As you explore various neighborhoods around Columbus, Ohio, you might stumble on the cozy and quaint Bexley suburb, which lies due east and slightly south of downtown in the capital city. Incorporated as a village in 1908, this quaint neighborhood offers you tree-lined streets, beautiful architecture and serious small-town charm you might not expect while living so close to the city. Home to the Governor's Mansion, and as an early leg of the Columbus Marathon, you will find this neighborhood teeming with allure.
According to the 2010 United States Census, Bexley features a modest population of 13,057 people. The breakdown between men and women, according to the City Data, slightly tips the scales toward more men residing in the area as of 2013, with 6,875 men and 6,570 women. If you look at the general age range in this neighborhood, it seems clear that the area attracts families. As of the 2000 U.S. Census, adults aged 45 to 54 years make up the largest percentage of the population at 17.21 percent while those aged 35 to 44 come in second at 15.17 percent. The next highest age range reported is teens from 15 to 19 years old, coming in at 10.85 percent.
So, with a population that features a median age of 36.7, a married population of 55.3 percent and an average household size of 2.64, according to Sperling's Best Places, you have some good tools and indicators to let you know how ideally suited this community is to your current lifestyle. Featuring a median income of $264,000 home price, you can find a broad range of homes to suit your taste.
With an unemployment rate that falls two full points below the national and state averages at 4.3 percent, Bexley Ohio features a positive business and growth environment. The area's most common industries include professional, scientific, technical, educational, finance and insurance services. Additional employment opportunities found in the Bexley neighborhood include public administration, retail, administrative, accommodation and food services to round out the environment, allowing for a variety of skill sets, interests and educational backgrounds. Also, many residents work in downtown Columbus and many other surrounding areas and commute.
Bexley's crime rates fall below the national average, according to City Data's 2013 results. The main area for concern among residents involves theft. Violent crimes, such as murders, robberies and rapes fall well below the national average.
Born as a merger between economic and educational privilege, due to the joining of the prestigious Bullitt Park neighborhood to the north and the Lutheran college community of Pleasant Ridge to the south, you can see the educational focus is clear. Not only will you find a strong public city school system in the Bexley City School District, which has held an "excellent with distinction" rating for the past 12 years, you will also discover many alternative opportunities if you have children or you plan to someday. The suburb also features the highly popular Columbus School for Girls, which features premier academic and athletic programs, and the St. Charles Preparatory School for Boys, which fosters a strong focus on academics and sports. If you plan to go to graduate school, or if you have kids looking t colleges, Capital University features a world-class music conservatory, a highly respected law school and a top-notch sports program.
Amid gorgeous green space and plenty of sidewalks for strolling, you will continually note historic structures. In a time where so many cities are quick to tear down an older building and quickly erect a snazzy new structure, or worse, a parking garage, Bexley cherishes its landmarks. Nothing about this suburb with urban sensibilities feels prefabricated or superficial. You get a sense of the "real" and that you are walking and living among history. Now you get a chance to add to that history, knowing that it can stand the test of time in place that values quality contributions. For context, take a look around at some of the local landmarks that reveal Bexley's love of its history. You will find many older churches and synagogues and outdoor sculptures.
One of the most beloved landmarks in Bexley is its Drexel Theatre on E. Main Street, across from Capital University and down the block from Graeter's Ice Cream Shop. With a history dating back to 1937, this theatre has remained a treasured staple of the neighborhood though all kinds of changes and challenges. You can see art house favorites here, as well as documentaries and foreign films. Just look for the historic art deco marquee in aqua and maroon hues.
Cultural opportunities abound all around the city, and Bexley is so centralized that it is a 30-minute drive to nearly any destination during non-peak travel. Head downtown for theatrical excursions at the Ohio Theatre where you can see Tchaivosky's The Nutcracker each holiday season or visit the historic theatre for the summer classic film series. The Palace Theatre offers you the chance to see premier musical, comedy and spoken word performances you can't catch anywhere else in town. Don't miss the marvel in your new backyard at the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens.
Brimming with pedestrian-friendly activities, dining opportunities and community activities that run along this pleasant main drag of E. Main Street, it is tough not to pine or this special neighborhood so close to downtown. While the area also features larger brands for some dining and café experiences, much of the business at least features a local vibe that you associate with a sense of "home." Featuring mostly small blocks of storefronts and standalone spaces that haven't changed much during the past century — outside of some cosmetic touch-ups — you might feel like you're in a place where time has stood still. And it's pretty terrific. You don't encounter box stores, or even large grocery stores in the immediate area. All of this gives everything a local feel where you can stroll at your own pace. Visit businesses like Drexel Theatre, Rubino's Pizzeria and Graeter's Ice Cream Parlor to feel the vibe in the truest sense. The relaxed atmosphere in Bexley means that people frequently go out to dinner, meaning you will find a stunning array of dining choices to cater to refined palates. Try some Turkish delights at Cafe Istanbul, Moshi Sushi Bar, Giuseppe's Ritrovo and Rusty Bucket.
