What's It Like Living in Upper Arlington? A Planned Community From 1913, a National Register Historic District, and Mid-Century Neighborhoods North of Lane Avenue

Upper Arlington is its own city, northwest of downtown Columbus, and it was planned from the start. On Christmas Eve 1913, brothers King and Ben Thompson bought 840 acres of James T. Miller's farm to build a suburb modeled on the Country Club District in Kansas City. The village incorporated in 1918 and became a city in 1941. Locals call it UA.

Old Arlington. The original development, south of Lane Avenue, is the Upper Arlington Historic District, listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1985. Landscape architect William Pitkin Jr. laid out curving streets, generous setbacks, and permanent open space. The homes lean on the Period Revival styles popular from about 1915 to 1940, along with bungalows and Craftsman designs. The Mallway, built in the 1920s, was the city's first commercial district.

North of Lane Avenue. Upper Arlington grew quickly after World War II and annexed former Perry Township land as it did, so much of the city north of Lane is mid-century: ranches, split-levels, and two-story homes, with newer homes mixed in. Today the city covers 9.67 square miles and counted 36,800 residents in the 2020 census.

Shopping and dining. Lane Avenue, Kingsdale, Tremont Center, and the Mallway each have their own mix of restaurants, shops, and services.

Parks and libraries. Northam Park, the city's largest and most active, has athletic fields, tennis courts, a playground, and a pool. Thompson Park, the Reed Road Water Park, and a network of neighborhood parks fill out the system. The Upper Arlington Public Library has three locations: the main library on Tremont Road, Lane Road, and Miller Park, which is built around the Thompsons' original field office.

A long-running tradition. Upper Arlington's Fourth of July celebration dates back to the 1920s.

Getting around. The Ohio State campus, Grandview, and downtown are a short drive southeast. SR-315 is minutes to the east, and Riverside Drive follows the Scioto River on the city's west side.

School district. Upper Arlington is served by Upper Arlington City Schools. Many UA homes carry a Columbus mailing address, so confirm the municipality and district by address. Research schools through the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce and by visiting in person. I don't rate schools, and fair housing law doesn't allow steering.

Trade-offs. Many homes here are 60 to 100-plus years old, so budget for updated systems, and consider a sewer line camera inspection along with your standard inspection. Inventory is tight, especially in the historic district. If you're planning an addition or exterior changes, check the city's zoning and review requirements before you write an offer.

Want to compare Upper Arlington with Grandview Heights, Hilliard, or Dublin for your budget? Message me and I'll break down the differences.

Norby Fischer | Epique Realty | 614-230-1117 | norbyfischer@epique.me