"While others fable about where they come from, we got nothing to hide. We're far from stardom. P-A-T-A-S-K-A-L-A, O-H-I-O." -- John Reuben, "Pataskala"
Situated in Licking County and home to 14,962 people, Pataskala doesn't sizzle with flashing lights and promises of big dreams. It keeps it real. Close to Columbus, Pataskala does still have pop to it, and it's more than just the soda being served at Rusty's Wharf. One trip along Broad Street illustrates that, while Pataskala is mostly residential, there are good times waiting in P-A-T-A-S-K-A-L-A. Sing it and get Pataskala fever!
Moving to Pataskala
Each area around Columbus varies wildly in its housing characteristics. While one town may be a paradise for renters, the next may cater to owners. In Pataskala, there are some market intricacies to learn before you go tumbling around town in search of a home for rent. As you search, you'll probably notice that the downtown area is not lacking pizzerias. Try one out if you need a break during your search.
The Market is Manageable
Renters won't be too hard pressed to get a place and will have some good choices before them. The Catalina Club Apartments property, for example, has one and two-bedroom rental apartments usually available. That calls for a chant for the great town of P-A-T-A-S-K-A-L-A.
Houses Offer the Most Selection
Accounting for 71.3 percent of the homes in the city, detached houses are very much king of the market in Pataskala. If you are looking for a house, you won't need too many days to find something you like. If you aren't interested in rental houses in Pataskala, consider being a bit more flexible as it will greatly ease your search. Nabbing a house for rent in an area like Foor Boulevard is no difficult task. If that's out of the question, understand you can still grab an apartment or condo; for instance, the Pataskala Green and Village Square Apartments property features a variety of apartments for rent and living there comes without the added work of renting a house. So if you don't want a house, you have options; you just have even more options in Pataskala if you add houses to your queries.
Mobile Homes are Often Available
5.4 percent of Pataskala's units are mobile homes, and there are usually a few available. Pataskala Mobile Home Park is located near South Fork Licking River and downtown. If you have no success locating studio apartments for rent, consider a mobile home. Remember: flexibility goes a long way in Pataskala.
High-Quality is Never a Certainty
Since you plan to rent, you probably aren't too concerned about structural flaws or issues with the house heating. You should be, though. To put it frankly, a very small portion of homes in Pataskala have not been built properly. While you should look more closely at older homes (nearly 15 percent were built before the 1960s), some new homes have issues too. Most pads you tour will be flawless, but one or two may not be, so inspect each property. By notifying the landlord of an issue beforehand, you ensure you aren't blamed for things like an appliance malfunction or a draining problem.
Openings Come and Go
The population has been slightly increasing in recent years, and while there are usually a decent amount of available listings, sometimes choices are limited. This is for two reasons. One, although there isn't overcrowding in Pataskala, there simply needs to be more housing to satisfy the amount of people living here, and that appears to be on its way; hence, this may not be an issue down the line. A second reason is that residents in town usually stay put from September through May; it doesn't take any longer to rent something during this period, but selection is minimal and you may not get what you want. Many leases expire in late spring and the summer, which makes April through August home hunting season. In general, allot two weeks if you are working with a landlord and three weeks if you are working with a management company.
Completing the Deal is not Strenuous
Landlords want one or two month's rent upfront. Additionally, a deposit is needed. Some landlords may ask if it's okay to run a credit check and want evidence you can make rent. If you rent through a management company, you will have to submit an application and provide bank information to prove you can afford the place. Additionally, some staff may want to check your rental history. Also, with individual owners, see if you can negotiate; most landlords in Pataskala are open to negotiation and reducing costs if it means they get more money upfront.
Pataskala Neighborhoods
Covering an area of 28.72 square miles, the city of Pataskala is not small and there are plenty of neighborhoods to choose from. Make sure the one you choose offers things that meet your needs.
Oakhaven: This area is right next to the Broadview Golf Course so be sure to make time on the weekends to practice your swing! If not, stop by Tim Horton's and relax with a cup of coffee.
Hazelwood: If you want convenience, you'll find a Kroger's in this neighborhood. For something more exciting than a trip to the grocery store, stop by CJ O'Malley's Pub for a drink or two.
Taylor Estates: If you want to live near a park, Waggoner Park is just a short drive from this neighborhood. There's also Broad Street Plaza east nearby to take care of your shopping needs.
Downtown: As usual with downtowns, this is where you'll find most of the stores in town. There's a CVS, Dollar General and Ella's Flowers & Gifts, all located around S Main Street and W Broad Street.
Living in Pataskala
With so much space, it's hard to walk or bike anywhere unless you're around downtown. Transportation options are typically limited to cars, and you'll see locals zooming down Hazelton-Etna Road every day. When folks aren't out handling their affairs, they are enjoying life outside the gates of stardom in the grand town of Pataskala. Sure, it's somewhat unknown to folks that even live in nearby Columbus, but who cares. Life pleasantly rolls on here. Establishments like Capuano's Pizza House are always filled with people eating and conversing. Broadview Golf Course never fails to entertain the antics of the golfers in town. Stores on Broad Street make getting what you need a breeze. When you want it, attractions like the Columbus Zoo, Ohio Stadium, and Newport Music Hall are close. And that's why Pataskala never fails to please. If it doesn't satisfy, just listen to John Reuben's hip-hop jam and chant P-A-T-A-S-K-A-L-A. Then it will.
