Blacklick, OH 55+ Active Adult Retirement Communities

Blacklick, a suburb of Columbus, is a small unincorporated community in Central Ohio popular for its easy access to the city. Its low cost of living and local outdoor recreation make it a hotspot for retirees. Besides that, residents enjoy Blacklick's tight-knit community and small-town charm.

Climate and Geography

The climate in Blacklick is humid continental, which is characterized by warm, muggy summers and cold, dry winters.

The Blacklick Creek flows through the town, and the region is located within the Till Plains and Appalachian Plateau.

Recreation, Culture, & Entertainment

Blacklick is best known for its outdoor recreation. The Gahanna Woods and the Blacklick Ridge Community park are great places for relaxing walks through wooded trails. Indoors, the township has local pubs and eateries as well as popular chains.

One of Blacklick's major draws is its proximity to Columbus. Only 20 minutes away, residents can experience all that the major city has to offer, including the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, the Center of Science and Industry, Ohio Theater, and the North Market Farmers Market.

Cost of Living & Taxes

Blacklick’s cost of living index is below both the state and national averages. Though utility costs are slightly higher than average, other costs like groceries, health care, housing, and transportation are all well below the national average.

Ohio does not tax Social Security benefits, but it does tax all other forms of retirement income. Retirees can claim a $200 credit on these taxes, and retirees over 65 can claim an additional $50 credit. Other tax programs for retirees include a homeowner's exemption to help alleviate property taxes.

Health Care

The Columbus metro area ranks in the top 95 communities on Gallup's Well-Being Index.

Though there are no hospitals in Blacklick, there are many in the surrounding area that are rated high performing by U.S. News. Within 20 miles, residents have access to Mount Carmel New Albany Surgical Hospital, OhioHealth Grant Medical Center, and Mount Carmel St. Ann's Hospital. Columbus also has two nationally ranked hospitals: James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute and Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.