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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
Victoria Sharpe
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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 Westerville, OH sell after 23 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Westerville, OH over the last 12 months is $419,500, up 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Nestled in a quiet, desirable neighborhood, this beautifully maintained 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath home offers the perfect blend of comfort, space, and natural beauty. Built in 2011, this property sits on a generously sized lot that backs up to a scenic nature reserve, providing serene views and added privacy.Step inside to discover a flowing floor plan filled with natural light. The main level
OPEN SAT 8/30 FROM 11 AM-1 PM! Welcome to this beautifully updated 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath condo in the desirable Little Turtle community of Westerville! Backing to a wooded ravine, this home offers peaceful views, a private deck, and a walk-out basement—perfect for relaxing or entertaining in a tranquil setting.Enjoy peace of mind with numerous updates completed over the past three years, including
Rare 4 bedroom condo in Westerville School district with first floor & second floor primary suites. Beautiful updated kitchen with nice cabinets and eating space leading to private patio. Private deck overlooking stream and wooded lot with great views. Formal dining space and great living room with fireplace. Upstairs are 3 bedrooms and 2 full baths. Downstairs basement has a walkout from the
Nestled in a quiet, desirable neighborhood, this beautifully maintained 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath home offers the perfect blend of comfort, space, and natural beauty. Built in 2011, this property sits on a generously sized lot that backs up to a scenic nature reserve, providing serene views and added privacy.Step inside to discover a flowing floor plan filled with natural light. The main level
Discover the most affordable move-in-ready opportunity in Westerville this year! This beautifully maintained 1-bedroom condo is ready for you to make it your own. The open-concept kitchen, dining area, and spacious living room feature floor-to-ceiling windows and sliding glass doors that fill the space with natural light. Step outside to a large private balcony—perfect for entertaining or
Here is a great ranch condo full of character and charm - inside & outside. A south-facing unit and has a fantastic 4-season room - currently serving as a thriving plant area but could be used many other ways. The outside is also a rich gardener's dream. This condo has high and open ceilings. A great room that also has high ceilings and is open to the florida room, the dining
Discover this beautifully maintained 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath former model home with over 2,700 sq ft plus a large unfinished basement, located in the sought-after Upper Albany West community in Westerville. The inviting floor plan features a bright, open kitchen with white cabinetry, a large center island, tile backsplash, and an adjoining bay-window dining area. Spacious living and dining areas,
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
MOVE IN DATE 12/01/2025 Enjoy maintenance-free living in this spacious 2-bedroom, 2.5-bath condo in the sought-after Traditions at Polaris community. Residents enjoy fantastic amenities including a clubhouse with fitness center, pool, and direct access to Lazelle Woods Park.Inside, you'll find an inviting two-story entry, beautiful bamboo flooring, and a bright, open layout. The
Since a population boom in the 1990s, Genoa Township has grown both physically and socially. Situated 15 miles north of Columbus, it's close to Uptown Westerville and a stone's throw from Interstate 71. Hoover Reservoir to the east draws a dedicated waterfront crowd, and the community enjoys wide open outdoor spaces, whether they live in new subdivisions or grand properties on the Reservoir.
"There's a wide range in Genoa Township, from custom brand-new homes to communities with empty nesters," Joe Janszen, broker and owner of Keller Williams Excel, says. He can see sailboats from his Genoa home on the shores of the Hoover Reservoir. "Your price range is going to be between $300,000 and $400,000 for most homes, but they can go all the way up to 2.5 million. A few homes down the street from me are in a $10 million to $15 million average price range, but that's a one-off for this area.
Long driveways lead to colonial revivals and steep-gabled properties on mature lots in some parts of the Township, and contemporary Craftsman homes in new subdivisions occupy others. Large waterfront homes on the Hoover Reservoir join newly renovated condos in older buildings with close access to shopping centers in Westerville.
Kids in Genoa filter into three different school districts, depending on where their homes fall on a map. The bottom swath forms part of the Westerville City School District, while Olentangy Local Schools and Big Walnut Schools split the less densely populated northern section.
Those closer to Westerville start at either Alcott Elementary School or Fouse Elementary School, both earning an A-minus from Niche. Genoa Middle School sits right next to Fouse and earns a B-plus. Students finish strong at Westerville Central High School, which completed construction in 2003 to match the population boom in Genoa. The school receives an A-minus from Niche.
With no public transit located nearby, Genoa Township is firmly car dependent. I-71 and I-270 sit adjacent to Genoa, taking residents to John Glenn Columbus International Airport in roughly 16 miles. Ohio State Route 3 also cuts through the Township, leading drivers to Uptown Westerville in about 5 miles. In case of an emergency, Mount Carmel St. Ann's sits about 7 miles south of Genoa.
For groceries, locals choose between Meijer and Kroger in Westerville. The home of Otterbein University is also a promising commercial area for residents on the outskirts, with hidden gems like Grizzlybird Brewing Company combining food with live entertainment. "Uptown Westerville is a great community to walk around in," Janszen affirms. "And you're within 10 minutes in each direction of Easton Town Center and Polaris Fashion Place, two of the most popular malls in Ohio."
Hoover Reservoir provides a calm setting for waterfront and waterborne recreation. "You can take boats with motors up to MC-9 onto the water," Janszen says, "although Hoover is more of a sailing lake or for kayaking, paddleboarding, windsurfing and that sort of thing." 29.7 acres of green space also breaks up the residential scenery. "McNamara Park is great—I walked my dog there last night!" Janszen laughs. "They have a playground, shelter houses, walking paths, and soccer fields."
Residents look forward to Genoa Homecoming each summer. A Ferris wheel and other rides, games like Catch a Pig, and local live music set the scene for this community staple. Genoa Harvest Fest returns each autumn with craft vendors, street food, a pie contest and the presentation of the Hometown Hero award to a local community member.
"Intel's coming to town," Janszen says, "and so are Facebook, Amazon, and Google, all within 12 to 15 minutes of where I am. When you can afford brand-new police and fire stations, you know that you're on an upward move. Genoa looks very different from even 20 to 25 years ago."
Property Mix - Square Feet
Westerville Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
38,737
Median Age
43
Population Density
10 ppl/acre
Population under 18
23.3%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
22.7%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$99,985
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$120,315
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
98.1%
College Graduates
56.7%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
25.8%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
68.9%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
42''
Average Winter Low Temperature
22°F
Average Summer High Temperature
85°F
Annual Snowfall
13''
Area Factors
Very Bikeable
Bike Score®®
79/ 100
Very Walkable
Walk Score®®
70/ 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.
