A local newspaper reporter called me this morning to discuss the housing growth that has occurred in southern Delaware County this decade. I’m usually nervous about talking with the media for fear of being mis-quoted. I hope he doesn’t do that.
After our conversation was over, I thought more about why the growth has occurred into southern Delaware County. I think there are several events that occurred that set the stage for it.
I-270 made it easy to go from one suburb to another. Businesses (jobs) built up around the various interchanges. Suburbs located inside 270 were land-locked with limited room to expand further housing.
Suburbs, like Dublin or Powell close to the freeway, had room to expand their borders. They also had easy access to the freeway with major roads such as Rt 315, Sawmill Rd and Rt 33 already in place.
Lewis Center’s growth was impacted when Banc One (now Chase) built the huge employment center and the nearby Polaris Mall was added, both outside of I-270. Old State Rd provided access to that employment so many housing subdivisions were built off of that road.
Golf Courses have played an important part to the housing growth as well. Dublin already had Jack Nicklaus’ huge Muirfield Village but then Arnie’s Tartan Fields was built north of Muirfield. Powell began with Wedgewood, then added Scioto Reserve and Kinsale (Golf Village). Shamrock and Safari are nearby, but they are not lined with homes the way the other courses are.
The southwest part of the county contains both the Scioto and Olentangy Rivers. I’m not a geologist but it seems there is more variance to the terrain between the rivers, providing more opportunity for the wooded, ravine lots that many home buyers like.
The southeast part of the county has the big water reservoirs with Alum Creek and Hoover. Both offer boating opportunities, albeit they have different motor restrictions.
Dublin and Powell already had groceries and retail, but those types of commercial buildings have expanded to keep pace with the housing. Dublin added Perimeter Mall and Powell added the shopping at Powell Rd and Sawmill Pkwy.
Some of the northern most housing developments in the Lewis Center area were several miles from groceries, gas stations, and fast-food eateries, but with the recent addition of some new stores along Rt 23 at Lewis Center Rd, that is changing.
Columbus State Community college recently opened along Rt 23 and Ohio Health is at a certain stage of providing convenient health care for the area.
More growth along Rt 23 between Powell Rd and Cheshire Rd was on the drawing board but it has been put on hold due to the economic downturn.
Southern Delaware County is primarily served with four school districts: Dublin, Olentangy, Westerville and Big Walnut. Olentangy covers the largest geographical part of the southern part of the county.
Like thousands of others, I’ve found the county to be a great place to live and work. If you would like to join us, give me a call and we’ll go house shopping.
Wedgewood Golf & Country Club is the focal point for the Wedgewood subdivision in Powell. The area was part of the BIA Parade of Homes in the early 90′s, with two main streets circling the main part of the golf course. Wellington Bl aligns along the west side then circles around to the south where it then becomes Fairway Dr which runs parallel along the east side of the course.
Soon after you enter the subdivision (on Wellington Bl) there are three streets (Oxford, Tavistock & Gleneagle) which contain patio homes, sometimes called cluster homes due to their smaller lots. This style of home is popular for people who want a large luxury home but with less lawn care thanks to smaller lawns.
Yesterday I mounted my camera on my dash as I drove around the area. It may appear that I was speeding, but trust me, I was going less than the posted 25 mph limit. I think it’s the camera angle … at least that’s my story and I’m sticking to it.
So far this year, 14 homes have sold in Wedgewood at an average price of $550K. The highest price so far this year is $910K. In the Fairway Dr area there are many free-standing and attached condos or fee-simple homes. YTD, three have sold at an average price of $236K.
Wedgewood is located in the Olentangy school district and in Liberty Township which is outside the city limits of Powell. Visit these other sites for more information:
It’s nearly time for the fun party near the Bogey Inn, called the Dam Jam, in Shawnee Hills. Shawnee is a “tiny” area at the northeast corner of Muirfield Village and just west of the Columbus Zoo, across the bridge over O’Shaunessy Dam. The section of Glick Rd near the dam and the Bogey Inn will be closed to vehicle traffic. As the sign says, the party will occur July 16, 5:00-12:00 pm. Go and have lots of fun. See Google Map.
