If you’ve been driving around Central Ohio lately, you’ve probably noticed something: dirt is flying everywhere. From Dublin to Delaware to Evans Farm, new construction is redefining how and where people want to live. As 2026 approaches, the Columbus housing market is entering a new phase — and knowing which communities are leading the charge is the key to buying smart.

1. Evans Farm: Where Community Design Meets Custom Luxury

Evans Farm continues to lead the charge as Central Ohio’s most visionary development. With walkable streets, front porches, and top-tier builders like Bob Webb, 3 Pillar, Carbon, and Kenric Homes, it’s where design meets lifestyle. Families love the Olentangy School District; investors love the long-term equity story. This is where the “new Powell” is being written.

2. Dublin’s West Innovation Corridor: Tech-Fueled Growth

Thanks to nearby employers like Cardinal Health and the future Intel campus effect, Dublin’s west side is becoming the next frontier for upscale construction. Neighborhoods near Jerome Village and Tartan Ridge are seeing demand from professionals who want proximity to work — and the luxury of Dublin City Schools. Expect continued price strength and limited lot supply through 2026.

3. New Albany: The East Side’s Luxury Epicenter

New Albany is doubling down on refinement. Developments near the Country Club and Ebrington remain in ultra-high demand, and builders are adding more modern-georgian blends to meet shifting buyer tastes. With Intel drawing six-figure jobs eastward, New Albany remains the anchor of the luxury east-side market.

4. Westerville and Sunbury: Smart Growth, Big Returns

Westerville has quietly become one of the most stable and attractive new-build markets in Columbus. Neighborhoods like The Nook, Northstar, and Highland Lakes offer newer homes at prices still under their Dublin equivalents — for now. With Westerville Schools and quick I-71 access, this corridor is pulling serious buyer energy into Delaware County.

5. The Next Frontier: Powell, Plain City, and Delaware

The smart money’s watching the outer ring. Powell’s north edge, Jerome Township, and southern Delaware are where the land still pencils — and where new construction is pushing luxury pricing north of $900K. Builders are adjusting to tighter supply chains, but demand for new homes isn’t slowing. It’s just spreading.

2026 is shaping up to be the year Central Ohio redefines what “new” means. And if you’re planning to build or buy new construction, getting in early — with the right guide — can save you thousands.

If you want the inside line on Columbus’s next great communities — let’s talk. [Contact Patrick Murphy, REALTOR® — Columbus, Powell & Dublin Expert]