columbus. Grandview’s neighborhoods consist of a mix of single- and multi-family homes, most from the early 1920s to mid 1940s, mixed with modern condominiums and developments. This blend of housing gives residents a great choice for their housing needs. The area’s streetscape is interspersed with green spaces. Locals will find Wyman Woods, Pierce Field, McKinley Field, Ray C. Buck Sports Park, Memorial Park, and other small parks around town to use as places for family picnics, sporting events, concerts and other organized activities. Several annual events such as the Tour de Grandview, Lazy Days Festival, and Taste of Grandview have become very popular and have grown each year. Other regular events that take place are the Grandview Art Hop, held on the last Saturday of each month between April and September; and the Farmer’s Market, held each Saturday morning during the months of July, August and September. The city offers its residents a great choice in shopping, dining and exploring and is a wonderful location to call home.
Grove City
City Offices
614-277-3000
www.grovecityohio.gov
Chamber of Commerce
614-875-9762
www.gcchamber.org
Grove City, located in southwestern Franklin County, is a community of more than 33,000 residents. It is located less than 10 minutes from downtown Columbus. As a suburb of Columbus, residents and businesses enjoy an exceptional quality of life with the conveniences of urban living and the comforts of a small town. Grove City is an inviting place to call home, with a historic, gas-lit Town Center and modern retail developments, and cultural and recreational choices, there is plenty to experience. The city’s preserved Town Center is a gathering place is a center of culture and entertainment, home to a live theatre, a summer concert series, and a renowned fine arts festival, as well as the public library, and various financial, retail, dining, and nightlife options. City Hall and public safety offices are also located in this central business district. Grove City Parks and Recreation offers hundreds of classes, programs and events for all ages and maintains three parks, a destination garden, a senior center, a family water park, a state-of-the-art skate park, eight playgrounds and numerous sports fields and bike paths. Grove City truly has everything that a family needs to call it home.
Hilliard
City Offices
614-876-7361
http://hilliardohio.gov
Chamber of Commerce
614-876-7666
www.hilliardchamber.org
With a population of approximately 60,000, Hilliard is known for its close proximity to the I-270 local outerbelt and easy access to I-70 and I-71. This location is just 10 miles northwest of downtown Columbus. The Hilliard area encompasses the entire Hilliard City School District. Bordered by the Big Darby Creek on the west, the Scioto River on the east, the area covers portions of the city of Columbus, the city of Dublin, Norwich Township and Washington Township. Hilliard is a blend of the old and the new as historic Old Hilliard invites a leisurely lunch in one of the many restaurants or a shopping trip to one of the many shops. Outdoors, residents can stroll along the Rails to Trails walking path, or visit historic Weaver Park and a gold course is always nearby. A high quality of life has been one of the keys to the continued growth and popularity of Hilliard. The city is also home to a highly recognized school system that has a large number of honor students. And of course higher education opportunities abound with several large institutions in the area. With its high quality of life, excellent community services and a location near close to the urban center of Columbus, Hilliard has a lot to offer its residents and newcomers alike.
Reynoldsburg
City Offices
614-322-6800
www.ci.reynoldsburg.oh.us
Chamber of Commerce
614-866-4753
www.reynoldsburgchamber.com
The City of Reynoldsburg is located just 12 miles east of Columbus. Reynoldsburg is served by several major state and local highways, including the Columbus Outerbelt. Rail service is also available within just two miles of the city and Port Columbus International Airport is 20 minutes away. Reynoldsburg is a small city of 32,000 plus residents. It is located on the eastern boundary of Franklin County and actually incorporates parts of three counties: Franklin, Licking to the east, and Fairfield to the south. Blacklick Creek flows south through the city, joined by French Run creek. Reynoldsburg is famous as the birthplace of the tomato. The tomato was ‘born’ in Reynoldsburg in the 19th century with the help of local resident Alexander W. Livingston. Livingston developed the ‘Paragon Tomato’, billed as the first ever tomato bred for commercial use. This is celebrated each year in September via the Reynoldsburg’s Tomato Festival which is the highlight event of the summer season for local residents.
