If you’re searching for a home north of Columbus, chances are you’ve narrowed your list to two communities: Lewis Center and Powell.
They’re located just minutes apart, share many of the same conveniences, and are both served in large part by the highly regarded Olentangy Local School District. At first glance, they can seem very similar.
But after helping buyers explore both communities, I’ve found they each offer a distinctly different lifestyle.
If you’re trying to decide between Lewis Center and Powell, here’s what you should know before making your move.
Location
Both Lewis Center and Powell are located in southern Delaware County, one of Ohio’s fastest-growing counties.
Lewis Center sits closer to Interstate 71, U.S. Route 23, and Polaris Parkway, making it an excellent choice for commuters or anyone who wants quick access to shopping, restaurants, and major employers.
Powell is slightly farther west and has a more traditional small-town feel, centered around its charming historic downtown.
Choose Lewis Center if you want:
- Faster highway access
- Quicker trips to Polaris
- Easy commuting
- More new commercial development
Choose Powell if you want:
- A walkable downtown
- Local boutiques
- Community festivals
- A quieter, small-town atmosphere
Housing
One of the biggest differences between the two communities is the type of housing you’ll find.
Lewis Center has experienced significant growth over the past decade, meaning you’ll find many newer neighborhoods, modern floor plans, and numerous new construction opportunities.
Powell offers a broader mix of established neighborhoods, custom homes, luxury communities, and newer developments.
If building a home is high on your priority list, Lewis Center generally offers more active opportunities.
New Construction
Lewis Center has become one of Central Ohio’s premier destinations for buyers wanting a newly built home.
Communities continue expanding, and buyers can choose from:
- Production builders
- Semi-custom homes
- Luxury builders
- Patio homes
- Townhomes
- Build-to-order opportunities
- Quick move-in homes
Powell also has new construction available, but inventory is often more limited and tends to focus on higher price points or boutique developments.
Shopping & Dining
This is where Lewis Center has a clear advantage.
Residents are only minutes from Polaris Fashion Place, IKEA, Costco, Topgolf, and dozens of restaurants.
Whether you’re meeting friends for dinner, running errands, or furnishing a new home, nearly everything is close by.
Powell offers excellent local restaurants and businesses, but the shopping experience is intentionally smaller and more community-focused.
Outdoor Recreation
Both communities shine when it comes to parks and green space.
Lewis Center residents enjoy quick access to:
- Highbanks Metro Park
- Alum Creek State Park
- Multiple walking trails
- Community parks
- Bike paths
Powell is home to:
- Liberty Park
- Village Green Park
- Zoo trails nearby
- Golf courses
- Scenic rural roads
If hiking, boating, or larger parks are important to you, Lewis Center offers more variety within a short drive.
Community Feel
This is perhaps the biggest difference.
Lewis Center feels modern, expanding, and energetic.
You’ll notice:
- New businesses opening
- Growing neighborhoods
- Ongoing commercial development
- Modern amenities
Powell feels established.
Its historic downtown hosts seasonal festivals, holiday celebrations, farmers markets, and community events that give it a distinct hometown atmosphere.
Neither is better—they’re simply different.
Schools
One reason buyers consistently choose both communities is access to the Olentangy Local School District.
The district is widely recognized for strong academics, extracurricular opportunities, and community support, making it a major factor for many families moving to northern Delaware County.
Depending on the specific address, school assignments can vary, so it’s always important to verify boundaries before purchasing a home.
Home Prices
While prices change with the market, both Lewis Center and Powell offer homes across a wide range of price points.
You’ll find:
- Townhomes
- Starter homes
- Executive homes
- Luxury properties
- Custom-built estates
The biggest difference isn’t necessarily price—it’s inventory.
Lewis Center typically has more new construction and newer subdivisions, while Powell features more mature neighborhoods and larger custom homes.
Which Community Is Better for You?
Lewis Center may be the better fit if you:
- Want a newer home
- Plan to build
- Value convenience
- Prefer modern developments
- Want quick access to Polaris
Powell may be the better fit if you:
- Love historic downtowns
- Want an established neighborhood
- Prefer a quieter atmosphere
- Enjoy local festivals and community events
- Like larger custom homes with mature landscaping
My Advice
One of the things I tell buyers is not to eliminate either community before spending time in both.
Drive through the neighborhoods.
Visit the parks.
Have lunch at a local restaurant.
Explore the grocery stores and shopping areas.
Sometimes buyers arrive convinced they want Powell and end up falling in love with Lewis Center. Other times, it’s exactly the opposite.
The lifestyle you experience can be just as important as the home itself.
Final Thoughts
The good news is that there isn’t a wrong choice.
Both Lewis Center and Powell continue attracting buyers because they offer outstanding schools, beautiful neighborhoods, convenient access to Columbus, and a high quality of life.
The right choice comes down to your priorities, your lifestyle, and the type of home you’re hoping to find.
Helping buyers compare communities is one of my favorite parts of the home search process. Every neighborhood has its own personality, and understanding those differences often leads to a decision that feels right not just on closing day, but for years to come.
As Growing Columbus continues to expand, I’ll be adding more detailed community comparisons, neighborhood guides, builder reviews, and market insights to help make your decision a little easier.
— Jacob Bates
Realtor® | Di Lusso Real Estate
