So, why Gahanna of all places in the U.S.? Because its zip code of 43230 showed up as number one on Realtor.com’s “Hottest Zip Codes of 2023” (Realtor.com is our partner site). This list of the top 10 hottest zip codes shows where homebuyers find value in the vicinity of high-priced metros. And, in case you’re wondering, number two is Southington, CT, and number three is Ridgewood, NJ.
What Is Realtor.com’s Hottest Zip Code of 2023?
These hot zips offer a considerable bang for your buck with larger-than-average homes at lower-than-average prices. This alone makes moving to cities, like Gahanna, OH, worth it for some. According to Niche, Gahanna gets an overall grade of A, with high marks for public schools, housing options, diversity, and family-friendliness.
Typically, wherever you decide where to live, you’re looking for a place that fits your personality, life circumstances, preferences, and interests. Factors to consider before moving include the cost of living, real estate markets, things to do in that area, and so much more. These are the criteria we’ve used to look at Gahanna, OH, and the other cities featured on Realtor.com’s Hottest Zip Codes of 2023.
What Are the Pros of Living in Gahanna, OH?
There are many positive aspects of living in Gahanna, including more than 750 acres of parkland, miles of bike and walking trails, vibrant neighborhoods, excellent schools, unique historic attractions, high-quality restaurants and accommodations, eclectic shopping destinations, and more.
Gahanna has a rich and diverse heritage. It’s a premier location for both business and leisure. Gahanna puts a strong emphasis on community, family and fun, offering a wide variety of seasonal and family-friendly events.
It is located in northeast Franklin County, Ohio. It is a suburb of Columbus, situated about eight miles to the east of downtown Columbus, five minutes from John Glenn Columbus International Airport, and easily accessible from highways I-70, I-71 and I-77. It has a population of 35,127, according to the latest available U.S. Census data (as of July 2022).
The word “Gahanna” is derived from a Native American word for three creeks joining into one and is the former name of the Big Walnut Creek. The City of Gahanna’s Official Seal refers to this confluence of three creeks with the inscription “Three In One.”
Do you think that moving to Gahanna, OH, is in the cards for you? Here’s what you need to know.
The Cost of Living in Gahanna, OH
Gahanna’s cost of living is 97%, which is lower than the national average of 100 and higher than Ohio’s (91). This is determined by comparing the cost of living in Gahanna to the costs of living in other cities around the United States. If a city’s index score is higher than 100%, then the cost of living is above average. When the index score is lower than 100, you’ll find a below-average cost of living.
Gahanna’s real estate prices are 5.6% higher than the national average. Its rental prices are 3.7% higher than the national average. However, the average mortgage payment is 18.1% lower than the national average.
Many services, goods and activities cost as much as the national average or slightly higher, such as paying for utilities or buying groceries. Transportation and healthcare costs are lower than the national average of 100 (88.7 and 89.5, respectively). Gahanna’s livability score is 74, which is considered excellent.
The Job Market in Gahanna, OH
Gahanna’s economy is diverse and vibrant. Major employers in the area include Nationwide, Big Lots, L Brands, DSW, and Abercrombie & Fitch. The job market is considered healthy, with plenty of job opportunities.
Gahanna has an unemployment rate of 4.8% compared to the national average of 6.0%. Job growth over the next 10 years is predicted to be 34.6%, which is higher than the U.S. average of 33.5%. Since Gahanna is part of the metro area of Columbus, many residents commute to their jobs in Columbus, which is only about 12 minutes and 8.6 miles away by car.
Salaries in Gahanna, OH
The U.S. Census reports the median household income as $95,547 for Gahanna. It’s higher than the median household income for Ohio ($61,938) and higher than the national median household income of $70,784 (all 2021 numbers, the latest available).
Gahanna’s median salary is $38,470. This works out to be about $18.50 an hour. About 90% of residents, however, earn an estimated salary of $65,000.
Buying a Home in Gahanna, OH
In August 2023, the median listing home price for Gahanna was $349.950, trending up 5.3% year-over-year. There were 63 active listings with 23 median days on the market for all of Gahanna’s five neighborhoods. The median listing home price per square foot was $188. In July 2023, the median home sold price was $351.200.
Renting a Home in Gahanna, OH
There are fewer rentals than properties for sale in Gahanna. Realtor.com lists the average rental price as $2,500 per month. This cost is higher than the median asking monthly rent of $1,759. According to Realtor.com, as of August 2023, the average cost of a studio rental was $1,445 per month, and a one-bedroom was $1,642.
