If you’re on the hunt for a slower-paced lifestyle that doesn’t compromise amenities and quality of life, living in Pataskala Ohio is an ideal answer!
The city of Pataskala, officially incorporated in 1891, presents a unique blend of rural charm and urban accessibility, with sprawling farm land, golf courses, and hiking trails surrounding its thriving city center.
Whether it’s the tight-knit community, the excellent school districts, or the 127 acres of parks allowing for endless forms of recreation throughout the year, it’s clear to see why this is becoming an increasingly popular place for families and young professionals to call home.
Here’s an inside look at what life is like in Pataskala OH!
Table of Contents
Where Is Pataskala Ohio?
You most likely know of those living in Columbus, but where is Pataskala, and what county is Pataskala Ohio in?
With a convenient location in central Ohio and the greater Columbus Metropolitan Area, Pataskala is located within southwestern Licking County, a close 19-miles east of Columbus via E Broad Street (22-miles from downtown Pataskala).
Pataskala downtown is located at the easternmost part of the city limits, surrounded by rural lands, golf courses, and Muddy Fork and South Fork Licking Rivers.
Pataskala extends north to Morse Rd SW, bordered by Oakland, Jersey, and Ash Ohio. Other surrounding Columbus cities and towns include Beechwood Trails to the east, Etna to the south, and Blacklick to the west. Licking County Transit offers public transportation options for visitors and those living in Pataskala.
Thanks to major highways, directions to Pataskala are simple, and common queries include:
Pataskala Ohio Population & Demographics
The population of Pataskala OH saw major growth when Pataskala merged with Lima Township in 1996, and now, according to the United States Census Bureau, the 2020 population is 17,886 residents! The city’s population, a part of the 2.6 million people within the Columbus metro, has grown almost 20% since 2010, showcasing that moving to Pataskala is still a hard-to-beat, popular choice.
With a population density of 617.6 people per square mile to Columbus’s 4,116.3, you can instantly tell that this more suburban and rural landscape presents plentiful breathing room in comparison to its bustling neighbor.
Additional Pataskala OH Demographics
- Sex ratio: 50.6% women & 49.4% men
- Median age: 36.2 years
- Racial & ethnic composition: 78.0% White alone (77.5% White, non-Hispanic), 8.5% Black/African American, 0.1% American Indian/Alaska Native, 7.2% Asian, 3.7% Hispanic/Latino, 5.7% two or more races
- Pataskala median household income: $87,246/year
- Education: 92.1% of residents 25+ years old have a high school diploma, while 28.7% have a bachelor’s degree or higher
- Foreign-born population: 8.3%
If you plan to live in the area, you’re probably wondering, is Pataskala safe? It’s a very safe city, with crime rates far less than the crime rate in Columbus, estimated to be around 60% safer than other cities in the United States. These alluring safety statistics are upheld by a dedicated community and the efforts of the Pataskala Police Department.
Pataskala Ohio Cost of Living
Curious about the cost of living in Pataskala? Although there isn’t a definitive cost of living index for the city, we’ll use the Columbus OH cost of living, which sits at 91.5/100, to draw insights. With Columbus being 8.5% more affordable than the U.S. average, Pataskala presents a very similar picture and is, overall, a very affordable place to live.
That said, it is slightly more expensive than Columbus due to the median price of homes for sale in Pataskala, which sits at $360,000, or $191 per square foot. Prices for houses for sale in Pataskala have increased about 2.1% since the prior year.
Although affordable compared to the national median, this is still a touch more than that of Columbus’s $290,000.
Looking at the rental landscape, Pataskala apartments average $1,526/month, an enticing number to the national median rent of $1,713!
This Family Budget Calculator estimates that a family of four needs to make $90,607/year to live comfortably in Licking County. Considering the median household income in 2020 was $87,246, and adjusting to inflation, residents are typically well-apt to meet this budget.
