Getting to know Hilliard

Almost 160 years ago, Hilliard was known for a popular railroad station, but today, it is a popular suburban town with many schools and families. I interviewed Coty Spengler about his hometown of Hilliard, Ohio, and what exactly it contains. Hilliard might not be a popular place for people to visit, but there is still a history behind it, attractions to see, and how Coty feels being raised here.

Abraham Wendell founded Hilliard in 1969 between Big Darby Creek and the Scioto River with a population of 280 residents. Subdivisions started being built in 1950, and by 1960 there was a population of 5,633 people living in Hilliard. Hilliard is mainly a residential city with easy access to and from the highway I-270. Currently, Hilliard is 11.1 square miles and has a population of 2,585 people per square mile. Hilliard is mainly a Caucasian town; in fact 88% of Hilliard residents are white and the next largest racial group are Asians with a population 5.8%.

Hilliard is a popular place for families to go due to all of the attractions near it. Many colleges are located near Hilliard such as Capital University, Franklin University, Ohio State University, and Otterbein College. No hospital is too far away; three are located in the area, no father than nine miles away. There are also three Malls close by, including Easton Town Center, Polaris Fashion Place and Tuttle Crossing Mall. If you feel like going on a walk with the family, popular parks you might be interested in are Municipal Park and Hamilton Park. Try catching a movie at one of the many theatres around Hilliard. One of Coty’s favorite theatres is called the Movie Tavern, where you can also dine while watching a hot new release. With so many neighborhoods around, your friends will never be too far.

Hilliard might not be somewhere Coty wants to go back to, but he does have his favorite places, such as the Ohio State Campus, which is no more than a ten-minute drive from his house. Hilliard is a comfortable place to grow up with so many people living close together and friendly neighborhoods making it hard to leave sometimes. Coty says his least favorite spot would be the “hill-top,” which is known to be more urban and run-down because a lot of cops are around this place and it never feels quite safe.

Hilliard, Ohio is a great place to live and grow up. There is never a time when you will feel bored because of all the attractions you could possibly see around Hilliard. Through all the great history, including how it became a city and growing into a great suburban town, Hilliard has a lot to offer.