Columbus Weekly: Global Connections & Local Growth

Hey, it's Gagan. Yep, the only Gagan Timsina in the world.

And here are the things happening in Columbus this week

In today's newsletter:

• Ohio House Passes Nurses Week Resolution: Recognizing healthcare professionals May 6-12, 2025

• New International Flights from Columbus: Nonstop service to Mexico and Canada this spring

• Columbus Population Growth: City ranks 14th nationally with nearly 13,000 new residents

• Weekend Activities: Packed calendar of events from May 23-25

SPONSORED BY: GT REAL ESTATE GROUP

OHIO HOUSE PASSES NURSES WEEK RESOLUTION

The Ohio House of Representatives has passed House Resolution 87, establishing the week of May 6-12, 2025, as Nurses and Health Professionals Week in Ohio. [Ohio House]

Key Highlights:

• Legislation formally recognizes the invaluable contributions of nurses to Ohioans' health and well-being

• Specifically honors the week of May 6-12, 2025, as Nurses and Health Professionals Week

• According to the Ohio Board of Nursing, there are more than 300,000 licensed nurses and health professionals in Ohio

What Makes It Special:

• Introduced by State Representative Monica Robb Blasdel (R-Columbiana)

• Acknowledges nurses' role in providing compassionate bedside care

• Recognizes their advocacy for patients and promotion of wellness

This recognition highlights the critical importance of healthcare professionals in our communities. As Representative Robb Blasdel stated, "Thank you, nurses and healthcare professionals, for working tirelessly to keep Ohioans healthy and safe." For property owners near healthcare facilities, this formal recognition reinforces the value of medical corridors and the professionals who staff them throughout the Columbus area.

NEW INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS FROM COLUMBUS TAKE OFF THIS SPRING

Columbus travelers have exciting new options as John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) expands its international reach with nonstop flights outside the U.S. [Columbus Airport Authority]

Key Highlights:

• New nonstop international service to Mexico and Canada just in time for travel season

• Multiple carriers offering routes to Cancun, Mexico (CUN): American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and Viva Aerobus/Vacation Express (all seasonal)

• Air Canada resuming seasonal service to Toronto, Canada (YYZ) starting May 1, 2025

• Passport or Real ID required for all international travel after May 7, 2025

What Makes It Special:

• Rare opportunity for Central Ohioans to fly internationally without layovers

• Reflects growing international interest in Columbus as global companies expand locally

• Potential for more overseas routes in the future as demand increases

These new flight options not only enhance convenience for Columbus residents but also indicate the city's growing international profile. For real estate investors and homeowners, improved international connectivity makes Columbus more attractive to international businesses and transplants looking to relocate. This development positions Columbus as an increasingly global city with strengthening connections to international markets.

COLUMBUS POPULATION GROWTH RANKS 14TH NATIONALLY

New data from the U.S. Census Bureau confirms Columbus continues its steady rise as one of America's fastest-growing cities. [U.S. Census Bureau]

Key Highlights:

• Columbus ranked 14th nationally among cities with populations over 20,000 for largest population increase

• Added 12,694 new residents between 2023 and 2024

• Maintains position as 15th most populous U.S. city with 933,263 total residents

• Central Ohio projected to reach 3 million residents by 2050, with Columbus expected to hit 1 million

Growth Impacts:

• Franklin County saw 0.01% to 1.99% increase in housing units

• Union and Delaware counties experienced at least 2% growth in housing units, highest in the state

• Multiple housing projects underway throughout Columbus, including developments with over 1,200 affordable units

• Healthcare systems expanding to meet growing population needs, with new facilities like Mount Carmel's Dublin hospital

Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther has noted that this population boom could accelerate as more data centers, chip manufacturing facilities, and other industries move to central Ohio. This sustained growth creates both opportunities and challenges for the real estate market, driving demand for housing while increasing competition. For homeowners, continued population growth supports property values, while buyers face a market requiring strategic planning and local expertise.

SPECIAL HIGHLIGHT: 'CLUE' TO GIVE PLAYERS A CHANCE TO SLAY AT SOLVING A MURDER

The trail for Mr. Boddy's killer has gone cold in "CLUE: A Walking Mystery," an interactive experience offered by CAPA and the Short North Arts District through June 15. Start times available from 5-7 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Tickets: $48.19-$60.29. Recommended for ages 8+ with adult supervision for minors.

