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Whether you're planning a trip, scoping out neighborhoods, or thinking about moving to Columbus for the first time, the greater Columbus area has a lot to offer. As Ohio's state capital, Columbus sits at the heart of a sprawling metro that spans multiple counties and is home to over 2 million residents.
The city is known for its incredible arts scene, delicious food, exciting nightlife along High Street, and outdoor recreation along the Scioto River and Olentangy River. With easy access to interstates and surrounding suburbs, it's no surprise the region keeps drawing new residents and making headlines in the Columbus Dispatch. This guide covers the best cities around Columbus Ohio and towns around Columbus Ohio, so you can find the right fit whether you're visiting or planning a local moving day. Read on for a look at the closest cities to Columbus Ohio and what makes each one worth knowing.
Largest Cities Near Columbus Ohio
When it comes to the largest cities around Columbus Ohio, you don't have to go far to find a thriving community. The surrounding cities of Columbus Ohio listed below are all within 30 miles of the city center and each has a population of over 20,000 residents.
Bordered by the Olentangy River and just minutes from Downtown Columbus, Upper Arlington is one of the most sought-after cities around Columbus Ohio. This well-established suburb is celebrated for its strong schools and a thriving art scene that includes the annual UA Arts Festival. Several large corporations have set up offices in and around the area, making it a smart choice for professionals who want an easy commute without sacrificing quality of life.
Population: 36,293
County: Franklin County
Median home price: $619,680
Crime: 1,047 crimes per 100,000 people (49.6% lower than state average and 55.0% lower than national average)
Gahanna - 8.7 Miles From Columbus
Want the perks of the Columbus metropolitan area without the hustle of the big city? Gahanna might be exactly what you're looking for. One of the most family-friendly cities around Columbus Ohio, Gahanna is served by the highly regarded Gahanna-Jefferson City School District and is home to Ohio Dominican University. As one of the nearest cities to Columbus Ohio, it also offers the charming Creekside District for dining and shopping, plus Gahanna Woods State Nature Preserve for outdoor enthusiasts.
Population: 35,486
County: Franklin County
Median home price: $394,796
Crime: 2,613 crimes per 100,000 people (25.9% higher than state average and 12.4% higher than national average)
Tucked right along the eastern edge of Columbus, Whitehall stands out among the cities around Columbus Ohio for its affordable cost of living and convenient location. It's a tight-knit, working-class community with a lot of hometown pride and a diverse population that gives it real character. Unlike some of the larger towns around Columbus Ohio, Whitehall has a grounded, neighborhood feel while still offering plenty of outdoor fun at Whitehall Community Park, Driving Park, and the John Bishop Park.
Population: 20,019
County: Franklin County
Median home price: $204,894
Grove City - 9.6 Miles From Columbus
Grove City has grown into one of the most popular cities around Columbus Ohio for good reason. Top employers like Nationwide Children's Hospital Southwest and Amazon have a strong presence here, bringing jobs and investment to the area. The Historic Town Center is a local gem worth visiting, and residents love spending time at Gantz Farm Park and Grove City Skate Park. If you're exploring cities in Columbus Ohio for a place to settle, Grove City deserves a close look.
Population: 42,517
County: Franklin County
Median home price: $393,254
Crime: 2,568 crimes per 100,000 people (23.7% higher than state average and 10.5% higher than national average)
Looking for an affordable living situation on the east side of Columbus? Reynoldsburg is a fun place that rarely gets the attention it deserves. Known as the birthplace of the tomato, the city even has a site dedicated to its quirky agricultural history and hosts the Reynoldsburg Tomato Festival each year. Home prices here sit well below the national average, making it one of the more budget-friendly cities around Columbus Ohio. Spend a morning walking Main Street, play a round at Blacklick Woods Golf Course, or explore the many parks and green spaces to see why this is one of the best towns in Columbus Ohio.
