Market Snapshot

• Median Sale Price: ~$299,000 (up ~3.1% year-over-year)
• Median Days on Market: ~42 days (about six days longer than last year)
• Hot Neighborhood to Watch: Bexley was recently named one of the hottest housing markets in the U.S.

Listing of the Month

If you’ve ever wanted to live inside a piece of art, 382 E Town St might be your chance. Listed at $1.295M, this French-inspired downtown beauty blends salvaged history with modern comfort — think original façade, iron railings, and antique doors paired with soaring ceilings, an open floor plan, and a kitchen built for your inner Julia Child.

There’s even a carriage house apartment over the garage (perfect for guests, tenants, or that business you keep talking about starting), and a backyard so lush with hydrangeas it feels like your own private park. Bonus: you’re steps from Topiary Park, meaning your daily dog walk just got very aesthetic.

View the full listing here.

Price Surprise

New builds are commanding a massive premium—about $498K versus ~$309K for existing homes, a nearly $200K gap. No wonder renovation projects are getting more love these days.

Local & Lifestyle Spotlight

The Eastland Mall area is finally getting a rebuild! “Eastland for Everyone” includes new housing, community spaces, and jobs—making it one to watch for future real estate ripple effects.

Featured image by collin williams on Unsplash.

The post Columbus Navigator Real Estate Roundup (August 2025) appeared first on Columbus Navigator.

Homes in these “hottest ZIPs” typically get 3 to 5 times more online views than average and sell 30 to 40 days faster than the typical U.S. listing—and Bexley is holding its own with the best of them.

This isn’t the first time Columbus-area real estate has gotten national attention. In fact, Columbus has made the Hottest ZIPs list every year since 2017. While we held the number one spot in 2023, we’ve since dropped to number 10—but in a slow national housing market, even staying in the top 10 is a major win.

Bexley’s draw is no mystery.

With tree-lined streets, historic homes, and a quick drive to Downtown, it nails that rare mix of small-town charm and city convenience. The top-rated schools, walkable neighborhoods, and lively local shops and restaurants make it a dream for families and anyone craving a true sense of community.

Ohio is one of the only states with two ZIP codes in the top 10—Strongsville, near Cleveland, came in at number 2 this year.

According to Realtor.com, that’s pretty rare, and it shows just how much people are paying attention to Ohio’s housing market. Nationwide, most of this year’s top ZIPs are repeats from the past few years, which is a sign of how competitive these markets have stayed despite rising mortgage rates and limited inventory.

For Bexley, landing in the top 10 is just another reminder that Central Ohio continues to be one of the most competitive housing markets in the country. If you’ve been dreaming about a move here, you might want to start looking now… before everyone else beats you to it.

Featured image via City of Bexley (Facebook).

The post This Columbus Suburb Is One Of The Hottest Housing Markets In America appeared first on Columbus Navigator.

These stunning properties, each with their own unique charm and history, offer a glimpse into the pinnacle of high-end real estate. Whether you’re looking for a historic estate with modern amenities, a sprawling property with ample space for entertaining, or a serene retreat nestled in picturesque surroundings, Franklin County’s most expensive homes have something for every discerning buyer.

Let’s take a closer look at the crème de la crème of Franklin County’s real estate.

140 N Parkview Ave, Columbus, OH 43209

List price: $3,300,000
Details: 5 bedrooms, 9 bathrooms, and 8,677 square feet
About the house: They really don’t make them like this anymore. This Bexley stunner sits on 1.38 acres and blends historic charm with modern luxury across 8,000+ sq. ft. It’s got original iron brick and a clay tile roof, paired with a fully custom Amish kitchen, a mahogany sun deck, and not one but two kitchens. The lower level is decked out with a wine cellar, home theater, gym, and more. Outside, there’s a pool, bath house with sauna, and a lighted tennis court—plus a guest suite over the 3-car garage. Basically: if you want to live like Old Money with new amenities, this is it.

