Popular Central Ohio Communities
Choosing where to live is just as important as choosing the right home. Every community across the Columbus metro has its own character, and finding the right fit depends on what matters most to you.
Below you will find factual profiles for many of the larger communities I serve. I encourage you to visit these areas in person and reach out to me with any questions.
Dublin
Dublin is one of Central Ohio's most established suburbs, located northwest of Columbus. It features a mix of mature neighborhoods with larger lots and newer developments with walkable amenities. The Bridge Park district has added a mixed-use downtown destination with dining, shopping, and entertainment. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, Glacier Ridge Metro Park, and an extensive network of bike paths are nearby.
Dublin Corp. • 568 closed sales in 2025
District-wide (Dublin City Schools): $583,500 median
Dublin City Schools — 4.5-star Ohio Report Card rating. Jerome HS #14 in Ohio, Coffman HS #51, Scioto HS #119 (U.S. News 2025).
Spans three counties. Approximate effective rates based on median home price of $630,000:
• Franklin County: ~2.20% (~$13,860/yr)
• Delaware County: ~1.95% (~$12,285/yr)
• Union County: ~1.94% (~$12,220/yr)
Estimates reflect approximate after-credit amounts. Actual taxes vary by taxing district, rollback credits, and exemptions.
Access to I-270, US-33, and SR-161. 20–30 min commute to downtown Columbus. Sawmill Road provides a north-south corridor.
Well-known for community events (Dublin Irish Festival, Independence Day celebration), highly regarded parks system, and strong commercial base. Home to several corporate headquarters and medical facilities.
Powell
Powell is a residential community located north of Columbus in Delaware County. It offers a quieter, more spread-out feel compared to some closer-in suburbs. Downtown Powell along Liberty Street features local shops and restaurants. The area provides easy access to Alum Creek State Park, Highbanks Metro Park, and local farms and markets.
Powell Corp. • 184 closed sales in 2025
District-wide (Olentangy LSD): $569,900 median
Olentangy Local Schools — 5-star Ohio Report Card (3 consecutive years). Liberty HS #12 in Ohio, OHS #16, Berlin HS #34, Orange HS #46. Largest district in Ohio to achieve 5-star distinction.
Delaware County. Approximate effective rate ~1.93% based on median home price of $659,732 — approximately ~$12,735/yr.
Estimates reflect approximate after-credit amounts. Actual taxes vary by taxing district, rollback credits, and exemptions.
US-23, SR-315, Sawmill Road (north-south). I-71 accessible on east side. 25–35 min commute to downtown Columbus.
Known for its top-performing school district, larger lot sizes, and a community that balances residential space with access to parks and outdoor recreation. Significant growth over the past two decades.
Hilliard
Hilliard is one of the Columbus area's larger suburban communities, located west of the city. Old Hilliard offers a small-town downtown feel with local shops and restaurants, while newer developments to the west provide modern construction and amenities. Heritage Rail Trail, Roger A. Reynolds Municipal Park, and community events like Old Hilliardfest add character to the area.
Hilliard Corp. • 1,252 closed sales in 2025
District-wide (Hilliard City Schools): $452,000 median
Hilliard City Schools — 4-star Ohio Report Card rating. Davidson HS #64, Bradley HS #97, Darby HS #124 (U.S. News 2025). Invested in facilities and programming across academics, arts, and athletics.
Franklin County. Approximate effective rate ~2.32% based on median home price of $395,390 — approximately ~$9,175/yr.
Estimates reflect approximate after-credit amounts. Actual taxes vary by taxing district, rollback credits, and exemptions.
Excellent access via I-270 and US-33. 20–25 min to most of the Columbus metro. Cemetery Road and Hilliard-Rome Road are primary corridors.
A strong mix of affordable starter homes, mid-range family homes, and newer construction. One of the more active real estate markets in Central Ohio by volume of transactions. 1,252 closed sales in Hilliard Corp. in 2025.
Upper Arlington
Upper Arlington is a well-established community immediately northwest of downtown Columbus, bordered by the Scioto River and OSU campus. It is known for its tree-lined streets, walkable neighborhoods, and proximity to both suburban amenities and urban conveniences. The community has been investing in mixed-use redevelopment along its commercial corridors.
UA School District • 477 closed sales in 2025
One of the higher-priced markets in Central Ohio.
Upper Arlington City Schools — 5-star Ohio Report Card rating. UA HS #22 in Ohio (U.S. News 2025). Strong reputation for academics and extracurriculars.
Franklin County. Approximate effective rate ~2.00% based on median home price of $610,000 — approximately ~$12,200/yr. Among the higher tax bills in the region due to elevated home values.
