Olde Towne East
This guide provides an overview of Olde Towne East, one of Columbus, Ohio’s oldest and most vibrant neighborhoods. Olde Towne East is a historic neighborhood located in Columbus, Ohio, and is one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods. You’ll learn about its history, architecture, community amenities, real estate market, and what makes it a unique place to live. Whether you’re considering moving to the area or simply want to learn more, this page will help you discover why Olde Towne East stands out as a special place in Columbus.
Introduction
Olde Towne East is a neighborhood located in Columbus, Ohio, and is one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods. Known for its grand Victorian homes, vibrant community, and thriving local scene, Olde Towne East offers a unique blend of historic charm and modern amenities. The area is home to popular local dining and nightlife options, including beloved eateries such as Gemüt Biergarten. Residents enjoy a lively atmosphere with a variety of coffee shops, cafés, bakeries, bistros, BBQ joints, and bars. The neighborhood is experiencing steady growth, with homes being renovated and new families moving in, making it an exciting place for those seeking a blend of history and modern living. If you’re looking for a neighborhood with character, community spirit, and ongoing revitalization, Olde Towne East is a top choice in Columbus.
Location and Accessibility
Perfectly positioned in the eastern part of Columbus, Olde Towne East offers residents and visitors unbeatable access to the best of city living. The neighborhood’s boundaries are defined by several notable streets and landmarks, including Kendall Place and Latta Avenue, with its southern edge along Interstate 70 and its western boundary near Interstate 71. Nestled near the intersection of East Broad Street and Bryden Road, Olde Towne East is just minutes from downtown Columbus, making it an ideal spot for commuters and anyone who wants to enjoy the energy of the city while living in a more relaxed, historic setting. Major thoroughfares like Broad Street and Main Street run through the area, providing easy connections to the Short North, Franklinton, and other popular neighborhoods.
Olde Towne East is also well-served by public transportation, with bus routes along Main Street, Broad Street, and other key streets, making it simple to get around the city without a car. For those who drive, quick access to Interstate 70 and Interstate 71 means the suburbs and other parts of Columbus are just a short trip away. Nearby, Bexley stands out as a historic and affluent residential community known for its neighborhood charm, cultural heritage, and notable landmarks. With its blend of historic charm, walkable streets, and proximity to the city’s top destinations, Olde Towne East truly offers the best of both worlds.
What Will You Find In Olde Towne East?
The neighborhood is peppered with small businesses and storefront eateries. There’s an abundance of local fares, including:
- Coffee shops
- Cafés
- Bakeries
- Bistros
- BBQ joints
- Bars
All of these are within a short walk, making Olde Towne East a lively and thriving hive of activity.
The Lincoln Theatre is also just right up the road at Garfield and Long. This majestic performance space is a restored 1928 Egyptian-style theatre and an important site for African American and jazz history. It was recently a winner of the James B. Recchie Design Award from the Columbus Landmarks Foundation. Locals know the Lincoln Theatre for its phenomenal jazz performances both past and present.
Additionally, the Columbus Health Department, IMPACT Community Action, and the American Red Cross of Greater Columbus are housed in Olde Towne East.
The area also has a strong neighborhood association that is focused on improving the area and keeping it safe.
Beyond its vibrant businesses and eateries, Olde Towne East is also a neighborhood rich in history.
Rich In History
The history of Olde Towne East tells of a range of diverse interests and achievements. The neighborhood evolved from farmhouses to a subdivision in the 1870s, reflecting its dynamic growth. Since its inception, Olde Towne East has been home to famous architects, businessmen, visual artists, and even a two-time Miss America.
Olde Towne East features more than 50 architectural styles due to its history, and its unique architectural style results from the social mixing of rich and poor residents. Today, the neighborhood is known for its educated and artistic residents and is part of an exciting business improvement program that provides technical assistance, capital improvements, and planning services for business organizations.
Olde Towne East is predominantly African American, with a sizable gay and lesbian population. Most residents have at least a bachelor’s degree and earn between $13,000 to $35,000 annually. The area also has a higher enrollment rate in education compared to the rest of Columbus, indicating a predominantly young population.
While known for its architecture, there is no one distinct style that defines Olde Towne East. Its eclectic blend of architectural styles is a direct result of over half a century of many different social and economic classes living in close proximity. The unique architectural style of Olde Towne East comes from the social mixing of rich and poor residents, with some homes literally right next door to each other constructed decades apart and in their own specific styles, modern to their times.
With more than 50 architectural styles resulting from its long, rich history, Olde Towne East is a true treasure of Ohio. In the 1970s, a neighborhood association emerged to preserve the legacy of Olde Towne East, ensuring its historical and architectural significance would be maintained for future generations.
As you explore the neighborhood’s past, you’ll also discover the many amenities that make Olde Towne East a great place to live today.
Community Amenities in Olde Towne East
Olde Towne East is celebrated for its vibrant community amenities that enrich daily life for residents and visitors alike.
