We all know major cities like Columbus, Ohio have a lot going for them. But are you aware of Columbus’ near and dear cousin, Grove City, and all she has to offer? 

Sure, she’s a warm and welcoming suburb-- just 14 minutes from downtown Columbus makes her pretty darn accessible. Yet she bustles like a big little town with an eclectic taste for the past, and has a rich history, an abundance of outdoor attractions, restaurants, night life, and quaint boutiques. 

Grove City is a vibrant place to settle down, from its walkable historic city center, to its residential neighborhoods. Grove City has both a growing business climate and a friendly, civic atmosphere perfect for new families or those looking to retire. 

Not that anyone needs convincing (we certainly don’t!), here are six perks to living in Grove City to show you that moving here might just might be the best decision you’ve ever made. 

1. A City Rich with History

Founded in the mid 1800s, Grove City has a past just waiting to be discovered

Ohio is a state rich with midwestern, frontier history, and Grove City is no exception. First appearing on Ohio maps in 1852, the town was originally only 19 plots of land owned by William Foster Breck. Breck, and another 36 early residents, would sign a petition in 1866 and present it to county commissioners and Ohio legislators, putting the Village of Grove City officially on the map. 

The historic turnpike connecting Harrisburg and Columbus was also constructed in 1849, now Route 62, making Grove City a stopping post between the cities, and allowing Grove City residents easy access to more metropolitan areas. 

You can get a taste for centuries-old Ohio architecture by visiting the oldest house still standing in Grove City, called the Grant-Sawyer Home. Or, experience what life was like in the 1800s at the Century Village school house, barn, log cabin, and functional blacksmith forge. 

Check out the Grove City Welcome Center and Museum where you’ll discover an assortment of historical artifacts, an old bank vault, and even more information about the city’s past.

Oh, and Grove City is known as the birthplace for thoroughbred and greyhound racing in Ohio. Though both practices have left Grove City due to track closures and property sales, the sport still remains a part of the town’s history. There’s even a mural at the corner of Broadway and Park Street commemorating the city’s greyhound history.  

2. Vintage Finds and Antiques Galore

Shopping? No Need to ask twice!

If you like to scour clothing ranks and hunt for antique treasures, or maybe you just moved and want to revamp your wardrobe. Either way, Grove City’s Historic Town Center is a must stop for all your shopping needs. 

Located in the heart of town, the Historic Town Center is home to  Dapple + Dunn Collective boutique, where you can shop contemporary clothing collections, accessories, and jewelry. Shop consignment clothing at ReStyle Fashion, works of art and frames at Sommer House Gallery & Co., and three whole floors (crazy, right?!) of antique home decor at Country Hearth Primitives. 

For the all natural, earth conscious shoppers, look no further than The Farm Table on 62, which specializes in selling local care, baked goods, and organic food items. This shop also sells repurposed furniture and home decor, which might come in handy when picking

Honey House also offers some of the best local raw honey in the area, as well as honey bee products and their signature honey truffles. Hungry for something a bit more? Tommy’s Jerky Outlet has over fifty different varieties of all-natural jerky with an array of spice levels.

Residents of Grove City are never disappointed by their shopping options, especially during the holidays, so check out Grove City’s own shopping guide. It’s never too early to start getting inspired for next year’s holiday season. 

3. Outdoor Adventures

Experience the great outdoors at any of Grove City’s beautiful parks, natural green spaces, and recreation areas

If shopping is not your preferred pastime, maybe you’d enjoy exploring the natural beauty of Ohio’s sprawling landscape. No only is Grove City surrounded by rural fields, but it has a number of public parks and recreational areas to enjoy.

Just 15 minutes from the center of town, Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park boasts a 14,000 square foot nature center with a live stream and other interactive exhibits. Visitors can also canoe and fish at Osprey Lake, a 14-acre pond with a designated dog swimming area.

Speaking of dogs:  Breck Community Park can’t be missed. Named after the founder of Grove City, William Foster Breck, the park has dedicated off-leash dog play areas for canines of all sizes, in addition to walking paths and bike trails. 

For families looking to beat the summer hear, check out the Big Splash at Evans Park, an aquatic park that is the place for families in the summer. Swim for hours, race down water slides, and let the kids play with the park’s interactive water toys.

For individuals who are older, The Evans Center, located within Windsor Park, is an option for those 55+ looking to stay active, offering events and social opportunities to keep them young at heart. Within Windsor Park’s sprawling 38-acres, you can also find 11 baseball diamonds, batting cages, and tennis courts. (Fun fact: it’s also the oldest community park in Grove City!)

As if there wasn’t enough to love about Windsor Park, located inside is the Dream Field Playground, a play space for kids and adults of all ages and abilities built to accommodate all needs and provide a place for inclusive play. It has been added to the PlayCore National Registry and is acknowledged for being a leader in the creation of recreational opportunities for all. 

