Tucked against the western shores of the Hoover Reservoir, Westerville is a city 15 miles northeast of Columbus, Ohio. Once considered the “Dry Capital of the World,” the area established a reputation for sobriety as the home of the Anti-Saloon League during the Prohibition era of the early 20th century. It would maintain this notoriety right up until 2004, when the first legal beer was sold in the Uptown district’s history.
However, this isn’t the only change that Westerville has seen in recent years. “I’ve lived here since 1968 when it was basically a village,” says Rick Rano, a Re/Max Affiliates Realtor. “Now it’s blown up, a lot like the other suburbs in the Northeastern corridor. But it’s still got that small-town feel.” An influx of job creators is responsible for this boom, attracting residents looking for a suburban experience that includes highly-ranked public schools, extensive green spaces and a sense of history.
Westerville is a city 15 miles northeast of Columbus, Ohio.
Westerville was once considered the “Dry Capital of the World".
Westerville's Uptown historical district is a popular attraction.
Westerville, Ohio is known for its schools, extensive green spaces and a sense of history.
1/4
A thriving job market on the Medical Mile
Top employers include JP Morgan Chase and Mount Carmel Health System, a major part of the area’s healthcare services on Cleveland Avenue, known locally as the Medical Mile. The city has a history steeped in education, with the seminary that would become Otterbein University being founded in 1839. This private university and the Westerville City School system are also top job creators in the area, employing over 3,300 people between them.
With a population of over 40,000, Westerville is among the Columbus-adjacent communities experiencing significant growth as new jobs from the so-called Midwest Silicon Valley tech boom gain a foothold in the region.
JP Morgan Chase is one of the top employers in Westerville, Ohio.
Mount Carmel Health System in Westerville, Ohio is a part of the Medical Mile.
Otterbein University is a private school in Westerville , Ohio that was founded in 1839.
With a population of over 40,000, Westerville has experienced significant growth recently.
1/4
The City Within A Park
Named for the Anti-Saloon League that called it home, the Temperance Row Historic District features rustic Craftsman homes that date back as far as 1910. Midcentury homes dominate the landscape in neighborhoods like Westerville Estates, while late 20th-century designs are more common in areas like The Woods. The newest, most modern homes are often found in planned communities like Brookstone. Potential homeowners can expect a minimum price tag in the low $300,000s for older homes with lower square footage. As homes increase in square footage and lot size, they reach the mid $500,000s, peaking in the mid $800,000s.
The Westerville City School District is home to nearly 30 public schools, including three high schools and an alternative school. It rates an overall A-minus from Niche, which ranks it as one of the 50 best districts in Ohio for athletes. “Our district emphasizes innovative teaching practices and technology integration, preparing students for a rapidly changing world,” says Melanie Amato, Westerville City Schools’s Director of Communications. Amato also says the school district prioritizes arts education and athletics, along with other extracurriculars that aid in student development.
Otterbein University has been in Westerville since the middle of the 19th century and remains a major influence on the local culture. “Westerville was one of the original stops on the Underground Railroad,” says Elia Hughes, real estate consultant with the Raines Group. “And the people who started Otterbein were all a part of that.” With over 650 acres of public green space and 51 miles of trails within 12 square miles, natural beauty is a significant factor in the area’s recreation and charm. “The parks system is second to none,” says Rick Rano. “A lot of people call Westerville The City Within a Park.” Standouts include the botanical displays at Inniswood Metro Gardens, the dense wood flora of Sharon Woods, Alum Creek Park North’s historic amphitheater and the boating and fishing of Hoover Reservoir. The Westerville Bike and Walkways system has miles of trail loops stretching across the city. “There’s nowhere you can’t go on that bike path system,” says Krista Lofthouse, real estate consultant with The Raines Group.
Interstates 71 and 270 border the city, while State Route 3 cuts directly through it, offering several options for a quick visit to Columbus, 15 miles southwest, or a longer trip to Detroit, nearly 200 miles north. “Our accessibility is a serious selling point,” says Sandy Raines, founder of The Raines Group. “You’ve got major highways going in every direction: north, south, east and west.” The John Glenn Columbus International Airport is 12 miles to the south. It works with a dozen airlines to provide nearly 150 daily flights to cities like New York, Orlando, Paris and Cancun. The Central Ohio Transit Authority offers a bus service with stops along Polaris Parkway and Cleveland Avenue.
Rustic Craftsman homes in Westerville, Ohiothat date back as far as 1910.
Midcentury homes can be found around Downtown Westerville.
Sharon Woods Metro Park in Westerville, Ohio features a bike path and a lake.
The residents of Westerville can enjoy boating and fishing on Hoover Reservoir.
