If you think that Olentangy -- as in the name of the river east of Powell, OH -- is a bit of a tongue twister, then be grateful that the original term has fallen out of favor. The Delaware word for the waterway was keenhongsheconsepung_, _which means "stone for your knife stream." The natives used to turn the shale on the shoreline into weapons.
When one of the highlights of a local government's annual report is how many trees it has planted, that city must care about the livability of its citizens. Or, in typical small town fashion, we suppose it could be that people there just don't have much else to report. In any case, Powell must be doing something right because CNN called it one of the best places to live and Forbes hailed it as one of the "best places to get ahead." The relative newness of the homes, the expansive floor plans, and the conscientious homeowners' associations (HOAs) combine to give you an excellent quality of life in Delaware County. If you're an arborist who loves a small town with proximity to a metropolitan area, allow us to be so bold as to welcome you home to Powell.
Moving to Powell
Apartments
You've only got a handful of choices for traditional rental apartments in Powell. One example is Emerald Lakes in the southwest corner of town. It actually has just one lake with a fountain in the middle (unless you count the separate swimming pool as another lake).
Your rent gets you central air, a frost-free fridge, washer-dryer connections, and a view of either the lake or the woods. Select units also allow Fido or Kitty to tag along. It's a straight shot down Sawmill Road to Interstate 270 a.k.a the Jack Nicklaus Freeway, making this community great for commuters.
Just be prepared to submit a lot of documentation if you want an apartment for rent here. You have to show two recent pay stubs, a photo ID such as a driver's license, three references with complete contact information, a Social Security card, and a credit card number, which is used to pay any damages above the security deposit. You also need to pay an application fee.
To find out what prospective managers at any apartment complex will know about your financial past, we suggest you order a copy of your credit report before you submit your rental application. If you find mistakes on the document, get them corrected post-haste by contacting the credit bureau that made the error. With so few rental options in Powell to start with, it would be a shame to miss out on an opportunity because of a credit score mistake.
Houses
If you want to live in a particular part of the city, you'll most likely need to choose from rental houses. Go easy on yourself by getting a real estate agent to show you what's available. An agent is familiar with what is currently for rent on the market, and can take a list of requirements and turn them into your dream home (fingers crossed!). She / he can also negotiate better terms because she / he may be dealing with landlords who have less-stringent tenant standards.
More than 70 percent of properties in Powell consist of single-family homes. We hope you like space, because more than half of the homes sprawl between 2,400 and 3,600 square feet. Places under 1,000 square feet comprise less than 1 percent of what's out there.
The average house is going to be newer than you are and have 2,608 square feet. Almost half the residences were built in the 21st century, and most of the rest came up between 1980 and 1999. Newer properties mean fewer maintenance problems.
Neighborhoods
Because hitting the links is almost a religion in town, you'll discover that many of Powell's more than three dozen communities surround golf courses. If you don't know how to swing a club yet, get some lessons stat!
Wedgewood: This neighborhood is part of the Wedgewood Golf and Country Club. Don't forget to pack your golf clubs before moving in!
Golf Village Estates: This neighborhood overlooks the 18 holes, spa, sauna, and gym of the Kingsdale Golf and Fitness Club. It's easy to cure boredom here.
Scioto Reserve: Guess what Scioto Reserve has? That's right, more golf. This neighborhood bundles a 25-acre park and swim club with its 18 holes.
The Retreat: This area features a lot of park space and a view of the Olentangy River, ravines, and old-growth trees over manicured greens. Because the community is near Route 315, you've got an easier commute to Columbus.
Sherborne Mews: Do you believe in "bigger is better?" Some homes here have two acres or more.
Deep Run: If storage space is more important, the oversized garages at rentals in this neighborhood should fit all of your toys, if you can't find room for them in the 3,000- to 7,000-square-foot homes. Get yourself a cup of coffee at Tim Horton's before you head out to work in the mornings.
Traditions of Powell: At the opposite end of the space scale are the three-level townhouses at Traditions of Powell. Its 2-bedroom, 2-bath units contain less 1,600 square feet and a detached garage. This community describes its style as Carolina beach house, with pastel sidings, white porch railings, and screened porches.
What to Do in Powell
The best way to explore the small boutiques and casual eateries of the historic center in Powell is by strolling and admiring the quaint commercial buildings made of wood siding, brick, and stone. If you happen to stop by during certain Sundays in May, July, and September, you'll enjoy Powell Street Markets, which sets a cornucopia of locally made goods, food, and antiques on the wide sidewalks.
For wilder thrills, head to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, which, despite its name, is set wholly within Powell. You'll spy bobcats, bonobos, manatees, and mandrills. You can also enjoy jungle-themed rides like the Journey to Zanzibar on a "ship" that swings to heights greater than five stories.
Similar to cities all across the country, Powell brings people together through typical annual events like an Easter Egg Hunt, Memorial Day Parade, and a tree-lighting ceremony called Holidays in Powell. But the city's also cooked up some unique shindigs. Touch-A-Truck in May allows visitors to climb and explore dozens of trucks and vehicles. The Powell Festival is an excuse to party for two days with food, live music, and fireworks, in the guise of honoring the past. And the Autumn Community Bonfire in October encourages guests to roast marshmallows over outdoor flames, accompanied by hot apple cider and live entertainment.
