Harlem has a rural vibe with easy access to nearby job hubs
Filled with large lots and plenty of greenery, Harlem is a neighborhood best known for its rural character. Highly rated schools and easy access to nearby job hubs make the township attractive to professionals with families. While a country vibe is a big part of the area’s charm, the local government is taking steps to expand Harlem’s economic footprint in a way similar to nearby cities like New Albany and Westerville.
East of the Hoover Reservoir, Harlem is a quiet, rural township 20 miles north of Columbus.
Harlem is known as a peaceful community with highly ranked schools.
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Acreage, amenities and price ranges for local properties
Surrounded by stretches of farms and woodlands, the living spaces of Harlem aren’t your typical suburban subdivisions. Instead, homes are generally on spacious lots, with a median size of more than an acre. Houses often feature stylized farmhouse accents, outbuildings and long driveways. Midcentury homes are priced between the high $200,000s and the high $400,000s, while contemporary ranch-style dwellings range from the low $400,000s to the high $500,000s. Sprawling 21st-century New Traditional homes can run from the low $500,000s to $1.3 million, depending on acreage and amenities. The median price for a single-family home in Harlem is in the high $500,000s, more than in similar communities like Powell and Sunbury.
The median price for a home in Harlem is in the high $500,000s.
Custom-built estates with lots of acreage can reach $1.3 million.
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How investors and zoning rules shape Harlem’s future
Slowly but surely, investors have been buying up land and improving local infrastructure, hoping to transform Harlem into an attractive hub for job creators. "They're taking trees down, putting water and sewers in," said Marty Ackermann, a broker with Re/Max Consultant Group who has lived here for over 50 years. "Eventually, the whole look of the place is going to be another New Albany." Mike Cannon, Harlem's director of zoning and development, says that some residents aren't excited to lose rural land for new housing and shopping centers. However, he believes guardrails are in place to avoid losing the township’s rustic atmosphere. "I think it's going to explode here," he says. "But we've got zoning and standards in place for it to be developed in a nice manner." According to the local government, development is planned to begin in 2026.
How far Harlem is from Columbus and nearby job hubs
State Route 605 runs through town, starting a route to Columbus that is about 20 miles away. Commuters to New Albany and Westerville will find each around 6 miles away. Public transportation is limited, so most people rely on cars for work.
Big Walnut schools draw families with strong academics and sports
Harlem is served by the highly rated Big Walnut Local School District. Known for both academics and extracurriculars, the district is a major factor for parents moving to the area. “Those schools are really popular,” says Bryce Smith, an agent with Coldwell Banker Realty. An extensive athletics department has brought Big Walnut High School state championships for cheerleading, football and golf.
Big Walnut High School is known for its extensive athletics department.
Many students from Harlem attend Big Walnut Middle School.
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Golf courses, playgrounds and summer camps in the area
With its country sensibilities and long stretches of green space, it’s not a big surprise to learn that Harlem has a lot of outdoor recreation options: * The Harlem Community Park features walking trails, shade trees and an inclusive playground.
Rattlesnake Ridge is a private golf club with an 18-hole, par 72-course and clubhouse with a fully stocked bar and grill.
Camp Wyandot and Camp Otonwe have overnight summer and day camps available for kids.
Glen’s Sports Barn offers rental facilities for baseball, basketball, soccer, softball and volleyball.
The Hoover Reservoir offers year-round opportunities for boating, fishing, hiking and picnicking.
Rattlesnake Ridge is a private golf club with an 18-hole, par 72-course and clubhouse.
Residents enjoy spending time at Harlem Township Community Park.
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Photography Contributed By
Lyuda Dehlendorf
Video By
Samantha Fronfelter
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Erik Hiss,
an experienced agent in this area.
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