If you’re thinking about moving your family in 2026, you’ve probably noticed something: the “best neighborhoods in Columbus” lists online all sound the same — generic, outdated, and written by people who’ve never actually driven through these communities.

That’s where I come in. After years helping families buy and sell across Dublin, Powell, Upper Arlington, New Albany, Westerville, and Evans Farm, I’ve seen what really makes a neighborhood work — not just for resale, but for real life.

Here’s where I’d tell my own friends to start their search.

1. Dublin — The Gold Standard for Family Living

Let’s be honest: Dublin is still the benchmark. World-class schools, dozens of parks, Muirfield Village, and a downtown that blends charm with walkability. You’ll find everything from executive homes in Tartan Fields to new builds near Jerome Village. The city’s planning is second to none — and it shows in resale values and quality of life.

2. Powell & Evans Farm — Small-Town Feel, Custom-Luxury Edge

Evans Farm has redefined what “community” means in Central Ohio. Front porches, parks, walkable design — but still in the award-winning Olentangy school system. Families love the balance of neighborhood energy and custom-built sophistication. Builders like Bob Webb, 3 Pillar, and Kenric Homes make this area a magnet for young professionals moving up from starter homes.

3. Upper Arlington — Heritage, Education, and Timeless Appeal

Upper Arlington is where tradition meets top-tier schools. Families are drawn to its strong academic reputation, tight-knit community, and classic architecture. Whether you want a 1930s Tudor or a fully renovated colonial near Northam Park, it’s a neighborhood where every block tells a story — and where resale strength is built into the soil.

4. New Albany — Master-Planned Perfection

If you want pristine design, Georgian architecture, and walkable village life, New Albany delivers. Every home, street, and school feels intentional — because it is. With the Intel boom bringing thousands of high-income jobs to the area, New Albany’s east-side luxury market is poised for another wave of demand in 2026 and beyond.

5. Westerville — Underrated and Unstoppable

Westerville flies under the radar, but families who land here stay for decades. It offers incredible value for its school quality, parks, and access to both Polaris and Uptown Westerville. The community vibe here feels grounded and genuine — and the housing stock ranges from established neighborhoods to newer builds near Highland Lakes and Northstar.

Your Takeaway: Don’t Just Buy a House — Buy Into a Future

Every family has a vision — more space, better schools, stronger community. My job is to connect that vision with the right address. I don’t just know the ZIP codes — I know the builders, the traffic flow, the after-school pickup patterns, and which streets actually live well.

If you’re ready to find the right neighborhood for your next chapter, let’s map it out together. [Contact Patrick Murphy, REALTOR® — Columbus, Powell & Dublin Expert]