Estimates reflect approximate after-credit amounts. Actual taxes vary by taxing district, rollback credits, and exemptions.
SR-315, I-670, US-33. One of the closest suburbs to downtown. 10–20 min commute. Lane Avenue and Tremont Road are key corridors.
Established neighborhoods with a strong sense of community identity. Proximity to Ohio State University, Scioto Country Club, and the Scioto Mile riverfront. Annual events include the Fourth of July parade and Labor Day Arts Festival.
Worthington
Worthington is a compact, established suburb located directly north of Columbus. Its historic downtown along High Street features a mix of local shops, restaurants, and community gathering spaces. The area has a traditional small-town character while being well-connected to the broader Columbus metro.
Worthington Corp. • 172 closed sales in 2025
District-wide (Worthington City Schools): $400,000 median
Worthington City Schools — 4-star Ohio Report Card rating. Kilbourne HS #79, Thomas Worthington HS #93 (U.S. News 2025).
Franklin County. Approximate effective rate ~2.29% based on median home price of $500,000 — approximately ~$11,450/yr.
Estimates reflect approximate after-credit amounts. Actual taxes vary by taxing district, rollback credits, and exemptions.
I-270, US-23, SR-315. High Street provides direct corridor into Columbus. 15–25 min to downtown.
Strong community identity built around a walkable, historic downtown. Active farmers market, community pool, and well-maintained parks.
Westerville
Westerville is a northeastern suburb spanning both Franklin and Delaware counties. It features a walkable Uptown district with restaurants, shops, and cultural venues. Otterbein University is located in the heart of Westerville. The area offers a range of housing from older established neighborhoods to newer construction.
Westerville Corp. • 1,100 closed sales in 2025
District-wide (Westerville City Schools): $425,333 median
Westerville City Schools — 3.5-star Ohio Report Card rating. Central HS #83, South HS #95 (U.S. News 2025). Top five most active districts by sales volume.
Spans two counties. Approximate effective rates based on median home price of $387,250:
• Franklin County: ~2.01% (~$7,785/yr)
• Delaware County: ~1.79% (~$6,930/yr)
Estimates reflect approximate after-credit amounts. Actual taxes vary by taxing district, rollback credits, and exemptions.
I-270, SR-3, Schrock Road. Also via Cleveland Ave/US-23. 20–30 min to downtown Columbus.
Strong Uptown district with local dining and events. Home to Otterbein University. Active community programming including music, arts, and seasonal festivals. One of the more active suburban real estate markets by transaction volume.
New Albany
New Albany is a planned community located northeast of Columbus in Franklin and Licking counties. It is known for its distinctive architectural standards, manicured landscapes, and master-planned neighborhoods. The Intel semiconductor manufacturing facility currently under construction nearby is expected to bring significant economic impact to the area.
New Albany Corp. • 155 closed sales in 2025
District-wide (New Albany-Plain LSD): $640,000 median. Premium tier of the Columbus market.
New Albany-Plain Local Schools — 5-star Ohio Report Card rating. New Albany HS #30 in Ohio (U.S. News 2025). Known for strong academics and facilities.
Spans two counties. Approximate effective rates based on median home price of $800,000:
• Franklin County: ~2.18% (~$17,440/yr)
• Licking County: ~2.02% (~$16,160/yr)
Among the highest annual tax bills in the region given elevated home values.
Estimates reflect approximate after-credit amounts. Actual taxes vary by taxing district, rollback credits, and exemptions.
SR-161, I-270, SR-62. 20–30 min from downtown Columbus. Proximity to John Glenn Columbus International Airport.
Master-planned community with consistent architectural standards. Home to a significant business park. The Intel investment in adjacent Licking County is one of the largest economic development projects in Ohio history.
Gahanna
Gahanna is an eastern suburb located along Big Walnut Creek. Named from a Native American word meaning 'three creeks joining into one,' the community offers a blend of established neighborhoods, newer development, and a revitalizing downtown Creekside district with restaurants and gathering spaces.
Gahanna Corp. • 408 closed sales in 2025
District-wide (Gahanna-Jefferson CSD): $410,000 median
Gahanna-Jefferson City Schools — 4-star Ohio Report Card rating. Serves approximately 7,000 students.
Franklin County. Approximate effective rate ~2.10% based on median home price of $385,000 — approximately ~$8,085/yr.
Estimates reflect approximate after-credit amounts. Actual taxes vary by taxing district, rollback credits, and exemptions.
I-270, US-62, Hamilton Road. Close to John Glenn Airport. 15–25 min to downtown Columbus.
Creekside Park and Gathering Place — a community hub with dining, events, and outdoor spaces along Big Walnut Creek. Diverse housing stock from mid-century to newer construction. Annual Creekside Blues and Jazz Festival.