Let’s take a look at common expenses families might run into when living in Pataskala OH:
- Loaf of bread: $3.75
- A gallon of milk: $2.35
- Hamburger: $4.96
- Utilities: $165.15/month (average energy bill)
- Phone bill: $177.67/month
- Gas: $3.05/gallon
- Doctor’s visit: $108.05
- Dentist visit: $93.22
- Rx drug: $398.10
- Vet visit: $56.39
Data sourced from Payscale.
Pataskala Neighborhoods | Where to Live in Pataskala Ohio
The neighborhoods in Pataskala are very community-oriented. You’ll discover more condensed living in the eastern part of the city, like downtown, while rural neighborhoods are scattered beyond these urban zones. Houses range from large, historic ranch homes to modern new constructions, meaning there’s something to fit a range of likings and budgets.
Oak Meadow Neighborhood Pataskala Ohio
The Oak Meadows neighborhood in the most western part of Pataskala, Ohio, features a family-friendly environment with close proximity to Licking Heights North Elementary School, making it an ideal location for families with young children. The neighborhood is centered around the circle of Bristol Drive and Woodbridge Place, offering a peaceful residential setting.
Brooksedge, Pataskala
Brooksedge in Pataskala is known for being one of the friendliest neighborhoods in the city, fostering a strong sense of community and belonging among its residents. The Brooksedge HOA is dedicated to maintaining property values and ensuring an inspiring quality of life through effective management and communication.
West Pataskala
West Pataskala is a peaceful, rural neighborhood known for its friendly atmosphere, country living, and minimal traffic, making it a charming place to reside. With a mix of medium to large single-family homes and a high rate of homeownership, it is often praised for its tranquility and strong sense of community.
Pataskala Weather & Climate
Pataskala, Ohio, nestled near the Licking River along its south branch, experiences a mild climate with warm summers and cold winters. The geographic area sees average summer temperatures ranging from 68 to 83 degrees Fahrenheit, while winter lows drop to about 20 degrees Fahrenheit. With 41 inches of annual rainfall and 23 inches of snowfall, Pataskala enjoys 172 sunny days a year, making the weather in Pataskala conducive to a variety of outdoor activities throughout the seasons.
Things to Do in Pataskala Ohio
There are countless fun things to do in Pataskala and exciting ways to stay busy, from excellent recreational opportunities to some much-needed retail therapy. When you’re done shopping at local favorites such as the Ivory Barn or Was New Antique Store, these fun activities, parks, and places promise a lively experience.
Visit the Famed Lynd Fruit Farm
Whether it’s picking your own farm-fresh fruit, shopping at the market, or attending one of their lively events and activities, Lynd Fruit Farm in Pataskala brings residents together in a community-centric manner. But that’s not all; discover native plants and insects at their Monarch Meadows native plant nursery or get lost in the corn maze. The options are endless!
View this post on Instagram
9399 Morse Rd SW, Pataskala, OH 43062 (740-927-8559)
18 Holes at Broadview Golf Course (and other Pataskala golf courses!)
When it comes to golf in Ohio, Pataskala doesn’t disappoint. Enjoy a round of golf at Broadview Golf Course, where you can experience 18 holes of scenic fairways and challenging greens. Pataskala also boasts two other golf courses: the semi-private Willow Run Golf Course and the public Cumberland Trail Golf Club, some of the best in southwestern Licking County!
5694 Headleys Mill Rd SW, Pataskala, OH 43062 (740-927-8900)
Cool Off at the Pataskala Community Pool
When it comes to things to do in Pataskala during summer, this is a clear winner. Splash in the water, cool down, and make new friends at this vibrant community hotspot.
550 S Twp Rd, Pataskala, OH 43062 (740-927-4231)
Additional Pataskala Events & Attractions
Looking for more? You can discover endless options for outdoor recreation, playgrounds, and fresh air at the many incredible parks managed by the Pataskala Parks & Rec Department, including Pataskala Municipal Park, Thomas J. Evans Foundation Park, and Freedom Park.
