Italian Village

Tucked just north of Downtown Columbus, Italian Village is a neighborhood built on craftsmanship, culture, and community. But the story of Italian Village starts long before today’s bustling coffee shops and rooftop patios.

In the mid-1800s, the area first became home to Irish immigrants, especially along what is now Goodale Boulevard — once known as "Irish Broadway." As the Irish moved on, African American families moved in, drawn by jobs in Columbus’s booming railroad and iron industries. In 1882, they founded the Bethany Baptist Colored Church, a pillar of early community life.

By the 1890s, Italian immigrants — many relocating from nearby Flytown — found opportunity here. They brought incredible skills in stonework, construction, and artisan craftsmanship, shaping the character and beauty Italian Village is known for today.

The heart of the neighborhood formed around St. John the Baptist Italian Catholic Church, founded in 1896, which became a spiritual and cultural hub for Italian families. Local groceries like Salvatore’s and restaurants like Presutti’s Villa helped preserve and share authentic Italian flavors, especially during tough times like the Great Depression, when homemade food became both a necessity and a comfort.

Today, Italian Village blends historic charm with modern energy — where historic brick homes meet new builds, and you’re just steps from the Short North’s best dining, shopping, and nightlife. With walkability, character, and a vibrant sense of community, it’s no wonder Italian Village is one of Columbus’s most sought-after neighborhoods.