If you're a Westerville resident then you've got good reason to be proud: Forbes and Trulia.com recently partnered to come up with the top ten friendliest U.S. cities, and Westerville came in at a VERY impressive #5 nationally! Perhaps it's no surprise to those of us that are already familiar with just how friendly the Westerville community can be, but isn't it nice to be acknowledged on a national scale? Just what did Trulia and Forbes use to determine their list anyway? Take a look and see:
Parks and Recreation
One factor that lead to Westerville coming in so high on the list was their dedication to providing the community with several options when it comes to outdoor (and even indoor) recreation. Westerville currently boasts around 40 parks and recreation facilities, including such gems as Alum Creek Park, The Everal Barn and Heritage Park, the newly built Highlands Park Aquatic Center, and the Westerville Community Center, all located within mere miles of each other near downtown. Sitting just off Cleveland Ave, the Westerville Community Center allows for year round activities and leisure for the entire family, including a full service indoor gymnasium with swimming pools, fitness facilities, climbing wall, indoor playground, and public meeting areas. The center offers a variety of services year round, from swimming lessons, to personal training sessions, to on-site daycare for parents using the facilities. Across the street, you'll find open green spaces set up for local soccer leagues as well as one of the many bike paths that link up to an additional 26 miles of walkable and bikeable leisure path. No matter how you like to exercise or play, Westerville has options for every age and ability level.
Low Crime
Westerville also has a good track record when it comes to dealing with crime in the community, and can boast a crime rate of less than half the national average. A low rate of violent crimes are reported annually, which is impressive for a city with 36,120 citizens total. One reason for this may be the involvement of the Westerville Police Force in the community, who has instituted a number of programs to aid residents, including Project Lifesaver, the Path Watch program, Neighborhood Speed Watch, Helping Hands, National Night Out, and a program to teach women self-defense methods that may be needed during an attack. The Police Force also participates in several community outreach programs specifically targeting children to teach them important safety skills and behaviors. It's not only the Police that have a talent for fighting crime in Westerville however; several neighborhoods have worked together to set up comprehensive neighborhood watches, relying on their strong friendships and connections to watch out for each other.
Community Engagement and Outreach
There is literally something for everyone in Westerville when it comes to finding things to do. Westerville has been engaged in the arts for a long time now, with a dedicated Art League, Gallery 202 on State Street, and their annual Westerville Music and Arts Festival which takes place every summer. If you're looking for good live music, the city has been known to feature almost weekly performances from different bands and organizations, including their own Community Band and Symphony Orchestra. During the warmer months, several different groups perform at the Alum Creek Park Amphitheater located just down the hill from Otterbein University, who also boasts a wide array of musicians, singers, and actors that regularly entertain the Westerville community. Another big draw in the community is the monthly 4th Friday events held downtown from spring through the beginning of fall. This event allows area residents to explore local businesses (who usually hold sidewalk sales) and engage with area organizations that often set up booths along the street. Several other activities are organized year round to coincide with holidays, like their Independence Day celebration and parade, the Midnight Madness gathering and Halloween party, and the tree lighting ceremony in front of Town Hall during the holiday season.
When it comes to giving back to the community, Westerville has a lot to offer there as well. Several groups aid the Westerville area, like the American Legion, Habitat for Humanity, SOAR, The Westerville Area Resource Ministry, WARM, and Citizens for Humane Action. All of these organizations do their part to tackle areas of hardship experienced by people and families in the community, from collecting food and warm clothes, to assisting out of work parents and those going through hard times. Otterbein University, another prestigious member of the Westerville family has upheld a long tradition of giving back to the city and beyond as well with an emphasis on volunteering in their curriculum and student groups. With a dedication to helping others, plenty to do and see around the city, a low risk of crime, and the interconnected relationship of all its neighbors, it's no wonder that Westerville is one of the most friendly and likable cities in the country!
If you're ready to make the move to the #5 friendliest city in the U.S.A., we have plenty of beautiful one of a kind properties waiting to become your dream home.
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