Westerville, OH 55+ Active Adult Retirement Communities

Westerville is a small suburban town located in Central Ohio. Known for its extensive trail system, outdoor recreation, and local shopping, the city offers retirees an abundance of conveniences for their daily needs. Besides this, its proximity to the Columbus metro area make it a popular destination for active adults.

Climate & Geography

A northeastern suburb of Columbus, Westerville has a humid continental climate. Summers are warm and muggy while winters are cold and dry. There are four distinct seasons with precipitation spread evenly throughout the year. Residents can expect average rainfall and snowfall as well as approximately 178 days of sun each year.

Westerville is bordered by the Hoover Reservoir to the east and the Sharon Woods Metro Park to the west. The surrounding terrain is generally flat with a mixture of open land and woods.

Recreation, Culture, & Entertainment

Westerville culture emphasizes outdoor recreation and activities. The city has an extensive 51-mile trail system called the Westerville Bike & Walk (B&W). The B&W is paved and cuts through woods, parks, rivers, roads, and neighborhoods, encouraging residents to travel by bike. Other green spaces include the Inniswood Metro Gardens, Sharon Woods Metro Park, and the Hoover Dam.

Uptown Westerville is the center of the city with local businesses, restaurants, and boutique shops, as well as art galleries and a local winery. The area also hosts a weekly farmers market during the summer.

Columbus is a half-hour drive away for even more shopping, dining, and festivals.

Cost of Living & Taxes

Westerville’s cost of living is higher than the national average mainly because of high housing costs. Utilities and transportation are close to average, while health care and groceries are below.

Ohio does not tax Social Security, and though other forms of retirement income are taxed, retirees can claim a tax credit. Property and sales taxes are fairly high.

Health Care

According to Gallup’s Well-Being Index, the Columbus metro area ranks in the top 90 communities.

Westerville has one high performing hospital according to U.S. News, Mount Carmel St. Ann’s Hospital. Mount Carmel New Albany Surgical Hospital in New Albany is also rated as high performing. There is a nationally ranked hospital in Columbus: the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.