South Bloomfield works to maintain its small-town atmosphere
About half an hour’s drive from Columbus, South Bloomfield is a village in Pickaway County. With a population of around 2,700, the area is best known for its rural, old-fashioned surroundings. “We have a wonderful school district, low crime and there’s plenty of home for the dollar,” says Aaron Thomas, mayor of South Bloomfield. “We’re also taking a stand against warehousing and industrial usage to keep our small-town atmosphere.”
Houses are mostly 21st-century New Traditional styles
The northern half of South Bloomfield is dominated by farmlands and green spaces, with most residential areas filling central and southern regions. “It’s very Rockwellian there,” says Andria Williams, an agent with Red 1 Realty. Most homes are in newer developments, including many 21st-century New Traditional designs. Farmhouse-style houses are scattered throughout the area, usually attached to considerable acreage. The median price for a single-family home in South Bloomfield is in the $350,000 range, less than the national median of around $400,000. “The value for the money is phenomenal when it comes to new builds and resells,” says Williams.
Teays Valley High hosts Drive Your Tractor to School Day
The area is served by Teays Valley Local School District, which has a B from Niche. Teays Valley High School celebrates the region’s agricultural pride with an annual Drive Your Tractor To School Day, encouraging students and faculty to learn more about farming equipment. “Teays Valley is the best in the county,” says Thomas. “Academics, college prep, vocational – it’s a very well-rounded school.”
Residents enjoy pollinator gardens, parks and the community pool
In addition to the playgrounds and athletic fields familiar with public parks, Marvin Webster Memorial Park also features a pollinator garden. Landscaped to attract local butterflies and honeybees, the space is most popular during spring when the flowers are in full bloom. Plots are available for rent every year at the community gardens. During summer, locals head to the Bloomfield Hills Community Swimming Pool to cool off. The Bark Park offers dogs of all sizes a safe place to run and play without a leash.
The South Bloomfield Summer Market has locally grown produce
Every summer, the South Bloomfield Summer Market hosts local farmers, bakers, and artisans. Residents can buy locally grown produce, freshly baked bread or crafts.
Most shopping is done outside of the village
Fast food and chain restaurants are on Walnut Street, with most shopping done at Circleville, 7 miles south. Ashville, 2 miles east, also has some retail and locally owned businesses. Many expect continued growth in the area will bring more options to South Bloomfield. “It’s starting to build up because it’s a huge trucking route with the highway,” says Williams. “But in the meantime, 10 minutes down the road to Circleville, you have Walmart, Big Lots and a couple of other stores.” Opened in 2017, Blades is a family friendly restaurant with specialty pizzas and options for gluten-free or cauliflower crusts. River’s Coffee House offers a wide selection of coffee drinks with baked goods and treats for breakfast and lunch. “We don’t quite have the headcount for the Big Box stores just yet,” says Thomas. “But they’re definitely interested.”
Columbus is a 30-minute drive north
The main highways in the area are U.S. Route 23 and state Route 104. Columbus is about 20 miles north.
