Delaware County Named the Best County to Live in Ohio: Here’s Why People Are Moving Here

If you’ve been watching the growth happening north of Columbus, this probably won’t come as much of a surprise.

Delaware County has been named the best county to live in Ohio, and a recent Islands article is putting a national spotlight on something many of us in Central Ohio already know: this area offers a pretty impressive combination of growing communities, outdoor recreation, restaurants, attractions and access to Columbus.

The Islands article highlights Delaware County’s No. 1 ranking on Niche’s list of the Best Counties to Live in Ohio and points to everything from Alum Creek State Park to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium as reasons the county continues to attract attention.

But rankings only tell part of the story.

I live and work in this part of Central Ohio, and what makes Delaware County interesting isn’t simply that someone put a No. 1 next to its name.

It’s how many different ways you can live here.

You can have acreage and a little breathing room. You can live in a newer subdivision where the kids ride bikes from house to house. You can walk to restaurants in a historic downtown. You can live minutes from Alum Creek and spend Saturday morning on the water. Or you can choose a community that gives you relatively easy access to Columbus while still feeling removed from the city.

That combination is a big part of Delaware County’s appeal.

So, Where Exactly Is Delaware County?

Delaware County sits immediately north of Franklin County and Columbus and includes communities such as Delaware, Powell, Lewis Center, Sunbury, Galena and portions of Westerville and Dublin.

And this is important for anyone relocating here: Delaware County isn’t one community.

The lifestyle can change considerably depending on where you choose to live.

Downtown Delaware feels different from Powell.

Powell feels different from Lewis Center.

Sunbury and Galena have their own personalities.

And the more rural parts of the county can feel completely different from the rapidly developing areas closer to Columbus.

That's why I cringe a little when someone asks, “Is Delaware County a good place to live?”

That's too broad a question.

A much better question is:

Which part of Delaware County fits the way you actually want to live?

Delaware County Is Growing, and Growing Fast

One of the biggest parts of the Delaware County story is growth.

The Islands article points to Delaware County as one of Ohio’s fastest-growing areas, with its population increasing significantly over the past several years.

You don't need a spreadsheet to know something is happening here.

Drive through southern Delaware County and you'll see it.

New neighborhoods.

New restaurants.

New retail.

Road construction.

Schools expanding.

Commercial development.

And plenty of orange barrels, because apparently those are Ohio's unofficial state flower.

Growth brings opportunity, but it also brings challenges.

More people means greater demand for housing, roads, schools, utilities, public safety and other infrastructure. We've seen ongoing discussions throughout Delaware County about transportation, wastewater capacity, development and how communities should manage continued population growth.

So while “fast-growing” sounds wonderful in a ranking, buyers need to understand what growth looks like on the ground.

Alum Creek Is a Huge Part of the Lifestyle

One of my favorite things about living in this area is having Alum Creek State Park practically in our backyard.

The Islands article specifically highlights Alum Creek as one of Delaware County's major outdoor attractions.

The park offers thousands of acres of recreation, including boating, fishing, swimming, hiking, camping and other outdoor activities.

And that's not something I think you fully appreciate until you live nearby.

A random summer afternoon can become a few hours on the water.

You can take the Jeep out and explore.

Meet friends.

Walk trails.

Spend the day at the beach.

Or simply find somewhere outdoors to get away from screens and schedules for a while.

For people relocating from larger metropolitan areas, having this kind of outdoor recreation so close to home can be a pleasant surprise.

And Then There’s the Columbus Zoo

Delaware County is also home to one of Central Ohio's best-known attractions, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.

The zoo is another attraction highlighted by Islands as part of Delaware County's appeal.

For people who live here, the zoo isn't necessarily a once-a-year destination.

It's part of the community.

Families can spend a few hours there rather than trying to cram everything into one marathon visit. There are seasonal events, educational programs and plenty of reasons to go back throughout the year.

And when you're talking about lifestyle and quality of life, those amenities matter.

Downtown Delaware Deserves More Attention

One of the places I think people relocating to Central Ohio sometimes overlook is downtown Delaware.

The city has a traditional downtown with historic architecture, locally owned businesses, restaurants and community events.

It's also home to Ohio Wesleyan University, which adds another dimension to the community.

Delaware gives you something different from many of the newer suburban areas around Columbus.

There's history there.

There's character.

There's a real downtown.

And for buyers who want an established community rather than purely newer development, that can be a major draw.

Powell Offers a Different Experience

Then there's Powell.

Powell has become one of the best-known suburban communities north of Columbus, with established neighborhoods, newer development, parks, restaurants and a charming downtown area.

It's also conveniently located near the Columbus Zoo.

But Powell isn't interchangeable with Delaware simply because they're both in Delaware County.

Housing options, lot sizes, taxes, commute patterns, school districts and the overall feel of the communities can be very different.

That's why I tell relocation clients not to start with the house.

Start with the life.

Where do you work?

How much driving are you comfortable doing?

Do you want walkability?

Do you want land?

Do you want newer construction?

Do you want mature trees?

How important is proximity to restaurants?

Do you spend weekends outdoors?

Those answers start narrowing the map pretty quickly.

Lewis Center Puts You Close to Almost Everything

Lewis Center is another popular choice, particularly for people who want to stay close to the Columbus metro while living in Delaware County.

It's close to shopping, restaurants, parks, Alum Creek and major routes into Columbus.

There's also been substantial residential and commercial development throughout the area.

Lewis Center isn't technically an incorporated city, which surprises some people moving here. It's a postal designation encompassing areas that can fall within different townships and school districts.

