Exploring the Suburbs of Columbus, Ohio

As the state capital, Columbus is also the most populous city in Ohio. It has over 905,000 residents and sprawls over more than 220 square miles. It also has numerous nearby suburbs, with Franklin County alone containing another 16 cities and 10 villages. The broader Columbus metropolitan area technically extends over 10 counties, which means there are dozens of cities, towns, and villages that could be considered suburbs of Columbus, Ohio.  

When considering a move to a suburb of Columbus or planning a trip to the area, it can be hard to focus on just one or a handful of municipalities. We've created a short list of some of the most exciting, active, and close suburbs for you to explore. 

Westerville, Ohio 

Located about 15 miles northeast of downtown Columbus, Westerville has a distinct culture and economy. It is one of the largest cities close to Columbus, Ohio. It extends into both Franklin and Delaware counties and is home to around 40,000 residents, although it has seen rapid growth in recent years.  

At one point, Westerville, Ohio was called the “Dry Capital of the World” due to its strict laws regarding the sale of alcohol. The city was one of the first to fully prohibit alcohol sales, with local rules dating back to 1859 that forbid the sale of alcohol. The community went through a time known as the Westerville Whiskey Wars, which saw local saloons blown up with gunpowder by residents who did not want them around. That has long since changed, although it took until 2004 for local ordinances to allow the on-site sale of alcohol downtown.  

These days, Westerville is better known for the Uptown district, which hosts concerts and festivals. It is also home to Otterbein University. The local economy here is strong, with technology, education, and health businesses offering a variety of employment options. There are also plenty of local shops and restaurants that offer entry-level work.  Westerville is a fun place to visit and a charming place to live.  

Reynoldsburg, Ohio 

Reynoldsburg, Ohio is roughly 20 minutes east of Columbus, making it close enough for professionals and students to commute into the city daily. The city spreads into Fairfield, Franklin, and Licking counties and is home to roughly 41,000 people.  

Reynoldsburg has gone by other names. It was first called Frenchtown in the 1830s, but that changed not long afterward. People have also called it “The Birthplace of the Tomato,” as Alexander W. Livingston developed the first commercially-viable tomato, the Paragon, in Reynoldsburg. For more than 60 years, Reynoldsburg has hosted an annual Tomato Festival in August to celebrate the harvest and history of this globally-popular fruit (that many people still consider a vegetable).  

Reynoldsburg has an extensive collection of local parks that add up to 275 acres of land. People come from all over to play the Blacklick Woods Golf Course. The city is also home to the Central Ohio Art Academy. The downtown area has a thriving collection of charming shops and popular eateries.

Upper Arlington 

Our short list of the biggest and most engaging Columbus suburbs ends with Upper Arlington. Like Hilliard, it is located entirely in Franklin County, northwest of Columbus proper. It is only about a 10-minute drive from downtown Columbus and is home to almost 37,000 people. Originally built as a “garden city,” Upper Arlington still has many open green spaces and public parks.  

Northam Park, for example, is where the city hosts its annual Labor Day Arts Festival. This popular community event provides live music, hands-on art activities for visitors of all ages, and a vendor area where people can purchase works of art! There is also the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, which have numerous pristine gardens and a massive conservatory, as well as art installations.  

The downtown area has plenty of fun shops and tasty restaurants to try. You can find everything from Indian buffets to upscale contemporary American food at local eateries. Visitors should be aware that Upper Arlington is one of the most affluent suburbs of Columbus, which means retail shop and restaurant prices may be a bit higher than in other locales.  

Hilliard, Ohio 

If you travel northwest from downtown Columbus for about 20 minutes, you’ll reach Hilliard, Ohio. This convenient suburb has a historic downtown area and is entirely in Franklin County. Hilliard is home to just under 39,000 people, and some people call it “Everyone’s Hometown.” 

Walking the streets downtown, it’s easy to see why! Historic homes, locally-owned boutiques, unique eateries, and the Center Street Market all contribute to the welcoming feel of Hilliard. The city has a thriving local community that makes social events especially fun.  

On any given afternoon in the spring, summer, or fall, you might find something to do at Hilliard’s Station Park. Located right on Main Street, Station Park has splash fountains to help people beat the heat in summer, café seating, public restrooms, and even an amphitheater where the Celebration at the Station summer concert series offers free live music on Thursday evenings all summer.  

Hilliard has plenty of things to do, such as bowling, golfing, and visiting local museums. Foodies will appreciate the unique restaurants in the area, with options ranging from comfort foods to fusion dishes.

Find the Suburb that Fits You Best 

An article exploring every suburb and nearby city would be too long to read in one sitting. There are many other distinct nearby communities that can be entertaining to explore and that contribute to the overall culture of the Columbus area. Other towns close to Columbus, Ohio to visit include:  

• Worthington 
• Delaware 
• Gahanna 
• Powell 
• Canal Winchester 
• New Albany 
• Grove City 
• Plain City 
• Groveport 
• Sunbury 
• Grandview Heights 
• Bexley 
• Obetz 
• Dublin 
• Pickerington 
• Pataskala 
• Whitehall 

People in the Columbus metro area often debate which suburbs are the best. Our team here at Ardsley Ridge Townhomes & Apartments is biased, of course, as we think that Reynoldsburg is the best Columbus suburb! After All, we’re located close to the best that Reynoldsburg has to offer, all in a setting with beautiful landscaping and plenty of mature trees! 

Our community offers 1, 2, and 3-bedroom apartments, as well as 2 and 3-bedroom townhomes. Each home features air conditioning, a dishwasher, and either a washer and dryer or connections to install your own. Our pet-friendly community also has a fitness center, a swimming pool, and a playground. If you’re planning a move to Reynoldsburg or you’re ready to upgrade your living arrangements, schedule an in-person tour to discover the charm of Ardsley Ridge Townhomes & Apartments!