1/4
Craft distilleries in the shadow of Prohibition
Local museums include the Hanby House Historic Site, the Westerville History Museum, the Anti-Saloon League Museum and the Frank Museum of Art. Local and franchise restaurants are sprinkled throughout the city, including Giammarco’s Italian and the Westerville Grill. Perhaps out of a sense of irony, distilleries and breweries have grown quite popular since the ban on alcohol was lifted a scant twenty years ago.
The community lines up for regular city events like the Music & Arts Festival, celebrated every July with its 50th anniversary in 2024. The city has various other events popular with locals, like the Sounds of Summer Concert Series, Food Truck Festival and Westerville Area Resource Ministry Food Drive.
The Frank Museum of Art in Westerville, Ohio is located in the Uptown district.
The family home of composer Benjamin Hanby in Westerville, Ohio is now a museum.
Giammarco's is a popular Italian restaurant in Westerville, Ohio.
The ban on alcohol in Westerville, Ohio was lifted in 2004.
1/4
Important to know
In 2023, Westerville saw a property crime rate 18% higher than the Ohio average and 6% higher than the national average. Westerville’s instances of violent crime in the same year were 41% lower than Ohio’s average and 36% lower than the national average. “The police and fire department are very involved in the community,” says Raines.
Culture and history in Central Ohio
What started as a tiny village in central Ohio has spent the last hundred and fifty years growing into a bustling suburb of Columbus with a sense of culture and history all its own. Westerville grows steadily, attracting residents looking for reputable schools, a prolific park system and small-town charm.
Written By
Phil Keeling
Photography Contributed By
Lyuda Dehlendorf
Video By
Francisco de la Vera
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Jason Hottle,
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.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
On average, homes in Westerville, OH sell after 22 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Westerville, OH over the last 12 months is $435,000, up 7% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
**Open House Sunday 6/15 2-4 PM** Situated on an extra large corner lot, this immaculate & well cared for home boasts 4 spacious bedrooms, first floor study, loft upstairs. Loads of updates featuring updated kitchen with honed finished granite counters, upgraded appliances including gas range, beautiful covered patio area. The primary suite offers vaulted ceilings, deluxe en suite bathroom with
MOVE UP to this stately Westerville 2-story brick and stucco home in the mature and desirable community of Spring Grove. Featuring 4 large bedrooms, including a sprawling primary suite on the second floor, this may be the home for your growing family. And do you need a home office? The main floor has the perfect office space with views to the front yard. Visitors to your office can come into
MUCH-LOVED AND WELL-MAINTAINED HOME ON A WOODED LOT! THIS CHARMING AND SPACIOUS TWO-STORY HOME IS NESTLED ON A SCENIC, WOODED ~⅓ ACRE FENCED LOT, OFFERING PRIVACY AND NATURAL BEAUTY JUST MINUTES FROM INNISWOOD GARDENS, HOOVER RESERVOIR, SHOPPING, DINING, AND FREEWAY ACCESS. WITH OVER 2,600 SQUARE FEET ACROSS THREE FINISHED LEVELS, THIS HOME OFFERS BOTH COMFORT AND FUNCTIONALITY FOR EVERYDAY
**Why build new when you can move right into this nearly new home?** This M/I-built *Dearborn* model is just 2 years old and offers over 2,000 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space. Situated on an oversized lot, this 2-story home features 3 bedrooms, 2 1/2 bathrooms, and a spacious second-floor loft.Enjoy a full front porch, a 2-car garage, and a ready-to-finish poured wall basement
Olentangy Schools! Don't miss your chance to explore this beautifully maintained home that perfectly blends comfort, technology, and style. Featuring 4 spacious bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and a 2.5-car garage, this property offers everything you need—and more!Step inside to discover a warm and inviting custom fireplace (2016) with a gas starter and wood-burning option, perfect for cozy evenings.
Beautiful home in the highly sought after Sunbury Woods. Open concept with new granite countertops and a partially finished basement await the new owner. Hurry and come see this beauty, it won't be around long.
Live the townhome life at Fieldstone Trace, featuring updated, oversized two-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bathroom townhomes with attached garages in the Polaris area! Enjoy a peaceful and relaxing community set in a tranquil environment that youll be proud to call home. Enjoy the brand-new sports court, playground, and bark park! Take in the beautiful surroundings with plenty of fresh air and green
**OPEN HOUSE - SATURDAY 5/31 - 1PM TO 2PM**Welcome to 7947 Schoolside Drive, a charming single-family home nestled in the desirable Worthington Park neighborhood of Westerville, OH. Built in 1988, this residence offers 3 bedrooms and 1.5 bathrooms. The home features a finished basement, central air conditioning, and an attached garage, located within the Worthington City School District. This
Conveniently located near the renowned Polaris Fashion Place, The Vanguard of Polaris features newly renovated two-bedroom suites nestled in an idyllic residential setting. Live amidst the lush, rolling grounds and carefully manicured landscape and enjoy easy traveling to your favorite high-end restaurants and entertainment destinations in Westerville, OH. As a Vanguard of Polaris resident,
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.