You can check out the full listing here: 140 N Parkview Ave

6828 Bevelhymer Rd, New Albany, OH 43054

List price: $3,500,000
Details: 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and 2,072 square feet, on a 6.93-acre lot.
About the house: This property is all about the land. The home was built in 1973 and it sits on 6.93 acres in New Albany. There’s plenty of room for potential if you’re on the hunt for a little bit of land that’s still convenient to all of the amenities that New Albany has to offer.

You can check out the full listing here: 6828 Bevelhymer Rd.

2528 Tremont Rd, Columbus, OH 43221

List price: $3,999,000
Details: 7 bedrooms, 9 bathrooms, and 10,463 square feet, on a .37 acre lot
About the house: Located just steps from Scioto Country Club, this Chateau-style dream home is luxury with a capital L. Fully rebuilt in 2014, it has over 10,000 sq. ft. of jaw-dropping details like coffered ceilings, custom woodwork, leaded glass windows, and nine fireplaces. There’s room for everyone with 7 bedrooms, a sunroom, and even a third-floor suite. Oh—and did we mention the lower level billiards lounge that looks straight out of a Ralph Lauren ad?

WANT TO SEE INSIDE?: Step Inside This $4.39M Chateau-Style Stunner In Upper Arlington

4135 High Grove Crest, New Albany, OH 43054

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List price: $4,600,000
Details: 4 bedrooms, 7 bathrooms, and 8,804 square feet, on a 0.54 acre lot
About the house: Resort vibes, meet suburban bliss. This modern Georgian manor comes with a pool, spa, pool house, bourbon room, and even a circular glass floor looking down into your wine cellar. Just steps from New Albany Country Club, the home delivers indoor-outdoor luxury with Wolf/Sub-Zero appliances, scullery kitchen, a hidden bourbon room, a gym, and a full theater. Oh, and the primary suite has a fireplace and a spa bathroom.

You can check out the full listing here: 4135 High Grove Crest

2528 Onandaga Dr, Columbus, OH 43221

List price: $4,750,000
Details: 3 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms, and 9,236 square feet, on a 0.36 acre lot
About the house: Elegance meets craftsmanship in this Stock & Stone-designed showstopper. From custom Amish cabinetry and coffered ceilings to a circular stairwell and scullery kitchen, the details are nothing short of luxe. Floor-to-ceiling windows flood the space with natural light, and the basement adds 3,000+ sq. ft. of entertainment space—plus a wine-ready stone-well egress. Top it off with a slate roof, copper gutters, landscaped patios, and a dog wash station. This is quiet luxury, done loud.

You can check out the full listing here: 2528 Onandaga Dr.

The post The 5 Most Expensive Homes For Sale In Franklin County Right Now appeared first on Columbus Navigator.

Tucked away on Buckeye Lake, just 30 minutes from downtown Columbus, 12700 Onion Island is one of the few privately owned islands in Ohio and currently the only island residential listing on the market.

Thanks to nearly $500,000 in upgrades, this island home feels surprisingly polished, without losing any of its easygoing, tucked-away charm.

The home features a fully renovated kitchen, a modern bath, and four flexible sleeping areas, including a den and rec room. New plumbing, electrical, water systems, and a backup generator ensure you’re covered whether you plan to settle in full-time or use it as a weekend escape.

Outside, the property spans nearly a full acre and includes a spacious covered patio with a built-in bar, an expansive entertaining deck, a 10-person fire pit, and multiple private docks, perfect for boating, fishing, or early morning swims.

And the views? Panoramic.

Listed at $1.59 million, Onion Island isn’t exactly a starter home.

But for the right buyer, it’s a rare opportunity, not just to own lakefront property, but to experience a kind of peace and privacy that’s getting harder to come by. With more Central Ohioans finding ways to work remotely or spend extended time outside the city, it’s a reminder of how our idea of “home” is continuing to shift.

Whether you’re watching fireworks over the lake on the Fourth of July, casting a line at sunset, or hosting friends for a long summer weekend, it’s the kind of place that invites you to slow down and stay a while.

If you’d like to check out the full listing, you can see it here.

The post For Sale: A $1.59M Private Island Retreat Just 30 Minutes From Columbus appeared first on Columbus Navigator.

