Trying to decide between Powell, Dublin, and Lewis Center? You’re not alone. If you want strong schools, a balanced commute, and a home that fits your family now and later, each of these north Columbus suburbs can deliver — in different ways. In this guide, you’ll see how prices, schools, lifestyle, commutes, and housing options compare so you can choose with confidence. Let’s dive in.
Snapshot: prices and pace
Home values shift by neighborhood and data source, so treat city-level medians as helpful context, not the whole story. The figures below reference recent late‑2025 to early‑2026 snapshots reported by the sources noted.
Powell pricing overview
- Recent medians cluster around the mid‑$500Ks to about $600,000 based on Redfin’s December 2025 median sale price and Zillow’s home value index.
- Inventory is smaller and can move quickly, which is common in compact markets like Powell.
- Expect premiums in established, in‑demand neighborhoods close to downtown and parks.
Lewis Center pricing overview
- Median listing prices have been reported in the low‑to‑mid $500Ks for 43035 in late 2025.
- You’ll find a wide band of new‑construction communities, which often stretches your square footage per dollar compared with Powell.
- More active building means more choices, but prices can climb in amenity‑rich sections.
Dublin pricing overview
- Citywide medians vary by metric and neighborhood, with recent data ranging roughly from the high‑$400Ks to the mid‑$600Ks, and some pockets like Muirfield Village listing higher.
- Options range from upscale golf‑course homes to lower‑maintenance condos and townhomes near Bridge Park.
- Days on market and price points swing by neighborhood, so zoom in at the micro level.
For wider context, Central Ohio saw shifting inventory and some price softening through 2025, though these suburbs behave differently based on school demand and new‑construction supply. You can read a metro snapshot in this Columbus housing overview.
Schools: what to know
School assignments and ratings are a major reason families choose these areas. Always verify the exact school boundary for a specific address before you write an offer.
Olentangy Local School District (Powell and much of Lewis Center)
- Olentangy publicly reports strong results, including a districtwide five‑star rating for 2024–25 on the Ohio School Report Card. See the district’s summary of recent performance in this Olentangy five‑star announcement.
- Multiple high schools, including Olentangy Liberty High School, serve the Powell area. Enrollment growth continues to drive active planning and facility investments.
- Boundaries do not match city lines, so confirm a home’s assignment directly with the district.
Dublin City Schools (city of Dublin)
- Dublin City Schools is also widely recognized for strong college‑ and career‑readiness measures and multiple high schools (Coffman, Jerome, Scioto). The Dublin Chamber overview of the district offers general context.
- School assignment varies by neighborhood and even by street, so verify for each address.
Lifestyle and amenities
Each suburb offers a different daily rhythm. The best fit depends on how you like to spend your time between work and home.
Powell: small‑town feel, active downtown
Powell’s compact historic center and parks program create a true “in‑town” experience for a smaller city. Explore community amenities through the city’s parks and programming page. You’ll find Village Green Park, seasonal events, and quick access to local dining and shops. Limited acreage keeps the market tight, which supports pricing in preferred areas.
Lewis Center: new builds and variety
Lewis Center offers the most new‑construction supply across a wide price band. You’ll see modern two‑story plans, first‑floor owner suites in certain products, and some patio or luxury options in planned communities. If you want new finishes, open layouts, and more square footage per dollar, Lewis Center is often where buyers land.
Dublin: from golf‑course living to urban convenience
Dublin spans upscale golf neighborhoods like Muirfield Village and popular mixed‑use areas such as Bridge Park, along with many traditional subdivisions. You can choose a single‑family home on a suburban lot or shift to a condo or townhome for lower maintenance. This range makes Dublin a good match if your household wants options across different lifestyles.
Commute and transportation
All three suburbs sit within practical driving reach of major employment centers. Typical mean travel times to work, based on recent U.S. Census QuickFacts and ZIP‑level estimates:
- Powell: about 23 to 24 minutes on average. Check the Powell QuickFacts page for more context.
- Dublin: about 23 to 24 minutes. See Dublin QuickFacts.
- Lewis Center (43035): roughly 25 to 29 minutes by ZIP‑level compilations; see this 43035 overview.
Key routes include US‑23, Polaris Parkway, SR‑315, and I‑270. Off‑peak, downtown Columbus can be 20 to 35 minutes from most pockets. Polaris‑area jobs often sit 5 to 20 minutes away. For a quick orientation to area corridors, review this regional communities map. These suburbs are primarily car‑oriented, with limited regional transit service, so test your commute during peak times.
What your budget buys
Prices below are directional, based on late‑2025 to early‑2026 market snapshots. Neighborhood, condition, and school assignment can change the picture quickly, so confirm with current MLS data when you’re ready to tour.
