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In today's newsletter:

Cherry Blossom Festival Ranked Among Top in US: Columbus gets national recognition for stunning blooms.

New Developments in Columbus: $400 million in affordable housing projects and why prices just jumped 4.8% in a single year.

Hot New Restaurants in Columbus: The culinary scene is on fire with these exciting openings.

Things To Do In Columbus This Week (03/30 - 04/05): I found what activities exist this week so you don't have to.

👉 First time reading? [Sign up here.]

A MESSAGE FROM GAGAN: WHERE IS HOME…

I have lived all over - From Florence and London, to Denver and Rochester. As much as we have lived around, Columbus is always home. (Our pizza is better than Florence’s 😉)

I say, and my friends laugh at me, but it’s the “ambiance,” the vibe, and frequency that our city operates in.

I just love it it. And what’s cool to see is the growth and that others are FINALLY recognizing how amazing our city is.

But…obviously, not without it’s consequences.

Our city is transforming before our eyes. Have you noticed? Every week brings announcements of new developments, businesses relocating here, and more people discovering what makes Columbus special.

The energy is palpable, and it's showing up in real numbers:

Home prices just jumped 4.8% year-over-year to an average of $352,854.

$400 million in affordable housing projects coming to three Columbus locations.

Downtown revitalization getting a $500,000 boost from City Council.

It's exciting, but it also means the way we invest, buy, and sell is changing. The opportunities are massive for those who know where to look.

Let's dive into all the updates!

— Gagan Timsina

COLUMBUS CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL RANKED AMONG MOST STUNNING IN US!

Columbus has earned national recognition as one of the top spring-flower destinations in the United States, according to USA TODAY! [Columbus Dispatch]

The Greater Columbus Cherry Blossom Festival runs through April 15, celebrating over 5,000 cherry trees in bloom throughout the city. This year's theme? "Love, Peace and Harmony."

And boy…does the world need it!

Festival Highlights:

• Franklin Park (1755 E. Broad St.) serves as the central hub

• Free admission to all events

• Daily activities from 10 AM to 6 PM

• Variety of events across multiple Columbus locations

But that's not all Columbus has to offer—USA TODAY also highlighted the Columbus Park of Roses, home to one of the largest public rose gardens in the country with over 11,000 roses blooming in a 13-acre oasis.

(I did an entire post on the best spots to view the Cherry Blossom’s, just click on the image and it’ll take you to the post 👇)

$400 MILLION AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROJECT COMING TO COLUMBUS

The affordable housing landscape in Columbus is about to transform dramatically with a massive $400 million investment across three key locations. [10TV]

Key Details:

• 1,200+ affordable housing units coming to Columbus

• $37.5 million contribution from Franklin County Board of Commissioners

• Target affordability: 30-60% of the average median income (perfect for teachers, firefighters, and more)

The Three Locations:

1. Latitude Five25 (formerly Sawyer Towers) - Returning to service after 2022 shutdown

2. Wedgewood Apartments in Hilltop - Comprehensive renovation planned

3. New construction on Norton Road - Building from the ground up

This is the largest simultaneous affordable housing development in Franklin County's history, according to Commissioner Erica Crawley. The project partners with Nuveen, a social impact investing company committed to using local contractors and talent.

Investors should be keeping a keen eye on these opportunities around these developments. I know we are.

DOWNTOWN COLUMBUS GETTING $500,000 BOOST FOR BUSINESSES

Columbus City Council has approved $500,000 in funding to revitalize downtown businesses through the Ground Floor Growth Initiative. [10TV]

What It Means:

• Helps businesses with rent subsidies

• Provides operational support for entrepreneurs

• Currently supporting nine local businesses

• Creates a more vibrant, walkable downtown

Small business owner Amy Homan just opened her second Evolverie Clothing location downtown through this initiative, fulfilling her dream of having a space in the city. Her boutique designs clothes from excess fabric, bringing sustainability to downtown Columbus.

Our downtown is cool. It’s better than most other metropolitans our size for sure - but, I like the efforts on making it grow!

🏢 Looking for commercial space downtown? Now might be the perfect time to make your move with these new incentives available!

