As the capital of Ohio, Columbus is home to nearly 900,000 people. The city is home to The Ohio State University, and offers plenty of cultural activities, such as the American Museum of Natural History Dinosaur Gallery and the Short North Arts District. Nature lovers of all ages will enjoy the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. For those who are young at heart, a must-see is one of the city’s latest attractions: The 36,000-square foot LEGOLAND Discovery Center.
Many people choose to retire here. And for anyone who wants to occasionally experience big city life, but prefers a slower-paced lifestyle, check out our top 10 suburbs for Columbus. Also be sure to check out Ohio’s safest cities.
10. Worthington
- Population: 14,725
- Median Home Value: $273,000
- Mean Travel Time to Work: 23 minutes
- School Ranking: A
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 829
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 107
Worthington is conveniently located just 20 minutes north of Columbus, making it ideal for commuters. A bonus for college students is that The Ohio State University is a short five-mile drive from Worthington. This small lovely town offers a serene atmosphere, punctuated with golf clubs, parks and country clubs. Your new home is waiting for you in Worthington!
9. New Albany
- Population: 10,889
- Median Home Value: $494,600
- Mean Travel Time to Work: 23 minutes
- School Ranking: A
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 82
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 2
New Albany is a reasonable suburban choice as it’s only about 20 miles from downtown Columbus. It too is a smaller community that is loaded with eclectic shops and specialty boutiques. The sprawling, wooded terrain is enchanting and the homes are affordable. Visit these new home communities in New Albany!
8. Gahanna
- Population: 35,551
- Median Home Value: $209,700
- Mean Travel Time to Work: 21 minutes
- School Ranking: A
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 588
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 31
Located 10 miles from downtown Columbus — and only minutes from the airport — is the vibrant city of Gahanna. Steeped in history, the city has been named one of the state’s “Best Hometowns” by Ohio Magazine. The townspeople place immense value on community, family and fun. Creekside Park, complete with manmade waterfalls, is a unique place to spend the day kayaking and paddle boating. Gahanna also offers aromatic coffee shops as well as charming boutiques. Check out the available new homes now.
7. Hilliard
- Population: 36,414
- Median Home Value: $238,600
- Mean Travel Time to Work: 23 minutes
- School Ranking: A
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 242
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 35
About 20 minutes northwest of the capital city is Hilliard, which has an active historical society. Residents and tourists alike can step back in time to tour a well-preserved, nearly 200-year-old log cabin. National pride is alive and well in Hillard; here you can visit the First Responders Park, adorned with fountains and sculptures. It serves as a gathering place to honor those who displayed acts of heroism on 9/11. Your dream home is awaiting you in one of these new communities!
6. Grandview Heights
- Population: 8,321
- Median Home Value: $342,500
- Mean Travel Time to Work: 16 minutes
- School Ranking: A
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 112
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 3
Immediately west of Columbus is the small town of Grandview Heights; its size gives it a tight-knit feel. Unwind from a busy day by ambling along the trails and meet your neighbors on the safe streets. Most amenities, like the breweries and boutiques, are within walking distance. Find your perfect home in Grandview Heights.
5. Powell
- Population: 13,309
- Median Home Value: $367,000
- Mean Travel Time to Work: 27 minutes
- School Ranking: A+
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 109
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 6
Only 20 miles due north of Columbus is the affluent suburb of Powell. Residents are proud of the exemplary school system and nearly perfect high school graduation rate, as well as the low crime stats. Enjoy all the nearby Scioto River has to offer, along with local parks and country clubs. From fishing, sailing or kayaking to simply watching the wildlife, you will find a new appreciation for the great outdoors. Ready to make your move? Find your dream home in Powell!
4. Dublin
- Population: 48,647
- Median Home Value: $371,800
- Mean Travel Time to Work: 24 minutes
- School Ranking: A+
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 413
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 29
Dublin is the largest suburb on our list, bordering the northwest section of Columbus. The homes are at the upper end of the price spectrum, but the peace and quiet are worth it. More than 20 corporations are headquartered in Dublin, but it’s also a thriving entrepreneurial center. The only decision to make on the weekend is which park to hike. Ready for a fresh start? Check out these new homes.
