If you’re shopping around the $1M mark in the Columbus area, it’s easy to get whiplash. A million in Dublin doesn’t look like a million in Upper Arlington, and New Albany is playing its own game entirely. Add in spots like Powell, Evans Farm, Westerville, Lewis Center, and Delaware, and suddenly “we just want a nice house” turns into a full-time research project. Let’s simplify it.

1. Dublin: Modern Family Luxury (With Schools Everyone Googles)

In Dublin, your $1M is usually buying:

• 4–5 bedrooms, 3.5+ baths, and a legit main living level that actually works for real life.

• Newer builds or updated homes in well-planned communities, often with walking paths, neighborhood amenities, and that “we made it” curb appeal.

If you want newer construction, strong schools, and a layout that fits busy family life, Dublin (and nearby Powell and Lewis Center) often gives you the most livable square footage per dollar at this price point.

2. Upper Arlington: Character, Trees & Location Tax

Upper Arlington is where $1M often buys less house but more lifestyle:

• Think mature streets, grown-up trees, and proximity to downtown Columbus, OSU, and the city’s core.

• You’re paying for intangibles: established community, walkability, and that classic UA feel.

If you tell me you want “charm, not just square footage,” we’re probably circling UA and even some Westerville or Worthington pockets with similar vibes.

3. New Albany: Master-Planned, Polished, and Instagram-Ready

New Albany loves to show up dressed. At $1M, you’re looking at:

• Thoughtful architecture, pretty streetscapes, and HOA-level consistency.

• Often high-end finishes, well-designed floorplans, and a true “planned community” feel.

If you like order, design, and that golf-club / country-club polish, New Albany (and certain Evans Farm custom sections or Delaware new-build enclaves) will feel like home.

4. Newer vs. Older: Where Your Money Is Actually Going

At this price point, a big chunk of your budget is either going to:

• Newer builds / recent renovations (you’re paying to avoid projects), or

• Location and land (older home, incredible lot or street, some updates still needed).

In Dublin, Powell, Westerville, Lewis Center, or Delaware, $1M often skews newer, bigger, and more turnkey. In Upper Arlington or certain legacy New Albany areas, you might trade a bit of square footage for address and prestige—and still win long-term.

5. How I Help You Decide Where Your Million Works Hardest

This isn’t just about “more house” vs. “better zip code.” It’s:

• Commute, schools, and daily routine.

• Whether you want quiet cul-de-sacs, golf-cart culture, or closer-in convenience.

• Long-term resale value if life changes in 5–7 years.

My job isn’t to shove you toward one suburb—it’s to walk you through Dublin vs. Upper Arlington vs. New Albany (and smart alternatives like Powell, Evans Farm, Westerville, Lewis Center, and Delaware) so your $1M feels smart now and even smarter later.

Ready to see what your budget actually buys across these luxury pockets—and where it goes furthest for your life, not just your ego?

[Contact Patrick Murphy, REALTOR® — Columbus, Powell & Dublin Expert]