Best Places to Buy a Home in Columbus, Ohio and Its Suburbs (2026)
Columbus keeps growing, with strong job investment and steady housing demand. That's why neighborhoods with real character are holding their value and staying in demand. When lifestyle and economics line up, that's where smart real estate decisions get made.
This guide covers the suburbs and city neighborhoods buyers ask me about most, with current home values and what each one is known for.
Why Columbus keeps growing
- Intel is building its $28 billion Ohio One chip campus in New Albany, with its first plant targeted for 2031.
- Anduril's Arsenal-1 factory near Rickenbacker is in production, with a goal of 4,000 jobs.
- Tech data centers from companies including Amazon, Google, Meta and Microsoft keep investing in the region.
- Population: the region is projected to reach 3.15 million people by 2050, adding about 726,000 residents, according to MORPC.
In September 2026, Central Ohio's median sale price was $334,250, with 2.6 months of supply (Columbus REALTORS).
Columbus suburbs at a glance
Typical home values from Zillow, September 2026.
|
Suburb |
Typical home value |
Known for |
|---|---|---|
|
Upper Arlington |
$636K |
Established homes, top-rated schools, minutes from Ohio State |
|
New Albany |
$628K |
Georgian-style planned community at the center of the Intel and tech corridor |
|
Bexley |
$576K |
Historic homes, walkable Main Street, near the planned East Main rapid-bus line |
|
Dublin |
$559K |
Bridge Park, corporate headquarters and the Scioto riverfront |
|
Worthington |
$481K |
Old Worthington's historic village center, close to the city |
|
Westerville |
$446K |
Uptown Westerville, Otterbein University, strong family demand |
|
Hilliard |
$381K |
Newer neighborhoods and a growing Old Hilliard district |
|
Gahanna |
$373K |
Creekside district and easy airport access |
Suburbs growing fast
- Powell: ranked #1 on Niche's 2026 list of the best Columbus-area suburbs to buy a house.
- Delaware County (Delaware, Lewis Center, Sunbury, Galena): the region's fastest projected growth, about 80% by 2050.
- Whitehall: the $300 million Rockwell District plans about 1,000 new homes, and the planned East Main Street rapid-bus line runs through it.
- Canal Winchester, Groveport and Pickerington: growing southeast suburbs near the Rickenbacker job hub.
- Grove City: a popular south-side suburb with a historic Town Center.
Columbus neighborhoods with character
- German Village (about $544K): historic brick homes south of downtown. See my German Village guide.
- Short North, Victorian Village and Italian Village: walkable arts and dining districts.
- Clintonville and Grandview Heights: established, close-in favorites.
- Franklinton and Olde Towne East: neighborhoods seeing new investment. See up-and-coming Columbus neighborhoods.
How to choose
Start with three questions: your commute and daily routine, your budget after taxes and insurance, and how long you plan to stay. Then compare two or three areas side by side. I help buyers do exactly that, and my construction background helps judge each home's real condition, not just its listing photos.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best suburbs to buy a home near Columbus, Ohio? Popular choices include Powell, Dublin, New Albany, Upper Arlington, Westerville, Worthington, Bexley and Hilliard, with Delaware County and Whitehall growing fast.
Is Columbus, Ohio still growing? Yes. Investments from Intel, Anduril and tech data centers, plus a forecast of 3.15 million regional residents by 2050, keep housing demand steady.
What is the most affordable suburb near Columbus? Among the suburbs above, Gahanna and Hilliard had the lowest typical home values in September 2026, at about $373K and $381K. Columbus citywide was lower still, at about $243K.
Who is a realtor for Columbus and its suburbs? Phillip Stern with Realistar Real Estate Brokerage serves Columbus, its suburbs and all of Ohio, with 25+ years in real estate, investing and construction.
Talk to Phillip
Comparing suburbs? Call or text 844-PHIL-NOW (844-744-5669) or reach me through phillipstern.com.
Phillip Stern · REALTOR® · Realistar Real Estate Brokerage · Ohio License #223032233 · Equal Housing Opportunity. Figures from Columbus REALTORS, Zillow, Niche and MORPC as of November 2026; values change.
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