City Grove residents also have access to Community Disc Golf Course, paintball arena at LVL UP Sports, and the Big Bounce trampoline park. Truly, is there anything you can’t do in Grove City?

4. Year Round Events

No matter the season, residents of Grove City have something to look forward to

Bored? In Grove City? There’s no way, since the city plans events year round to keep residents entertained and connected. And lucky for us, they’ve created this helpful Grove City Adventure Guide book to layout all the events taking place this new year (and much more!)

While you can give the guide book a look, below are some special events to look out for in 2020.

The Smell of the Kill at the Little Theater Off Broadway

The show runs from Feb 28 - March 15

Watch the historic Little Theater Off Broadway put on this dark comedy about three angry wives and three miserable husbands at odds. Once having premiered on Broadway in New York for a short run, The Smell of the Kill “boasts lines and scenes that [will] have the audience laughing as uproariously as The Producers.”

Spring Craft Beer Fest at the Aladdin Shrine Center

March 28, 2 - 6pm

Calling all Hop Heads! Taste more than 100 craft beers, enjoy local food, and participate in a silent auction at the Spring Craft Beer Fest! All proceeds go to the Ohio State School for the Blind, as well as a number of other charities and nonprofits.  

Local Farmers Market at the Grove City Town Center

Every Saturday from May 23 - September 5, 8am - noon

Shop an assortments of fresh produce, locally raised meats, baked goods, and locally sourced products, all in the center of Grove City. And don’t forget to stop and watch the market cooking demos while you’re shopping around, too!

Grove City Ecofest at the The Historic Town Center

August 8 from 9am - 2pm

Perfect for families and small children, this free event celebrates eco-friendly and healthy living in Grove City. Enjoy live entertainment and crafts, browse workshops and demonstrations, ask questions about environmental sustainability at information booths, and enjoy local food and all-natural living products from an array of eco friendly vendors. 

Arts in the Alley at the Grove City Town Center

September 19 - 20

From its humble beginnings as a little art show behind local businesses, the Arts in the Alley is now a full-on crafts festival and parade that takes place down the main stretch of town. Expect floats, hundreds of pieces of art to view and buy, and live music to dance to. 

5. Amazing Food

Rest assured, you won’t go hungry in Grove City

Even though Grove City prides itself on its small town feel, its culinary diversity is something to be rivaled by any major city. You can “appease any craving” in Grove City with over 50 dining options, from national chains to local staples. 

For small bites, pop into Cattleman’s Pizza for a slice, or stop by Dragon Donuts for a cup of coffee and something sweet. Healthier snack options, teas, and coffee can also be found at City Grove Nutrition, a bright and comfortable coffee shop with plenty of space to sit back and relax.

Grove City’s first ever microbrewery is also a gem to be admired. Started in 2016, The Grove City Brewing Company has a hip atmosphere and serves up local bites and local brews in its adjoining restaurant. They even have live entertainment great for nights out with a large group of friends. 

Oh, and did we mention the 24 hour donut shop?! You read that right. At literally any time of day, you can grab a coffee and donut at Jolly Pirate Donuts, located on Southwest Boulevard, which has a vast selection of donut flavors, from classic finds to ones seasonally curated. 

Casual dining can also be found at the 3 Brothers Diner, a Mexican-Cuban-American fusion restaurant serving tacos, breakfast burritos, omelettes, and other Latin American foods.

Oh, and keep your eyes peeled for Grove City’s own restaurant week. This year’s experience has already passed, but don’t worry, because this is an annual event and is sure to return next year. 

6. It’s Easy to Treat Yourself

Sit back and relax. Grove City knows all about self care

Moving is hard. Acclimating to a new city can be even harder. Relieve some of that stress by exploring a few of the many spas and salons Grove City has to offer for men and women. Because sometimes a massage or a fresh cut is just what you need to feel at home. 

At Tranquil Massage & Wellness, indulge in a swedish/relaxation massage, or relieve some tension with a deep tissue massage. Tranquil also offers aromatherapy options,hot stone massages, and sugar scrub treatments. Most hour long massages start at $70, so you won’t be breaking the bank, either. 

For salon quality hair care, look no further than J. Anythony’s salon, Kenneth’s Salon and Day Spa, and Salon Lofts, all of which are locally owned and operated business and offer salon quality care for reasonable prices.

Looking for a more classic haircut experience? Men can step into the Grove City Barber Shop located right on Broadway, for no frills hair and beard care.

Are You Ready for Grove City, Ohio?

Whether you are considering a move to Grove City or just settled in, you’ll be sure to find a joyous, vibrant community of leaders and creatives looking to share all they have. Grove City is the ideal place to find your community, your people, and your new home. Welcome to the neighborhood!