Grove City
Grove City is one of the larger suburbs in southern Franklin County. It features a charming Broadway District downtown with local shops and restaurants. The area offers a wide range of housing options, from established mid-century neighborhoods to newer construction on the western edge of the community.
Grove City Corp. • 706 closed sales in 2025
District-wide (South-Western CSD): $314,900 median
South-Western City School District — 3-star Ohio Report Card rating. Fifth-largest in Ohio, 21,000+ students, 34 schools. Individual schools vary in performance.
Franklin County. Approximate effective rate ~1.60% based on median home price of $389,900 — approximately ~$6,240/yr.
Estimates reflect approximate after-credit amounts. Actual taxes vary by taxing district, rollback credits, and exemptions.
I-71, I-270, US-62. Direct route to downtown via I-71. 15–20 min commute. Stringtown Road and Hoover Road are primary corridors.
Affordability relative to other Columbus suburbs. Active downtown Broadway District. Big Splash Waterpark and strong Parks and Recreation department. Convenient south-side highway access.
Pickerington
Pickerington is located southeast of Columbus in Fairfield County. Founded in 1850, it is known as the 'Violet Capital of Ohio' and features a historic downtown area, rolling terrain, and a mix of established and newer residential communities. The area has seen consistent growth over the past two decades.
Pickerington Corp. • 381 closed sales in 2025
District-wide (Pickerington LSD): $420,000 median
Pickerington Local Schools — 4-star Ohio Report Card rating. Central HS #85 in Ohio (U.S. News 2025). District serves 10,000+ students.
Fairfield County. Approximate effective rate ~1.60% based on median home price of $420,000 — approximately ~$6,720/yr.
Estimates reflect approximate after-credit amounts. Actual taxes vary by taxing district, rollback credits, and exemptions.
I-270, US-33, SR-256. 20–30 min from downtown Columbus. Southeast side of the I-270 outer belt.
Historic downtown with the Olde Village Farmers Market. Home to the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame. Active parks system including Sycamore Creek Park. Growing commercial base along SR-256.
Canal Winchester
Canal Winchester is a smaller community located southeast of Columbus, straddling Franklin and Fairfield counties. It has a well-preserved historic downtown along the Ohio and Erie Canal corridor. The area has seen significant new construction and residential growth in recent years.
Canal Winchester Local Schools • 282 closed sales in 2025
Canal Winchester Local Schools — 4-star Ohio Report Card rating. Some areas may fall in adjacent districts.
Spans two counties. Approximate effective rates based on median home price of $350,000:
• Franklin County: ~1.69% (~$5,915/yr)
• Fairfield County: ~1.78% (~$6,230/yr)
Estimates reflect approximate after-credit amounts. Actual taxes vary by taxing district, rollback credits, and exemptions.
US-33, SR-674, Gender Road. I-270 accessible to the west. 20–30 min to downtown Columbus.
Preserved historic downtown along the canal corridor. Active community events including annual Blues and Ribfest and Labor Day Festival. Growing commercial and retail development.
Marysville
Marysville is the county seat of Union County, located northwest of Columbus. It has seen growth driven by its proximity to Honda's manufacturing operations, good schools, and relatively lower cost of living. The community offers a small-city feel with a traditional downtown square and surrounding residential neighborhoods.
Marysville EVS District • 501 closed sales in 2025 (+11.3% over 2024)
Marysville Exempted Village — 4-star Ohio Report Card rating. 5,100+ students. ~94% graduation rate. Test scores above state averages.
Union County. Approximate effective rate ~1.63% based on median home price of $385,000 — approximately ~$6,276/yr. Generally moderate relative to neighboring Delaware and Franklin counties.
Estimates reflect approximate after-credit amounts. Actual taxes vary by taxing district, rollback credits, and exemptions.
US-33 (primary corridor to Dublin/Columbus), US-36, SR-31. 25–35 min to Dublin/NW Columbus. 35–45 min to downtown.
Home to Honda of America Manufacturing. Traditional county seat downtown with courthouse square. Growing residential development. Lower cost of living compared to inner-ring Columbus suburbs.
Blacklick
Blacklick is an unincorporated community in eastern Franklin County, generally located between Gahanna, Reynoldsburg, and New Albany. The area has seen significant residential development and is home to a mix of established neighborhoods and newer subdivisions. Blacklick is a census-designated area rather than an incorporated city.
Blacklick (43004) • 422 closed sales in 2025
Prices vary by neighborhood and school district.
May fall within Gahanna-Jefferson, Licking Heights, New Albany-Plain Local, or Columbus City schools. Verify district for specific properties.
