Hilliard Green - Hilliard, OH

Like many neighborhoods just outside the Outerbelt in suburban Columbus, Hilliard Green is a product of the economic boom experienced by the city following the completion of the interstate highway system through Columbus in the 1960s. This led to numerous large companies relocating to the area, which gave rise to a rapid population increase and the need for new housing outside the city's core.

The foundation of the neighborhood was established in the 1970s and 1980s, but further development took place in later decades. Much of the newer development was a result of the neighborhood becoming a popular spot for OSU grads to settle down after college, due to its close proximity to campus.

Hilliard Green doesn't have museums or an arts scene within the neighborhood, but the downtown Columbus Museum of Art is close by, and OSU frequently hosts cultural events that remain popular with neighborhood residents.

Hilliard Rome Road runs along the western edge of Hilliard Green and houses most of the area's dining establishments. Characterized by diversity, this restaurant landscape includes everything from Chinese and Japanese to Italian and southern soul food.

Roadhouse Wings and Grille ranks as a top pick for wings and beer. Also loved by sports fans for its impressive arrangement of big screen TVs playing all the games, this local wing shack runs daily specials such as its 10-wings-for-$4.50 deal. For those trying to eat healthily, Roadhouse also serves a full menu of premium salads. If you need to work through lunch, no problem: bring your laptop and take advantage of the free Wi-Fi offered by the restaurant.

For Asian cuisine and sushi, locals head up Hilliard Rome Road and stop at Haruki East Asian Cuisine, a favorite local haunt which serves premium cuisine in a cozy Eastern ambiance. Favorite dishes from the dinner menu include smoked salmon sashimi, steak fried rice and dozens of sushi variations. Diners with a sweet tooth make sure to stick around for an irresistible dessert such as the tempura cheese cake or the mochi ice cream.

Early risers head to Scrambler Marie's, a well-known breakfast joint in the Columbus metro area that features one of its most popular locations right in Hilliard Green. The French toast and the sausage and cheese omelet ranks as top picks by regular customers, though the breakfast selections are sufficiently numerous that anyone can find the right fare to hit the spot. Equally robust, Scrambler Marie's lunch menu contains such favorites as bacon cheeseburgers and seasoned fries.

For nightlife, many Hilliard Green residents head a short distance east and enjoy the numerous bars and clubs that line the main drag by OSU's campus. However, it's entirely possible to have a great night out without leaving the neighborhood. Sloopy's Pub fashions itself as a working man's bar and features daily drink specials as well as live music at least once or twice per week. Nike's Sports Lounge has plenty of pool tables and dart boards, a huge selection of beers and mixed drinks, as well as live music every Saturday night.

The residential streets in Hilliard Green feature low levels of traffic and flat landscapes, making them friendly to residents who enjoy walking for exercise, with pets or to visit neighbors. However, none of the area streets have bike lanes, and the main thoroughfares on each side of the neighborhood contain a lot of traffic and aren't pedestrian-friendly. Therefore, the automobile remains the primary means of transportation for most Hilliard Green residents.

For those who prefer not to drive, several taxi companies serve the area, as does the ride-sharing service Uber. Be sure to call in advance for a pick up, as you cannot hail a cab in Hilliard Green.

Hilliard Green also features easy access to public transportation. The Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) bus system provides two stops just outside the neighborhood's boundaries.

Hilliard Green Park spans over 16 acres in the middle of the neighborhood and provides residents with ample green space for picnicking, pick-up sporting events, or playing with kids or pets. It doesn't feature exercise facilities or annual events, but its modern playground gives the little ones a place to have fun and burn off energy, and visitors can burn calories on the park's paved walking/jogging path. Free parking and admission make Hilliard Green Park not only a fun place to spend a weekend afternoon with family, but a very affordable one as well.

The average cost of living in Hilliard Green runs slightly lower than the average cost of living for the Columbus metro area. Residents pay, on average, $646 monthly for a one-bedroom apartment, $3 for a beer in a local pub and $2 for a COTA bus ticket to downtown Columbus. Area gas prices typically hover 11 percent lower than the national average.

The Westpoint Plaza Shopping Center sits at the southwest corner of the neighborhood and provides residents with big box retailers and large discount chains. It doesn't feature any high-end stores, but those await less than a 15-minute drive away at the Tuttle Crossing Mall.

Many neighborhood residents prefer to shop at the local boutiques and specialty stores in the area such as Brown Shoes, Inc. Located across Interstate 270 in the Tremont shopping center, this store features a huge selection of shoes to fit even the most unusually shaped feet. This local retailer prides itself on attentive service, and its customers love not having to chase down an employee for help.

Packrat Comics caters to local fans with new releases and back issues of popular comic books. This family-owned business also carries a wide range of toys, games and collectibles for pop culture aficionados.

Several large grocery stores, including Kroger, Giant Eagle and Meijer, are located along the edge of the neighborhood. Kuhlwein's Farm Market, less than five minutes away, features local produce and a highly rated deli that serves fresh-cut meats and cheeses.