Upper Arlington, OH
Upper Arlington is an affluent suburb of Columbus, known for its top-rated schools and historic "Garden City" neighborhood with curving, tree-lined streets.
About the City
Official Status and Administrative Affiliation
The city's full official name is Upper Arlington, Ohio. It is a city located in Franklin County, and is an integral part of the Columbus, Ohio metropolitan area . It functions as a principal suburb on the northwest side of the state capital, Columbus . The state of Ohio is known as the "Buckeye State," a major industrial and agricultural hub in the American Midwest.
Historical Names and Nicknames
Founded by brothers King and Ben Thompson in 1913, the development was first referred to as the "Country Club District," modeled after a similar development in Kansas City . By 1917, the community had become known as "Upper Arlington" to distinguish it from its southern neighbor, Arlington (now Marble Cliff) . Today, residents often call it by its initials, "U.A." . The oldest part of the city is officially designated as the "Upper Arlington Historic District" on the National Register of Historic Places, but is colloquially known as "Old Arlington" or "South of Lane" .
Date of Foundation and Age
The land for the development was purchased in 1913, and the Upper Arlington Company was incorporated in 1917 . Upper Arlington officially incorporated as a village on March 20, 1918, with a population of just 200 . It became a city on February 8, 1941 . As of 2026, the city is 108 years old.
Geographic Location and Coordinates
Upper Arlington is located in central Ohio at coordinates 40°1′14″N 83°3′59″W . It is bordered on the west by the Scioto River and on the south by the villages of Marble Cliff and Grandview Heights . The city sits on a plateau between the Scioto and Olentangy rivers, at an elevation of around 814 feet (248 m) above sea level . Its landscape is characterized by two ravines, Slate Run and Turkey Run, which cut through the city .
City Type and Economic Specialization
Upper Arlington is primarily a residential suburb and an administrative center for its own local government. Its economy is driven by local services, retail (notably Kingsdale Shopping Center and The Shops on Lane Avenue), and the highly-regarded Upper Arlington City School District, which is a major employer . Many residents commute to jobs in downtown Columbus, The Ohio State University, and other parts of the metropolitan area.
Population and Demographics
As of the 2020 census, the city's population was 36,800 . Recent estimates for July 1, 2025, place the population at 37,567 . By population, it is a medium-sized city and one of the larger suburbs in the Columbus metro area, ranking in the top 4% of all cities in Ohio . It is known for its affluence, with a median household income of $163,765, which is among the highest in the state .
The City's "Calling Card" (In Short)
Upper Arlington is known as one of Columbus's most desirable and established suburbs, famous for its excellent schools, high quality of life, and the historic "Old Arlington" neighborhood. Its streets are lined with stately 1920s Tudors and Colonial Revival homes, creating a park-like setting that feels a world away from the city, even though downtown Columbus is just minutes away .
Geography
Water Bodies (Rivers)
The city's most significant natural feature is the Scioto River, which forms its entire western border . The river provides ample opportunities for recreation and scenic views. Just east of Upper Arlington flows the Olentangy River, which runs past the main campus of The Ohio State University . Two notable ravines, Slate Run and Turkey Run, carry streams through the city, emptying into the Scioto River and Olentangy River, respectively .
Climate and Weather
Climate Type and General Characteristics
Upper Arlington has a humid continental climate (Köppen: Dfa) . It is characterized by four distinct seasons: long, warm, and humid summers; cold, snowy winters; and pleasant spring and autumn seasons with moderate temperatures .
Average Temperatures by Month
The warmest month is July, with average high temperatures of 29°C (84°F) and lows of 19°C (66°F) . The coldest month is January, with average high temperatures of 2°C (36°F) and lows of -5°C (23°F) .
| Month | Avg. High (°C/°F) | Avg. Low (°C/°F) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 2°C / 36°F | -5°C / 23°F |
| April | 17°C / 63°F | 6°C / 43°F |
| July | 29°C / 84°F | 19°C / 66°F |
| October | 18°C / 64°F | 7°C / 45°F |
Precipitation and Humidity
Annual precipitation in Upper Arlington is substantial, averaging around 1,322 mm (52 inches) per year, which is distributed fairly evenly throughout the year . The wettest month is typically April, while the driest is August . Humidity is highest during the summer months, making the warm weather feel muggy . Snowfall is common in winter, with January and February seeing the most accumulation .
