Affluent and original, the suburb of Westerville is regularly ranked as one of America’s most liveable. Historic architecture adds charm to its streets, leafy parks and botanical gardens dominate the urban landscape, and there are many locally-owned boutiques to discover. Located in the north-east of Columbus, Ohio, Westerville has a long history and a vibrant present.
Westerville’s centre is small and compact, centred around the stores along State Street. Most of these are local businesses housed in early 20th century buildings, from small cafes to innovative clothing lines. Inniswood Botanical Garden and Nature Preserve offers a wide range of walking trail and peaceful places for a relaxed afternoon. Other trails can be found in Blendon Woods, Sharon Woods and around the small Hoover Dam. Various banks have small headquarters in and around Westerville, including JPMorgan Chase. Other destinations of interest include parks and suburbs along the Hoover Dam, including Harlem and Galena.
Interstate 71 and Interstate 270 provide a direct route from Westerville to central Columbus, a 25-kilometre journey by car or taxi. A small number of bus lines provide transport from Columbus to Westerville, with bus stops along State Street. John Glenn International Airport is 20 kilometres away and serves as the main aerial gateway to Columbus and its suburbs.
Westerville’s Hoover Dam doesn’t enjoy the same fame or scale as the Hoover Dam on the Colorado River. Rather than being named after a US president, it’s named after two brothers who hail from Westerville and worked with the City of Columbus Water Works.