The Best Places to Live in Central Ohio

Learn more about the city and its surrounding suburbs to find the neighborhood that fits your lifestyle.

What You Need to Know About Central Ohio

What Does Central Ohio Cover?

What Is the Cost of Living in Columbus, Ohio?

Unlike many other major U.S. cities, you can get a lot more for your penny in the Central Ohio area. Considering the cost of housing, utilities, groceries, and transportation, the cost of living in Columbus is 7% lower overall than the national average.

Divvying up less of your paycheck on basic necessities offers you more financial freedom to do what you really enjoy—whether that’s eating out more often or taking your family on an extra weekend getaways or vacations.

Who Are the Top Employers in and Around the City?

Many young professionals move to Columbus to establish their career here because there are ample job opportunities and companies of all sizes spanning a wide range of industries.

From Fortune 500 companies like Nationwide and American Electric Power to a wide range of hospital networks to non-profits and agencies big and small, Central Ohio is brimming with job opportunities in and around the city.

Best Places to Live Near Columbus, Ohio

We are proud to offer better-built homes in these sought-after locations throughout Central Ohio.

Powell

Securing the #2 spot on Niche’s 2026 Best Places to Live in the Columbus Area list, Powell is an outstanding place to live. The city offers an ideal lifestyle for families and empty nesters, including one of the top school districts in the state, a quaint downtown with shops and high-end restaurants, and beautiful homes in highly desired neighborhoods.

Delaware

Overlooking the Olentangy River, the City of Delaware values sustainability, diversity, and a growing economy. Delaware is home to Ohio Wesleyan University as well as a charming downtown, and it’s a great place for families and young professionals alike.

Lewis Center

Lewis Center is a growing and thriving community with a population of around 30,000 people. It boasts some of the best schools in the Greater Columbus area and offers endless dining, shopping, outdoor adventure, and entertainment opportunities!

Dublin

A vibrant city rated #6 on Niche’s 2026 Best Places to Live in the Columbus Area, Dublin, Ohio is truly one-of-a-kind. Dublin offers the ultimate blend of historic charm with modern amenities, and you’ll feel this when you visit Downtown Dublin and Dublin Bridge Park.

The Dublin City School District is the #1 ranked district in Central Ohio, so it’s no surprise that families love settling down here.

Plain City

If you’re looking for a quieter pace of living with a scenic surrounding that’s still near all the great amenities of a bigger city, Plain City is it. This small village is located just north of Dublin and boasts unique, local businesses, restaurants, and shops.

Hilliard

Boasting a charming downtown, an array of parks, sports centers for kids, and sought-after new home communities, there’s so much to love about life in the laid-back and tight-knit suburb of Hilliard on the West side of the city.

Grove City

With over 1,200 businesses, more than 20 parks, great restaurants, top-notch entertainment, and a variety of recreation opportunities, Grove City is in an ideal location south of the city of Columbus with convenient access to all major highways. Grove City offers an authentic, small-town feel, so it’s easy to see why residents love living in this Central Ohio community.

Westerville

Westerville.org offers the perfect introduction to this charming city: “Natural beauty and careful planning make Westerville a special place to call home.”

Recreation and entertainment opportunities abound in Westerville, and the city is located just 15 minutes northeast of Downtown Columbus. It’s a fantastic hometown for families, young couples, and empty-nesters alike.

Commercial Point

The community of Commercial Point is close to everything in and around Columbus, but living here means you’ll reap the benefits of lower property taxes. If you’re searching for small-town living just south of the big city, you’ll never run out of places to visit and things to do in this area.

Gahanna

Gahanna has it all: beautiful neighborhoods, 750+ acres of parkland, and outstanding amenities. The city is located only eight miles from Downtown Columbus and minutes away from the John Glenn Columbus International Airport.

With a strong emphasis on community, family, and gathering, Gahanna boasts a wide variety of activities and special events.

Pickerington

If you’re looking to get established near Columbus in a down-to-earth neighborhood with excellent schools, Pickerington may be the right place for you! This community-oriented suburb of Columbus is chock-full of fun events, and young families love living here. 

Reynoldsburg

Reynoldsburg is situated just east of Columbus and boasts a wide variety of metro parks, museums, and hometown festivals within its boundary lines. There’s so much to adore about this city and the outstanding new home communities it has to offer—a wonderful place for families to settle down!

Pataskala

Situated about 30 minutes east of Downtown Columbus in Licking County, Pataskala offers a scenic, tranquil setting for your new home while still located near top Central Ohio destinations. This city is near major employers within the New Albany business corridor and close to the future Intel site.

With an excellent park district, several locally loved businesses nearby like Lynd Fruit Farm, and easy access to New Albany, Granville, and other Columbus area suburbs, Pataskala is a wonderful place to live. 

Galena

Community connection and outdoor recreation are 2 of the many facets that Galena offers all who get to call this quaint village home.

Galena is situated in a highly desirable area on the northeast side of Central Ohio in Delaware County, and its peaceful setting is ideal for those looking for a slower pace of life—whether you’re an empty nester or a growing family.

Sunbury

Sunbury has nearly doubled in size over the last 20 years and offers some of the best new home communities in the area. Living here means you’ll have convenient access to I-71, so you’ll be close to everything in and around Columbus. Sunbury boasts highly rated schools, shopping, restaurants, and so much more!

Moving to Columbus, Ohio: Things to Do in the Area

For Families

• Spend a Saturday at COSI Science Center or the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.
• Enjoy the best metro parks for kids, including Highbanks in Lewis Center, Scioto Audubon in the city, and Shale Hollow Nature Preserve.
• Explore the biodiversity of the rain forest at the Franklin Park Conservatory!
• Check out the interactive Legoland Discovery Center at Easton Town Center.

For Retirees

• Peruse the North Market—Ohio’s largest farmers market, open since 1876 and full of esteemed local merchants and vendors.
• Register for a creativity, nature, or wellness class through The City of Columbus Recreation and Parks program.
• Enjoy date nights and fine dining at top-tier restaurants around the city.

For Young Professionals and Couples

• Take a stroll around the Columbus Museum of Art.
• Sip on a pour over or perfectly crafted latte at one of these incredible coffee shops in Columbus.
• Buy your tickets and head out to the field, arena, or stadium to watch an Ohio State Buckeyes, Columbus Blue Jackets, Columbus Crew, or Columbus Clippers game. The atmosphere is electric, and the teams are stellar!

Choosing the right city and neighborhood to settle down in is a major decision, and you deserve trusted professionals to walk alongside you throughout the home buying process.

I’m here for you! Leave me a note, and let’s chat about finding the perfect home for you in one of Central Ohio’s best neighborhoods.