The Best Areas to Live Surrounding Columbus, Ohio

If you’re looking for a place to call home outside the dense city limits of Columbus, Ohio, check out one of these suburbs! Each has its unique charm that appeals to residents but still keeps you close to all the action at The Ohio State University. All provide easy access to the central Ohio’s numerous amenities. Check out:

Worthington

Just north of Columbus on the Franklin County line, Worthington is one of the most desirable suburbs to live in. High Street (State Road 315) drops you right into downtown and high-end shopping. College students will appreciate how Worthington is only a five-mile drive from The Ohio State University.

Worthington City has a charming small-town feel. Its quaint main street includes a park-like square where the farmer’s market is open on Saturdays. High Street is lined with local shops and restaurants. Notable establishments include The Whitney House, La Chatelaine French Bistro, and Dewey’s Pizza. Many festivals come here to take advantage of the set-up, from Veteran’s Day parades to the July Fourth fireworks. The town also wins accolades like top-rated schools and a low crime rate. It has parks that tie into the Olentangy River Trail and recreational facilities around the Worthington Community Center.

While homes in Worthington may be priced higher than in other Columbus suburbs, their quality of life is undeniably worth the cost. The fact that the average Worthington homeowner has been in their home for over 20 years is a testament to the community’s many perks and the sense of security and comfort it provides.

New Albany

Northeast of Columbus, New Albany is another excellent option for suburban living. In 2015, Business Insider called it one of the best suburbs in the country.

The town has a beautiful historic district with well-preserved homes dating back to the 1800s. New Albany has over 600 acres of public parks and trails. The wooded terrain and historic homes provide a relaxed, park-like setting.

New Albany isn’t just a town with a rich history and a relaxed, park-like setting. It’s also a town that’s constantly evolving and offering new experiences. With a great selection of eclectic restaurants and businesses, it’s a place where locals dine, shop, and celebrate. Market Square is a testament to this, and it’s also home to the nation’s largest walking-only race and the New Albany Classic Grand Prix equestrian event, adding to the town’s unique charm and vibrancy.

Additionally, its school system earns high marks in Ohio. The quality schools and spacious housing options make it popular for families. Median home prices do tend to be among the highest in the Columbus area.

Gahanna

Gahanna has been recognized as one of Ohio’s “Best Hometowns” by Ohio Magazine. It leans into being the “Herb Capital of Ohio” with an herb cocktail trail and the Geroux Herb Gardens, a botanical garden focused on flavorful plants.

The Creekside is the downtown center of historic Gahanna. The city’s Creekside Park features artificial waterfalls and paddleboats you can rent to explore Big Walnut Creek. The park plays home to the annual Creekside Blues & Jazz Fest, but it’s one event in a packed calendar that draws people to Gahanna. The entire downtown district is packed with taverns, ice cream stores, and unique shops like the Ohio Herb Center.

The park represents some 750+ acres of parklands in the suburb. Other parks include soccer fields at McCorkle Park and golfing at the city course.

Over  34,000 people live in this east Columbus suburb. Residents are eight miles from downtown Columbus and minutes from the Columbus International Airport. Gahanna is a great place to live if you’re searching for a family-friendly neighborhood. Gahanna is another independent city with a strong school system.

Bexley

Bexley sits east of Columbus city limits but inside the inner ring formed by Interstate 270. The area has a small-town feel, with tree-lined streets and stately, beautiful homes. This historic area, founded in 1908, provides a wide range of housing selections, ranging from inexpensive ranches to charming Tudor-style houses. Historically, this was considered a wealthy area in Columbus and it still carried an affluent reputation.

Part of Bexley’s appeal is its school system. Casingham Elementary School and Bexley High School, part of Bexley City Schools, rank among the state’s best schools. In fact, Bexley High was third in the state’s scoring system for 2023.

The downtown area has several unique coffee shops, antique stores, and fashion boutiques. Many townspeople enjoy going to the farmer’s market on Saturdays. As an alternative to Ohio State, the private Capital University promises a close-knit college experience with around 2,000 undergraduates and a law school.

Several parks add to Bexley’s lush landscaping. Alum Creek runs along its eastern border through Wolfe Park and by the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, a must-see Columbus attraction.

Housing prices are high, but it’s worth it for those who want to live in a safe, walkable community with excellent schools.

Grandview Heights

Just west of downtown Columbus, Grandview Heights is one of the first suburbs of Columbus, Ohio. It’s right on the city limits and has refused to incorporate. The suburb was settled in 1890 and became a separate village in 1906. Grandview Heights became a city in 1931. It sits near the confluence of the Scioto and Olentangy Rivers.

Even though close to Columbus and inside the I-270 ring, Grandview Heights has its own emergency services and school district. Grandview Heights offers an easy commute to Columbus and The Ohio State University main campus. Even though it’s surrounded by Columbus, with Franklinton to the south and downtown directly east, it feels more quiet and suburban. Still, residents are minutes from downtown Columbus attractions like Nationwide Arena, Goodale Park, and the Convention Center.

The best restaurants in Grandview Heights can be found on 5th Avenue. Find global cuisines, including Italian, Thai, Indian, and Japanese.

This well-established neighborhood has homes representing Columbus’s many periods of growth. You can find larger homes on spacious lots, craftsmen-style bungalows, and four-square duplexes. Demand makes it one of the higher median home prices in the greater Columbus area.

Grove City

Moving southwest from Columbus, Grove City is one of the larger suburbs of Columbus. With a population of over 34,000, it bills itself as an “Altogether Adventure.” It’s a short drive from the city limits but has a wide variety of things to do without needing to leave the residential neighborhood.