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Get up to 4 free quotes from top quality moversThe Schools Available in Gahanna, OH
Gahanna, OH, is home to the Gahanna-Jefferson Public School System. The district, which includes the city of Gahanna and parts of Jefferson and Mifflin townships, has about 7,000 students from kindergarten through grade 12 who attend the district’s 11 elementary schools, six middle schools, and two high schools. There are also 12 private schools. GreatSchools rates Gahanna’s public schools in a range of 5–7 out of 10. The GreatSchools rating is based on a variety of school quality indicators, including test scores, college readiness, and equity data.
Niche.com gives the Gahanna school district an A grade, commending it for its teachers and high-quality college pre in particular. To find top-rated schools in Gahanna, you can use Moversnearyou.info’s School Ratings Tool, which features GreatSchools ratings and other helpful information.
While there are no higher ed establishments in Gahanna, there are at least 17 colleges serving the area, including over a dozen of private colleges and universities plus public colleges and one community college that offers two-year degrees.
The Taxes in Gahanna, OH
The minimum combined 2023 sales tax rate for Gahanna is 7.5%. This is the total of state, county and city sales tax rates. The Ohio sales tax rate is currently 5.75%. The County sales tax rate is 1.25%. The Gahanna sales tax rate is 0%.
The average property tax is 2%, which is higher than the state’s 1.41%. However, tax rates vary significantly between Ohio counties and cities. Both are higher than the average property tax rate in the United States, which is 1.1%.
Getting Around in Gahanna, OH
You will likely need a car to navigate Gahanna. It has a low walk score of 26 and is rated a “car-dependent city,” which means that running errands will most likely require a car. The city doesn’t have many walkable neighborhoods, either. The most walkable Gahanna neighborhoods are Cherry Bottom, Brentwood Estates and Rathburn Woods. Gahanna is only “somewhat bikeable.” Since there are not many bike lanes, Gahanna’s bike-friendliness has a score of 34.
The transit score is also pretty low at 23, which means that Gahanna has minimal public transportation options. Gahanna is not completely out of options, however. There are COTA buses and CMAX light rail service, which provide direct service to downtown Columbus.
As for the average one-way commute, it is 21.6 minutes in Gahanna, which is shorter than the national average of 26.4. Residents of Gahanna predominantly drive to work (80%). Only 1.5% take public transit (3.1%), 2.7% walk, and less than 1% bike to work.
The Weather in Gahanna, OH
In Gahanna, the summers are warm, long and humid; the winters are freezing, windy and snowy, and it is partly cloudy year-round. Over the course of the year, the temperature typically varies from 22°F to 84°F and is rarely below 6°F or above 92°F. The hottest month of the year in Gahanna is July, with an average high of 84°F and a low of 66°F. The coldest month of the year in Gahanna is January, with an average low of 23°F and a high of 37°F. The best time of year to visit Gahanna is from mid-June to mid-September.
Things to Do in Gahanna, OH
With more than 750 acres of parkland plus miles of bike and walking trails, Gahanna is a paradise for outdoor recreation. Its parks offer trails, fishing, athletic activities, picnic shelters, and playgrounds in addition to large swaths of green space. There’s also a municipal golf course.
Some of the biggest nature attractions include the Big Walnut Bike Trail, 4.6-mile paved trail that connects to many parks and trails in Gahanna, and Creekside Park. The park features waterfalls, picnic areas, walking paths, and fishing and wading.
Gahanna is billed as the Herb Capital of Ohio, with an Herb Center located in the historic Nafzger-Miller house that dates to 1855. The Center offers activities like classes and community resources. There’s also a popular Herbal Cocktail Trail, featuring seasonal herb-infused libations dreamed up by mixologists at the Gahanna restaurants and distilleries.
Gahanna is also family-friendly, offering amenities like a swimming pool and splash pad, mini golf, family cooking classes, the indoor Legoland Discovery Center, and family-friendly restaurants. There are also plenty of dog-friendly amenities like trails, a dog park, and breweries and restaurants you can bring your dog to.
For shopping and waterfront dining, you can head to the Creekside District. Gahanna’s community vibe can be witnessed in its year-long farmer’s market, a senior center, the Gahanna Historical Society, and many community events throughout the year. The two biggest ones are the Creekside Blues & Jazz Festival in June and Herb ‘n Restaurant Week in May.
FAQs About Moving to Gahanna, OH
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