But before you start imagining candlelit dinners in a former speakeasy or brunch in a sunny garden room, let’s take a stroll through everything that makes the Buxton so special.

History of the Buxton Inn

The Buxton Inn was built in 1812 by Orrin Granger, a pioneer from Granville, Massachusetts, who wanted to create a gathering place for locals and travelers alike. Back then, it was known as “The Tavern,” and while the name was simple, the building itself was anything but.

As the oldest continuously operating inn in Ohio, the Buxton has played host to all kinds of guests over the years. U.S. Presidents like Abraham Lincoln, Benjamin Harrison, and William McKinley stayed here. So did Cameron Diaz, Jennifer Garner, and Yo-Yo Ma. Basically, if these walls could talk, they’d name-drop a lot.

What’s Inside This 212-Year-Old Treasure?

Today, the inn has grown into a pretty incredible destination. There are 25 individually styled guest rooms spread out across five historic buildings, including the Main House, Founders Hall, Warner House, Pearl Street House, and Ty Fy Mam House. Each one blends historic charm with modern comfort. So yes, you can have exposed brick, antique woodwork, and working Wi-Fi.

The property spans over 24,000 square feet and includes all kinds of cool spaces, like a bright atrium-style Garden Room (perfect for showers and luncheons), a cozy lounge with an 1800s mirrored chandelier, and even a wine cellar that used to be a speakeasy during Prohibition. There’s also a stone tavern in the basement where stagecoach drivers used to rest. It’s still got the original fireplace and brick floors, which is honestly kind of wild.

A Resilient Survivor: The 2022 Fire

The Buxton Inn’s long history hasn’t been without a few dramatic plot twists. In October 2022, a fire broke out and damaged part of the inn, mainly in the kitchen area. Firefighters said it was minutes away from being a total loss. Thankfully, they got it under control, and the restoration process kicked off shortly after. The owners have been hard at work bringing it back to life, keeping the original character while updating things that needed some love.

So, What’s the Deal?

The Buxton Inn is currently listed at $5.85 million, and it’s not just the inn that’s included. The sale also comes with four additional buildings that house established local businesses and a private residential unit. So, while you’re running a charming historic inn, you’ll also have dependable income from tenants. There are even over 50 private parking spots, which is basically gold in walkable downtown Granville.

This place is already set up for weddings, retreats, and private events, and with its rich history, it’s an easy sell to anyone looking for a unique experience. Whether you want to keep it going as an inn, turn it into your dream event space, or just live in a literal historic landmark, the options are wide open.

If you’ve ever wanted to own a slice of Ohio history, now might be your moment.

Check out the full LoopNet listing here and get ready to fall in love with this 212-year-old gem.

The post Granville’s 212-Year-Old Buxton Inn Is For Sale, Ghost Stories And All appeared first on Columbus Navigator.

This Worthington neighborhood consists of 49 homes, designed and built in the 1950s in the style of Frank Lloyd Wright. The first house established in Rush Creek Village was for the Wakefield family.

The Wakefields had originally wanted Frank Lloyd Wright to design their home, but they instead opted to work with a local architect to design and build their dream property.

Theodore Van Fossen, a graduate of the New Bauhaus school in Chicago, had worked on the construction of many of Wright’s buildings at the time and teamed up with the Wakefields to design their home as well as the 50-lot neighborhood.

Homes in the exclusive neighborhood rarely go on sale, but if you’re on the hunt currently, you’re in luck. 230 E South Street has just hit the market for $750,000.

This architectural gem is nestled on a serene, wooded half-acre in the heart of historic Rush Creek Village. With three bedrooms, two full bathrooms, and two gas fireplaces, the home blends timeless design with modern comfort.

Expansive two-story windows bathe the space in natural light and offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Multiple patios, balconies, and a stream running through the property create a deep connection between indoor and outdoor living.

MORE LIKE THIS: This Fantastic Frank Lloyd Wright-Inspired Neighborhood Is Tucked Away Off High Street In Worthington

The home is basically a time capsule that’s been simultaneously perfectly preserved and perfectly updated. There are high-end appliances and plenty of natural light, and the home has so much authentic charm.

