Set within the farms and woodlands that fill the landscape north of Columbus, the city of Delaware started as a hard-scrabble settlement in the early 1800s. Like many of the towns surrounding Ohio's capital, it saw an industrial boom that began in the middle of the 20th century and has continued steadily since. But even as the city grows, locals hope to maintain a level of rural hospitality they see as part of their roots. "We're a suburban community that's close to the amenities of Columbus, but we're set aside enough that you have that smaller town feel," says Catlin Frazier, a councilwoman for the city.
Delaware is set within the farms and woodlands that fill the landscape north of Columbus.
The city of Delaware started as a hard-scrabble settlement in the early 1800s.
Relax at Henmick Farm & Brewery, a full-service taproom for gather outdoors.
Delaware Skatepark is a great place to spend time with friends.
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An industrial hub that continues to grow
The automotive industry has been Delaware's professional backbone for decades, with leading employers like Advance Auto, Jegs and PPG Industries maintaining distribution centers in the area. Other top job creators include Ohio Wesleyan University, OhioHealth and the local government and public school system. As tech giants like Intel put the final touches on microchip factories in the area, local leaders expect to see a concentrated boom in population. "Like many communities in Central Ohio, we're going to see that 'Intel effect,'" says Frazier. "Anywhere within 40 miles of the company should expect a lot of growth." This growth has made Delaware the fastest-growing county in Ohio and among the top 25 fastest in the nation. As a result, local and state governments plan to expand area infrastructure and renovate nearby highways.
OhioHealth Grady Memorial Hospital delivers high-level care to our Delaware community.
The automotive industry has been Delaware's professional backbone for decades.
PPG Industries maintains distribution centers in Delaware.
Delaware the fastest-growing county in Ohio and among the top 25 fastest in the nation.
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Award-winning school districts and historic homes
The Historic Northwestern Neighborhood is the site of some of Delaware's oldest and most admired homes, including beautifully renovated Victorians and Tudors. Midcentury Cape Cods and ranch-style houses are common near Mingo Park, and the latest contemporary construction fills newer communities like Springer Woods. The average value for a home in Delaware is in the mid-$400,000s, lower than the national average in the mid-$500,000s. Existing homes range in price from the low $200,000s to the low $800,000s. New construction starts in the low $300,000s and maxes out in the low $800,000s.
Delaware contains two school districts: Delaware City Schools, which covers the majority of the city, and Olentangy Local School District, which takes care of expanding regions in the southeast. Delaware City Schools has a B-rating from Niche and received the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce's "Exceeds School Standards" rating. "We're particularly proud of our partnerships with Ohio Wesleyan University and Columbus State University," says Director of Communications for Delaware City Schools, Jennifer Ruhes. "We offer several post-secondary options to students that reduce the cost of college courses."
The Olentangy Local School District has an A-plus from Niche, which lists it as one of the ten best school districts in Ohio and the fifth best for athletics. In 2024, the district received a five-star rating from the state of Ohio for the second year in a row. It was only one of two districts with over 10,000 students to achieve this honor.
Ohio Wesleyan University was founded in 1844 and serves over 1,500 students a year with over 70 undergraduate majors and 24 varsity sports.
New construction in Delaware starts in the low $300,000s and maxes out in the low $800,000s.
New contemporary construction in Delaware fills newer communities like Springer Woods.
The Historic Northwestern Neighborhood is the site of some of Delaware's oldest and most adm
Midcentury Cape Cods and ranch-style houses in Delaware are common near Mingo Park.
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Harness Racing and one of the oldest restaurants in Ohio
Local attractions include The Strand Theatre, Arena Fair Theatre, Meeker Homestead Museum and Ross Art Museum. The city's historic downtown is home to Bun's Restaurant, one of the oldest restaurants in Ohio. Established in 1864, this Delaware landmark offers laid-back diner fare in a family-friendly atmosphere.
Mingo Park's athletic fields are some of the area's most popular spots on Saturday mornings when the youth soccer league season is in session. The 50-acre green space is also home to canoe launch points into the Olentangy River, a skate park and recent expansions for pickleball. Smith Park features multiple playgrounds, a stocked fishing pond and multiple baseball and softball fields.
The Little Brown Jug is the area's largest annual event, regularly attracting as many as 45,000 attendees. Founded in 1946, the Triple Crown harness horse racing event is held in the Delaware County Fairgrounds every third Thursday after Labor Day. "It brings in some of the biggest crowds in Central Ohio," says Frazier.
Delaware's Ohio Wesleyan University was founded in 1844 and serves over 1,500 students.
Bun's Restaurant in Delaware, is one of the oldest restaurants in Ohio.
The Strand Theatre, is a movie theater located in downtown Delaware.
