April: The Best Month to Sell Your Home & 5 Great Columbus Ohio Suburbs to Buy In 2025

Selling your home in Central Ohio? Great news – right now is the best time to sell your house. According to Realtor.com’s latest real estate market analysis, mid-April has the ideal conditions for sellers​. In fact, April 13–19, 2025 is projected to be the peak week to list a home, thanks to a perfect storm of high buyer demand, low competition, and strong prices​. What does this mean for you? If you list this month, you could sell faster and for more money than any other time of year. Here’s why spring is the best month to sell your home:

Higher sale prices: Homes listed in mid-April historically command about 1.1% higher prices than the average week (roughly $4,800 above average) and around 6.7% higher than at the start of the year. In other words, your're likely to get top dollar by selling now. 

• Strong buyer demand: Buyer interest surges in spring – this prime week sees about 17.7% more views per listing than a typical week. More eyeballs on your listing means a better chance of multiple offers from eager buyers. 

• Faster sales: Homes sell quicker this time of year. Historically, listings in mid-April move about 9 days faster than average (homes sold 17% faster than usual)​.

• Lower competition: There are fewer sellers to compete with in early spring – about 13.2% fewer listings compared to the average week. Less competition means your home stands out, helping you sell on favorable terms. 

  What does this mean for you? If you’ve been on the fence about selling, the spring 2025 real estate market is encouraging. You can feel confident listing your home when conditions are stacked in your favor. As a local real estate agent, I’m here to guide you through a smooth, successful sale during this optimal window. 😊🏡

But selling your current house is only half the journey – you also need to find a fantastic place for your next home! Luckily, the Columbus, Ohio suburbs offer plenty of wonderful communities for buyers. Below, we’ll explore five of my top recommended Central Ohio suburbs that combine high quality of life, a strong community feel, and affordability. Whether you’re moving up to your dream home or downsizing, these areas have something special to offer. Let’s dive into the best Columbus suburbs to buy a home in 2025 and what makes each one shine:

Grove City: Small-Town Feel with Big Value 🌳

Located just southwest of downtown Columbus, Grove City delivers an inviting small-town charm with an affordable price tag. Residents love the close-knit community vibe – from summer farmer’s markets to the warm welcomes at local shops, you’ll quickly feel at home here. Grove City’s quality of life is marked by well-kept parks, family-friendly events, and quiet neighborhoods ideal for first-time buyers and growing families alike. Despite its rapid growth, Grove City has preserved that hometown atmosphere that’s getting harder to find in the Columbus area.

One of the perks of Grove City living is the thriving local dining scene. Local favorites include Plank’s on Broadway(famous for its pizza and friendly pub ambiance) and Roosters (a beloved spot for wings and casual eats). Need your caffeine fix? Stop by Transcend Coffee + Roastery, a locally owned coffee shop where neighbors gather over lattes and pastries. For shopping, Grove City’s historic Town Center offers unique boutiques, while larger retail conveniences are just a short drive away on Stringtown Road. Best of all, housing here is very affordable – as of Q1 2025 the average home price is around $350,000, and homes are selling in roughly 25 days on the market on average. That combination of affordability and quick sales makes Grove City a fantastic option for buyers looking to get great value without straying far from Columbus.

Dublin: Vibrant Modern Living & Fun at Bridge Park 🌉

Head northwest to Dublin, and you’ll find one of Central Ohio’s most vibrant and sought-after suburbs. Dublin perfectly blends high quality of life (top-rated schools, beautiful parks, and safe neighborhoods) with an energetic, modern social scene. The city’s newest development, Bridge Park, has quickly become a hotspot – it’s a walkable district full of trendy restaurants, pubs, and shops along the Scioto River, giving Dublin a fun, urban vibe right in the suburbs. Stroll through Bridge Park to enjoy places like North Market Bridge Park (an upscale public market packed with diverse eateries and local vendors) or catch some live music on a summer evening. Dublin also cherishes its heritage – the historic downtown (Old Dublin) offers brick sidewalks, Irish festivals, and cozy pubs, reminding you of the city’s Irish namesake. It’s a community that celebrates both heritage and growth, making it exciting for all ages.

Foodies moving to Dublin will not be disappointed. For a special night out, The Avenue Steak Tavern in Old Dublin is a must-visit, known for its excellent steaks and classic tavern atmosphere. In Bridge Park, you’ll find everything from rooftop cocktail bars to artisan ice cream. Residents can shop at boutiques or grab local produce at the Dublin Farmers’ Market. Given Dublin’s popularity, home prices are higher here – the average home price in early 2025 is around $477,000​(reflecting Dublin’s many upscale properties). Homes still move fairly briskly, taking roughly 30 days on the market on average to sell in Q1 2025​

Clintonville: Charming Historic Homes & Walkable Lifestyle 🌹

If you crave character and convenience, Clintonville might steal your heart. This beloved neighborhood (just north of Ohio State’s campus and downtown Columbus) isn’t a suburb in the technical sense – it’s part of Columbus – but it feels like its own small town within the city. Clintonville is known for its charming, unique homes ranging from 1920s bungalows to mid-century classics. Tree-lined streets, front porches, and community gardens give the area a warm, nostalgic feel. Residents here enjoy a high quality of life with easy access to city amenities plus the peace of a residential community. One of Clintonville’s crown jewels is the Park of Roses at Whetstone Park – 13 acres of beautiful rose gardens where neighbors gather for concerts and picnics every summer. Living in Clintonville also means you can walk or bike to many local shops and restaurants, fostering a strong community feel and a car-light lifestyle.