I’ve added a new video to my YouTube channel (ReesesPeanutTeam). It’s a video of the luxury patio home that is for sale in Wedgewood golf community. Visit my channel (link above) to see other videos that I’ve done.
Give me, or your agent, a call to see this lovely home in person.
Next week is the PGA Memorial Tournament, but as usual, this week Muirfield Village is getting all “prettied up” ready to put on a good show to all the media, dignitaries and thousands of guests that will be in Dublin for the event.
The special flags have been installed on the light poles and parking signs are up. All the landscaping is well-manicured. It’s very common to see many landscape crews working on resident’s lawns. Some of them rent their homes out for the week, then stay in local hotels. I knew a family who did that, as it was a money-maker for them.
The Tournament begins May 31 with practice rounds through June 2. On June 1, there is a Military Appreciation Day. Those with appropriate military ID can enter for free. The Skins Game is on June 2, plus it’s Junior Golf Day, so kids under 18 can get in free with a ticketed adult. The actual tournament runs June 3 -6. At this time, Tiger is reported to be playing. (no comment)
I was offered tickets for one of the practice rounds, but decided to pass on them. I don’t trust Chief Leatherlips and what he may do to the weather.
I used to play quite a bit of golf years ago. I played in a weekly league and often played another 18 on the weekend. I really enjoyed the game, but naturally had the usual frustrations that can go with it. Thanks to my previous career, I had the opportunity to play at many nice resorts in Florida, Arizona and Colorado. I couldn’t drive as far as the guys did, but I hit it straight and was pretty good at chipping and putting, so I held my own.
I previously wrote an article about one particular golf outing where I hit my husband with a driver. No it wasn’t a story like Tiger, as it was an accident. It really was.
This is your opportunity to own a custom-built, ranch patio home in the popular Wedgewood golfing community. This home has a tree-line view with professional landscaping for added privacy when you relax or entertain on the deck or in the screened porch. The inviting stone entrance leads you to the vaulted ceiling foyer which leads to the spacious living room or to the den (can also be a 3rd BR). The living room features a marble surround gas fireplace, raised tray ceiling and 3-panel door to the deck.
The elegant dining room and kitchen are wonderful rooms for preparing and enjoying your favorite gourmet meal. Atrium doors in the dining room access the screened porch to enjoy an after-dinner coffee.
Off a hallway to the owner’s suite, is a 2nd bedroom, 2 full baths and a laundry with cabinets and sink. The owner’s suite also has a tray ceiling plus a door to the screened porch.
An open stairway in the living room accesses a finished lower level family/rec room. Nearby is a partially finished room that is plumbed and ready to be a kitchenette. There are also 2 large storage areas in the lower level.
For better viewing, click MENU then FULL SCREEN.
The main floor is 1936 sq ft with another 800 sq ft in the lower level for a total living space of 2736 sq ft. Upgraded woodwork, ceramic floors and beautiful cabinets add to the beauty of this home. You can make it yours for $399,000. Google Map
Helping home sellers & buyers with their real estate in Delaware & Franklin counties, including the suburbs of Powell, Dublin, Lewis Center, Galena, Worthington, Hilliard & Delaware.
MY FEATURED LISTINGS
Click photos for more detailsExecutive-style home near Hoover Reservoir on 3 acres. Enchanting contemporary home nestled in trees & overlooking a ravine.SOLD for $542,000!Luxurious patio home in Wedgewood golf community. This custom-built, high quality ranch has a wonderful floor plan designed for convenience and entertaining. 2736 SF of available living space. PRICE JUST REDUCED TO $399,000!Charming, custom built home on 5 ac with woods. Convenient to Powell, Dublin & O'Shaunessy marina.SOLD for $300,000 in 1 day for 100% of list price!
Emerald Ash Borer articles
Click image to read all the articles about my personal saga with the Emerald Ash Borer damage to my tree.
A local newspaper reporter called me this morning to discuss the housing growth that has occurred in southern Delaware County this decade. I’m usually nervous about talking with the media for fear of being mis-quoted. I hope he doesn’t do that.