Harness racing happens year round at the Delaware Fairgrounds track.
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Improvements on the way for Columbus commute
The city is intersected by U.S. Routes 23, 36 and 42, along with Ohio Route 37, creating convenient commutes. Columbus and John Glenn Columbus International Airport are 30 miles south—a fact relevant to the majority of the city's locals. "Eighty percent of our residents actually work outside of the city, so we've got that usual traffic and rush hour during peak times of the day," says Catlin Frazier. "But we're working with the county and state levels on infrastructure progress to increase traffic in areas where there's a lot of movement." John Glenn International sees over 150 flights daily, providing access to cities like Atlanta, Paris and Las Vegas. Delaware County Transit offers scheduled ride services throughout the week but does not offer a fixed route bussing system.
Important to know
According to the Federal Bureau of Investigations, Delaware's property crime instances in 2023 were 53 percent lower than Ohio's and 58 percent lower than the United States overall. In the same year, violent crime in Delaware was 51 percent lower than Ohio's and 47 percent lower than the nation's.
Locals refer to Delaware as a "four-season city," with warm summers, snowfall, and rainfall on par with other areas in Ohio.
Written By
Phil Keeling
Photography Contributed By
Sam Blythe
Video By
Max Gilmore
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Brian Comer,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
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On average, homes in Delaware, OH sell after 222 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Delaware, OH over the last 12 months is $433,155, up 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Contemporary Comfort in The Reserve at Lantern Chase! Welcome to 130 Cedar Creek St, a picture-perfect two-story residence built in 2020 that seamlessly blends modern elegance with effortless functionality. Offering three spacious bedrooms (with a possible fourth in the lower level), 2.5 bathrooms, and over 2,500 sq. ft. of meticulously maintained living space, this home is a turn-key gem in the
Discover this stunning new construction home for sale, located at 3068 Patricia Ann Way in Delaware. This spacious home offers an impressive blend of comfort and functionality. Highlights include 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, an open-concept living space, a full basement, a side-load garage with 3rd garage bay, a first-floor guest room, a formal dining room, a loft, and more! The home's design
Welcome to 1509 Maple Heights Drive, a beautifully designed new construction home offering ample, thoughtfully planned living space in a desirable Delaware community. With 4 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, a study, a fireplace, a morning room addition, and a spacious 3-car garage, this two-story home blends everyday functionality with elevated design. The first floor is anchored by an open-concept
ALMOST NEW!!! Barely lived in, built in 2023, seller paid the ''new build expenses'' - window blinds, new washer/dryer/upgraded dishwasher, alarm system, (3) tall pantry/storage cabinets (may stay -negotiable). Pad is poured for Shed. Builder is building this floor plan for $25k more. Not prepared to buy the custom new build? This is the best of all worlds. Super nice complex - very well
Welcome to 6505 Longview Dr. A stunning custom-built masterpiece, by one of the areas premier builders, located in Nelson Farms, in the prestigious Olentangy School District! This expansive 5-bedroom, 6-bathroom home sits on .69 acres and boasts over 5,700 square feet of luxury living space, offering the perfect blend of elegance and modern comfort. Cathedral ceilings and large windows accent the
Your very own retreat within the City of Delaware. Situated on 2 lots totaling approximately 1.7 acres, this two-level raised ranch offer 3 bedrooms, remodeled kitchen and full bath, newer windows / roof, updated deck and swimming pool. The walk out lower level has a second kitchen, room for additional living area, 2 car garage and workshop area. The yard is accesssed by the large deck and is
Welcome to 35 Chamberlain Street - A beautifully updated 1901 home blending historic character and modern comfort. This 3 bedroom, 1 bath gem offers an open floor plan and 10 foot ceilings throughout.Enjoy the updated kitchen with new stainless appliances and butcher block counters, a finished utility room and a brand new back patio overlooking the fenced yard.Located in a quiet, friendly
Lot #2 is beautiful 2.6 acre wooded lot in Olentangy School District with a private driveway! This parcel is tucked away from all roads and surrounded by tall trees. Utilities that are available are AEP, Suburban Natural Gas, and Del-co water. Conveniently located minutes from shops, restaurants, schools, and the Alum Creek Marina!
