Upper Arlington
Located in Franklin County, Upper Arlington lies on the northwest quadrant of the Columbus area with a population of roughly 35,000. Upper Arlington was once farmland that had been purchased by real estate developers, Ben and King Thompson, in 1913. The intent was to name the area the “Country Club District” after the Country Club development in Kansas City, but the area soon became known organically as Upper Arlington due to its southern neighboring area of Arlington.
Upper Arlington is regarded as a highly desirable area offering a great quality of life with numerous events for its residents. Upper Arlington hosts an annual Fourth of July parade and fireworks display, the second largest in the state by volume. Additionally, the Labor Day Arts Festival and the Halloween Festival are both noteable events bringing residents together for celebration. The Taste of UA festival as well as “Movie in the Park” nights during the summer showing movies free of charge are also large draws for locals.
Upper Arlington has its own school district that serves the area with 5 elementary, 2 middle and one high school. It also maintains its own fire and police departments along with 170 acres of public parks.