Columbus, Pickerington, and Reynoldsburg Ohio Homes and Property

Tri-County 1st Choice Realty Community and City Information

Tri-County serves communities in the counties of Franklin, Licking and Fairfield in Central Ohio. To find out more about the communities we serve click on one of the following links:

[Columbus] [Canal Winchester] [Groveport]
[Pataskala] [Pickerington] [Reynoldsburg]

As a rapidly developing international business center, Columbus is exploding with opportunities in the areas of High Technology, Banking, Finance, Insurance, Real Estate, Wholesale and Retail Trade, and other service industries. Corporations that are internationally recognized for excellence, such as CompuServe, Battelle, OCLC, Chemical Abstracts, Worthington Industries, The Limited Inc., Sterling Commerce, Banc One Corporation, Nationwide Insurance Enterprises Inc., Huntington Bancshares, Cardinal Health, Wendy's International, as well as many others, call Columbus home. Columbus is the 16th largest city (pop. 675,045), and 29th largest metropolitan area (pop. 1,437,512), in the United States. As the capital of the state of Ohio, Columbus serves the state's population of 11,150,506 and is within a two-and-a-half hour driving radius of all points within the state. The Columbus Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) consists of six counties: Franklin, Delaware, Fairfield, Licking, Madison and Pickaway.

The Columbus MSA was recently cited as the eighth fastest-growing metropolitan area in the country. Since the mid-1940's, Columbus is the only major city in the northeast quadrant of the United States that has shown a consistent growth pattern. Columbus is often selected as a test market site because of its central location and connection with the pulse of the country. Columbus is also a developing hub for air passengers, and distribution and warehousing services.

Ohio's capital is located in the heart of the Buckeye State and is one of the nation's fastest growing metropolitan areas. The community offers its residents a wide variety of cultural, sports and entertainment opportunities. And with a rock-bottom unemployment rate, jobs in Greater Columbus are plentiful!

The arts and cultural amenities of Columbus rival those of any other major city in the United States. Residents enjoy exciting downtown festivals, world-class restaurants, and an abundance of diverse cultural activities.

Interested in sports? Columbus is home to the Columbus Clippers, Triple A affiliate of the New York Yankees; the Columbus Quest, champions of the ABL; perennial playoff contenders the Columbus Chill, and the hardest working team in Major League Soccer, the Columbus Crew. Add to that list the teams representing The Ohio State University and the 15 other area colleges and universities, and people in Columbus have plenty to cheer about.

In addition to the many higher-learning institutions, some of the biggest names in insurance, banking and technology also call Columbus home. These major corporations, the low cost of living and reasonable real estate prices help keep the economy booming.

The business and educational climate in Columbus, along with it's youthful populace, and Midwestern flavor, makes Columbus a home for the future.

Canal Winchester, located midway between Columbus and Lancaster, was founded in 1828. History plays an important role to this community, with four historic districts containing many homes and businesses listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Canal Winchester has also been named a Tree City USA community for the past four years, and received its Growth Award for 1996 for continuing work to create tree-lined-streets within the community. Canal Winchester's downtown business district, containing a mix of retail shops, restaurants and office space, has been revitalized.

Canal Winchester offers a multitude of activities for both visitors and residents alike. The Canal Winchester Area Historical Society offers steam engine train rides twice a year. There is an annual three day Labor Day Festival celebration in the downtown business district. The festival provides a mixture of entertainment, a street fair, and amusement rides; culminating with the largest Labor Day parade in Central Ohio. The village, the local Chamber of Commerce and the downtown businesses annually celebrate Christmas in the Village, with the lighting of a Christmas tree, horse-drawn carriage rides, business open houses, and the opportunity for the little ones to meet Santa.

Canal Winchester is home to American Legion, Community Children's Club, C.W.A.C.C., Happy Herald's, Historical Society, Human Resources, Kiwanis, Labor Day Committee, Lions Club, Potters Lodge, Sportsman Club, and VFW

One night in the winter of 1847 in William James' copper shop in Rarey's Port, the village of Groveport was founded. More than a score of citizens assembled in the small one-story building on Walnut Street close to the Ohio and Erie Canal. For several years an argument had smoldered between Jacob B. Wert and William H. Rarey. In 1843 Wert had laid out Wert's Grove and Rarey had laid out Rarey's Port with only a section line dividing the two settlements. Each of these men was determined that his name should be perpetuated in the naming of the village.