AND FOR OTHER DEVELOPMENTS EXPANDING ACROSS CENTRAL OHIO…

Downtown Columbus: 71-Unit Affordable Housing Coming to Gay Street

The Downtown Commission has approved plans for a new six-story affordable housing complex at Gay Street and Grant Avenue. [Columbus Underground]

• All units priced at approximately $500/month (can someone tell me how that’s going to be profitable for them)

• Design matches downtown aesthetic

• Location near existing businesses and amenities

Lancaster: New Senior Housing Breaking Ground

The Reserve at Hunter Trace will provide 95 affordable units for residents 55 and older. [10TV]

• Located near Fairfield Heritage Trail bike path

• One mile from downtown Lancaster

• For seniors making less than 60% of area median income

• Expected completion next year

Easton Gateway Expanding with New Tenants

Easton Gateway is welcoming five new tenants, including two firsts for Ohio! [Columbus Business First]

• Carhartt opening its first Columbus store

• 650,000 sq. ft. retail space continuing to grow

• Mix of dining and retail options joining existing anchors like Whole Foods and Costco

🔍 Wondering how these developments will impact property values? Let's discuss the ripple effects these projects will have on the surrounding areas.

HOTTEST NEW RESTAURANTS OF 2025

Columbus continues to cement its reputation as a Midwest culinary powerhouse with these exciting new restaurants that have opened their doors in 2025. [Columbus Monthly]

Not sure if you know anything about me, but the way to win my heart…food! Columbus has a lot of new food coming. Infect, if you want me to do an entire SEPERATE weekly newsletter on new restaurants and food spots, let me know! (Please…for my sake…)

Ember & Vine

• Location: Short North (240 N. High St)

• Cuisine: Farm-to-table with a live-fire cooking focus

• Must try: The 45-day dry-aged Ohio ribeye and coal-roasted seasonal vegetables

• Price Range: $$$

• Description: Chef Maria Rodriguez brings her James Beard semifinalist talents to this stunning space where everything touches flame.

Satori Ramen House - Downtown

• Location: Gay Street (185 E. Gay St)

• Cuisine: Second location of the North Market favorite

• Must try: The new Columbus-exclusive "Scioto Shoyu" ramen

• Price Range: $$

• Description: The lines are already forming for their expanded menu and craft cocktail program.

Taverna Delfino

• Location: Bridge Park, Dublin (6544 Riverside Dr)

• Cuisine: Mediterranean coastal cuisine

• Must try: The whole roasted branzino and handmade pasta with sea urchin

• Price Range: $$$

• Description: Floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Scioto make this the most beautiful new dining room in the city.

Crispy Bird

• Location: Clintonville (4214 N. High St)

• Cuisine: Nashville hot chicken with an Ohio twist

• Must try: The "Buckeye Burn" sandwich and bourbon-maple waffle

• Price Range: $$

• Description: Lines form early for what many are calling the best hot chicken in the Midwest.

Mercato Local

• Location: Italian Village (987 N. 4th St)

• Cuisine: Italian-inspired food hall and market

• Must try: Rotating selection of six food vendors, craft cocktail bar, and specialty market

• Price Range: $-$$$

• Description: The city's first true Italian-style food hall features everything from handmade pasta to gelato, with a curated wine shop to boot.

Any places we didn’t mention? Let us know!

M/I HOMES EXPANDING WITH NEW 137-HOME COMMUNITY AT JEROME VILLAGE

M/I Homes is bringing another residential community to the growing Jerome Village development in Union County. [M/I Home]

Project Details:

• 137 single-family homes called "Applewood"

• Located off Jerome and Hill roads in Plain City

• Within the highly-rated Dublin City School District

• Three-to-six bedroom units ranging from 2,514 to 3,745 square feet

• Pricing starts in the mid-$500,000s

"The demand for quality housing in top-rated school districts remains strong," said David Balcerzak, vice president of sales and marketing for M/I Homes. "With Dublin's schools consistently ranked among the best in the state, families are looking for opportunities to establish long-term roots here."

