Central College - New Albany, OH

The former village of Amalthea, platted in 1849, is now called Central College because of its proximity to the former Central College, founded by the Presbyterian Church in 1842.

The village remained mostly rural in nature through the early 1950s until the creation of the Hoover Dam and Reservoir. The reservoir provided recreation for the residents but it also attracted tourists, bringing growth to the area. However, the Central College neighborhood itself stands much as it did in the past.

Residents of Central College enjoy performances by the Westerville Symphony and theatre productions at nearby Otterbein College. Nearby Westerville Library houses papers and artifacts from the Anti-Saloon League, which can be viewed by the public.

A house once occupied by William Hanby, a member of the Underground Railroad, sits on West Main Street. You can pay admission to tour the residence.

Residents of Central College need go no further than Uptown Westerville for food and fun. Several restaurants compete for the title of the best Italian food in the neighborhood. One of them, Pasquale's Pizza and Pasta House, has been serving authentic Italian dishes for over 20 years using recipes handed down through the family.

The menu includes pizzas with 17 different topping choices, subs, salads, pastas and breads, as well as Italian specialties such as homemade gnocchi with meatballs, four cheese spinach ravioli, and sausage saccottio. Enjoy a glass of beer or wine with your meal.

If Italian isn't your thing, turn your tastes to something sweet and spicy at the Barbecue Shack. They cook meat slowly on low heat in a one-ton smoker for what they call "the most sultry taste around." The house specialty is St. Louis-style ribs, but they also serve three-bean brisket chili, wings, and pulled pork sandwiches, all seasoned with signature sauces.

For something completely different, check out the extensive list of Asian-style foods at Great Asian, where vast choices on the menu may make decisions difficult. For starters, try the miso soup, seaweed salad, or satay chicken. Then go for Thai green curry, Mongolian steak, or Thai spiced lemongrass seafood.

For a special night out, locals go to Good Vibes Winery in Uptown Westerville for wine and fun. They sell locally-made wines produced from globally-grown grapes. Not only can you sample the wines there, you can also enjoy a snack while you listen to live music. The relaxed atmosphere makes this a place to unwind and enjoy great wine with your family and friends. Order a small plate of cheeses or meats to go along with the wine while you listen to live music.

Looking for more nightlife? Head over to Easton Town Center, a short distance west of Central College, where you can watch a movie at the AMC Easton 30, eat a late dinner at Mitchell's Ocean Club, catch a live show at the Funny Bone Comedy Club & Restaurant, or hang out with your friends and enjoy the brews and music at World of Beer.

Parts of the Central College neighborhood off the main thoroughfares are pedestrian friendly, as is the business district in downtown Westerville. However, there are no dedicated lanes for bikers.

Most residents of Central College own their own vehicles. They have easy access to all parts of the Columbus metro area via the 270 Outerbelt, which makes a loop around the city and most of the surrounding suburbs. 270 connects with I-70, which runs east and west, and I-71 which runs north and south through the city.

If you need a ride, you can call a cab or connect to nearby Uber car drivers with your smartphone.

COTA serves the entire metropolitan areas with buses running daily throughout the neighborhood. You can find plenty of free public parking on the street and in lots around the area.

Residents of Central College who want to fly out of town board a plane at the Port Columbus International Airport, on International Gateway just south of the neighborhood.

The residents of Central College love their parks. Many small parks dot the neighborhood, some no bigger than a cozy corner with a bench, but larger parks are nearby.

Inniswood Metro Park on Hempstead Road consists of 123 acres filled with flowers, trees and a collection of beautifully landscaped gardens, including rose, rock and conifer gardens. The quiet, wide-open spaces provide the perfect place for an afternoon stroll.

Sharon Wood Metro Park on Cleveland Avenue, one of Columbus's largest metro parks, covers 763 acres with a mixture of forests, open fields and an 11-acre pond. The Edward Thomas Nature Preserves sits within the borders of the park. Residents go there to hike, bike, fish, play and picnic.

Hoover Reservoir Park offers residents more than 4,700 acres where they can picnic, hike, boat, fish and play disc golf, among other activities. You can also visit the Hoover Meadows Bluebird Trail there, a bird sanctuary where dozens of varieties of birds have been seen, included the American bald eagle.

The Bark Park on Park Meadow Road offers residents a place to unleash their pets and let them run free.

Residents of Central College look forward to the annual Westerville Music & Arts Festival in Heritage Park for a weekend of fine art, music and food. More than 140 juried artists offer their wares for sale during the event. The Heritage Section of the event showcases artisans in period costumes demonstrating old-world arts and crafts. Admission and parking are free.

The overall cost of living in Central College stands about 10 percent higher than Columbus as a whole. Grocery and transportation costs remain about the same as Columbus, while housing costs about 11 percent more in Central College, with the average cost of a one-bedroom house or apartment running about $860 per month.

A one-day COTA bus pass costs $4, and you can purchase a one-month pass for $62. Gas prices tend to run about 15 percent lower in Central College than the national average. Expect to pay about $5.50 for a pint of beer in local restaurants and pubs.

Stores and shopping centers can be found in Uptown Westerville along State Street and some side roads that branch off of it.

Residents of Central College have their choice of several regular grocery stores, including Marc's, Kroger or Giant Eagle. Those looking for organic and health food shop at the Raisin Rack Natural Food Market.

Fresh fruit, produce, baked goods and more, all sold by local vendors, are available on Wednesdays, May through October, at the Uptown Westerville Farmers Market.

Area residents go to uptown Westerville for unique and hard-to-find items. A Twist on Olives carries the finest olive oils from around the world. They stock over 20 different imported oils from such places as Italy, Greece, Australia and South Africa, along with an almost equal number of flavored balsamic vinegars.

Captivating Canines carries everything you need for the pampered pooch in you life. Browse the extensive line of dog-related products, such as calendars, socks and t-shirts with doggie prints.

You can find one-of-a-kind, locally hand-made items at Pure Roots Boutique. The walls and shelves are covered with handbags, jewelry, scarves, hats, t-shirts, tank tops, wall hangings and knickknacks, each handmade by a local artisan.