New Albany, OH 55+ Active Adult Retirement Communities

New Albany, OH is a wonderful location with its charming small-town feel and friendly community. The city boasts a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities, including several parks, trails, and nature preserves. The downtown area is home to unique boutiques, restaurants, and cafes, perfect for leisurely browsing and casual dining. New Albany's central location within Ohio allows for easy access to larger cities such as Columbus and Cincinnati where residents can enjoy cultural events, museums, and a vibrant nightlife scene. 

Resources for visitors and potential residents:

• The City of New Albany's official website provides information on city services, local events, and community news.
• The New Albany Community Foundation website highlights the organization's initiatives to enhance the quality of life for New Albany residents.
• Experience Columbus is the official tourism website for the Columbus, OH region and provides information on attractions, events, and dining options in the area.

Affordability and Cost of Living 

New Albany is a prosperous and upscale suburb with a population of around 11,000 people. The cost of living in New Albany is 14.3 higher than the national average. According to BestPlaces, the overall cost of living index in New Albany is 114.3, which is 27.7 percent higher than the Ohio average and 14.3 percent higher than the national average. Housing is the most significant expense in New Albany. The median home price in New Albany is $530,700, which is almost three times higher than the Ohio median home price. Groceries are higher than both state and national averages. Healthcare, and transportation costs are lower and utilities are in line with state and national averages.

Sales tax in New Albany is 7.5 percent, of that 5.75 percent is state tax and 1.25 percent Franklin County tax, and 0.5 percent transit tax. Property taxes are expensive in Ohio although some low income seniors may qualify for deductions. 

Ohio residents pay an income tax ranging from 2.76 to 3.99 percent and Social Security is not taxed. According to Kiplinger retirees with higher incomes will not receive tax credits on other types of retirement income. Some local areas and schools may add additional income taxes for their residents.

Climate and Geography 

The New Albany area sees about 39 inches of rain per year, much of it falling during the month of May. Average winter temperatures range from 21 to 38 degrees. Summer in New Albany is hot and humid with summer temperatures averaging between 60 and 85 degrees with 60 to 70 percent humidity. Average snowfall is 24 inches with the highest chance of snow during the months of December and January.

In the fall, the city experiences cool and crisp temperatures with beautiful autumn foliage. Spring can be unpredictable with varying temperatures and occasional rain. New Albany is located within Tornado Alley so thunderstorms which spawn tornadoes are not uncommon, especially during spring and early summer.

New Albany is known for its beautiful parks and green spaces, including Rocky Fork Metro Park and the New Albany Walking Club. The city is surrounded by woods and scenic farmland, with the nearby Rocky Fork Creek offering ample opportunities for hiking, fishing, and other outdoor activities. New Albany is also within a short drive of the Ohio River, which provides a variety of recreational opportunities. Outdoor enthusiasts can make the 2 or 3 hour drive to the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains and enjoy hiking, camping, and fishing. 

Recreation, Shopping, and Entertainment 

New Albany offers a wide range of recreational activities, cultural events, and shopping and entertainment options. Here are a few highlights:

Golf and Racquet Sports

• New Albany Links Golf Club
• Little Turtle Golf Club
• New Albany Tennis Center
• Pickerington Ponds Disc Golf Course

Hiking, Biking and Boating

• Rocky Fork Metro Park
• Blacklick Creek Greenway Trail
• Westerville Bike & Walk Route
• Hoover Reservoir Park

Museums and Historical Sites

• Ohio History Connection
• The Works: Ohio Center for History, Art & Technology
• Gahanna Historical Society Settlement
• Kelton House Museum & Garden

Performing Arts

• McCoy Center for the Arts
• Jeanne B. McCoy Community Center for the Arts
• Actors' Theatre of Columbus
• Columbus Symphony Orchestra

Shopping

• Easton Town Center
• Polaris Fashion Place
• Tanger Outlets Columbus
• New Albany Farmers Market

Parks and Gardens

• New Albany Walking Club
• Wexner Community Park
• Inniswood Metro Gardens
• Columbus Park of Roses

Festivals and Fairs

• New Albany Farmers Market
• Ohio State Fair
• Columbus Arts Festival
• Dublin Irish Festival

Health and Wellness 

New Albany, OH is a great place for 55+ active adults who are looking to stay fit and healthy. The city is home to several major medical centers, including the Mount Carmel New Albany Surgical Hospital, and the OhioHealth Westerville Medical Campus. These hospitals offer a wide range of medical services

For those looking to stay fit and mentally well, New Albany offers plenty of options. The city has several parks and trails where residents can enjoy walking, jogging, or biking while enjoying the beautiful scenery. Additionally, there are several gyms and fitness centers that offer exercise classes such as yoga, Pilates, and water aerobics. Residents looking to maintain good health through nutrition can also enjoy fresh, locally grown produce at nearby farmers markets.

Recommended Itinerary for Visiting Area 55+ Communities

New Albany, OH is a great place to retire for 55+ active adults who are looking for a vibrant community with plenty of amenities and services. If you're considering retiring to this area, you'll want to spend some time exploring the city and its surroundings to get a feel for the community. Here's a suggested 2-day itinerary to help you make the most of your visit:

Day One

Morning: 

• Start your day with a leisurely breakfast or coffee at Fox in the Snow Café, known for its delicious pastries and cozy ambiance.
• Visit Inniswood Metro Gardens, a stunning park with beautiful gardens, walking trails, and nature exhibits. Take your time to explore and enjoy the serene surroundings..

Afternoon:

• Grab a bite to eat at the Northstar Cafe, a popular restaurant that serves fresh, locally sourced food.
• Explore the Wexner Center for the Arts, a contemporary art museum located on the campus of Ohio State University.
• Visit the Ohio History Connection, located in nearby Columbus, the Ohio History Connection showcases a collection of exhibits and artifacts about the history and culture of Ohio.

Evening: 

• Indulge in a fine dining experience at The Refectory Restaurant & Bistro, known for its elegant atmosphere and exquisite cuisine.

Day Two

Morning: 

• Grab coffee and pastries at The Goat, a lively restaurant with a coffee shop, lunch and dinner menu and a gaming area.
• Meet with your local 55places expert retirement community partner agent to discuss your retirement options and explore some of the 55+ communities in the area.

Afternoon: 

• Enjoy a casual lunch at Rusty Bucket Restaurant & Tavern, a popular spot known for its comfort food and relaxed atmosphere.
• Spend the afternoon exploring the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, featuring stunning indoor and outdoor gardens, art installations, and educational exhibits.

Evening: 

• End your day with a delicious meal at the Hudson 29 Kitchen and Drink, a popular restaurant that offers a variety of dishes made from locally sourced ingredients.

Getting to New Albany, OH

Located in central Ohio, New Albany is easily accessible by car, plane, and bus.

By Car:

If you are coming from the east or west, the easiest way to get to New Albany is by taking I-70 and getting off at exit 95. From there, it is a short drive north on State Route 605 to get to the heart of New Albany. If you are coming from the north or south, take I-71 and get off at exit 121. From there, it is a short drive east on State Route 161 to get to New Albany.

By Air:

The closest major airport to New Albany is John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH), which is located about 15 miles southwest of the city. CMH is served by many major airlines, including American, Delta, United, Southwest, and Frontier, with nonstop flights to many major cities across the United States.

By Bus:

Greyhound Bus Lines has a station in nearby Columbus, OH, which is about a 20-minute drive from New Albany.