Living in Gahanna, Ohio

Gahanna sits just east of Columbus and is often described as a “near east” suburb rather than an outer suburb. It’s close to the airport, close to Easton, and close enough to Downtown that while the city is not a social hub, the commutes are short. People move here because the schools are good, and the housing prices are reasonable.

The city has a defined center in Creekside. It's the only communal area in the city, and it's a natural oasis, with trails along Walnut Creek, an arboretum, water sports/play, and nearby luxury apartments in the Residences of Creekside. Perhaps most importantly for locals, there are ongoing plans for a big upgrade to add restaurants, shops, hotels, and more mixed-use spaces. If you need a "downtown," Gahanna doesn't provide it, but the planned upgrade to Creekside might be the secret to the move. Investing in a potentially more social and interesting community, before it is complete.

Most of Gahanna feels residential. Streets are lined with mid-century homes, with the newer subdivisions closer to the edges. This is a car-centric suburb that is family-first for the experience.

Gahanna is a family city. Lifestyle is parents driving kids to school or sports, then heading to work in Columbus, Easton, or nearby office parks. Errands and shopping happen along Hamilton Road or near Stoneridge Plaza. If you live here, you will drive.

As noted, Creekside is the communal focal point for the city. On weekends and nights when locals want to stay in town, they can stop for dinner or meet friends for a drink at Three Creeks or The Barn at Rocky Fork Creek. You get a light social vibe, but the mix of the area with the outdoors is unique. Paddleboarding and kayaking right from the shore of the Creekside Center is an interesting twist. If people crave a later night or more variety, they usually drive west toward Short North or Downtown.

Weekends are more focused on time outside. What the city presently lacks in a bustling urban center, it makes up for in city parks and trails along Big Walnut Creek, or heading a few minutes east for quieter green space.

To see what locals do for fun, check out the Gahanna [Calendar of Events](https://www.visitgahanna.com/Events/).

Gahanna’s location is one of its biggest draws. It's a really simple commute and the common targets for work are:
- Downtown Columbus
- Easton and Northeast Columbus
- Westerville and New Albany
- Logistics, healthcare, and corporate offices near the airport
John Glenn Columbus International Airport sits just south of the city, which makes Gahanna appealing for frequent travelers and airport-area workers. Intel’s development in nearby New Albany has also pulled more attention to the east side.

Remote and hybrid work is common, especially among households that take advantage of the larger homes, or the local coworking spots like COhatch Easton.