Quality of life.
QOL can be defined as the sum total of the things that really matter when people decide where to live.
When we undertook a re-branding project in 2017, we surveyed residents to determine what they value most about living in Delaware County. The resounding majority made it clear that the high quality of life here was most important to them. They value the excellent schools, the range of housing stock, local government’s commitment to public health and safety, and the easy access to not only nature but also to suburban and urban amenities.
As their county government, we are committed to preserving this high quality of life. Our leaders understand that a higher-than-average rate of population growth will continue because life in the county is so attractive, but we also understand we can guide this growth with effective strategic planning and by continuing to exercise fiscal prudence.
Learn more about what makes for our high QOL.
Schools
Our four public-school districts are among the highest-rated in the state of Ohio. We are also home to three private/parochial schools, as well as three institutions of higher learning.
Recreation
Arts, Culture & History
The Arts Castle (Delaware County Cultural Arts Center)
Big Walnut Area Historical Society
Delaware County District Library
Shopping
Downtown Delaware
Quaint and cool, Delaware’s downtown has become a popular destination in its own right with innovative shops, antique markets, microbreweries, a burgeoning arts district and great restaurants offering a variety of cuisines. First Friday evening events are a must-attend, as is the Delaware Arts Festival each May.
Central intersection: Sandusky and William streets, Delaware, OH 43015
www.delawareohio.net/welcome-delaware-visitors
Downtown Powell
Centered around the historic “Four Corners” area, downtown Powell is a hotbed of great restaurants, boutiques, antique stores and a village green that hosts events throughout the year, including the Powell Festival each June.
Central intersection: Liberty and Olentangy streets, Powell, OH 43065
www.powellchamber.com/list
IKEA Columbus
Delaware County became home to the second IKEA store in Ohio in 2017 and has been an immediate hit. Located just east of the Polaris Fashion Place mall, this Scandinavian home-furnishing superstore is part of a commercial district packed with great restaurants and hotels.
1900 IKEA Way, Columbus, OH 43240
(888) 888-4532
www.ikea.com/us/en/store/columbus
Polaris Fashion Place
Polaris Fashion Place and the surrounding district that has sprung up around it is one of the transforming indoor-shopping malls to take root in Central Ohio and continues to thrive and expand. The mall itself features anchors like Saks Fifth Avenue, Von Maur, Macy’s, Sears and JCPenney, as well as dozens of other stores and restaurants.
1500 Polaris Parkway, Columbus, OH 43240
(614) 846-1500
polarisfashionplace.com
Tanger Outlets | Columbus
Delaware County welcomed Tanger Outlets in 2016. This popular outlet destination features a mix of designer outlet stores and brand-name retailers in a spacious, pedestrian-friendly setting.
400 S. Wilson Road, Sunbury, OH 43074
(740) 965-2927
www.tangeroutlet.com/columbus
Dining & Food
Destination Delaware County Ohio Dining Guide
Delaware County’s tourism bureau maintains this guide to local dining. You can also stop in to their office for even more information and great deals!
34 S. Sandusky St., Delaware, OH 43015
(740) 368-4748
www.visitdelohio.com/places-to-eat
TripAdvisor
Here are links to top Delaware County dining destinations as determined by users of TripAdvisor, an online travel-review company.
City of Delaware: www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurants-g50267-Delaware_Ohio.html
City of Powell: www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurants-g50870-Powell_Ohio.html
Lewis Center/Polaris: www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurants-g50548-Lewis_Center_Ohio.html
Seasonal Farmers Markets (generally May/June through October, except where noted):
Delaware Farmers Market
Wednesdays, 3-6 p.m., and Saturdays, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Location: Sandusky Street between William Street and Winter Street, Delaware, OH 43015
(740) 362-6050
www.mainstreetdelaware.com
Powell Farmers Market
Saturdays, 9 a.m.-12 noon
Location: 240 N. Liberty St., Powell, OH 43065
(614) 888-1090
www.powellchamber.com
Powell Winter Farmers Market
Saturdays, 10 a.m.-12 noon, November-April
Location: Powell Chamber of Commerce, 50 S. Liberty St., Suite 170, Powell, OH 43065
(614) 888-1090
www.powellchamber.com
Sunbury/Big Walnut Area Chamber of Commerce Farmers Market
Saturdays, 9 a.m.-12 noon
Location: Sunbury Square, 51 E. Cherry St., Sunbury, OH 43074
(740) 965-2860
www.sunburybigwalnutchamber.com