Now, the citizens of both settlements were taking matters into their own hands. It was apparent to all that a compromise name would have to be adopted. At a second meeting in 1847, Dr. Abel Clark suggested the name Groveport and the name was readily adopted in April of 1847 and the village was incorporated.

Doing a lot of "little" things right makes a big difference, something people in Groveport know a lot about. It all began with a road, that turned into a street, was soon lined with shops stocked with goods delivered first by canal boats and trains, and then by road and air. Groveport became a great place to do business, making it a great place to live.

Groveport is located just 15 minutes from downtown Columbus and is the gateway to Rickenbacker International Airport, a designated foreign trade zone offering many cost savings in the area of cities, customs and quotas.

The sense of community here is rich with a proud heritage and progressive leadership. From a revitalized central village, to the preservation of a pioneer home, the people of Groveport know their success today has been the result of honest work, and determination. Groveport is represented by Kiwanis, Lions, Masonic Lodge, Scouts

Pataskala is one of the fastest growing communities in Licking County and the Columbus Metropolitan area. Situated approximately 17 miles east of Columbus, Pataskala is approximately a 25-minute drive from downtown Columbus.

Affordable housing, quality schools, and a rapidly developing local economy make Pataskala a favorite for individuals and families looking to relocate. Pataskala provides the atmosphere of small town life, with the advantage of close proximity to a major metropolitan area.

With active, innovative community development, a strong local school system, affordable housing, and a small-town atmosphere, Pataskala represents the best of opportunities for individuals and families.

The Lions Club, Sertoma, Scouts, and Volunteer Firefighters call Pataskala home.

The City of Pickerington and surrounding Violet Township, in Fairfield County, have undergone significant growth in the last ten years. From 1980 to 1990, the total population of the area has grown from 16,499 to 19,253.

The area is experiencing a boom in new development, particularly residential construction. From 1986 to 1989, city and county approved subdivisions added at least 1,403 new single family home sites in the area or 96% of all new home sites in Fairfield County.

In the extreme northwest corner of Fairfield County is Violet Township, incorporated in 1808. Named for the profusion of purple violets found blooming in the area, it was originally inhabited by Wyandotte, Shawnee and Mingo Indians. The area is rich in evidence of their culture, including artifacts and even some burial mounds.

The citizens of Pickerington and the surrounding township have always taken

great pride in their churches, schools, homes and institutions, and it is the sincere desire and hope of all to maintain these high standards.

Pickerington area residents have easy access to two parks located along Sycamore Creek as well as several parks and wildlife areas in surrounding communities.

The city of Pickerington is governed by a mayor/city manager government established in the city charter. The charter calls for a seven member council, an elected mayor and a city manager employed by council.

The Pickerington Public Library has more than 40,000 volumes for community circulation, in addition to more than 3,800 audio-visual materials and 225 periodical subscriptions.

An extensive children's library is contained within the building. The children's library features pre-school story times, a summer reading program, a toddler and parent program, and various other special programs. There Is a 24-hour pre-recorded story available on the Library's "Teletale". That number is (614) 833-6411.

The Pickerington Public Library is located at 201 Opportunity Way. The phone number is (614) 837-4104. The Children's Library can be reached at (614) 837-0422.

Pickerington also is known for its reputation and fine blend of traditional values regarding basic education and overall child development along with a forward approach to the educational needs of children who will live and work in the 21st century.

The district now houses 5,400 students in six buildings including a new state-of-the-art high school. Currently three elementary schools, Fairfield, Pickerington and Violet (all K-4), feed students to the Middle School (5-6) to the Junior High (7-8) and High School (9-12).

Reynoldsburg is located on the eastern edge of the Columbus Metropolitan Area and the luxuriant Ohio glacial plain. Reynoldsburg incorporates 6.6 square miles and includes portions of Franklin, Licking, and Fairfield counties. It is surrounded on three sides by fertile, rolling farmland. The city lies almost at the geographical center of the state. Reynoldsburg is easily accessible from all areas of Ohio because of its location near l-270 (the Columbus outerbelt), I-70, and Port Columbus International Airport.

Reynoldsburg has experienced a phenomenal growth in recent years because of its quiet suburban location, accessibility, and the progressive nature of its people and their city government.

Reynoldsburg has six parks and recreational facilities totaling over 252 acres. Kennedy Park has four publicly owned lighted tennis courts. Other city parks inlcude; Civic Park, Huber Park, Rodebaugh Park, Pine Quarry Park, and the Livingston House Park and Museum.

