About Merion Village, Columbus, Ohio
Bordering German Village to the south, the Columbus district known as Merion Village boasts quaint, tree-lined streets, plenty of historic buildings, and a friendly, small-town ambiance. Home to a wealth of immigrants from many nationalities over the years, it’s a vibrant, friendly neighborhood that makes a perfect home for families or singles alike.
The History of Merion Village
Named for the Merion family who initially settled on a 1,800-acre plot of land in 1809, the district thrived as Ohio built a web of canals to transport produce into the cities. Ever the forward-thinking entrepreneur William Merion designated the area that would later become Merion Village as a port of entry for local canal traffic. Known for decades as “Merion’s Landing,” it was the pulse point of canal commerce going into and out of Columbus.
Much of the architecture in Merion Village hailed from the turn of the 20th century when an influx of immigrants from Germany, Ireland, Italy, and Eastern Europe settled in the area. From 1910 to 1930, industry boomed as Merion Village became a manufacturing center. Residents nicknamed the area “Steelton” in honor of two steel processing plants, and the plentiful jobs led to a boom in house construction. Many of the charming brick homes that line the streets today had their start during this industrial renaissance. Today the boundaries of Merion Village match almost exactly the original plot of land held by the Merion family more than two hundred years ago. It remains a thriving residential area today, home to descendants of the first settlers and plenty of newcomers who enjoy the area’s sturdy homes, convenient access to the heart of Columbus, and the strong job market.
Real Estate Options in Merion Village
The median home value in Merion Village is $177,000, just below the national average. Rental prices fall slightly above the national average at $970. Most residents rent their homes, numbering 54 percent, while 46 percent own their homes. In contrast to neighboring German Village, the district typically has larger plots of land and lower prices for comparably sized houses.
Newest Listings:
Most real estate in Merion Village is single-family homes dating from 1910 or later. Square footage averages around 1,400 and most lot sizes range between 6,000 to 8,000 square feet. Because many of the homes date to the early 20th century, a thriving business of restoring these homes to their original grandeur has become popular in recent years. There are a few modern apartment buildings in the district, but many of the area’s rentals are single-family homes, with some being divided into town homes or condominium blocks for multiple families.
Real estate in Merion Village is currently a good investment, with tempting asking prices that promise to outpace the national rate of appreciation in the future. The low crime rate, access to public schools, reasonable housing prices, convenient bus routes into Columbus, and charming atmosphere make it a desirable place to start a family or enter into the property ladder.
Things To Do in the Area
There are plenty of eateries and pubs in Merion Village, many harking back to the early German and Irish influx of immigrants with appropriately themed menus. Enjoy authentic Bavarian cuisine to the strains of a live oompah band or sip a pint of Guinness in a cozy Celtic pub. While modern bistros and world cuisine abound, much of the area’s food culture sticks closely to its European roots.
There are two main green spaces in Merion Village, Moeller Park, and Schiller Park. Moeller Park features a historic plaque celebrating it as the site of a homestead several hundred years ago and also features children’s play equipment, picnic facilities, and dog-friendly spaces. Schiller Park dates to 1857 and is just shy of 24 acres in size. Gardens, a basketball court, an outdoor stage, a dog park, and recreation facilities are some offered activities.
Fill the evening hours with bar-hopping or a trip to the cinema. Cultural activities include the annual guided Art Walk on July 30th, highlighting local homes, churches, and civic buildings of historical note. The Merion Village Association is a group of residents that organize local fundraisers, community cleanups, and social meetups. They fill a calendar of events each year with celebrations like the September Art Festival, showcasing local artisans’ work. A House und Garden Tour also takes in the many green spaces throughout the district in the summer.