Primarily Franklin County. Approximate effective rate ~1.88% based on median home price of $347,000 — approximately ~$6,524/yr.
Estimates reflect approximate after-credit amounts. Actual taxes vary by taxing district, school district, rollback credits, and exemptions.
I-270, Morse Road, Reynoldsburg-New Albany Road, SR-16. 15–25 min from downtown Columbus.
Blacklick Woods Metro Park is a significant green space. Proximity to the Easton commercial corridor and the emerging New Albany business district. Diverse housing stock spanning multiple school districts.
Galloway
Galloway is an unincorporated community on the west side of Columbus in Franklin County. It offers a more rural and spacious feel compared to inner-ring suburbs while still being within the I-270 outer belt. The area features a mix of older homes on larger lots and some newer development.
Depending on location and school district. One of the more affordable options in the Columbus metro.
May fall within South-Western City or Columbus City school districts. Verify district for specific properties.
Franklin County. Approximate effective rate ~1.57% based on median home price of $314,900 — approximately ~$4,945/yr.
Estimates reflect approximate after-credit amounts. Actual taxes vary by taxing district, school district, rollback credits, and exemptions.
I-270, US-40 (West Broad Street), Georgesville Road. 15–25 min from downtown Columbus.
Relative affordability within the I-270 belt. Larger lot sizes compared to some other suburban communities. Proximity to Prairie Oaks Metro Park and Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park for outdoor recreation.
Columbus
As Ohio's capital and largest city, Columbus offers a wide range of neighborhoods, each with its own character. From the Victorian architecture of German Village to the walkable energy of the Short North, from the established tree-lined streets of Clintonville to the emerging development in Franklinton, the city provides options that span price ranges, housing types, and lifestyles.
Columbus Corp. • 9,017 closed sales in 2025
Prices vary dramatically by neighborhood. Central Ohio MLS median: $327,500.
Columbus City Schools — 2-star Ohio Report Card rating. The largest district in the region. Quality varies significantly by location. Many addresses have access to charter, magnet, and private options. Some Columbus addresses fall in suburban districts.
Franklin County. Approximate effective rate ~1.57% based on median home price of $283,000 — approximately ~$4,443/yr. City of Columbus income tax rate is 2.5%.
Estimates reflect approximate after-credit amounts. Actual taxes vary by taxing district, rollback credits, and exemptions.
I-70, I-71, I-270. COTA bus service throughout metro. Home to John Glenn Columbus International Airport. Commute times vary significantly.
Ohio's capital. Home to The Ohio State University. Nationally recognized food scene, arts and cultural institutions, and young professional population. Named by NAR as a housing 'hot spot.' MORPC projects nearly 1 million additional residents in Central Ohio over the next 25 years.
School District Quick Reference
| District | Area | U.S. News HS Rankings (2025) | Ohio Report Card (2025) | GreatSchools |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Olentangy Local Schools | Powell, Liberty Twp | #12 Liberty HS #16 OHS #34 Berlin HS #46 Orange HS | 8–9/10 | |
| Dublin City Schools | Dublin | #14 Jerome HS #51 Coffman HS #119 Scioto HS | 7–10/10 | |
| Upper Arlington City Schools | Upper Arlington | #22 UA HS | 7–9/10 | |
| New Albany-Plain Local | New Albany | #30 New Albany HS | 9–10/10 | |
| Hilliard City Schools | Hilliard | #64 Davidson HS #97 Bradley HS #124 Darby HS | 5–9/10 | |
| Worthington City Schools | Worthington | #79 Kilbourne HS #93 Thomas Worthington HS | 6–8/10 | |
| Westerville City Schools | Westerville | #83 Central HS #95 South HS | 5–8/10 | |
| Pickerington Local Schools | Pickerington | #85 Central HS | 5–8/10 | |
| Marysville Exempted Village | Marysville | Scores above state averages | 5–7/10 | |
| South-Western City Schools | Grove City, Galloway | Individual schools vary | 4–10/10 | |
| Gahanna-Jefferson City Schools | Gahanna | Not individually ranked | 6–8/10 | |
| Canal Winchester Local Schools | Canal Winchester | Not individually ranked | 5–7/10 | |
| Columbus City Schools | Columbus, Blacklick, Galloway | Individual schools vary | 1–7/10 |
Note: School district boundaries do not always align with city boundaries. Some addresses may fall in a different district than expected. Always verify the school district for a specific property address.
Rankings shift from year to year. For the most current data, visit the sources:
reportcard.education.ohio.gov •
greatschools.org •
usnews.com/education/best-high-schools
Have Questions About a Community or Current Home Pricing?
I can provide you with a personalized market analysis for any of these areas. Reach out anytime.
Contact Kyle