About 15 miles from Columbus , Lake Darby is an unincorporated community within Galloway . Bordered by Big Darby Creek to the west and the farmlands of Central Ohio to the east, the area is valued by many for its rustic surroundings. “It’s rural with access to the city,” says Lynn Cook, a real estate agent with NextHome Experience who’s served the area since 1989. “It’s not like the hustle and bustle you’ll see in bigger cities.” A younger element has been drawn to the area in recent years, says Cook. “The Hilliard school district and the area’s affordability bring a lot of families,” she says. “Plus, you’re still connected to the shopping in Hilliard and New Rome. Everything’s close by.”
Jefferson Township Community Park offers Lake Darby residents a walking path and shelter houses.
Lake Darby is a suburb of Columbus and has a population of approximately 4,000.
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Traditional and midcentury styles dominate local housing
Homes in the northern Westpoint neighborhood were typically built between the 1970s and 1990s, with various midcentury and traditional styles available. The area has generally suburban features like driveways, attached garages, fenced-in backyards and cul-de-sacs. “It’s a huge, popular subdivision,” says Cook. “That’s where most people coming to the area end up.” Homes are typically priced between $250,000 and $450,000, depending on size and amenities. Styles are similar in the southern Lake Darby Estates, though prices are lower, generally falling between $150,000 and $310,000. This price discrepancy is usually attributed to the difference in school districts.
Ranch homes with large garages provide Lake Darby residents a space they can relax.
Split level homes are a great option for families looking to move to Lake Darby.
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Subdivisions are split between two public school districts
“The Hilliard school district is in a lot of demand,” says Cook. Covering the northern half of Lake Darby, Hilliard City Schools has an A-minus from Niche. In addition to its opportunities for career mentorship and active extracurriculars in the arts, Hilliard Bradley High School can boast a prolific athletic department, with its football team making the playoffs in 2024. The southern half of the community is served by the South-Western City School District, which has a B-minus from Niche. Westland High School’s football team also made the playoffs in 2024. Ohio offers open enrollment for students interested in pursuing an education outside of their assigned district.
Norwood Elementary School is in Lake Darby and teaches students in K-5.
Ranked #1 in Ohio for Value-Added growth, Hilliard Memorial Middle School sets the bar for student success.
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Dining includes biker bars and sports pubs
While the area has a few locally owned stores, most residents shop in nearby communities like Hilliard, which has big-box stores like Walmart and grocery stores like Aldi. Hoffman’s Farm Market has been selling locally grown produce and meats for five generations, with a history that dates back to the early 1800s. Ike’s Pub is a classic local watering hole with Ohio State Games on the TV and outdoor seating. The Ten Mile Inn is a biker bar serving no-frills chow and hosting bike nights, karaoke and live music.
Ike's Pub is the go to place in Lake Darby to grab a drink with friends.
Ten Mile Inn is located outside of Lake Darby and offers bikers a place to gather.
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Outdoor lovers enjoy trails, canoeing and winter sports
The Darby Creek Trail is nearly 5 miles long and passes various scenic sites, including the Darby House and the Darby Dan Farm. With about 7,400 acres of restored prairies, wetlands and forests, the Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park is a hub for nature lovers. In addition to canoeing, sledding and cross-country skiing spaces, the park has over a dozen trails, hunting grounds and picnic areas.
Prairie Oaks Metro Park
Beautiful walking paths can be found throughout Lake Darby.
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Major highways connect to nearby cities
With Interstate 70 to the north and U.S. Route 40 to the south, commuting anywhere in the surrounding area is straightforward. Columbus is about 15 miles east, and the OhioHealth Doctors Hospital is about 6 miles away.
Written By
Phil Keeling
Photography Contributed By
Kayleigh Ulrich
Video By
Houston Knight
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Don Shaffer,
an experienced agent in this area.
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