Welcome home to this stunning Glenross property, offering comfort, style, and a wealth of community amenities—including a clubhouse, fitness center, playgrounds, walking/biking path, multiple pools, and golf course access. Ideally situated just minutes from the area's newest schools. The chef's kitchen offers upgraded cabinetry, granite countertops, an expansive island, stainless steel
Beautifully Maintained 4-Bedroom 2 & 1/2 Bath Home in Prime Location! This spacious and versatile home features 4 generously sized bedrooms, bathrooms with granite countertops and a convenient 2nd-floor laundry room. The main level offers a well-appointed kitchen, den, formal dining room, and eat-in area—perfect for everyday living and entertaining. Step outside to a private custom paver patio
Spacious 5-Bedroom Home on 1.685 Acres - Luxury Living Indoors & OutWelcome to this beautifully crafted 2-story home set on a private 1.685-acre lot, featuring thoughtful upgrades, spacious living, and serene surroundings.Inside, you'll find 5 bedrooms, 4 full baths, and 1 half bath. The Primary Suite is a luxurious retreat with vaulted ceilings, a spacious walk-in closet, and an en-suite
Contemporary Comfort in The Reserve at Lantern Chase! Welcome to 130 Cedar Creek St, a picture-perfect two-story residence built in 2020 that seamlessly blends modern elegance with effortless functionality. Offering three spacious bedrooms (with a possible fourth in the lower level), 2.5 bathrooms, and over 2,500 sq. ft. of meticulously maintained living space, this home is a turn-key gem in the
What if your next home could dramatically shrink your environmental footprint—without giving up space, beauty, or comfort? If you're looking for a home that aligns with your environmentally conscious values— this high-performance home stands out. Built with airtight construction, superior insulation, and right-sized mechanical systems, it uses significantly less energy than typical new
🏡 Featured Home: The Sunrise... Discover this brand new home with 3-bedrooms, 2-bath homes offering almost 1,000 square feet of beautifully designed living space on a desirable lot that backs to the river. This model showcases modern craftsmanship, quality materials, and thoughtful details that make daily living both comfortable and stylish. Centrally located in Delaware, Ohio, Shroyer
Be among the first to call this growing area home before pricing and development catch up. This 2,155 sq ft new build combines modern function with timeless character, designed for today's lifestyle while surrounded by Delaware's established charm. Inside, the open floor plan connects the kitchen, great room, and dining area for effortless living and entertaining. The kitchen features a large
Newly Built 2023 D.R. Horton home on a corner lot. This open concept, two-story home features 5 large bedrooms and 3 full baths. This home boasts a spacious kitchen with white cabinets and trim , a center island housing a large sink, dishwasher, walk-in pantry, side by side refrigerator, gas range, upgraded hardware, luxury vinyl flooring, and quartz countertops. The first floor has 9-foot high
Troy Farms offers spacious one and two bedroom apartments along with two bedroom townhomes in Delaware, OH. Our community is pet friendly and offers highly desired amenities such as a fitness center, sparkling pool with outdoor picnic area and a grilling station, a community clubhouse, scenic walking trails, and so much more. Our apartments and townhomes feature beautiful finishes like vinyl wood
Olentangy School District available for rent. The owner's suite features a walk-in closet and a large bathroom. Open floor plan with a spacious living room, tall ceilings, and dining area. Two-car attached garage. Tenants will have access to the clubhouse with a swimming pool, and internet service is included for the condos. , tall ceiling and eating space. 2 car attached garage.Tenants will have
Welcome Home to Seattle House, a beautiful Ardent Community! Located along State Route 36, just east of Downtown Delaware, Seattle House offers the perfect blend of convenience and comfort. With easy access to major routes like I-71, Route 23, and 315, youre never far from everything you need. Plus, youll find great shopping at the new Glenwood Commons Shopping Center, as well as plenty of dining
Move-in ready townhouse-style rental featuring 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom with approximately 1,000 sq ft of fully renovated living space. This unit offers a spacious, modern kitchen, an open living room layout, and large bedrooms. In-unit washer and dryer included for added convenience, plus two off-street parking spaces. Pet-friendly and perfectly located next to a beautiful 5-acre city park,
The beautifully 1863 Flax Mill Factory has been restored into vibrant community in downtown Delaware, Ohio, blending historic charm with modern living along the scenic Olentangy River. Just a short drive from Columbus, this stunning community feature thoughtfully designed apartments, private balconies, stainless steel appliances, and granite countertops. Upscale amenities like a pool, fitness
Welcome to The Ravines at Olentangy! This beautifully maintained 3-bedroom, 2-bath townhouse offers modern comfort and convenience in one of Delaware's most desirable communities. Enjoy an open-concept floor plan with 9' ceilings, LVP flooring, and a bright kitchen featuring 42' cabinets, granite countertops, and stainless steel appliances — perfect for everyday living and entertaining. The
Welcome to The Flats on Houk, where elevated living meets luxury needs and modern sensibilities! Located in the reputable city of Delaware, our property features innovative amenities like Amazon lockers, electric car charging stations and a pet washing space paired with eco-friendly designs and exquisite designer finishes. Come home to one of our newly built floorplans with gourmet kitchens and
Welcome to this inviting ranch-style home nestled on a beautifully maintained one-acre lot surrounded by mature trees. Offering the perfect blend of comfort and space, this home features three spacious bedrooms and two full bathrooms, ideal for both everyday living and entertaining. The heart of the home is a large, light-filled kitchen with ample cabinetry and counter space, perfect for home
Welcome to Village Gates of Delaware, a pet-friendly, gated community offering spacious one, two, and three-bedroom ranch-style and townhome apartments designed for your comfort. Our residences feature modern amenities such as air conditioning, oversized closets, washer and dryer connections, and high-speed internet access. Residents can enjoy a range of community amenities, including a fitness
This recently updated first-floor one-bedroom apartment offers comfortable living with modern finishes throughout this approximately 600sqft apartment . Features include brand-new flooring, a completely updated kitchen with new cabinets, granite countertops, and new appliances. Shared laundry located in the basement. Well-maintained and move-in ready, this apartment combines style, functionality,
Welcome to The Flats at Sugar Run, where luxury meets purpose in Delaware, Ohio. Our new apartments in Delaware, Ohio, offer refined one, two, and three-bedroom floor plans plus townhomes designed for modern living with natural serenity. Each home features luxury vinyl plank flooring, quartz countertops, and stainless-steel appliances in open-concept layouts perfect for young professionals.