If you want to see more of the property, you can check out the full listing, right here.

The post This Usonian Dream House Is For Sale In Exclusive Rush Creek Village appeared first on Columbus Navigator.

Located at 214 Arden Road, this 2-bedroom, 1-bath stunner is listed for $379,900. That might sound steep for 1,021 square feet, but you’re not just buying a house — you’re buying a slice of American design history (with a giant 2.5-car garage and a lush backyard to boot).

So… what exactly is a Lustron home?

If you’re wondering why this place looks like it could double as a vintage diner or a retro-futuristic bunker, it’s because Lustron homes were built entirely out of steel — from the frame to the walls to the bathtub. That pastel exterior? Not paint. It’s porcelain-enameled steel panels, baked to a glossy finish that’s basically indestructible.

These homes were born right here in Columbus in the late 1940s as a sleek solution to the post-WWII housing crisis. The idea was simple: prefab homes that could be mass-produced in a factory, shipped in pieces, and assembled like giant Lego sets. They were modern, durable, and way ahead of their time. Unfortunately, they were also too innovative for their own good.

READ MORE: The Brief, Brilliant Life of Lustron Homes

A rare gem in North Clintonville

Back to Arden Road: this Lustron is one of fewer than 1,500 remaining in the country, and it’s in exceptionally good condition. It still has many of its original features, including the built-in vanities, bookshelves, and wall-hung cabinetry that make the space feel bigger than it is. The streamlined floor plan maximizes function without sacrificing that charming mid-century aesthetic.

It also comes with some thoughtful updates, like engineered hardwood floors, casement windows, and an updated three-season room perfect for morning coffee or lazy summer nights. And if maintenance isn’t your thing? These homes were literally designed to be low effort. Steel walls don’t rot, rust, or host termites. You can hose the whole thing down if you want. (Kidding. Kind of.)

Want to see one before you commit?

If you’re Lustron-curious but not ready to take the homeownership plunge, good news: you can explore a fully furnished original Lustron at the Ohio History Center. Yes, indoors. It’s on display like the piece of Americana it is.

Listing Snapshot:

214 Arden Rd, Columbus, OH 43214
$379,900
2 bed | 1 bath | 1,021 sq ft
Built in 1949, mostly original
Spacious yard, three-season room, 2.5-car garage
Right in the heart of Clintonville

Whether you’re a mid-century modern lover, a history buff, or just someone who’s really tired of drywall, this Clintonville Lustron is one of the coolest homes you’ll see on the market this year. But with fewer than 1,500 left standing, don’t expect it to stay listed for long. You can view the full listing here.

The post This Rare Steel-Clad Lustron Home Just Hit The Market In Clintonville appeared first on Columbus Navigator.

This grand old house, once home to one of Ohio’s most notable legal and political names, wraps up the elegance of Queen Anne Style architecture and a rich history of American law and politics all in one.

Architectural Elegance and Historical Significance

Constructed around 1885, the house served as the family home of Thurman, a Democratic U.S. Representative, Ohio Supreme Court Justice, Senator from Ohio, and the Democratic Party’s nominee for Vice President of the United States in the pivotal 1888 election. The home, located at 513 East Rich Street, reflects the architectural opulence of its era.

A Storied Inhabitant: Allen G. Thurman

Allen G. Thurman, born on November 13, 1813, in Lynchburg, Virginia, moved to Chillicothe, Ohio, with his family during his youth. He swiftly rose through the ranks of the legal and political arenas, establishing a legal practice with his uncle, William Allen, who also served as a U.S. Senator from Ohio.

Thurman’s political career was marked by his election to the House of Representatives in 1844, where he was the youngest member at the time, his vocal support for the James K. Polk administration during the Mexican–American War, and his firm stance on the Wilmot Proviso.

Despite his loss in the 1867 Ohio gubernatorial race to Rutherford B. Hayes, Thurman made a significant comeback by winning a seat in the Senate in 1869. He emerged as a formidable opponent to the Republican Reconstruction policies, advocating against African-American voting rights and pushing for the segregation of public schools in the District of Columbia.