3. Bexley
- Population: 13,854
- Median Home Value: $359,200
- Mean Travel Time to Work: 19 minutes
- School Ranking: A+
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 398
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 13
Bexley is as unique as its name. You’ll find an array of quaint coffee and antique shops. Many townspeople enjoy gathering on Saturdays at the farmer’s market. This affluent community is home to Capital University, which keeps the locals young at heart. Visit these new homes today!
2. Upper Arlington
- Population: 35,522
- Median Home Value: $376,400
- Mean Travel Time to Work: 20 minutes
- School Ranking: A+
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 391
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 10
Just north of Columbus is Upper Arlington; this suburb is just far enough from the big city to enjoy the simple life. It’s a more expensive community but offers an abundance of activities and places to explore. Bordering the Scioto River, the city beckons water enthusiasts. Upper Arlington residents are proud to hold education and family among their top priorities. You will fall in love with these new home communities.
1. Granville
- Population: 5,890
- Median Home Value: $358,900
- Mean Travel Time to Work: 20 minutes
- School Ranking: A+
- Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 22
- Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 4
At the top of our list is Granville! Located about 30 miles east of Columbus, it’s a rural city with rolling hills, winding roads and exquisite natural beauty. Denison University is on hand for those wishing to further their education. The homes are luxurious here, but the peace of mind is priceless. Check out this selection of new homes available in Granville.
Additional Suburbs
| Suburb | Pop. | Median Home Value | Mean Travel to Work | School Rank | Property Crimes | Violent Crimes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Westerville | 40,387 | $226,700 | 22 minutes | A- | 717 | 46 |
| Delaware | 39,930 | $175,400 | 27 minutes | A- | 601 | 64 |
| Pickerington | 21,201 | $204,100 | 29 minutes | A- | 264 | 28 |
| Sunbury | 5,874 | $209,700 | 25 minutes | A- | 1,156 | 149 |
| Marysville | 24,267 | $184,500 | 22 minutes | B+ | 83 | 18 |
| Canal Winchester | 8,604 | $187,300 | 29 minutes | B+ | 1,456 | 187 |
| Grove City | 41,625 | $174,800 | 24 minutes | B | 1,156 | 43 |
| Reynoldsburg | 38,278 | $153,100 | 25 minutes | B | 942 | 88 |
| Johnstown | 5,065 | $152,300 | 25 minutes | B | 32 | 4 |
| Logan | 7,050 | $110,400 | 27 minutes | B | 384 | 28 |
| Heath | 10,861 | $142,100 | 19 minutes | B- | 546 | 25 |
| Newark | 50,029 | $119,500 | 23 minutes | B- | 2,166 | 152 |
| Lancaster | 40,414 | $121,300 | 27 minutes | B- | 1,687 | 116 |
| Pataskala | 15,780 | $172,700 | 27 minutes | B- | 1,852 | 238 |
| Marion | 36,087 | $73,500 | 20 minutes | C+ | 940 | 101 |
| London | 10,271 | $136,100 | 21 minutes | C+ | 239 | 20 |
| Circleville | 13,965 | $123,300 | 24 minutes | C+ | 530 | 43 |
| Groveport | 5,645 | $159,000 | 22 minutes | C | 128 | 25 |
| Blacklick Estates | 8,682 | $91,600 | 25 minutes | C | 2,478 | 319 |
| Whitehall | 19,011 | $84,800 | 21 minutes | C- | 1,074 | 119 |
NewHomeSource pulled data from the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting Services and the U.S. Census Bureau. In the event exact crime data was unavailable, estimates were used. These factors were entered into an algorithm to calculate a score for each suburb.
Other Ohio Resources
Sarah graduated from Trinity University in 2012 with a degree in International Relations and Political Science. She writes blogs on new homes, decor, communities, and more for NewHomeSource. When she’s not writing, you can find her spending time with her three cats.
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