Outdoor recreation is popular for locals who can enjoy several city parks including Blacklick Woods, a spacious city park. The park includes a four-mile walking and biking trail, open play areas, meadows, wildlife and a nature center, in addition to a golf course. Nearby, Pine Quarry Park features pine woodlands, a rocky gorge and walking and hiking paths. Families can play at Kennedy Park, featuring lighted tennis courts, ten baseball diamonds, playgrounds, a skate park and bicycle path. Next to Kennedy Park is Huber Park which features football fields, soccer fields and a recreation path, which runs alongside Blacklick Creek.
For those who want to explore at a more leisurely place, Old Town Reynoldsburg offers quaint shops featuring arts, crafts and antiques. Other shopping is available at several locations throughout the city meaning that all residents can find exactly what they need close to home. With all the conveniences of a big city, the quality of life of a small town and all the recreation they could need, Reynoldsburg residents are lucky to call it home.
Upper Arlington
City Offices
614-583-5000
www.uaoh.net
Chamber of Commerce
614-486-0196
https://chamberpartnership.org
The City of Upper Arlington is located in Northwest Columbus minutes away from downtown Columbus and the Port Columbus International Airport. Upper Arlington is a unique community with a rich history that can be seen in the many historic structures that call the city home. The city is primarily a residential community it was incorporated in 1918. New residents will find a variety of housing options from historic mansions and historically important homes to apartments and condominiums. The neighborhoods are quaint and quiet, featuring tree-lined streets with classic street lights, sidewalks and bike paths. The city is also home to many community parks, offering play areas for children, picnic tables, bike paths, tennis courts and ball fields. There are also three public swimming pools to help with summer time heat. Shoppers need not worry as there are many exciting places to search for that something special, either in a quiet shop in a historic district or in a modern new store in a shopping village. For families with children, Upper Arlington offers an outstanding public school system that includes a pre-school and latchkey program. There are also parochial schools, as well as Wellington Prep School – all of which are available to residents. Great housing options, a wealth of local recreational opportunities, shopping and entertainment, and a great selection of housing choices all combine to make Upper Arlington a special place to live.
Village of Groveport
Municipal Building
614-836-5301
www.groveport.org
Chamber of Commerce
614-836-5900
www.chambersefc.com
The Village of Groveport, which calls itself “Central Ohio’s Hometown”, is a community of more than 5,000 residents that is conveniently located within a 10 minute drive of Downtown Columbus. The village has a long history dating back to 1847 that is still in evidence today with the beautifully maintained downtown reflecting its heritage. The downtown features brick crosswalks, original buildings and even classic streetlights. Groveport was also the hometown of John Solomon Rarey, a nineteenth century horse whisperer, and developer of the Rarey technique for rehabilitating horses. This method was the basis for the novel and motion picture ”The Horse Whisperer.
Residents enjoy an unparalleled quality of life with excellent schools, high-quality housing, cultural arts programs and many other amenities. Groveport offers its residents many opportunities for outdoor recreation as well with more than nine local parks and nature trails plus a local public golf course. Central to Groveport’s recreation opportunities is the Groveport Recreation and Aquatic Center, a $15 million recreation paradise offering everything from a full fitness center to a 450,000 gallon swimming pool with water slides and even a lazy river. There are also dozens of programs available for children of all ages.
The local school district offers a balanced educational program to residents with children, while higher educational opportunities are readily available for those seeking an advanced degree. Plus with Columbus a short distance away – a large selection of learning facilities are nearby.
For business, the Village of Groveport has proven to be a great and strategic location. With Rickenbacker Airport just 4 minutes away and Port Columbus Airport just 11 minutes away. Between the excellent transportation, central location and business friendly local government the area has become a major distribution hub for many large national retailers who have facilities in the Rickenbacker Industrial park and surrounding areas.
