There's a reason so many people have been drawn to the Gahanna area over the years. It has a classic charm with just the right amount of modern touches. You can find beautiful views, excellent dining, streets lined with local boutiques, and plenty of outdoor activities to keep you busy. It really does have it all.
At the time of the 2010 U.S. Census, Gahanna was home to 33,248 residents, 13,037 households, and 9,151 families. The census showed that this was a 5.6 percent increase in the city's growth since 2000.
Gahanna is actually one of the more diverse of Columbus' suburbs. The city's community profile states that the city is 82.1 percent of the population is White, 11.2 percent is African-American, 2.6 percent is Hispanic, and 3.1 percent is Asian.
In terms of age and sex, this population is pretty evenly distributed. About 47 percent of the population is male and 52 percent is female. The median age in Gahanna is 39.4 years, and the biggest portion of the population falls within the 25 to 64 age range with 55.7 percent. A quarter of the city's residents are children younger than 18 (25.3 percent), and 11.7 percent were age 65 or older.
Like so many of the Columbus suburbs, Gahanna is largely made up of families. Of the 13,037 households accounted for in the 2010 census, a little more than half (55.1 percent) were made up of married couples living together, and 35.6 percent had children younger than 18 living with them.
The median home price is listed at $186,500, and the median rent asked for is $934, according to AreaVibes.com. This is only slightly higher than the national figures: 3 percent higher for housing, and 5 percent higher for rent. The median household income, however, is about 37 percent higher than the national average. AreaVibes reports the median household income in Gahanna is $72,622.
The city of Gahanna was the creation of a man named John Clark, who in 1849 started the "Gahanna Plantation" near the shores of the Big Walnut Creek. In fact, the named Gahanna comes from a Native-American word that references three creeks joining into one. The city's official seal honors this with the inscription "Three In One."
Life in Gahanna seems to be the perfect balance of old-school charm and modern development. Driving around the city, you'll find a one-room schoolhouse from the 1860s as well as a 1900s bed and breakfast with a strictly Victorian feel. But keep driving and you'll also see a modern shopping plaza as well as shops and restaurants that are anything but traditional.
Families are attracted by the traditional charm the suburb has to offer, but the modern touches call out to those recently graduated millenials who are looking for a place to get started. Gahanna has become somewhat of a hot spot for young professionals who have moved to the Columbus area to start their careers. It offers a short commute, about 20 minutes, maybe a little more when you factor in traffic, and a lively downtown area.
Over the last 10 years, the city has been committed to revitalizing it's downtown, or as residents call it, "Olde Gahanna." Things really started taking off in 2004 with the development of Creekside Gahanna, It brought everything from new restaurants and bars, apartments, office spaces, and public spaces for residents to enjoy. The city then added a 389-space public parking garage, making it easier for residents and outsiders to visit by Olde Gahanna.
All the new developments in Gahanna have been focused on one thing: bringing the community together. And it seems to be working. Gahanna has been named one of Central Ohio's best hometowns by Ohio Magazine, one of the best places to retire by "Black Enterprise Magazine," and was even listed in "Money Magazine's" top 100 places to live. It's a place where everyone, no matter what their age or occupation, can feel at home.
Gahanna perfectly blends charm, style, and convenience. Whether you're looking for shopping, dining or anything to keep you busy and entertained, Gahanna has it. AreaVibes gave it a score of 84 on its livability scale, designating it an "exceptionally livable" community.
Downtown, residents will find a variety of locally-owned boutiques, restaurants, and cafes. If there's something you're looking for that you can't find in Olde Gahanna, Easton Town Center is just a short drive away. The outdoor shopping complex is known by many as the "Rodeo Drive of the Midwest," and has more than 200 specialty stores and restaurants. It's enough to keep anyone busy for weeks.
There's also plenty of opportunities for recreational activities. The Gahanna Department of Parks & Recreation maintains 26 community parks and facilities, including Shull Skate Park, the Pizzuro Dog Park and a state nature preserve at Gahanna Woods. The department also manages an additional 21 preserves and other green spaces.
Gahanna is very friendly to pedestrians and cyclers. City officials have been working hard to improve and further develop the Big Walnut Creek Trail, implementing a Bikeway Master Plan in 2010. Families will love being able to enjoy the outdoors together, whether they want to take a stroll or play fetch with the family dog at Pizurro.
Parents will also be happy to learn that the Gahanna school system is an excellent option for their children. The city proudly shares that roughly 64 percent of the students that graduate from Gahanna Lincoln High School are pursuing a four-year college education. An additional 18 percent of students who have graduated are entering two-year colleges, and 3 percent are entering the military.
The Columbus suburb is also very safe place to call home. NeighborhoodScout.com gives it a score of 40 on its crime index, which means that Gahanna is safer than 40 percent of cities in the U.S. The city does see some violent crimes. Neighborhood Scout has reported 23 instances of violent crime in Gahanna this year, but the vast majority of crime committed in Gahanna is property crimes, such as burglary and theft. The chances of become a victim of a crime in Gahanna are 1 in 53, which is better than the state average of 1 in 36.
The food. Gahanna's burgeoning food scene just keeps getting better.
Whatever you're in the mood for, you can find it in Gahanna. Arepazo serves up authentic South American cuisine, specializing in Venezuelan and Colombian dishes. Just a short distance away, you can stroll into Mezzo Italian Kitchen and Wine to enjoy all the flavors of Italy. Or you can grab a burger at the Gahanna Grill before stopping by the Pigskin Brewing Company for a locally-brewed beer.
If you come for no other reason, at least come to explore what Gahanna's local restaurants have to offer. You never know, you could just become a regular.
Gahanna appeals to such a wide range of residents because it truly has a little bit for everyone. It's traditional charms attract families and empty nesters, while young professionals are drawn in by the modern developments and great dining. If you're looking for a home in the Columbus Metropolitan area, you can't go wrong with Gahanna. Visit Movot.com to search the latest property listings in Gahanna.
