Reynoldsburg, OH

Reynoldsburg was named after James C. Reynolds after he arrived in the area in 1831. Reynolds built a cabin and operated a small general store to support workers building the Cumberland Road. Reynoldsburg also holds a claim to fame as the birthplace of the tomato and holds an annual community Tomato Festival every year to honor this unique characteristic. Residents indulge in more of the community’s history by visiting the Reynoldsburg Truro Historical Society on Lancaster Avenue. The community emphasizes support of arts in education and is know to attend musical performances, plays and artistic events put on by youth in the community.

For the best of Reynoldsburg's cuisine, head to Main Street. Dozens of unique eateries line the road and provide residents with a one-stop sport to indulge on dishes from Cajun to good old American brunch classics. Local favorites range from American pizzerias to vegan cafes and well-known burger joints. Scali Ristorante & Deli on State Road tops the list of must-try eateries for its housemade pasta, spacious bar and extensive wine list. Locals recommend making reservations so you can enjoy your Vitello Saltimbocca as soon as you arrive. Patron favorites range from peasant tortellini to signature Italian dishes such as lasagna and fresh zuppa. After one visit, this ristorante typically becomes an immediate favorite for many people.

The demand for savory slices in Reynoldsburg never ends. The neighborhood hosts three amazing pizza joints. However, one pizzeria tops the list as the reigning champion. Tyler's Pizzeria & Bakery serves the community as a family-owned business that commits to giving back to the community and baking incredible goods. Aside from the admirable business mottos, the pizza is outstanding. Start with the Summer Garden for layers of sweet peppers, sweet corn, onions and ripe tomatoes atop a melted layer of fresh mozzarella. Meat mavens and hungry families opt for the American Cheeseburg, which combines sausage, pepperoni, capicola and salami. Whether you get one pizza or six, locals swear by the baked goods and suggest leaving room for pepperoni rolls or taking cheese Danish pastries and scones home for breakfast the next day.

Reynoldsburg locals appreciate a healthy dinner spot and get just that with the Loving Hut on Livingston Avenue. The cozy cafe features a menu of vegan and vegetarian dishes that taste good enough to convert your meat-eating friends. Begin with a round of crispy spring rolls or fried dumplings. Each appetizer is filled with a blend of veggies and served with unique dipping sauce. However, it's main dishes such as the gyro wrap that turn first-time visitors into repeat customers. This hearty wrap combines teriyaki flavors with stir-fried veggies before topping a bed of greens. The masterpiece is finished with gyro dressing and avocado for a burst of zesty flavor. Locals say you cannot go wrong with any of the noodle dishes and suggest grabbing the Thai curry to go.

Nightlife in Reynoldsburg is comprised of sports bars, pubs and a few prized locations that offer karaoke and live band performances. Just Off Main on Hentz Drive operates as a local den for residents to hang out on a regular basis. Drink specials almost every night draw in moderate crowds, especially if a live band plays on the weekends. Locals appreciate the outdoor seating and big screen televisions. Fans of The Ohio State head to The Duggie Sports bar to watch football on one of the 20 big screen TVs while sipping on frosty cold beers. Bring your Jeopardy-style trivia skills on Thursday nights for your chance to show off your brain power and win a few prizes. For upscale bar food and drinks, spend the evening at SC Bar & Kitchen. Located in the old Sunset Grille and Sports Bar location, this establishment boasts a diverse menu of comfort foods and signature drinks. Try the shrimp and grits or the Korean dumplings to get a taste of what this bar and restaurant has to offer. The casual decor and laid-back atmosphere make SC Bar & Kitchen a cozy place to head after work for dinner and a few drinks.

Though a transportation method originally fueled the neighborhood’s growth, public transit options are not as easily accessible today. No rail lines pass through the city, but COTA bus Routes 1, 2 and 47 provide service to the city center from the Birchview Drive station. Even so, driving or carpooling overwhelmingly prevails as the most popular method of getting around the neighborhood. A flourishing retail hub around the stretch of Main Street west of Lancaster Avenue is the most ideal location for walkers. Residential streets also see plenty of families on foot. Biking as a means of transportation proves difficult since automobiles dominate all roads except Livingston Avenue. Call ahead to Columbus Taxi Service or use Uber to arrange your rides. Take Interstate 70 to connect to The Outerbelt, which circles the city and connects to major highways running in all directions.

To escape the business of living near a major city, residents retreat to the Blacklick Woods Metro Park and its golf courses. Located off Livingston Avenue, this huge free green space has something for everyone. Children enjoy the two play areas or take to open fields to fly kites or have picnics. Locals say the trails are the real highlight of this park, since several of them loop in and out of gardens or cross through beech-maple forests or flowered meadows. Joggers and bikers use both the asphalt trails and gravel paths to squeeze in a workout or peaceful run through tall grasses filled with deer. Pets on leashes are welcome, particularly along the Blacklick Creek Greenway, an 18 mile trail that offers plenty of space for your furry friends to run. Residents encourage a visit to the Nature Center and recommend attending several of the rotating activities, such as Holiday Nature Crafts for Kids or the annual Winter Hike Series.

Life amid the diverse community and close-knit neighborhood feel is surprisingly affordable. The average cost of living in Reynoldsburg sits only 1 percent higher than the Ohio average. Standard goods and services such as groceries and health care remain congruent to or more affordable than the city’s, however the housing market tells a different story. The majority of residents own, however those who rent face average monthly payments of $800, but one-bedroom apartments can be found for as little as $600 a month. Transportation to the city center costs $4.50 for an unlimited day pass, though locals prefer to drive since gas prices hover about 9 percent lower than the national average. Though the housing market pushes the cost of living up, residents consider prices in Reynoldsburg affordable for the whole package, especially since lower overall costs mean they can enjoy a pint of beer for about $6 to $7.

The major shopping district in Reynoldsburg hovers around Main Street and is comprised mostly of corporate chains and service retailers. Small specialty boutiques pop up around the neighborhood such as Bow-Wow Pet Boutique, but big-name retailers dominate the market when it comes to apparel and home goods. The Heritage Square Antique Mall on Channingway Center Drive brings locals the best in one-of-a-kind home décor and furniture that can only be bought from a local shop. The large indoor facility showcases a wealth of objects as small as vintage keys to china cabinets and unique chairs. Locals can also head to the nearby Carnaby Mall Shopping Center or the Eastland Mall Shopping Center for a wider selection of options. Residents grab groceries from Kroger food stores at the United Dairy Farmers Store on Main Street. At least three other groceries chains speckle the neighborhood for convenient access to all needs and food. Residents looking for a more farm-to-table food options head to the Summit Ridge Farm Market on National Road or venture south to the Smith Farm Market on Winchester Pike.