And if that wasn’t enough, keep up with Licking County and Pataskala events via their city calendar or stop by these other awesome attractions:
- Mead-Needham Museum
- Danny’s Midway Bar
- The Famed Haunted Hoochie (be warned – it’s scary and gory!)
Restaurants in Pataskala Ohio
The food scene in the city is thriving, and Pataskala restaurants are sure to satisfy any craving. Here’s a handful of local favorites located within city limits:
Nutcracker Restaurant Pataskala
Step back in time at Nutcracker Family Restaurant, a beloved 1950s-style diner in Pataskala. Enjoy delicious food and freshly brewed coffee in a nostalgic atmosphere, where the Butcher family has been welcoming guests for over 25 years on Broad Street.
63 E Broad St, Pataskala, OH 43062 (740-964-0056)
Rusty’s Wharf Pataskala
For a taste of fresh, hand-battered fried cod and never-frozen wings and burgers, visit Rusty’s Wharf in Pataskala. This family-run restaurant, started in 2010, prides itself on using quality ingredients and cooking everything to order, ensuring your meal is always hot and fresh.
7256 Hazelton-Etna Rd SW, Pataskala, OH 43062 (740-927-2799)
Elliot’s Pataskala
At Elliot’s Wood Fired Kitchen & Tap, you’ll find a delicious array of Neapolitan-style cuisine, from freshly-fired pizzas to tasty street tacos. This Pataskala gem offers a cozy ambiance perfect for enjoying appetizers, salads, sandwiches, and more with family and friends.
View this post on Instagram
724 Corylus Dr SW, Pataskala, OH 43062 (740-919-0373)
Jobs in Pataskala Ohio
Pataskala’s economy is diverse, featuring major industries such as healthcare, retail trade, and manufacturing. Notable employers providing jobs in Pataskala Ohio include Licking Memorial Health Systems, offering vital healthcare services, Amazon, which has a significant presence in the area, Illuminate USA Pataskala, a manufacturing maven, and Pataskala Banking company.
What was once a small community is now vastly increasing its economic development. There’s a large amount of locally owned businesses thanks to this development and plentiful part time and seasonal work.
The average salary in Pataskala is approximately $45,000 annually, with an hourly wage of $21.00, according to sources like ZipRecruiter. For job opportunities, you can explore Pataskala jobs on Indeed or visit the City of Pataskala Jobs Board.
Pataskala Schools
The city of Pataskala is served by two school districts: Southwest Licking Local Schools and Licking Heights Local Schools. Southwest Licking Local Schools provides a well-rounded education for K-12 students via Watkins Memorial High School, Watkins Middle School, and three elementary schools: Etna, Kirkersville, and Pataskala Elementary.
Licking Heights Local Schools helms the educational efforts of Licking Heights High School and Licking Heights Middle School, both located in the northwest portion of the city, as well as two elementary schools.
Overall, with two school districts and plentiful options for education, students are well structured to continue toward higher education. Central Ohio Technical College has a branch of their school located within the city, and Ohio State University is nearby.
For additional learning, the Pataskala Public Library is a community staple!
Palastaka Statistics & Information
- Palastaka County: Licking
- Palastaka total area: 29.06 square miles
- Palastaka Ohio zip code: 43062
- Palastaka Ohio area code: 740, 614
- Palastaka elevation: 1,027 ft
- City time zone: Example: Eastern Time Zone (UTC-4 and UTC-5)
- Closest airport to Palastaka: John Glenn International Airport (CMH), 16.5 miles away.
Pataskala Ohio Map
Click on our interactive map of Pataskala to discover the amenities, things to do, shopping, parks, schools, and more!
It’s easy to fall in love with the ideal of living in Pataskala Ohio. If this dream becomes reality, our professional Pataskala OH movers are here to ensure your stress-free transition. Call us anytime for a free quote at 614-892-9046 and allow us the pleasure of settling you into or helping you transition away from our beautiful city.