Around $400K
- Powell: This budget is often tight for detached single‑family homes. You may find smaller or older homes, or a townhome near services.
- Lewis Center: More options, including 3 to 4 bedroom resales and, in some cases, entry‑level new construction or townhomes.
- Dublin: Select condos or townhomes and some older single‑family homes in specific neighborhoods may be within reach.
Around $600K
- Powell: Near the recent median, often 2,400 to 3,200+ square feet in established subdivisions with updated finishes.
- Lewis Center: Frequently accesses newer 3,000+ square foot homes with modern layouts and finishes in planned communities.
- Dublin: Single‑family choices across many neighborhoods and entry to mid‑level opportunities in premium pockets, depending on lot and updates.
$800K and up
- Powell: Larger lots or upper‑tier homes with significant upgrades may be available, though inventory is limited.
- Lewis Center: High‑end new construction in amenity‑rich or gated sections, with generous floorplans and upgraded packages.
- Dublin: Higher‑end neighborhoods, including golf‑course areas, plus luxury or larger‑format homes with premium locations.
Buyer tradeoffs checklist
Use this quick lens to align your priorities.
Powell
- Pros: Compact, walkable downtown core with parks and community events; strong demand supports values.
- Tradeoffs: Smaller inventory and higher medians mean less flexibility on price and timing.
Lewis Center
- Pros: Deep new‑construction supply and more square footage per dollar; contemporary floorplans across many communities.
- Tradeoffs: Fewer historic or in‑town settings; monitor HOA structures, traffic near Polaris, and enrollment growth.
Dublin
- Pros: The broadest range of home types and settings, from golf‑course communities to urban‑style condos.
- Tradeoffs: Prices and market tempo vary widely by neighborhood; careful micro‑market analysis is essential.
How to choose your best fit
A clear plan helps you compare apples to apples.
Define the must‑haves. List your top 3 priorities: school assignment, layout or square footage, commute time, or proximity to parks and services.
Test the commute. Drive your peak route from each target neighborhood during the hours that matter for your household.
Focus on micro‑markets. Compare two or three specific neighborhoods in each city rather than citywide averages. Medians can mask big differences.
Confirm school boundaries. Use district tools to verify the assignment for each address you’re considering. Start with the Olentangy district summary and the Dublin schools overview, then check property‑specific details.
Align your budget with timing. If you value new construction, Lewis Center usually offers more options. If you want an in‑town feel, Powell’s core may be worth the premium and the patience. If you want flexibility across multiple product types, Dublin’s variety can help you pivot quickly.
Get current MLS data. Because small markets like Powell can swing month to month, review 6‑ to 12‑month medians and neighborhood‑level comps before you write.
The bottom line
- If you want a small‑town feel near parks and a compact downtown, Powell stands out. Inventory is tighter and prices trend higher, but the lifestyle is unique.
- If new construction and square footage per dollar sit at the top of your list, Lewis Center is often the smartest search hub.
- If you want the widest range of neighborhoods and home types, from golf‑course living to urban‑style condos, Dublin offers the most flexibility.
When you’re ready, we’ll help you confirm school assignments, test commutes, analyze neighborhood‑level comps, and compare new‑build timelines side by side. If you’re also planning a sale, our in‑house staging and premium marketing help you capture demand and move cleanly into your next home.
Ready to compare neighborhoods with data and on‑the‑ground insight? Schedule a Free Consultation with Angelina Fox-Smith & Company.
FAQs
What are current median home prices in Powell, Dublin, and Lewis Center?
- Recent late‑2025 to early‑2026 snapshots show Powell around the mid‑$500Ks to about $600K (sale price and indexed value), Dublin ranging from the high‑$400Ks to mid‑$600Ks by area, and Lewis Center around the low‑to‑mid $500Ks for median list price; verify neighborhood‑level comps before you write.
Which suburb has the most new construction near Columbus?
- Lewis Center typically offers the most active new‑construction communities across a wide price band, often delivering more square footage per dollar than Powell and many parts of Dublin.
Are all Powell addresses in Olentangy Local Schools?
- Many are, but not all; district and municipal boundaries do not perfectly align, so confirm a specific property’s assignment with Olentangy before you move forward.
How long is the commute to downtown Columbus from these suburbs?
- Off‑peak, typical drive times are about 20 to 35 minutes from Powell, Dublin, and Lewis Center, with mean travel times to work around 23 to 24 minutes in Powell and Dublin and roughly 25 to 29 minutes for Lewis Center by ZIP‑level data.
Is Powell more walkable than Dublin’s Bridge Park area?
- Powell’s compact historic center offers a small‑town, in‑town experience near parks and events, while Dublin’s Bridge Park area provides a denser mixed‑use setting with condos and townhomes; the better fit depends on whether you prefer a traditional downtown or a modern mixed‑use district.
