America’s Hottest ZIP Code Is a Small Town That Could Anchor a New Silicon Valley—and It’s Not Where You Might Think

For the second year in a row, the Realtor.com® Hottest ZIP Code in America is 43230 in Gahanna, OH—and the reason may come down to two nearby billion-dollar tech giants.

Gahanna, a small town of 35,000 in the heart of the Midwest, is emerging as a desirable location in central Ohio, drawing parallels to how Palo Alto, CA, became a tech epicenter in Silicon Valley.

Google’s data center is just 10 miles away in New Albany, OH, and Intel is currently spending $28 billion on new microchip factories spanning nearly 1,000 acres about 30 miles away in New Albany, Licking County.

As Palo Alto attracted technology companies and talent due to its innovative environment, Gahanna could become a pivotal home base in Ohio’s tech landscape.

Some of that Palo Alto stardust might already have floated to Gahanna, where the median household income is $87,400. That’s almost $10,000 more than the median annual household income in the United States as of July 2024, estimated to be $78,171, according to Motio Research, an independent data science and economic consulting firm.

Here’s everything you need to know about this seemingly unassuming town in the Midwest and why it’s so attractive to buyers.

Gahanna is centrally located and homes are in demand

For starters, this charming suburb is just east of Columbus, OH, which earlier this month rose to the top of the Realtor.com Most Popular Markets of 2024 list. Plus, it’s a mere five-minute hop from John Glenn Columbus International Airport.

“We are within a 20-minute drive from everything in and around the Columbus area, and less than 10 minutes to downtown,” says Lori Kappes, executive director of Visit Gahanna.

If you’re looking for a home in Gahanna, come with a pre-approval letter and be prepared to make an offer quickly.

Homes in the Ohio suburb spent a median of 11 days on the market before being snatched up in the first half of 2024. That’s an astounding 42 days less than the national average.

Properties in the 43230 ZIP code were so sought after, they attracted more than four times as many views per listing in January through June 2024 compared with the U.S. median.

The hottest ZIP codes list was compiled by analyzing housing market supply and demand using Realtor.com listing data from January to June 2023. The economic research team assessed the number of views each listing received and the speed at which homes were sold. To keep things competitive, the list was limited to just one ZIP code per metropolitan area.

What a home will cost you in Gahanna

Gahanna’s ZIP code boasted a median list price of $345,000 in the first half of the year—coming in at 11.0% below the metro average.

The Gahanna area “offers home shoppers the amenities and quality-of-life advantages of a larger town, but at a lower price point,” says Hannah Jones, Realtor.com senior economic research analyst.

Even more impressive: Gahanna’s median list price was nearly 13% below the national median of $439,950.

“Affordability is one reason Gahanna is so popular with homebuyers,” says Kappes. “Prices are climbing across Central Ohio, but Gahanna remains one of the most reasonably priced communities.”

Who’s viewing Gahanna housing?

This small town and its mix of lifestyle and affordability have caught the attention of New York metro shoppers—8.3% of its home listing views in the first half of 2024 came from there.

But nearly half of the interest remained rooted in the local scene, with a solid 53.2% of Gahanna’s home listing views coming from within the Columbus metro area during that time.

“The large amount of within-metro viewership suggests that homeowners in the hot Columbus market are shopping around to perhaps cash in on existing home equity to fund an upgrade or possibly to purchase an investment property,” says Jones.

Gahanna’s rental market is favorable

Gahanna’s homeownership rate stands at 59.6%—a full 6 percentage points shy of the national average. But here’s a twist: Gahanna’s homes are generally smaller than those in the broader Columbus metro area.

This suggests “that the area may also be a favorable renting environment, and as a result potentially attractive to investors as well,” says Jones.

Investors are indeed taking note: 2024’s first quarter saw a 4.8 percentage point bump in investor share, with their snapping up 19.4% of sales.

Gahanna is a nature lover’s paradise

Gahanna is a magnet for outdoor enthusiasts, thanks to its sprawling green spaces.

With over 750 acres of lush parkland, the area boasts “multiple well-maintained parks and trails,” says Kappes, citing gems such as Creekside Park.

But that’s not all: Gahanna proudly wears the crown as the “Herb Capital of Ohio,” home to a vibrant herb center offering classes, workshops, and even interactive herb walks. It’s a community where nature thrives and residents find endless ways to connect with the outdoors.

What else makes Gahanna a hot ZIP code

With roughly 35,000 residents, Gahanna “has a small-town feel, with all of the big-city amenities,” says Kappes. They include the bustling North Market and the world-renowned Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.

The Midwestern hot spot is also a diverse community that draws singles and young families, boasting a lower share of households aged 45-plus than the national average. The public school system is top-notch, earning four out of five stars from the Ohio Department of Education last September.

“This area is also home to the Ohio State University,” notes Jones, “and locals can join in on the enthusiasm around college sports.”

Just 15 miles from Gahanna, OSU—one of the largest public universities in the country—is renowned for its research programs in technology and engineering, enhancing both educational and professional opportunities in the area.

Looking to unwind? Gahanna has you covered with Noble Cut Distillery and Edison Brewing Co. Residents can also explore the nearby Short North Arts District and dive into the restaurant scene.

“There is no shortage of things to do,” Kappes adds. “In my opinion, the quality of life in Gahanna is second to none.”

Ready to shop for a home in Gahanna? Check out these listings below.

614 Tall Oaks Dr, Gahanna, OH, 43230

Price: $350,000

280 Larry Ln, Gahanna, OH, 43230

Price: $419,555

270 Dellfield Way, Gahanna, OH, 43230

Price: $299,999