That's one reason you need to pay attention to the actual property rather than relying solely on the mailing address.

Two houses that both say “Lewis Center” can have different township jurisdictions, taxes or school assignments.

Welcome to Ohio real estate. We like to keep things interesting.

Sunbury Is One to Watch

Head farther east and you'll find Sunbury, another area experiencing significant change.

Sunbury still has some of the small-town characteristics people love, including its historic town square, while development continues expanding around it.

The surrounding area has also received considerable attention because of major economic development occurring in eastern Delaware County and neighboring Licking County.

For buyers who like the idea of getting into a growing community while it is still evolving, Sunbury deserves a look.

But again, growth means change.

Today's open field may not always be an open field.

When buying in rapidly developing areas, understanding zoning, proposed development, road projects and surrounding land use becomes especially important.

Let's Talk About the Food

The Islands article also calls attention to Delaware County's food scene.

And I think this is one area where Central Ohio in general doesn't get enough credit.

You don't have to drive into downtown Columbus every time you want a good dinner.

Delaware County has everything from independent restaurants and coffee shops to breweries, casual family spots and higher-end dining.

Downtown Delaware and Powell both offer places where dinner can become an evening out rather than simply a meal.

And as the county grows, the restaurant and entertainment options are growing with it.

What Does the No. 1 Ranking Actually Mean?

Here's where I want to add some perspective.

A “best place to live” ranking is interesting.

It isn't a reason by itself to buy a house somewhere.

Niche rankings consider multiple factors, but no ranking knows your family, your budget, your commute, your priorities or what you want your Saturday morning to look like.

Someone may absolutely love living in Powell.

Someone else may be much happier on several acres outside Delaware.

Another buyer may want Lewis Center because of its proximity to Columbus.

And another may choose Sunbury because they like where the community is headed.

There isn't one universally “best” place to live.

There is a place that's the best fit for you.

That's the part a national ranking can't tell you.

What Buyers Should Know Before Moving to Delaware County

If you're considering Delaware County, don't look only at home prices.

Pay attention to the entire picture.

Property taxes can vary significantly.

School district boundaries don't always follow city or mailing-address boundaries.

Traffic patterns matter, especially if you're commuting south toward Columbus.

New development can change an area quickly.

And utilities can differ depending on whether you're buying in an established neighborhood, newer subdivision or rural area.

Those aren't negatives.

They're simply things you want to understand before you fall in love with the kitchen.

Because once you fall in love with the kitchen, rational decision-making has a funny way of leaving the building.

The Bottom Line

Is Delaware County really the best county to live in Ohio?

A ranking says it is.

But I think the more meaningful takeaway is why Delaware County keeps earning attention.

You have access to Columbus without necessarily living in the city.

You have Alum Creek.

The Columbus Zoo.

Growing downtowns.

Restaurants.

Parks.

New development.

Established neighborhoods.

Rural land.

Small-town communities.

And several very different lifestyles within one county.

That's a pretty compelling combination.

And it's one of the reasons I love helping people discover Central Ohio.

Because finding a home isn't simply about bedrooms, bathrooms and square footage.

It's about finding the place where your life works.

And Delaware County gives you a lot of ways to do exactly that.

Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Delaware County, Ohio

Is Delaware County the best county to live in Ohio?

The Islands article cites Niche's ranking of Delaware County as the No. 1 county to live in Ohio. Rankings are useful as a starting point, but buyers should evaluate individual communities based on their own budget, commute, housing preferences and lifestyle priorities.

What cities and communities are in Delaware County?

Delaware County includes Delaware, Powell, Sunbury, Galena and Lewis Center, along with portions of communities such as Westerville and Dublin. The county also contains multiple townships and rural areas.

What is there to do in Delaware County?

Residents have access to outdoor recreation at Alum Creek State Park, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, parks, trails, boating, restaurants, shopping, community events and historic downtown areas.

Is Delaware County close to Columbus?

Yes. Delaware County sits directly north of Franklin County and Columbus. Actual commute times vary considerably depending on where you live, where you're going and traffic conditions.

Is Delaware County growing?

Yes. Population growth is one of the characteristics highlighted in the Islands article, and residential and commercial development is visible throughout many parts of the county.

Is Delaware County mostly suburban?

No. That's one of the county's strengths. You'll find suburban neighborhoods, newer planned communities, historic homes, small towns, rural properties and acreage.

What should I know before buying a home in Delaware County?

Pay close attention to property taxes, school district boundaries, township jurisdiction, utilities, commute times, future development and proposed infrastructure projects. A mailing address alone doesn't always tell you everything you need to know about a property.

Thinking About Moving to Delaware County?

If you're considering Delaware, Powell, Lewis Center, Sunbury, Galena or another Central Ohio community, don't start by asking which city is “best.”

Start with what you want your life to look like.

Then we can figure out which community actually fits it.

I'm Chrisi Hagan, a Realtor® with the Collins Lassiter Group at Red1 Realty, and I help buyers, sellers and relocating families discover, live and love Central Ohio.

Rain, shine, sleet or snow, we're here for your real estate adventures. Let's go!

Source

This blog was inspired by and references reporting from Islands, “Ohio's Hands-Down Best County To Live In Is Filled With Endless Outdoor Fun And A Vibrant Food Scene,” published August 13, 2026.

Read the original Islands article

This article is provided for general informational purposes. Rankings, community characteristics, real estate conditions, taxes, school boundaries and development can change. Buyers should independently verify information important to their purchase.