With miles of open, undeveloped green space and some farm animals as neighbors, Troy Township, just north of the city of Delaware, about 40 miles north of Columbus, is an area that’s gaining increased appeal. “Old and young find rural areas attractive for different reasons,” says Janelle Blue, a Realtor with knowledge of the Delaware area who’s been selling homes for nearly 10 years. “Older folks like it for the slower pace, and younger families like it for the affordability and the access to a better school district.” Route 23 is a central north-south corridor running through the township, but the goal is to preserve the rural aspect of the area.
On the eastern side of Route 23, Delaware Lake spills into the northern part of the Olentangy River, meaning some homes feature waterfront property, whether the lake or river. The majority will have between 2 and 10 acres of land with Cape Cod, ranch-style and split-level architecture styles. Southern portions of the township closer to the city of Delaware could have pockets of more contemporary homes that are closer together but still on large parcels of land. The price ranges from $300,000 to $600,000, with the price per square foot just above $200. “Another attractive piece for younger people is that often they’re priced out of the homes closer to the city, and the property taxes here are lower,” Blue says. The typical home in Troy Township will have three to four bedrooms, a three-car garage, at least a partial basement and between 1,500 and 3,000 square feet of living space.
Students in the southern half of the township closer to the city of Delaware could attend schools in the Delaware City School District, with a B overall grade on Niche. David Smith Elementary School also gets a B and has a 19-to-1 student-to-teacher ratio. Students at the B-minus John Dempsey Middle School can be introduced to foreign language classes and extra-curricular activities like band or chorus. Rutherford B. Hayes High School has a B rating on Niche and has a graduation rate of 94%. Buckeye Valley East Elementary Buckeye Valley Middle and High Schools are all part of the Buckeye Valley Local School District. The middle and high schools get B overall Niche grades, while Buckeye Valley East Elementary has a B-minus. Buckeye Valley High School is in Troy Township, and the four-year graduation rate is 92%.
The parks in Delaware County, including Troy Township, are unique because their focus is preservation, whether it be wildlife or history. Gallant Farm Preservation Park is a Depression-era farm with period furnishings, an 1890s barn and costumed interpreters completing the day's chores. Special events during the year include an antique tractor show and special winter activities. Across Buttermilk Hill Road is Gallant Woods, also part of the county’s Preservation system. Owls are typical in the woods, and bodies of water in the park attract shorebirds, like sandpipers.
It’s a short drive south to the city of Delaware, where Opa Grill & Tavern is located. With the word Opa, a common celebratory term in Greece, it’s no wonder this restaurant features Greek staples like gyros and lamb. Still, they also have burgers, pasta and vegetarian options. Kroger and ALDI are two grocery stores on the northern end of Delaware.
Delaware County Transit offers rides to people in the county to destinations within Delaware County from 6 am to 6 pm. Rides can be scheduled in advance by calling or scheduling the pickup online. The Delaware County Transit Board operates the service. It’s a 45-minute trip to downtown Columbus and 40 minutes to John Glenn Columbus International Airport.
Property Mix - Square Feet
Delaware Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
48,568
Median Age
39
Population under 18
25.3%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
15.7%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$82,106
On par with the national average
$79,601
Average Household Income
$98,160
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
95.4%
College Graduates
42.1%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
16.4%
% Population in Labor Force
72.3%
Above the national average
64.9%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
38''
Average Winter Low Temperature
19°F
Average Summer High Temperature
85°F
Annual Snowfall
28''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®®
33/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®®
40/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
