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From UFL Teams to $130M Rail Impact: Columbus Sports Economy Surges as Dublin Ranks #15 Nationwide for Wealthy Suburb Growth

Professional football expansion and intercity rail development drive investment opportunities while luxury real estate markets accelerate across metro suburbs

Hey, it's Gagan. I'm still the only Gagan Timsina in the world (as far as I know).

And here's how Amtrack, Property tax relief, and so much more is going to effect you

Around Columbus

1 - Dublin Hits #15 for Fastest-Growing Wealthy Suburbs - GOBankingRates ranks Dublin nationally for explosive growth with 8% population increase and $155K median income. Bridge Park and Intel are fueling the boom. SEE THE FULL RANKINGS

2 - Columbus Getting Pro Football Team - UFL expansion brings professional football to the 614 as part of major league reshuffling. Perfect for Buckeye fans wanting year-round gridiron action. LEARN MORE

3 - Ohio's Amtrak Dreams Get Price Tag - Proposed 3C&D rail connecting Cleveland-Columbus-Dayton-Cincinnati would cost state $9.1-$13.4M annually but generate $130M economic impact. READ THE STUDY

4 - State Fair Kicks Off This Weekend - Ohio State Fair runs through August 3rd with all the classics: butter cow, racing pigs, and enough fried food to power a small city. GET YOUR TICKETS

COLUMBUS LANDS UFL TEAM AS LEAGUE TARGETS COLLEGE TOWNS WITH $50M+ ENTERTAINMENT REVENUE

Columbus receives United Football League franchise as part of expansion into college towns including Boise, Orlando, and Lexington, departing Michigan, Houston, Birmingham, Memphis markets.

Key Highlights:

  • UFL targets college towns with established football culture and infrastructure

  • Former Ohio State players gain local professional pathway opportunities

  • Venue selection TBD with Ohio Stadium likely too large for league needs

  • Year-round professional sports fills entertainment calendar gaps

What Makes It Strategic:

  • Professional sports designation enhances major league city status and tourism

  • College town targeting validates Columbus demographic advantages

  • Additional venue utilization drives hospitality revenue metro-wide

  • Local player connections create authentic fan engagement

For investors, professional sports create sustained entertainment infrastructure driving visitor traffic and hospitality demand. UFL venue selection presents opportunities near potential facility locations.

Deal of the Week

Property Address: Plain City
Asking Price: $1,050,000

5 bedrooms
3.5 baths
4,403 sq ft of living space
3 car garage
Single family home

My Highlights Located in Jerome Village's prestigious Britonwood section on a tranquil cul-de-sac
Former Bob Webb model home with over 4,400 sq ft of professionally curated living space
*Chef's kitchen with quartz and granite countertops, contrasting wood-stained island
*First-floor primary suite with spa-caliber ensuite and fully customized walk-in closet
*Finished lower level perfect for guests or multigenerational living
*Resort-like lifestyle with walking trails, community center, pool, and fitness facility
*Minutes to top-rated Dublin Schools and Bridge Park

If you are interested in this home, just reply home and I will get you the details!

DUBLIN RANKS #15 NATIONALLY FOR FASTEST-GROWING WEALTHY SUBURBS WITH $155K MEDIAN INCOME

Dublin achieved #15 ranking on GOBankingRates' wealthy suburbs study, posting 8% population growth (2018-2023) with $155,282 median income and $592,343 average home values.

Key Highlights:

  • 8% population growth demonstrates sustained suburban momentum

  • $155,282 median income ranks among Ohio's highest suburban earnings

  • $592,343 average home value reflects premium market pricing power

  • Memorial Tournament and Bridge Park create tourism revenue streams

What Makes It Transformational:

  • National ranking attracts high-income households and corporate relocations

  • Intel, Amgen proximity drives continued high-income demand

  • Top-tier schools and family culture support long-term value stability

  • Bridge Park mixed-use provides economic diversification

Dublin's national recognition validates premium pricing power across residential and commercial markets. The ranking demonstrates fundamentals supporting both appreciation and development opportunities.

AMTRAK 3C&D CORRIDOR PROJECTS $130M IMPACT WITH $9.1M-$13.4M STATE COSTS

Proposed passenger rail connecting Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, Cincinnati would generate $130 million annual economic impact requiring $9.1M-$13.4M yearly state operational support, per Scioto Analysis.

Key Highlights:

  • $130 million projected annual economic impact from operations and tourism

  • State costs estimated $9.1M-$13.4M across 27 budget scenarios

  • Federal Railroad Administration accepted initial gap analysis

  • Next $10M planning phase mostly federally funded

What Makes It Significant:

  • Intercity connectivity enhances business and tourism accessibility

  • Station development presents concentrated commercial opportunities

  • $130M impact creates sustained hospitality and retail revenue

  • Passenger rail restoration improves Columbus competitive positioning

The 3C&D Corridor represents major infrastructure connecting Ohio's largest cities. Station locations and surrounding areas present mixed-use development opportunities capitalizing on intercity connectivity.

COLUMBUS WEEKEND HIGHLIGHTS: JULY 25-27 ENTERTAINMENT SHOWCASE

The UFL announcement and Dublin's national ranking momentum on display this weekend with premium entertainment demonstrating Columbus's growing cultural infrastructure:

Friday, July 25:

  • Deep Sea Diver: Billboard Heart Tour at A & R Music Bar - Indie rock touring validation

  • Ohio State Fair continues through August 3 at Ohio Expo Center - Major regional attraction

  • International Horror Film Festival at Wexner Center through August 14 - Arts programming depth

  • Rooftop Vibes at Budd Dairy Food Hall - Weekly entertainment series expansion

Saturday, July 26:

  • Lucy Dacus & Jay Som at KEMBA LIVE! - Major indie touring act validates venue infrastructure

  • Columbus African Festival 2025 at Genoa Park - Cultural tourism and community engagement

  • Gary LeVox at Ohio University-Lancaster - Regional touring extends Columbus market reach

  • Multiple Farmers Markets across Dublin, German Village, Clintonville, and Worthington

Sunday, July 27:

  • Columbus African Festival continues at Genoa Park - Weekend cultural programming

  • Taste of New Albany at Rose Run Park - Suburban festival demonstrates regional draw

  • Ohio State Fair programming continues - Multi-week regional attraction sustains visitor traffic

  • International Horror Film Festival continues - Extended arts programming demonstrates depth

THIS WEEK'S WRAP-UP

Homeowners: Dublin's #15 ranking and UFL announcement signal major metro momentum. Monitor areas near potential venues and Dublin developments.

Home buyers: Consider Dublin school districts and Jerome Village while $592K averages still provide wealthy suburb entry points.

Investors: UFL sports, Dublin recognition, and $130M rail impact create multiple opportunities in entertainment infrastructure and luxury residential markets.

Bottom line: Columbus emerges as major entertainment destination with professional sports, nationally ranked suburbs, and transformational rail infrastructure supporting sustained property growth.

We’re trying to keep things short and sweet moving forward. That’s been the consensus feedback and, hey, we listen to y’all!

I also have been told by, mainly you guys, that I need to do a “more expressive” demonstration of the fact that I am a realtor, so moving forward, we are going to be adding a “Deal of the Week” segment where we showcase our favorite listing of the week!

Anyhow, we got some pretty cool things coming up in the next few weeks so be on the lookout for that.

-Gagan