A Legacy Preserved and Continued

The Thurman house not only reflects the political and legal achievements of its original owner but also serves as a bridge connecting past to present. After Thurman’s death in 1895, his son, Allen W. Thurman, an attorney, continued to inhabit the house, further cementing the family’s legacy in Columbus.

Today, the house functions as law offices, continuing its long-standing association with the legal profession.

As we explore the historic mansions of Columbus, the Allen G. Thurman House stands out not just for its architectural beauty but also for its deep connections to American political history and the legal legacy of the Thurman family. It serves as a reminder of the complex tapestry of American history, woven through the lives of its political leaders and the homes they inhabited.

The post Historic Mansions Of Columbus: The Allen G. Thurman Home appeared first on Columbus Navigator.

Just three miles from the enchanting forests, waterfalls, and caves of Hocking Hills State Park, you’ll find Nature Mystique Retreat, a hidden gem where fantasy and reality blur in the best possible way.

Their hobbit-style homes are everything your Middle-earth-loving heart could dream of: cozy, earth-covered retreats tucked into rolling hills, complete with round doors, warm wood interiors, and enough rustic charm to make even Samwise squeal.

And let’s be honest—Hocking Hills already gives serious Shire energy. With moss-covered trails, towering trees, mysterious caves, and cascading waterfalls, it’s basically Ohio’s version of Rivendell and the Shire had a baby.

Each underground stay has its own unique name (Aspen, Daisy, Dalia, and Forest), and while there are no dragons to slay or rings to destroy, you will find Queen-sized beds, cedar hot tubs, saunas, kitchenettes, fire pits, and hammocks made for second breakfasts and stargazing.

Let’s break down the four Hobbit-worthy homes:

Aspen – Sleeps 4, with a Queen bed and full-size bed
Daisy – Sleeps 4, with a Queen bed and bunk bed
Dalia – Sleeps 2, perfect for couples on a romantic quest
Forest – Sleeps 2, for peaceful solo journeys or a cozy duo retreat

All of these underground hideaways are pet-friendly too, so even your very own Shadowfax (read: golden retriever) can join your adventure.

Each retreat is outfitted with modern luxuries—WiFi, smart TVs, grills, fireplaces—while still feeling like a step out of time. It’s the perfect balance of rustic magic and comfort. As Tolkien once described hobbits:

“They love peace and quiet and good tilled earth… they are fond of simple jests at all times, and of six meals a day (when they can get them).”

Same, hobbits. Same.

Whether you’re warming your toes by the fireplace, watching the stars from your private hot tub, or sipping tea on a wooden deck surrounded by forest, it’s hard not to feel like you’ve wandered straight into the pages of The Fellowship of the Ring. And with Hocking Hills just minutes away, your quest can include epic hikes, jaw-dropping views, and maybe even a little self-reflection by a waterfall. (Cue Howard Shore’s “Concerning Hobbits”)

So pack your lembas bread, leave the One Ring at home, and go live out your hobbit dreams. Because not all who wander are lost—but you will want to stay forever.

Ready to book your journey? Head over to magicalearthretreat.com for more info.

The post You Can Stay in a Real-Life Hobbit House Just Outside Hocking Hills appeared first on Columbus Navigator.

If you’re a fan of cutting-edge design or just love to peek inside beautiful houses, these Wright homes in Ohio are calling your name. Let’s dive into where you can find them and what makes each one so special.

Westcott House

Louis Penfield House

Weltzheimer/Johnson House

Ohio’s Frank Lloyd Wright homes are not just buildings; they’re art.

Each visit tells a story of innovation, beauty, and a seamless connection with nature. From Springfield to Cincinnati, Wright’s houses stand as testaments to his architectural genius and vision.

Whether you’re exploring the Westcott House’s prairie grandeur, staying a night in the tailor-made Louis Penfield House, or marveling at the art surrounding the Weltzheimer/Johnson House, you’re walking through living history.

To learn more about other Frank Lloyd Wright houses that are open to the public, head over to flwright.org.

The post 3 Frank Lloyd Wright Masterpieces In Ohio You Can Tour Right Now appeared first on Columbus Navigator.