Ohio's Hands-Down Best County To Live In Is Filled With Endless Outdoor Fun And A Vibrant Food Scene

The Columbus metropolitan area has grown rapidly over the years, with many flocking to the region for its outdoor opportunities, dining scene, and quality of life that retains its Midwestern charm and identity, all of which describes the region's second most populous county, Delaware. Situated north of Franklin County, Delaware County is one of the fastest-growing areas of the Buckeye State, with a population of over 240,000 and an annual increase of about 5,000 people, according to World Population Review. While people are moving to this suburban county by the U-Haul truckload every year, Delaware County has not lost its charm, with many areas still retaining their easy-going Midwestern character.

Delaware County was created in 1808, and is named after the Delaware people, who were displaced westward in the 1700s after European settlers and other conflicts pushed them out from their original lands on the East Coast. In 1816, the city of Delaware was incorporated as the county seat, and in recent years, the county has benefited from the rapid growth of the Columbus region, with new businesses and restaurants opening all the time. Today, Delaware County is considered one of the state's most well-rounded destinations, a county that combines outdoor recreation with a thriving food scene, all wrapped up within the family-friendly atmosphere the Midwest is known for; so much so that Niche ranked it as the top county to live in Ohio.

As the Columbus metro area has expanded and added new residents, the surrounding region's dining scene has grown as well. Delaware County has a variety of restaurants, with excellent options spread across the county. In downtown Delaware, Old Dog Alehouse & Brewery serves house-brewed beer alongside a menu of burgers, nachos, salads, and other American fare. The restaurant was conceived by its brewmaster, executive chef, and general manager, who wanted to create a casual place where diners would feel at home. Another Delaware standout is Bun's Restaurant and Bar, a local favorite since 1864. Its straightforward menu of burgers and sandwiches pairs with cheap draft beer and wines, all served in a historic, homey setting.

Beyond Delaware, the county's smaller communities also have independent restaurants worth seeking out. The Rusted Nail Tavern in Ashley combines a full-service bar with a sports-bar-and-grill menu, and hosts live music on its patio. Further south in Galena, the Cheshire Market at the corner of Cheshire and Africa Roads may look like a typical country convenience store from the outside, but inside, this family-owned business has been serving pizzas, strombolis, and subs for over 40 years.

Several communities in Delaware County have grown rapidly in recent years. Take Delaware, the county seat, which has grown by over 14% since the 2020 census, according to World Population Review. Another area of the county that has grown rapidly is Powell, home of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium (more on this later), which has grown by over 4% since 2020, according to the same source. The county's growth has occurred alongside a substantial network of parks and other outdoor spaces.

Just east of Lewis Center is Alum Creek State Park, which surrounds Alum Creek Lake and features nearly 12 miles of trails, the largest inland beach in the state park system (according to the Ohio DNR), and a Storybook Trail, which starts on the lake's northern shoreline and changes themes throughout the year. At the beginning of the trail is a "little library" in which hikers can pick up a free book and leave one for another visitor to the trail. North of the county seat is Delaware State Park, which sits on Delaware Lake and features scenic trails, beaches, and camping opportunities. On the western side of the county is the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium, a nearly century-old institution that's home to more than 600 species and amusement rides, including a roller coaster, the Sea Dragon, which is over 70 years old.

If you want to explore more of the Columbus region, visit Downtown Columbus to experience its distinctive dining scene and artsy atmosphere. Alternatively, head west of downtown to Quarry Trails Metro Park, home to the nation's only urban via ferrata.