Sunshine and UV Index
Upper Arlington enjoys partly cloudy skies for much of the year, with the sunniest period from mid-June to mid-September . August is the clearest month . Daylight hours vary significantly, from just 9.3 hours in December to 15 hours in June .
Seasonality and Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Upper Arlington for general outdoor activities is from mid-June to mid-September, when the weather is warmest and skies are clearest .
- Spring (March-May): Temperatures warm up quickly, but this is also a period with frequent rain showers. The landscape becomes lush and green.
- Summer (June-August): Hot and humid, with July highs near 29°C (84°F). It is the sunniest time of year, perfect for enjoying parks and the Scioto River .
- Autumn (September-November): Temperatures cool down, and the humidity drops. This is a beautiful time to visit for the fall foliage, with generally pleasant weather.
- Winter (December-February): Cold and cloudy with periodic snowfalls. It is the quietest season, but the city's holiday decorations and local events offer charm.
Landmarks
The Upper Arlington Historic District (Old Arlington)
The most significant landmark in Upper Arlington is its original townsite, now listed on the National Register of Historic Places as the Upper Arlington Historic District . Designed by landscape architect William Pitkin, Jr. in 1913, this area is a prime example of the "Garden City" movement, a response to industrialized urban centers . It features curvilinear streets, spacious lots with generous setbacks, and numerous small parks, all free of overhead utility lines, which preserves its clean, uncluttered aesthetic . The district is renowned for its charming collection of homes in the romantic Period Revival architectural styles popular between 1915 and 1940, including Tudor and Colonial Revival .
Miller Park and the Original Field Office
Located at 1901 Arlington Avenue in the heart of the historic district, Miller Park is a key community green space . Within the park stands the original field office of the Upper Arlington Company, built in 1917. This building also served as a streetcar shelter and is now the Miller Park branch of the Upper Arlington Library . A Ohio Historical Marker at the site details the founding and significance of the historic district .
The Golden Bear (Unofficial Symbol)
While not a statue, the city's unofficial mascot and symbol is the Golden Bear. This stems from golf legend Jack Nicklaus, a native of Upper Arlington who graduated from its high school in 1957 . Nicknamed the "Golden Bear," his legacy is deeply woven into the community's identity and is a source of local pride.
Northam Park
Often considered the city's "backyard," Northam Park is the central hub for community life and recreation . Located near the historic district, it offers tennis courts, athletic fields, a playground, and open green space. It hosts community events and is situated directly across from the main public library, serving as a focal point for residents .
Transport
Main Highways
Upper Arlington does not have any interstate highways running directly through it, but it is well-connected by major arteries. State Route 315 runs just east of the city, providing direct access to downtown Columbus and The Ohio State University. US Route 33 (Riverside Drive) runs along its western edge, connecting it to Dublin to the north and Columbus to the south .
Public Transportation (Buses)
Public transit in Upper Arlington is provided by the Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA). Several bus routes serve the area, connecting residents to downtown Columbus, Grandview Heights, and other suburbs . Key routes include the 3, 32, and 75 . A new bus line, Route 30, is currently in development and is slated to open in the fall of 2026. It will provide a direct connection from Upper Arlington and other western suburbs to The Ohio State University campus .
Nearest Airports
The primary airport serving Upper Arlington is John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) , located about 15-20 minutes east of the city. It offers numerous domestic and some international flights. For general aviation, Ohio State University Airport (OSU) is located just north of the city in Columbus. The major hub Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) is approximately a 90-minute drive southwest.
Walkability and Cycling
The historic core of Upper Arlington ("South of Lane") is highly walkable, with wide, shaded sidewalks that encourage strolling . The city's layout and its proximity to the Scioto River also make it conducive to cycling, with routes connecting to the larger Columbus-area trail system, including paths along the Scioto River at Griggs Reservoir .