Skip to main content
Here's Everything You Need To Know About Moving To Canal Winchester

Here Is What to Know When Moving to Canal Winchester, Ohio

  |     |   Living in Columbus

Moving to Canal Winchester Ohio, downtown shops
Welcome to Canal Winchester: A Hidden Gem in Ohio!

Canal Winchester offers the perfect blend of small-town charm and big-city convenience. Canal Winchester is less than 15 miles from downtown Columbus, yet has its own rich history dating back to 1828 that makes it unique in its own right. 

Whether you’re looking to make the move to Columbus or live in a quaint suburb like Canal Winchester and want to know more about hidden gems in the city, this article will highlight some of the best reasons to make Canal Winchester your home.

Historical Marker in Downtown Canal Winchester 

Rich History:

Canal Winchester was founded in 1828 by Reuben Dove and John Colman during the construction of the Ohio Erie Canal. Dove was frustrated the canal was being dug through his wheat field, but workers convinced him it would be better to build a town on the canal than sue the state. The first canal boat came through in 1831 and from there the town flourished due to transportation and agriculture. 

Local legend claims that Canal Winchester earned its official designation as a town on Halloween night in 1841. Two teenage boys hooked two horses up to the foundation of the Waterloo town post office and pulled it across the street to Winchester. With this, the town of Waterloo was no more and Canal Winchester was a legitimate village.

Canal Winchester Elementary School

Education in Canal Winchester: 

Canal Winchester is a great town for families. The Canal Winchester School District has 5 schools with an above-average rating. With a student-teacher ratio of 18 to 1, students receive personalized attention to help them thrive academically.

But education doesn't stop at the K-12 level. Nearby institutions such as Ohio University-Lancaster Campus, Columbus State, and The Ohio State University offer a wealth of educational opportunities for lifelong learners, all within a convenient 30-minute drive from Canal Winchester.

There’s a Columbus Library Branch in the heart of downtown that’s open Monday-Saturday. All Ohio residents can get their free library card on the Columbus Library website to access books, research, history and genealogy, and much more. 

Beautiful Apartment for Rent in Canal Winchester, Ohio

Real Estate & Homes: 

Most of Canal Winchester residents own homes, with an impressive 84% of the population owning their own homes. However, for those seeking the flexibility and convenience of renting, the town offers a diverse selection of rental options. What's more, renting in Canal Winchester comes with a significant cost advantage, with rental prices averaging 27% lower than the national average. For example, a 1-bedroom apartment typically costs around $1,018, while a 2-bedroom apartment averages $1,794, making living in this charming town both accessible and affordable for all. Whether you're looking to put down roots or seeking the perfect rental, Canal Winchester has something to offer every resident. Check out these locally managed apartments in Canal Winchester

Blues and Ribs Fest in Downtown Canal Winchester, Ohio

What to do in Canal: 

When it comes to entertainment and dining, Canal Winchester doesn't disappoint. Downtown Canal is a hub of activity, boasting festivals, shops, boutiques, and restaurants to explore. Don't miss the annual Labor Day festival, the oldest and largest in Ohio, featuring rides, musical entertainment, food trucks, and more. During the first weekend of August, the town holds the Blues and Ribs Fest, featuring live blues music, world-class ribs, children's activities, and a beer & wine garden. In early December, the city hosts Christmas in the Village, a holiday-themed festival with food, choirs, a gingerbread house contest, ice sculptors, and horse-drawn buggy rides.

Some of our staff’s favorite restaurants include Shade and Harvest Moon Craft Kitchen. Shade is known for its American-style pub food, like wings, subs, pizzas, and more! Harvest Moon is a quaint counter-serve cafe offering organic-leaning meals all day, plus coffee, beers, and cocktails. 

The Canal brewery scene has expanded in the last few years, especially with the addition of BrewDog DogTap. In addition to BrewDog, find Homestead Taproom & Kitchen and Loose Rail Brewing. 

Beautiful Tall Pines Area Photo in Walnut Woods Metro Park near Canal Winchester, Ohio

For nature lovers: 

Canal Winchester is nestled between 4 Columbus Metro Parks. Just 7 minutes from the heart of Canal, find the picture-worthy Walnut Woods Metro Park. This 1,458-acre park features the Tall Pines Area with dramatic stands of pines and sweetgum trees. To the north of Canal is Pickerington Ponds Metro Park. This park is the premier spot for bird watching, with more than 260 species seen.

Pickerington Ponds is connected to Three Creeks Metro Park to Canal Winchester’s northwest by a 16-mile trail. Three Creeks is known for its canoeing, kayaking, and fishing! Chestnut Ridge is the first ridge in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. With 486 acres, this park is great for mountain biking, fishing, and hiking. 

Check out these Metro parks and more on the Columbus Metro Parks website.

Shops in Downtown Canal Winchester, Ohio

Economy: 

The City of Canal Winchester is home to more than 300 businesses from small family-owned operations to larger corporate headquarters. Its industry is automotive suppliers, logistics, and manufacturing. Columbus is only a short 20-minute drive and has many larger employers like Ohio Health, Ohio State University, Huntington, Limited Brands, and many more. 
Additionally, the John Glenn International Airport is only 20 minutes away and is within reach of 60% of the US population within a day’s drive. 
 

Welcome to Canal Winchester!

Canal Winchester is a growing city and is very welcoming to new businesses. The city's website offers a comprehensive list of resources, and businesses can expect ample support, including assistance for small businesses, property tax exemptions, grants, and various other incentives.

With its welcoming community, top-notch schools, vibrant downtown, and access to nature, Canal Winchester truly has something for everyone. And for those seeking a comfortable and convenient living experience, don't miss out on the Oakwood-managed apartment communities in and around Canal Winchester! Whether you're considering a move or just passing through, explore all that this hidden gem in Ohio has to offer and discover the perfect home with Oakwood. Welcome to Canal Winchester!

Comments are closed.