SPECIAL HIGHLIGHT: COLUMBUS MOVING PICTURE SHOW TO SCREEN VINTAGE FILMS

The Columbus Moving Picture Show will showcase 16mm films, including silent movies and a spotlight on W.C. Fields, from May 22-25 at the Crowne Plaza Columbus North. Event includes seminars, book signings, and over 100 dealers with movie memorabilia. Tickets: $30 for a single day, $85 for four days.

THIS WEEKEND IN COLUMBUS: MAY 23-25

FRIDAY, MAY 23 [Experience Columbus]

Blooms & Butterflies | Franklin Park Conservatory | Through July 6

Clue: A Walking Mystery | Short North Arts District | Through June 15

Carmina Burana | Lincoln Theatre | Through May 24

Columbus Clippers vs. Iowa Cubs | Huntington Park | Through May 25

Columbus Symphony: Britten War Requiem | Ohio Theatre | Through May 24

Fun Home | The Abbey Theater of Dublin | Through May 31

Kiss and Tell | Shadowbox Live | Through August 30

Lydia Brownfield | Natalie's Grandview

Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo | Mershon Auditorium

Pecos & The Rooftops | The Bluestone

Rock this Way: Music Tribute to Aerosmith and Van Halen | Shadowbox Live | Through June 1

Rooftop Vibes | Budd Dairy Food Hall | 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Sam Bush Band | Bicentennial Park/Downtown

The Drowsy Chaperone | Short North Stage at the Garden Theater | Through May 31

The Song Remains: A Night of Led Zeppelin | Columbus Commons

Theatre Roulette 2025 | MadLab Theatre | Through May 31

SATURDAY, MAY 24

Columbus Taco Fest Spring 2025 | Goodale Park | Through May 25

Ohio Black Expo Riverfront Culture Fest + Convention | Genoa Park | Through May 25

Utica Ice Cream Festival | Velvet Ice Cream Company

Columbus Clippers Star Wars Night | Huntington Park

Family Fun Day | Columbus Commons

J. Moriarty LIVE | Natalie's Grandview

Land-Grant × Jeni's Strawberry Jam | Land-Grant Brewing Company

BELLAPALOOZA | Bella Piercing

Clintonville Farmers Market | N High St & Orchard Ln | 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

German Village Farmers Market | 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Granville Farmers Market | Raccoon Valley Park

Grove City Farmers' Market | Grove City's Historic Town Center

The Dublin Market | Bridge Park

The Little Grand Farmer's Market | The Little Grand Market | 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Worthington Farmers Market | Old Worthington Historic District | 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Westerville Saturday Farmers Market | COhatch Westerville

Zack Fox (DJ set) | Newport Music Hall

Bubble Art Workshop | Brush Crazy

Memorial Day Kickoff Party | Nostalgia Brewing Co.

Nina West's SUGAR IN THE TANK | Natalie's Grandview | Through June 1

OBSERVER Documentary Film Screening | Grange Insurance Audubon Center

SUNDAY, MAY 25

Clarinet Trio | Broad Street Presbyterian Church

Concerts on the Green: Street Players | Worthington Village Green

Groove City Big Band LIVE | Edison Brewing Company

Problem Child - Alt Comedy Open Mic | The Attic Comedy Club

Kids Day - Memorial Day Weekend Party | BrewDog DogTap

Sunday Cinema Club | BrewDog Franklinton | 7:00 PM

Brush Crazy Fluid Art-Paint Pouring Class | Brush Crazy

Friends and Family Open Paint Party | Brush Crazy

Puppy Dress-Up Contest at Taco Fest 2025 | Goodale Park

Shy & Senior Dogs Meetup | Bumbles Backyard

Soak up the SUNdays | The Beeline | 1:00 PM - 7:00 PM

THIS WEEK'S WRAP-UP

Home owners: Columbus's continued population growth supports property values, especially in areas near expanding employment centers and infrastructure improvements. Keep an eye on new healthcare facilities and housing developments that could enhance neighborhood appeal.

Home buyers: Central Ohio's growth trajectory means now may be a good time to invest, but competition remains high. Areas with easy access to the airport might see increased appeal with new international flights making travel more convenient.

Bottom line: Columbus continues to grow both in population and global connectivity, reinforcing its status as a dynamic Midwest hub. The rich calendar of events, from cultural festivals to interactive experiences, enhances the city's livability and makes it an attractive market for both homeowners and investors.

Thinking about making a move? Let's chat and connect you with our partners!

[Schedule a call]

See you next week,

— Gagan Timsina