The Blacklick Metropolitan Park draws people from all over Ohio who enjoy its 632 acres of recreational facilities which include a 36 hole golf course, nature preserve, four miles of marked trails, a four mile jogging and bike path, playground, and extensive picnic facilities complete with shelters.

The growth and development that makes Reynoldsburg a thriving, progressive community has not decreased its residents appreciation of its heritage. Reynoldsburg's past can be traced to 1801 when Thomas Jefferson signed the Act of Congress granted the land to Lieutenant Colonel Bradford to be appropriated for the refugees from Canada and Nova Scotia. The first settler on the site of Reynoldsburg was Thomas Palmer who came from Massachusetts in

1803. Some of the settlers came from Truro, Nova Scotia, from which Truro Township derived its name. These settlers traded with the Mingo Indians who cultivated the rich bottom land, and the Wyandottes who were great hunters and trappers.

The village of Reynoldsburg was platted in 1831 on the land of John D. French who named it "Frenchtown". In 1839 the name was changed to Reynoldsburg in honor of John C. Reynolds, the postmaster and later a representative in the Ohio General Assembly. The village was incorporated In 1840. The survey and construction of the national road brought more settlers and prosperity to the area. During the years just prior to the Civil War, Reynoldsburg was active in the Underground Railroad where many fugitive slaves were given temporary refuge during their escape into free states or Canada.

Reynoldsburg is noted as the "birthplace of the tomato" because of its famous resident, horticulturist Alexander W. Livingston (1821-1898). Livingston became internationally known for his development of the tomato for commercial use. The "Paragon" tomato, the first known commercial variety, was first grown on Livingston's Buckeye Farm located at 1792 Graham Road. In October, 1965, the Franklin County Historical Society dedicated a plaque in honor of his historic work.

The idea for a tomato festival first surfaced October 22, 1965 at the dedication of the plaque in front of the Reynoldsburg Municipal Building recognizing Alexander W. Livingston for his contribution and declaring Reynoldsburg the birthplace of the tomato.

The activities for the festival include the selection of the Tomato Festival Queen climaxing the festival parade. Other activities include Adult Dance, Art Show, Craft Shows, Flower Show, Free Entertainment, Photo Show, Raffle, Talent Show, Teen Dance, Tomato Products Exhibits, and Largest Tomato Contest and Tomato Product Sales.

Reynoldsburg City Schools provide quality education which is evidenced in its over 4,700 students.

At the four neighborhood elementary schools (K-5), full-time in music, art and physical education teachers supplement students' regular classroom work. In addition, each class visits the library-media center weekly, checking out books and learning library skills.

The Middle School (grades 6 and 7) and the Junior High School (grades 8 and 9) expand the students experience by providing curriculum in language expression, and performing groups in instrumental, string and vocal music. The Outdoor Education Week at Camp Wilson, for sixth grade students, is a favorite adventure. The Middle School also offers such successful programs as the Pupps Program, and the annual 6th grade Career Fair.

The Junior High curriculum adds a school-wide field trip to Washington D.C. for the students. Also available at the Junior High is the $100,000 Macintosh computer labs and Channel 1 News.

The High School offers a broad, comprehensive curriculum of approximately 76 different courses designed to meet the students academic needs. Reynoldsburg High School also offers instrumental, strings and vocal music departments recognized throughout the state for their excellent performances. The district is a member of the Ohio Capital Conference and provides a comprehensive athletic program. The year 1989 saw the girl's varsity volleyball team bring home a state championship. Items of note in the high school curriculum include the Tandy Corporation demonstration computer lab, the mentoring program, and advanced placement courses in English, calculus and European history.

Through the curriculum, students can take advantage of a comprehensive range of special programs including classes for specific developmental learning disabilities, as well as enrichment programs for students designated academically talented and gifted. The pupil personnel department provides a total guidance program for students in all grades.

All schools in the Reynoldsburg district have been recognized by the Ohio Department of Education by being awarded Effective School grants. Each school boasts active parent volunteer support groups from PTA to Band Boosters. These groups regularly organize school-related events, including large fundraisers and carnivals.

Private schools include St. Pius X Elementary School in Reynoldsburg, is operated by the Catholic Diocese of Columbus and serves over 500 students from Reynoldsburg and surrounding areas. Grades 1-8 are accommodated with a 30-to-1 student teacher ratio. Teachers are state certified.

The St. Pius School District includes the school districts of Reynoldsburg, Pickerington, Columbus, Southwest Licking and Licking Heights.

St. Pius School offers remedial reading, speech therapy, music, band, a physical education program and league sports with other schools. There is an excellent library and cafeteria service.