North of Columbus, Ohio near the intersection of Interstates 71 and 270, you can find the city of Westerville. Westerville real estate includes many diverse-style houses as well as some historic treasures that the city has renovated. Westerville is a residential community that Columbus Parent readers rated as the best place to raise a family in central Ohio. It is an eclectic neighborhood that has grown out of a former bedroom community, and features many rehabilitated historic homes, a variety of cultural and holiday events and beautiful landscaping. Westerville is proud of its Tree City USA designation with over 20,000 trees lining its streets and providing beauty and shade for its residents.
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One of the historic buildings in Westerville is the Everal Barn which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is now part of the Westerville Park and Recreation system and can be rented for events such as weddings, corporate outings and family reunions. Westerville is called a "city within a park" denoting its 600 acres of park lands that can be found in 46 locations in and around the city. There are numerous places within the park system to walk and hike trails, ride bicycles and participate in other recreational activities.
Westerville is central Ohio's largest suburb, originally founded in 1816. A large part of its history includes the presence of Otterbein University which was the first institution of higher learning in the United States to admit women without restrictions, and the first to include women on its faculty. Westerville was also part of the Underground Railroad with several of the houses still standing today including the George Stoner home on State Street, the Alkire home on North State Street and the Timothy Lee home on Sunbury Road.
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Otterbein University is one of several institutions of higher learning in central Ohio. It is a private institution originally founded in 1847 by the Church of the United Brethren in Christ. Otterbein has a history of asserting equality in its faculty and student base including admitting students of color before the Civil War and Japanese-Americans who had been held in internment camps during World War II. The university has a student body of about 3000 students, 2600 undergraduates and 400 graduate students.
Besides excellence in education, Otterbein brings diversity and culture to the city of Westerville. The Otterbein University Theatre and Otterbein Summer Theatre present eight productions each year while the music program offers a marching band, vocal jazz group, concert band and concert choir as well as other musical experiences. Notable visiting artists are hosted at the university offering opportunities for residents to view their work.
The Uptown District in Westerville is the historic shopping area for the region. It features a broad mix of shops, galleries and restaurants that appeal to visitors and residents alike. Some of its unique shops include A Gal Named Cindy Lou, Captivating Canines, Pure Roots Boutique, David Myers Art Studio & Galleries, Outside Envy and ZenKidz Play Cafe. There are also several local restaurants including Old Bag of Nails Pub, Buckeye Brewcraft, Good Vibes Winery and Uptown Deli. These are just a few of the list of interesting establishments that pepper the Uptown District. It is easy to spend hours browsing and sampling the wares in each of the local retail shops.
The Uptown District also has a seasonal farmers market that runs May through October offering produce and other foods from regional farmers.
Westerville hosts an annual Music & Arts Festival run by the Chamber of Commerce. It is a two-day festival held every July featuring 150 artist vendors, food vendors and community booths. It is a signature event for the city of Westerville and brings artists from around the United States to the area. Throughout the weekend, you can expect to hear a wide range of musical styles, see the work of talented craftsmen and artists and taste some of your favorite fair foods. If you want a sit-down meal, you can easily visit one of Westerville's local restaurants throughout the weekend. The festival is open to the public Saturday and Sunday, but also holds a VIP reception on Friday. Admission for adults is only $1.00 while children ages 16 and under are free.
One of the most beautiful sites in Westerville is Inniswood Metro Gardens which is located within a scenic nature preserve. The 121-acre gardens feature a lovely mix of flower gardens, rock gardens and lawns. Inniswood boasts over 2000 species of plants and several theme gardens which can be traversed by two miles of trails and walkways. Inniswood Metro Gardens are free and open to the public daily year round from 7 a.m. until dark. You can also visit the former home of Grace and Mary Innis who donated the park to the city. The house is used for offices and is also the location of a non-lending natural history and horticulture library.
In order to maintain the beauty and health of the natural setting, there are strict rules about biking, food and pets that you must follow within the formal gardens.
Westerville is a city with diversity, nature and culture for a family to participate in. It is located in a central part of the United States with easy travel to many major cities for business or pleasure. You can always find something to do within Westerville or in nearby Columbus whether you prefer sports, art and music or listening to a lecture. Westerville has been recognized for its efficient water system by the EPA, and also shows its "green" nature by the numerous parks within the city. Whether you are visiting or thinking about moving there permanently, you will fall in love with the city of Westerville.
