Westerville

About Westerville

Westerville is a mid-sized city in central Ohio, part of thriving Greater Columbus. Because it's only about 12 miles north of Columbus, Westerville offers a convenient location enjoyed by many young professionals and families. The welcoming community provides a quiet, suburban lifestyle with amenities that include local parks, a community center and a public library.

The History of Westerville

European settlers first arrived in the Westerville area around 1810. The community was first established around a Methodist church, and a young men's seminary was soon founded in the area. The town was platted in 1856, incorporated in 1858 and named for William Westervelt, an early Dutch settler. Westerville played an important role in the Underground Railroad, with many of its homes serving as stations on the route for escaped slaves. For many years after that, it was known for its strict laws prohibiting alcohol, leading to its nickname the Dry Capital of the World.

Since then, Westerville has grown into a pleasant and welcoming city with plenty of modern amenities and conveniences. In 2007, Westerville was ranked among Money magazine's 100 best places to live.

Living in Westerville

Westerville offers many amenities, with one of the most popular being its proximity to Columbus. You can easily make the short drive into the city for entertainment, to visit the zoo and aquarium, to enjoy the natural beauty at the Franklin Park Conservatory and Museum, or to explore the quaint German Village historic neighborhood.

However, you can also find plenty to do within Westerville's city limits. Uptown Westerville is a commercial center with many small, local businesses and restaurants. One of Westerville's more popular attractions is the Ohio to Erie Trail, a portion of which runs directly through the community.

Another benefit of living in Westerville and Greater Columbus is the diverse economy. As the state capital, Columbus has a strong government presence and many government jobs. Industry also has an impact on the economic scene. Ohio State University is a major employer, offering jobs, top-rated educational opportunities and the popular Buckeyes football team. Other top employers in Westerville include JP Morgan Chase, the Mount Carmel Health System and the Westerville City School District.

Westerville Schools

The Westerville City School District is responsible for the schools in Westerville. Many of the district's elementary schools are named for famous authors, and several are magnet campuses.

Resources for Moving to Westerville

Here are a few basic resources you'll need for your move to Westerville:

• Utilities: The Westerville Electric Division provides energy services to homes and businesses in the city, and the city manages its own public water supply.
• Garbage and Recycling: All trash and recyclables are collected every Tuesday, except in holiday weeks.
• Transportation: Like many cities in the area, Westerville is part of the Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA).

Westerville Housing

Westerville offers housing options to fit many different budgets and preferences, including apartments, town houses and single-family homes. Prices tend to be higher than the national average and also slightly more expensive than in Greater Colombus. You can find large, grand estates; cozy, budget-friendly bungalows and everything in between.