Population: 41,224
County: Franklin, Fairfield, & Licking County
Median home price: $292,249
Hilliard - 13.6 Miles From Columbus
Explore Hilliard, and it's easy to see why it consistently ranks among the top cities in central Ohio for quality of life. One of the most family friendly cities around Columbus Ohio, Hilliard is served by the Hilliard City School District and offers a fantastic range of amenities including the Hilliard Community Center, Heritage Rail Trail, and a revitalized Old Hilliard district full of local shops and dining. As towns around Columbus Ohio go, Hilliard is one of the best.
Population: 38,033
County: Franklin County
Median home price: $449,268
Crime: 1,102 crimes per 100,000 people (46.9% lower than state average and 52.6% lower than national average)
For those who want a break from the hustle and bustle of city life, Westerville is a breath of fresh air. Located just northeast of Columbus, this historic community is home to Otterbein University, which gives the area a lively, campus-town energy year round. Uptown Westerville is packed with independently owned boutiques, great coffee shops, and restaurants that draw visitors from across the cities around Columbus Ohio.
Population: 38,645
County: Franklin, Delaware, & Union County
Median home price: $421,782
Crime: 2,128 crimes per 100,000 people (2.5% higher than state average and 8.4% lower than national average)
Dublin - 16.1 Miles From Columbus
With a median household income of $160,296, more than double both the Ohio and U.S. averages, Dublin is one of the most affluent cities around Columbus Ohio. Situated to the east of the Scioto River, this polished suburb is known for upscale shopping, standout restaurants, and world-class golf at courses like Muirfield Village, home of the Memorial Tournament. Come summer, the city shines with festivals like the Dublin Irish Festival drawing huge crowds from nearby communities across the region.
Population: 49,294
County: Franklin, Delaware, & Union County
Median home price: $618,681
Crime: 1,193 crimes per 100,000 people (42.5% lower than state average and 48.7% lower than national average)
On the other side of Columbus from some of the more well-known suburbs, Pickerington has quietly built a reputation as one of the best cities around Columbus Ohio for young families. With a median age of just 36, residents here are active and community-minded, taking full advantage of the city's extensive parks system and bike trails. Life in Pickerington moves at a comfortable pace, with good schools and fun attractions like Magic Mountain Fun Center and Pickerington Ponds Metro Park.
Population: 24,477
County: Fairfield & Franklin County
Median home price: $427,279
Crime: 1,035 crimes per 100,000 people (50.1% lower than state average and 55.5% lower than national average)
Delaware - 27.4 Miles From Columbus
Named after the Delaware tribe, this charming city about 27 miles north of Columbus has a personality all its own. Spend an afternoon downtown, and you'll find plenty of reasons to stay for dinner, whether you eat at Restoration Brew Worx or explore the local food scene along Sandusky Street. Delaware also hosts some of the most well-attended events in the region, including the Little Brown Jug harness race, one of the most iconic car racing traditions among cities around Columbus Ohio.
Population: 44,589
County: Delaware County
Median home price: $409,788
Crime: 1,076 crimes per 100,000 people (48.2% lower than state average and 53.7% lower than national average)
Not everyone is interested in a larger suburb. For those who prefer something smaller, there are plenty of cities around Columbus Ohio with populations between 10,000 and 20,000 that offer real charm and strong community ties.
Worthington's tree-lined streets and Old Worthington district make it an ideal place for anyone who loves walkable neighborhoods and local shopping. New Albany is practically next door to the city but feels like a world away, with upscale planned neighborhoods and scenic green spaces. Outdoor lovers will want to check out Hoover Reservoir near Westerville, easily accessible from several of these smaller towns.
Cities & Towns Around Columbus Ohio
Here are the towns around Columbus Ohio with a population of 10,000 to 20,000.
Towns & Cities Around Columbus Ohio (10,000-20,000 Population)
Some of the most charming cities around Columbus Ohio are the ones you might overlook at first glance. These small towns pack a surprising amount of personality into a compact footprint.