Residents will enjoy access to Jerome Village's impressive amenities:

• Community center

• Olympic-sized swimming pool

• Fitness center

• Restaurant and bar

• Bike trails

• Open green spaces

A fully furnished model home will be available in June, but prospective buyers can visit the model at Pearl Creek, another M/I development in Jerome Village.

M/I isn't alone in recognizing Jerome Village's potential. Epcon Communities has also been active in the area, with two developments totaling 178 single-family homes. In total, 17 homebuilders have constructed more than two dozen residential communities in this massive 2,000-acre development.

Looking for a new construction home in a premium school district? This development should definitely be on your radar! The combination of location, amenities, and educational opportunities makes this an excellent long-term investment.

COLUMBUS HOUSING MARKET UPDATE: PRICES SURGE 4.8%

Columbus' housing market continues to heat up with significant price growth. Here's what you need to know: [10TV]

By The Numbers:

• Average home price: $352,854 (up from $336,802 last year)

• Year-over-year increase: 4.8%

• Population growth: 1.38% (outpacing Denver, Seattle, and D.C.)

• 2.2 million+ people now call the Columbus region home

• 30,000+ new residents added last year

What's Driving The Market?

• Low inventory pushing prices higher

• High interest rates keeping current homeowners in place

• Population boom creating unprecedented demand

Columbus is becoming popular, and for a lot of people, it’s becoming home. I have friends that are truck drivers that love it here because it’s a days drive from 60% of the country. I have investor friends who are buying 100s of units at a time. I also know people who have been looking for the last year and keep getting priced out.

It’s tough for sure, but not impossible!

Let’s get on a call and game plan for your success :)! [Schedule a chat here.]

THINGS TO DO IN COLUMBUS: APRIL 3-6, 2025

COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS VS. COLORADO AVALANCHE 

• When: Thursday, April 3, 7:00 PM

• Where: Nationwide Arena, 200 W Nationwide Blvd

• Cost: Prices vary

• What to expect: Fast-paced NHL action

• Perfect for: Sports fans and families

COLUMBUS CLIPPERS OPENING DAY 

• When: Friday, April 4, 6:15 PM

• Where: Huntington Park, 330 Huntington Park Ln

• Cost: Starting at just $15

• What to expect: The Clippers taking on the St. Paul Saints

• Perfect for: Baseball lovers of all ages

GREATER COLUMBUS CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL 

• When: Daily through April 15, 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

• Where: Franklin Park, 1755 E. Broad St.

• Cost: FREE admission

• What to expect: Beautiful blooms, cultural activities, entertainment

• Perfect for: Nature lovers, photographers, families

SHORT NORTH GALLERY HOP 

• When: Saturday, April 5, 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM

• Where: Short North Arts District

• Cost: FREE to attend

• What to expect: New gallery exhibitions, street performances, food and drinks

• Perfect for: Art enthusiasts, date nights, social butterflies

MONSTER JAM 

• When: Saturday, April 5, 1:00 PM and 7:00 PM

• Where: Schottenstein Center, 555 Borror Dr

• Cost: Starting at $20

• What to expect: World-class drivers, incredible stunts, intense competitions

• Perfect for: Thrill-seekers, families, automotive enthusiasts

WEEKEND WEATHER 

• Thursday: Rainy, high 69°F

• Friday: Cooler, some showers, high 58°F

• Saturday: Warmer with thunderstorms, high 72°F

• Sunday: Morning rain, high 48°F

Pack both raincoat AND sunglasses this weekend!

THIS WEEK'S WRAP-UP

Sellers: Homes are selling fast, with prices up 4.8% in just one year.

Buyers: Major new developments could bring relief, but competition remains fierce.

Investors: $400 million in affordable housing projects signals where growth is headed.

Bottom line: Columbus is booming, with national recognition and massive investment. Whether you're looking to buy, sell, or invest, now is the time to make a move.

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

[Schedule a call]

See you next week,

— Gagan Timsina

P.S. With all these new developments, property values near project sites could see significant changes. Want a personalized analysis of how this affects your investment strategy? Let's talk.

P.P.S. If you liked this newsletter, please share! Columbus is growing, and everyone should know what's happening in our amazing city