For starters, parks are all around Grove City. The town has the largest paintball structure, a 14,000-acre park with Bison, Scioto River access, and a golf club. Get in touch with the creative side, as Grove City has art galleries, art events, and creator studios. As far as shopping and dining options, the town has multiple shopping centers, with a concentration of big names and local retail on Stringtown Road. Plus, with Interstate 71 running through the center, jumping on and heading south to the Outlet Mall is easy.

Grove City has a strong school system. Housing prices are more affordable than in Bexley or Worthington, making it an attractive option for those on a budget.

Upper Arlington

For those who prize access to The Ohio State University campus, it’s hard to beat Upper Arlington. Known for its tree-lined streets, well-maintained parks, and a strong sense of community, Upper Arlington offers its residents a high quality of life.

The city prizes its excellent public schools, including one of the state’s best public high schools. In 2022-2023, it earned a perfect 5 out of 5 score on the Ohio state report card.

Cultural and recreational amenities, such as the Upper Arlington Public Library and the Amelita Mirolo Barn, provide residents with ample enrichment and leisure opportunities. The western border follows the Scioto River, protected by Griggs Park. Inside the neighborhood is the Ohio State University Golf Club. The campus is right at the eastern border.

Additionally, Upper Arlington hosts various community events throughout the year, including the popular Fourth of July parade and fireworks.

The residential community has many established homes with mature landscaping and shaded trees. It’s one of the prized urban neighborhoods in the Columbus area.

Hilliard

Now heading west Columbus, Hilliard is known as a center of industry. However, unlike some Columbus suburbs, it has room to grow, which is why it has more new construction homes and opportunities.

Its 25 parks include the Reynolds Municipal Park, which has a swimming pool and sledding hill as part of its facilities. Kids love the train caboose replica at Homestead Metro Park. Families have these parks and more kid-friendly entertainment options for a day out. The city limits also have a golf course and a Columbus Metropolitan library branch.

Annual events include an annual holiday Tree Lighting, an Independence Day Freedom Fest, and Old Hilliardfest.

As for accessing Ohio State University, Fishinger Road drops you into the north side of the main campus.

Budget-friendly housing choices make Hilliard more affordable than some other Columbus suburbs.

Dublin

Dublin, Ohio, is a blend of the old and new. This large suburb in the northwest metro is home to over 41,000 people. The city has historically embraced the traditions of its namesake. Everywhere you look, life is green in Dublin. The city’s infamous St. Patrick’s Day celebrations catch the eye, but shamrocks and green street signs lean into its ties to the sister city in Ireland. The Dublin Irish Festival is one of the country’s major Irish cultural events, which takes place every March.

The city sits along the Scioto River. The walking bridge and park over the cascading waters are now an iconic site. Bridge Street District and Park stand between a thriving downtown area on both sides of the river. On the west are the historic buildings, walkable with top-tier restaurants and pubs. On the east side is the newer development, with a mixed-use walkable district including a food hall and bowling alley.

It’s one of the safest cities in the United States. Dublin also ranked among America’s Top 20 Creative Class Cities in 2015. Dublin has over 20 corporate headquarters, a startup center, and over 4,300 companies based in its city limits.

Dublin’s strong job market is one attraction. Another is having the best schools in the greater Columbus area. Three Dublin public schools have ranked among the best in the nation.

Housing prices are high compared to other suburbs. Those who want a walkable community and the best school district in Columbus say it’s worth it.

Powell

Powell is part of the Olentangy River Valley. Northwest by about a 20-minute drive, just over 13,000 people call the city home.

There’s plenty to do in historic downtown Powell. Browse its historical shopping district, which has wine bistros, fine consignment, and an organic restaurant. Locals are fans of Kraft House No 5, Nocterra Brewing, Huli Huli Tiki Lounge, and Local Roots. Take the kids to the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium, ranked among the nation’s best zoos. Or, explore local history at the Olentangy Indian Caverns.

You’ll discover a new love for the wild outdoors as you explore around Powell. Enjoy the Scioto River’s advantages, with a fishing access area and a boat launch. Nearby parks and golfing country clubs add to the outdoor recreation.

Powell falls under the Olentangy Public School District, one of Ohio State’s largest but also most highly rated.

Westerville

Westerville is about a 15-minute drive northeast of downtown Columbus and is home to over 39,000 people. The town has a rich and colorful history, such as being the birthplace of Prohibition. You’ll find the historic Otterbein University campus, a top-ranking liberal arts school, just off the downtown.

Uptown Westerville’s historic buildings now house boutique shops, local dining, and breweries. Continue up State Rd 3, and you’ll reach its expansive Heritage Park, which connects to the Alum Creek Trail and the recreational facilities at the Westerville Community Center.

Inside the city and surrounding area are 6,000 acres of parks, complete with swimming, biking, and hiking. Sharon Woods Metro Park forms the southwest, while the photogenic Inniswood Metro Gardens is in the southeast. The Hoover Reservoir, which makes the town’s eastern border, is a prime destination for boating and watersports in the Columbus metro.

Overall, Westerville has a suburban feel. Its schools usually rank highly in the Ohio assessment system, and some are placed to be walkable inside the residential neighborhoods.

The Best Columbus Suburbs

These are just a few of the best suburbs of Columbus, Ohio. Each town has its unique charm and offers something different for residents. No matter what you’re looking for, one of these best places near Columbus will be perfect.

Updated July 2024