With a great location, a storied history, active community participation, enviable local amenities and a high quality of life for local residents The Village of Groveport offers something for everyone.
Westerville
City Offices
614-901-6400
www.westerville.org
Chamber of Commerce
614-882-8917
www.westervillechamber.com
Westerville is located 16 miles from downtown Columbus and is the largest suburb of the city. It is located along State Route 3, the “3-C Highway” which connects Cleveland, Columbus, and Cincinnati, and is the chief road (State Street) through the old town center which is known as Uptown Westerville. The City has more than 37,000 residents that call it home. Westerville is predominantly a residential city with more than 65 percent of its land used for residential purposes and the balance used for industrial or commercial business. As the largest suburb of Columbus, the provides more services to its residents than any other suburb, with more than 150 trained full-time police officers and fire fighters, its own electric division and a water division recognized as one of the best in the state. Among those services, the Westerville School District’s serves the educational needs of the city, with an estimated student enrollment of 14,000 served more than twenty total schools and facilities.
Throughout the city it is obvious that history has been well preserved in the community’s housing selection regardless of the time in which the houses were built. The city is home to many historic structures, residential estates and homes of every type. Newcomers can find everything from a new and modern home, apartment or condominium to a turn of the century colonial or simple cottage. The choice is almost endless with neighborhoods and sub-divisions that feature their own unique style and charm. And as a Tree City USA community, the city offers a large number of trees and plenty of green space for all to enjoy. Recreational opportunities abound in Westerville with a park system encompassing more than five hundred acres in 39 parks and facilities. There is a 96,000 square foot state-of-the art Community Center and Highlands Pool offers an escape from summer heat. For a more brisk workout locals can choose to go walking or biking on Westerville’s 23 miles of leisure paths and bike trails or simply enjoy a stroll along Alum Creek. For those who prefer shopping as a sport, they can enjoy their activity at one of several shopping villages or explore the historic shopping district of Upton Westerville – the true center of everything that is the city.
Whether looking for an 19th century home, strolling along a creek or shopping for that something special, residents of Westerville enjoy an exceptionally high quality of life – in a quiet city setting. If they choose to find more excitement, all of the urban amenities of Columbus are close at hand. It’s no wonder that Westerville was named the 15th Best Place to Live in the country by Forbes Magazine in 2009.
Worthington
City Offices
614-436-3100
www.worthington.org
Chamber of Commerce
614-888-3040
www.worthingtonchamber.org
Worthington is a suburb of Columbus and is home to more than 15,000 residents. Worthington offers all of the attractions and quality of life afforded by its location near a large urban center but still maintains the charm of a small town. The city was founded in 1803 and shows its historic ties to the small towns of New England. Its central village green is home to authentic brick sidewalks leading to many of the city’s original buildings and structures. Worthington is home to a strong art community including a number of theater, choral and visual arts groups and the Worthington Arts Council sponsors arts activities, shows and events throughout the year. The Worthington Art Festival is ranked as one of the top arts festivals in the country. During Worthington’s Farmers’ Markets, farmers bring their produce, plants and crafts out to the sale every Saturday morning from May through October.
For outdoor recreation, residents will find over 221 acres of developed and natural park areas. Neighborhood parks and playgrounds are located around the community. Each features a different focus in athletics, recreation, natural vegetation and wildlife. The Worthington Community Center offers a state-of-the-art facility with an aquatic center and fitness center and includes 2 pools, a leisure pool for play and a lap pool for exercise and swimming lessons, a fitness center, 2 basketball courts, art rooms and many organized activities. For shoppers or those looking to enjoy a day strolling outdoors, they have to look no further than the restored shops and dining establishments of the city. For a more modern twist on shopping the Worthington Square Mall offers the complete mall experience with many specialty stores to explore.
Families will find some of the best schools in the state located right in the Worthington School District and its schools. The city’s location also means that it’s a short commute to Columbus for those who works within Columbus. Worthington offers a high quality of life to its residents, with everything they could need close to home. Worthington is a great place to call home.
