10 Best Neighborhoods to Live in Columbus in 2025
Finding the right place to live is about more than just affordability; it’s about community, safety, schools, and overall quality of life. Niche.com has released their 2025 comprehensive rankings— which evaluate factors like public schools, crime, cost of living, and amenities.
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Here’s a list of the top 10 best places to live in the Columbus metro area for 2025, according to Niche.
10. Reynoldsburg
Overall Grade: B+
Population: ~37,000
Public Schools: B+
Crime & Safety: B
Cost of Living: $$
Commute: About 20 minutes from downtown Columbus
Family Life: Reynoldsburg offers affordable housing and a growing number of amenities, making it a great spot for young families
Nightlife: Limited options in Reynoldsburg, but downtown Columbus offers plenty of entertainment
Key Feature: Affordable housing and an up-and-coming community make Reynoldsburg a hidden gem for families looking for value and convenience.
9. Westerville
Overall Grade: A-
Population: ~38,000
Public Schools: A
Crime & Safety: B
Cost of Living: $$-$$$
Commute: 20-minute drive to downtown Columbus
Family Life: Westerville is perfect for families with its excellent schools, parks, and family-oriented activities
Nightlife: A mix of local dining and entertainment, though more options are available in nearby Columbus
Key Feature: Known for its excellent schools and safe neighborhoods, Westerville offers a suburban retreat close to city amenities.
8. New Albany
Overall Grade: A
Population: ~11,500
Public Schools: A
Crime & Safety: A
Cost of Living: $$$
Commute: 20 minutes from downtown Columbus
Family Life: New Albany is perfect for those seeking a tranquil suburban atmosphere with an emphasis on community and high-quality living
Nightlife: Limited local nightlife, but close to Columbus for more options
Key Feature: A highly desirable suburban area with beautiful homes, New Albany offers top-tier amenities for those who can afford its premium living.
7. Grandview Heights
Overall Grade: A
Population: ~8,000
Public Schools: A
Crime & Safety: B+
Cost of Living: $$$
Commute: Just minutes from downtown Columbus
Family Life: Known for its small-town charm, Grandview Heights has well-maintained public spaces, excellent schools, and a friendly atmosphere
Nightlife: Plenty of dining and entertainment options close by
Key Feature: The close proximity to Columbus combined with a strong community feel makes Grandview Heights one of the best urban suburbs in the area.
6. Hilliard
Overall Grade: A
Population: ~38,000
Public Schools: A
Crime & Safety: B+
Cost of Living: $$-$$$
Commute: 20-minute drive to downtown Columbus
Family Life: Hilliard is known for its high-quality public services, parks, and strong sense of community, making it a great place for families
Nightlife: Limited, but downtown Columbus is close enough for more vibrant entertainment
Key Feature: A growing suburb with affordable living, good schools, and a family-friendly atmosphere, Hilliard is an ideal choice for young families.
5. Dublin
Overall Grade: A
Population: ~49,031
Public Schools: A
Crime & Safety: B-
Cost of Living: $$$
Commute: Easy access to Columbus via major highways
Family Life: Dublin boasts excellent schools, parks, and recreational facilities, making it one of the most sought-after places for families
Nightlife: A quieter suburban area with dining and entertainment options, though it’s close enough to Columbus for more
Key Feature: A well-established community with top-rated schools and a growing number of family-friendly amenities, Dublin is perfect for those seeking both suburban peace and urban proximity.
4. Worthington
Overall Grade: A
Population: ~14,754
Public Schools: A
Crime & Safety: B
Cost of Living: $$$
Commute: Easy access to downtown Columbus
Family Life: Worthington offers a combination of historic charm, scenic parks, and highly rated schools that make it great for families
Nightlife: Plenty of dining options and close to the entertainment scene in Columbus
Key Feature: Known for its charming homes and a sense of community, Worthington provides a peaceful suburban feel while being close to urban conveniences.
3. Powell
Overall Grade: A
Population: ~11,500
Public Schools: A
Crime & Safety: A
Cost of Living: $$$
Commute: Convenient access to major highways and close to Columbus
Family Life: Powell offers a quiet, family-friendly atmosphere with spacious homes, parks, and highly rated schools
Nightlife: Quiet with some local options, but close to Columbus for more variety
Key Feature: A peaceful and family-oriented community, Powell provides ample green spaces, great schools, and a close-knit vibe.
2. Bexley
Overall Grade: A+
Population: ~13,324
Public Schools: A
Crime & Safety: B-
Cost of Living: $$$
Commute: Just minutes from downtown Columbus
Family Life: With tree-lined streets and high-quality schools, Bexley offers the perfect blend of suburban charm and urban accessibility
Nightlife: A mix of dining, cultural spots, and entertainment, all close to the heart of Columbus
Key Feature: Bexley stands out for its beautiful historic homes, vibrant community, and top-tier schools, making it one of the most desirable areas in the Columbus metro.
1. Upper Arlington
Overall Grade: A+
Population: ~36,319
Public Schools: A+
Crime & Safety: A
Cost of Living: $$$
Commute: Short drive to downtown Columbus
Family Life: Upper Arlington offers excellent public schools, well-kept parks, and an overall sense of community that makes it ideal for families
Nightlife: Limited, but just a short drive to the entertainment options in Columbus
Key Feature: Consistently ranked as one of the best places to live in the area, Upper Arlington is known for its strong school system, safe neighborhoods, and proximity to the city.
For more in-depth details and data on each location, visit the study here.
10 Best Neighborhoods to Live in Columbus in 2025 was originally published on ronemycolumbuspower.staging.go.ione.nyc