WESTERVILLE

In the northeast corner of Franklin county, about 15 miles from downtown Columbus and 12 miles from the Port Columbus Airport, is the community of Westerville.  Founded in 1806 by a group of New England settlers, this quiet town became known as the "Dry Capital of the World" when, in 1918, it became the headquarters of the Anti-Saloon League.  It was here that the 18th Amendment, which ushered in Prohibition, was authored.

Today, Westerville is a mix of the old and the new.  With its brick sidewalks and and picturesque shops, the Uptown Westerville business district is charming and surrounded by nostalgic old homes.  There are museums, bed-and-breakfasts and ice cream parlors and the town remains "dry" in honor of its heritage.  In the newer parts of the city are shopping centers, restaurants, health clubs and modern housing developments.  Money Magazine has named it one of its Top 50 American Towns.

The tenth largest school district in the state of Ohio, Westerville has 16 elementary schools, 4 middle schools and 3 high schools.  There are 3 K-5 schools with specialized curriculum and an International Baccalaureate Program in the high schools.  It is also the home of Otterbein college, a small, private liberal arts college known for its drama and music departments.  Otterbein's productions are highly regarded and are open to the public.

The Westerville area operates 38 parks and recreation facilites and is the home of the 121-acre Inniswood Metro Gardens.  In 2001, it opened a 96,600 square foot Community Center in the northern part of the city, with 2 indoor pools and state-of-the-art fitness equipment.  For sailing, fishing and picnicking enthusiasts, scenic Hoover Reservoir is located at the edge of the city.

Many types of homes can be found in Westerville -- from an old-fashioned in-town cottage or bungalow to a newer home in a family-oriented subdivision.  Prices fall between $90,000 and $1 million.