Parks and Green Spaces
The neighborhood is dotted with inviting parks and green spaces, including:
- Kwanzaa Playground, where children can play and families gather for outdoor fun
- Franklin Park, offering expansive gardens and scenic walking paths
- Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, a tranquil retreat in the heart of the city
Local Businesses
Local businesses are at the heart of the community, with spots like Upper Cup Coffee serving as popular meeting places for friends, remote workers, and newcomers eager to connect. Other local favorites include:
- Gemüt Biergarten
- A variety of coffee shops, bakeries, and bistros
- Unique boutiques and specialty stores
Community Events
The sense of community is strong, with residents taking pride in their neighborhood’s history and working together to create a lively, inclusive environment. Annual community events include:
- Summer Tour of Historic Homes
- Hot Times in Olde Towne Festival
- Holiday Hooplah festival (held in December)
- Music in the Garden
- Musical performances at the Community Garden
Whether you’re enjoying a cup of coffee, browsing local shops, or attending a neighborhood event, there’s always something happening in this diverse and welcoming area.
From its amenities and events, Olde Towne East continues to grow and thrive, making it an attractive destination for new residents.
About Olde Towne East Real Estate
The real estate market in Olde Towne East was hit pretty hard during the recession that resulted from bad lending practices circa 2004-2008, but as of 2023, it appears the market in this neighborhood has recovered. The amount of city, bank-owned, and short-sale houses is dwindling fast, while regular home prices are rising for sellers and buyers are finding more and more homes in better condition for moving in.
In recent years, new families and residents have moved into Olde Towne East, drawn by its revitalized housing and vibrant community. Community pride in Olde Towne East is demonstrated through active events and a strong neighborhood spirit. Large front porches are a signature feature of OTE, fostering social interaction among neighbors.
Because of its friendly, welcoming atmosphere and community, its live events, and residents’ efforts to provide even the oldest houses with greener, more modern energy efficiency systems, Olde Towne East is as young at heart as it ever was.
As the real estate market continues to improve, economic development and growth are bringing even more opportunities to the neighborhood.
Economic Development and Growth in Olde Towne East
Olde Towne East is in the midst of an exciting era of economic development and growth, drawing new energy and investment into the neighborhood.
Shops, Restaurants, and Entertainment
The area is bustling with a variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues that cater to the diverse tastes of its residents. One of the highlights of the local calendar is the Hot Times in Olde Towne Festival, a vibrant music festival held every September that brings together the community for live music, food, and art. This event, along with other neighborhood gatherings, showcases the creative spirit and strong sense of community that defines Olde Towne.
Revitalization and New Developments
The neighborhood’s proximity to downtown Columbus and the adjacent Franklin Park neighborhood has made it a magnet for new businesses and housing developments. As more people discover the historic charm and convenient location of Olde Towne East, the area continues to attract young professionals, families, and entrepreneurs looking for a dynamic place to live and work.
The ongoing revitalization of Franklin Park and the influx of new shops and services are helping to create a thriving local economy, while preserving the unique character and history that make Olde Towne East a beloved part of Columbus.
Community Events and Festivals
Annual events and festivals, such as:
- Hot Times in Olde Towne Festival
- Summer Tour of Historic Homes
- Holiday Hooplah
bring residents together and foster a strong sense of community.
With its blend of old and new, and a community that celebrates both tradition and progress, Olde Towne East is poised for a bright future.
What’s Going On In and Around Olde Towne East?
Major revitalization efforts are underway or in planning for Olde Towne East, which is actively involved in the Neighborhood Commercial Revitalization Program (NCR). This program supports business improvement in the district by matching funds and grants for business training, education, and loans in several cities in the Northeastern United States and the District of Columbia.
The neighborhood is experiencing steady growth, with homes being renovated and new families moving in. There is a mix of small entrepreneurial businesses in the area, thanks to the historical nature of the buildings and value-priced real estate.
There are also plans to makeover Parsons Avenue – the Parsons Avenue Streetscape Project. According to Columbus Division of Design & Construction Project Manager and Utility Coordinator Cristina Parady, this project is a capital infrastructure project by the City of Columbus with significant economic development considerations for Olde Towne East and the entire Near East area. This project would bring improvements to the infrastructure and environment, and provide a public art component as well. However, the area has faced challenges with environmental contamination of the ground at former industrial sites, which has impacted some development efforts.
The Trolley District is a major new retail development located between Olde Towne East and the Franklin Park neighborhood. Many residents have been looking forward to this project to add some much-needed retail and restaurant options to the neighborhood. The neighborhood is experiencing a major renovation due to a string of new businesses emerging. Demographic shifts are also evident, with a group of white collar workers forming a new middle class in the area. While these changes bring revitalization, there are concerns about the neighborhood becoming gentrified and how redevelopment is impacting the original community and character of Olde Towne East.
As the neighborhood continues to evolve, it remains a dynamic and welcoming place for both longtime residents and newcomers.
Should You Live in Olde Towne?
Olde Towne has seen a recent boom in both redevelopment and new construction. Family-friendly events in Olde Towne East include:
- Music in the Garden
- Summer Tour of Historic Homes
- Holiday Hooplah festival (held in December)
If you are looking for an up-and-coming neighborhood with a lot of history for your next home, this would be a great area to consider. Below is a list of the latest listings in the area:
