Living in New Albany, Ohio

New Albany sits northeast of Columbus in a previously undeveloped stretch of rural land and is deliberately planned to a degree few suburbs are. The streets are wide with great big sidewalks for doggo walking and kid bike riding. The landscaping is regulated to be consistent, and commercial areas are built to simulate easy town center living. Most people who move here do so to access the amazing school district and the beautiful new homes. If new is your vibe, New Albany should be on your shortlist.

In the last few years, New Albany has also become one of the most talked-about places in central Ohio because of Intel’s semiconductor campus. That investment hasn’t changed day-to-day life yet, but it has changed how people think about the area. Buyers who might have overlooked the east side are now paying attention.

New Albany is one of the popular suburbs that is farthest from Downtown Columbus. As a result, daily life tends to be close to home. Most errands are run along Market Street or near the Village Center. It's a hard-core family-centric town, so expect plenty of driving between schools and shuttling to sports fields or after-school activities. There are plenty of restaurant options in the Village Center so while eating at home with the family is common, hitting up The Exchange or Hudson 29 is also a thing for families or couples.

The Village Center is the social hub. On weekends, people walk the paths around the green, grabbing coffee and a pastry from Fox in the Snow, or Morning Ritual. Seasonal events, like the Independence Day Parade and 5k race, bring residents together, but New Albany doesn’t attract much outside nightlife. When people want more variety, they usually head to Easton, Short North, or Downtown Columbus. A lot of time here is spent outdoors. Locals use the leisure trails or spend time at the community parks. It’s a routine-driven place, which is exactly why many people choose it (and some reject it).

New Albany doesn’t overwhelm with options, but residents have reliable routines:
- New Albany Village Center for dining and events
- New Albany Leisure Trails connecting neighborhoods
- Community parks and school athletic facilities
- Short drives to Easton Town Center for shopping and movies
- 5 min drive to Rocky Fork Metro Park, an amazing outdoor space for play
For concerts, nightlife, or cultural events, residents usually leave the city and plan an evening elsewhere.

New Albany’s job profile is changing quickly.

Today, many residents still commute to:
- Downtown Columbus
- Easton and Northeast Columbus
- Gahanna and Westerville
- Healthcare and corporate offices across the metro
It's changing because Intel’s semiconductor campus, currently under development, is expected to bring thousands of jobs to the area over time. That growth is already influencing housing demand and long-term planning.

Remote and hybrid workers are also common, especially among households that value newer homes and quieter surroundings.