Grandview Heights, just north of downtown, is a walkable neighborhood known for its local dining scene and strong culture of community events. Head south and you'll find Groveport, a quiet historic river town worth a visit for its charming Main Street and proximity to the outdoors along the Scioto River.
Towns & Cities Around Columbus Ohio (Under 10,000 Population)
County
Population
Distance From Columbus
Grandview Heights
Franklin County
8,647
3.3 miles
Lincoln Village
Franklin County
8,928
10.3 miles
Blacklick Estates
Franklin County
8,389
10.9 miles
Groveport
Franklin County
5,900
12.1 miles
Ashville
Pickaway County
4,648
21.5 miles
Sunbury
Delaware County
8,005
27.4 miles
Major Cities Around Columbus Ohio
Here’s a few major cities near Columbus Ohio where you can take a vacation or weekend trip.
Major Cities Close to Columbus Ohio
City
Population
Distance From Columbus
Cincinnati, OH
314,914
107 miles
Cleveland, OH
365,391
143 miles
Indianapolis, IN
890,315
174 miles
Pittsburgh, PA
307,670
185 miles
Louisville, KY
641,962
207 miles
Detroit, MI
645,702
208 miles
Nashville, TN
704,965
378 miles
St. Louis, MO
279,695
417 miles
Cities Around Columbus Ohio FAQs
What Are the Closest Cities to Columbus Ohio?
The closest cities to Columbus include Upper Arlington, Whitehall, Bexley, and Grandview Heights, all of which border the city directly. Gahanna, Hilliard, Reynoldsburg, and Grove City are also just minutes away. These cities around Columbus Ohio are popular choices for commuters and anyone who wants to stay close to downtown.
What Major Cities Are Near Columbus Ohio?
Ohio's major cities are all within reasonable driving distance of Columbus. Cleveland is about 2.5 hours north, Cincinnati is roughly 1.5 hours southwest, and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania sits about 2.5 hours to the east. Dayton is one of the closest major metros, just under an hour away, making Columbus well-connected to the broader region.
What Cities Are 1 Hour From Columbus Ohio?
Within an hour of Columbus you can reach cities like Mansfield to the north, Lancaster and Chillicothe to the south, Zanesville to the east, and Springfield and Dayton to the west. These destinations offer a great day trip option for Columbus residents looking to explore beyond the metro area.
What Cities Are 30 Minutes From Columbus Ohio?
Many of the most popular towns around Columbus Ohio fall within a 30-minute drive, including Westerville, Dublin, Grove City, Hilliard, Pickerington, Delaware, and Reynoldsburg. This makes the Columbus metro one of the most accessible in the Midwest, with a wide range of communities within easy reach.
What Small Towns in the Columbus Metropolitan Area Are in Franklin County?
Franklin County is home to a number of smaller communities within the Columbus metro, including Grandview Heights, Bexley, Worthington, Groveport, and Whitehall. These towns around Columbus Ohio each sit within or directly adjacent to the city and offer residents a more intimate living experience while staying connected to everything Columbus provides.
Ready to Move to One of These Cities Around Columbus Ohio?
No matter which of these cities around Columbus Ohio catches your eye, Move 4 Less is here to make your move as smooth as possible. Our team knows the Columbus metro inside and out, and we're ready to help you get settled wherever you land. Reach out to our Columbus movers by calling (380) 271-2444 or fill out our online form to get started with a free quote today.
Moti Perez
As a cofounder and business owner of Move 4 Less, my passion is to deliver the highest quality of moving services in the industry. My varied background has thought me the value of seeking new challenges, working hard, keeping customers happy and focus on success.
In 2002, I got my first taste in the moving industry, working for Nationwide Moving&Storage. For a little over two years I worked in a number of frontline and management positions, learning the ins and outs of the moving industry.
The business is now one of the largest moving companies in the Las Vegas metropolitan area.
I also had some time in between to open, manage and sell few restaurants and retail business. I continue to invest in Realestate and any other interesting business opportunity.
