Central Ohio has become one of the fastest-growing regions in the Midwest, and it’s not hard to understand why. The area surrounding Columbus offers a remarkable variety of communities, each with strong schools, family-friendly amenities, and that elusive combination of suburban comfort and small-town character.
Whether you’re relocating for work, upgrading to more space, or simply ready to put down roots, the neighborhoods in this guide represent some of the best places in the state to raise a family.
Rockford Homes has strategically built new home communities in nine of these locations — here’s what makes each one worth your attention.
| Community | County | School District | Commute to Columbus | Character |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial Point | Pickaway | Teays Valley | ~30 min | Rural/ Small Town |
| Plain City | Madison/Union | Dublin City and Jonathan Alder | ~35 min | Historic Village |
| Grove City | Franklin | South-Western City | ~15-20 min | Suburban/ Charming Downtown |
| Lewis Center | Delaware | Olentangy Local | ~25-30 min | Upscale Suburban |
| Pataskala | Licking | Licking Heights | ~30 min | Growing Suburban |
| Delaware | Delaware | Delaware City | ~30 min | Historic City |
| Pickerington | Fairfield/ Franklin | Pickerington Local | ~5 min | Family Suburban |
| Newark | Licking | Granville | ~45 min | Historic Urban |
Each community in this guide was evaluated based on what families love and the criteria that matter most to those buying a new home:
Located in Pickaway County just south of Columbus, Commercial Point offers a distinctly rural character with the convenience of easy access to the city. This small village is part of the Teays Valley School District, which has earned a reputation for solid academics and a tight-knit school community.
Rockford Homes has brought new home construction to this area, allowing families to build in a setting that feels genuinely removed from the bustle of the metro while remaining connected to everything Columbus has to offer.
Plain City is a historic village straddling Madison and Union Counties, and it carries a charm that’s increasingly rare in Central Ohio’s expanding suburbs. Its downtown is lined with locally owned shops and restaurants, and the surrounding landscape still reflects the agricultural heritage that defines this part of the state.
Rockford Homes builds within the Jerome Village community, one of the region’s most thoughtfully designed planned developments. Jerome Village features miles of trails, ponds, a fitness center, and a community pool, all surrounded by homes built to high architectural standards.
Few communities in Central Ohio balance small-town personality with suburban convenience quite like Grove City. Located in southwestern Franklin County with a population of more than 41,000, it sits just 15 to 20 minutes from downtown Columbus via I-71 and I-270, making it one of the most commuter-friendly suburbs in the region.
“Grove City has everything we want families to experience,” says Robert Yoakam, CEO. “Strong communities, excellent schools, and locations that truly enhance their lives. It’s a place where you can put down roots and watch your family thrive.”
Rockford Homes currently builds three communities in Grove City, including The Enclave at Meadow Grove Estates, where homes feed into Buckeye Woods Elementary, Jackson Middle, and Grove City High School.
Lewis Center has transformed over the past two decades from a small unincorporated community into one of Central Ohio’s most sought-after suburban destinations. It sits in southern Delaware County and is anchored by the Olentangy Local School District, which consistently ranks among the very best in the state.
Beyond the schools, Lewis Center offers proximity to state and metropolitan parks, convenient access to US-23 and I-71, and a growing retail and restaurant corridor. Rockford Homes builds several communities here, including homes within Parkside at Evans Farm, one of the area’s most desirable master-planned neighborhoods.
Situated in Licking County just east of Columbus, Pataskala has grown steadily as families seek more space and a quieter setting without sacrificing access to the metro. It offers a blend of rural scenery and expanding suburban amenities, and home values here remain competitive.
Delaware is one of Central Ohio’s oldest and most distinctive communities, with a walkable historic downtown, a lively arts and entertainment scene, and the sprawling campus of Ohio Wesleyan University at its center. The county seat of Delaware County, this city of roughly 45,000 residents has maintained its character while accommodating significant growth.
Families drawn to Delaware tend to appreciate its authenticity. This is not a recently built-out suburb; it’s a real city with history, character, and a full range of family-friendly amenities.
Pickerington occupies a sweet spot on the southeast side of Columbus, straddling Fairfield and Franklin Counties. It has a well-earned reputation as a family-focused community with excellent schools and a welcoming suburban environment. The Pickerington Local School District has long been one of the area’s most respected.
Newark is the largest city in Licking County and one of the region’s most historically significant communities. Its downtown has undergone meaningful revitalization in recent years, and its location along the National Road corridor gives it strong connectivity to Columbus and the surrounding region.
Newark offers a value proposition that’s difficult to match in the Columbus suburbs: genuine character, a sense of community history, and access to quality new construction from builders like Rockford Homes.
Once you have a short list of communities in mind, a little legwork before you commit will go a long way:
Rockford Homes has been building quality homes in Central Ohio’s best locations for 40 years. As the region’s largest family-owned homebuilder, we know these communities well because we’ve chosen to build in them. Every Rockford community is selected with strong schools, modern conveniences, and long-term value in mind.
Whether you’re drawn to the top-ranked schools of Lewis Center, the charming downtown of Grove City, the historic character of Delaware, or the affordability of Newark, Rockford Homes has a community there. Visit rockfordhomes.com or stop in to one of our model homes to start the conversation.
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