Clintonville’s dining and shopping scene is distinctly local and full of character. Along High Street, you’ll find cozy coffeehouses, vintage boutiques, record stores, and eateries frequented by regulars. Popular hangouts include independent cafes like Cup O’ Joe and restaurants such as Northstar Café or Rustic Tavern, serving up everything from brunch to brews. The neighborhood’s farmers’ market is a weekend staple, and there’s a real pride in supporting homegrown businesses here. Homes in Clintonville are in demand – buyers are drawn to its historic charm and walkability. In Q1 2025, the median home price is about $404,000​, reflecting the value of those character-rich houses. And while demand is high, average days on market have been around 37 days in early 2025​, giving buyers a bit of time to find the right fit. Clintonville offers a rare blend of urban convenience and suburban tranquility – it’s perfect for those who want a vibrant, walkable community without giving up a yard and garage.

Westerville: A Tight-Knit Community with a Vibrant Uptown 🏘️

Travel northeast of Columbus and you’ll arrive in Westerville, a city known for its strong community spirit and delightful “Uptown” downtown area. Westerville consistently ranks among the best Columbus suburbs for families, thanks to its highly rated schools (it’s home to the renowned Westerville School District and Otterbein University), abundant parks, and low crime. The heart of Westerville is its historic Uptown district, where brick buildings host ice cream parlors, bakeries, boutiques, and cafés. On summer evenings, the streets come alive with outdoor diners and live music – the city even hosts popular Fourth Friday festivals with food trucks and local vendors. The atmosphere is welcoming and lively, yet still family-friendly and relaxed. Westerville takes pride in community initiatives, from an excellent public library to a top-notch community recreation center. It truly offers a high quality of life with an emphasis on community togetherness.

When it comes to local favorites, Westerville has plenty. Uptown Deli & Brew (part brewery, part sandwich shop) is a local hangout, and you can’t talk about Westerville without mentioning Schneider’s Bakery, an institution serving doughnuts and cookies since the 1950s. Stroll down State Street and you’ll pass charming shops like Java Central Caféfor coffee and live music, and boutiques selling everything from home décor to Ohio-made goods. The vibrant downtown is not just for show – it’s a gathering place that fosters connection among neighbors. For homebuyers, Westerville offers a range of options from starter homes in established neighborhoods to new builds on the outskirts. The average home price in Q1 2025 is roughly $422,000​, and houses are spending an average of around 32 days on the market​ before going under contract. That means the market is active but not so frantic that you can’t catch your breath. Westerville’s blend of affordability, community feel, and lively Uptown scene makes it easy to see why so many people love to call it home.

Gahanna: High Quality of Life and Affordable Suburban Charm 🌼

Rounding out our list is Gahanna, a gem of a suburb located east of Columbus. Gahanna embodies high quality of lifewith its safe neighborhoods, well-regarded schools (Gahanna-Jefferson district), and plenty of green space – yet it remains relatively affordable compared to some of its pricier neighbors. Nicknamed the “Herb Capital of Ohio,” Gahanna has worked hard to cultivate a beautiful community (literally – its public parks and gardens are gorgeous!). The central Creekside area in Olde Gahanna is a major highlight: here you’ll find a scenic boardwalk along Big Walnut Creek, complete with waterfalls, walking paths, and a lovely park setting. It’s a hub for community events like the annual Creekside Blues & Jazz Festival. Residents often gather at Creekside to kayak, enjoy an outdoor concert, or dine with a waterfront view. Gahanna manages to offer that close-knit community feel – through block parties and local festivals – while being just a 15-minute drive from downtown Columbus and minutes from Easton Town Center’s shopping mecca.

Food and fun in Gahanna have a distinctly local flavor. If you move here, make sure to try the iconic Gahanna Grill for one of the best burgers in town (the “Beanie Burger” is a local legend). At Creekside, you can grab brunch at Arepazo Tapas & Wine or a craft beer at Nostalgia Brewing while overlooking the water. Local coffee shops and bakeries dot the area, and for shopping, the Creekside district and Stoneridge Plaza offer a mix of unique stores and conveniences. What’s great about Gahanna is that you get top-tier suburban amenities without breaking the bank. The median home price in Q1 2025 is about $374,000​, making it one of the more affordable choices on this list. And homes are selling in roughly 26 days on average as of this spring​ – a sign that while there’s solid demand, buyers can still find opportunities here. If you’re looking for a suburb that balances community charm, outdoor recreation, and affordability, Gahanna should be high on your list. I often tell buyers that Gahanna is a place where you can put down roots and truly feel part of a community, all while making a wise investment in your future home.

As you consider your next move, remember that each of these communities – Grove City, Dublin, Clintonville, Westerville, and Gahanna – offers something special. Whether it’s Grove City’s small-town warmth, Dublin’s energetic social scene, Clintonville’s historic character, Westerville’s festive Uptown, or Gahanna’s blend of nature and affordability, you really can’t go wrong. The best choice will depend on your lifestyle, priorities, and budget, and I’m here to help you weigh those factors. 

As a friendly, professional real estate agent, my goal is to make your selling and buying journey as smooth and rewarding as possible. With the best month to sell your home upon us, you have a fantastic opportunity to maximize your sale – and with these top Columbus suburbs in mind, you’ll be well on your way to finding the perfect next home. Feel free to reach out for personalized guidance on selling your house or house-hunting in any of these communities. Here’s to a successful sale and a bright new chapter in a home you’ll love! 🏡✨