New Jobs, Flights & Housing Trends - May 6, 2025

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

This week, we got ALOT to talk about :).

Click below to watch “MASSIVE CHANGES Coming to Columbus, Ohio in 2025”

In today's newsletter:

• Kimberly-Clark Bringing $800M Facility to Warren: Nearly 500 new jobs coming to Ohio

• CMH Launches Nonstop Flight to Maine: Breeze Airways connecting Columbus to Portland

• Columbus Traffic Ranks 65th Nationally: COTA's LinkUS plan aims to improve commutes

• April 2025 Median Home Prices: Latest numbers across Central Ohio suburbs

SPONSORED BY THE GT REAL ESTATE GROUP

KIMBERLY-CLARK BRINGING $800M MANUFACTURING FACILITY TO WARREN

The personal care products giant is making a major investment in Ohio's manufacturing future. [WFMJ]

Key Highlights:

• $800 million advanced manufacturing facility planned for Warren

• Expected to create 491 new jobs for the area

• Project received 10-year job creation tax credit from Ohio

• Full production anticipated within three years

What Makes It Special:

• Represents manufacturing diversification beyond traditional steel and auto industries

• Will be a cutting-edge facility employing skilled talent

• Signals confidence in Ohio's workforce and manufacturing capabilities

• Creates opportunities for auxiliary businesses and supply chain partners

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine welcomed the development, noting, "Kimberly-Clark has advanced production facilities all over the world, and the fact that they are now coming to Trumbull County says a great deal about the area's workforce and Ohio's leadership in rebuilding the domestic manufacturing supply."

For those tracking Ohio's economic development, this announcement confirms the state's continued appeal to major manufacturers seeking reliable workforce talent and strategic location advantages. The facility is expected to be built by this time next year, with full production capacity within three years.

CMH LAUNCHES NONSTOP FLIGHT TO MAINE

Columbus travelers can now reach Portland, Maine, without layovers via new Breeze Airways service. [Columbus Underground]

Key Highlights:

• New seasonal route launched May 2nd at John Glenn International Airport

• Operates Mondays and Fridays with one-way fares starting at $59

• Eighth nonstop destination from Columbus for Breeze Airways

• Connects Central Ohio residents to New England's coastal charm

Business Details:

• Breeze Airways founded by aviation entrepreneur David Neeleman

• Service from CMH began in 2021 and continues expanding

• Named "Startup Airline of the Year" by Centre for Aviation

• Ranked in Travel + Leisure's top five domestic airlines for third consecutive year

"We congratulate the Breeze Airways team on launching this seasonal nonstop service to Portland, Maine, giving our passengers easy access to the charm of the New England coast," said Columbus Regional Airport Authority President and CEO Joseph R. Nardone.

The new route expands Columbus's direct connections to popular destinations, joining Breeze's existing nonstop flights to Charleston, Jacksonville, and Hartford. For leisure and business travelers alike, this provides an affordable and convenient option to reach Maine's picturesque coastal region.

This addition to CMH's growing roster of nonstop destinations reflects Columbus's increasing prominence as a travel hub and signals confidence in the region's economic vitality and travel demand. As our air connectivity continues to improve, Columbus becomes more attractive for both businesses and residents seeking convenience and accessibility.

COLUMBUS TRAFFIC: BETTER THAN MOST, BUT ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT

Recent data shows Columbus ranks favorably for congestion among U.S. cities, but growth demands continued investment in transportation solutions. [TCR]

Key Highlights:

• Columbus drivers lost only 26 hours to congestion in 2024

• Ranks 65th out of 93 U.S. cities in traffic congestion

• Significantly better than major metros like New York and Chicago (102 hours lost)

• Average congestion cost per U.S. driver: $412 annually

Looking Forward:

• COTA implementing ambitious $8 billion LinkUS plan

• Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) lines will improve speed and reliability

• First BRT route along West Broad Street breaks ground this year

• Smart infrastructure becoming essential as Columbus grows

Transportation experts note that Columbus's relatively manageable traffic situation provides a competitive advantage over larger cities, contributing to our quality of life and economic appeal. However, maintaining this advantage requires forward-thinking investments like the LinkUS initiative.

"As Columbus grows, smarter infrastructure and better public transit will be essential to keeping the city moving," explains transportation planner Jennifer Martinez. "The BRT system represents a cost-effective approach to improving mobility across the region without the massive disruption of larger infrastructure projects."

For residents and businesses, these transportation improvements promise reduced commute times, lower transportation costs, and enhanced access to employment centers across the region. The West Broad Street BRT corridor will serve as a test case for the larger regional transit vision.

APRIL 2025 MEDIAN HOME PRICES AROUND COLUMBUS

Central Ohio's housing market continues to show strength across diverse price points and communities. [Zillow]

Key Highlights:

• New Albany and Upper Arlington remain premium markets at $595K and $590K

• Mid-range options abundant in Dublin ($465K) and Powell ($450K)

• More affordable options in Hilliard ($300K) and Grove City ($299K)

• Overall market shows stability with modest appreciation

Market Analysis:

• Price diversity reflects Columbus region's economic stratification

• School districts remain primary driver of premium prices

• New construction expanding in western and northern suburbs

• Established neighborhoods maintaining strong values

For prospective buyers, understanding these price points helps inform strategic decisions about where to focus their home search. Communities like Gahanna ($315K) and Worthington ($322K) offer attractive mid-range options with strong amenities and well-regarded schools.

The housing data also reflects the region's economic health, with stable prices indicating continued demand across multiple price segments. This balanced market supports both first-time buyers and those looking to upgrade as their careers and families grow.

Let's Collaborate!

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THIS WEEK'S WRAP-UP

Home owners: With major economic investments like Kimberly-Clark's Warren facility, property values across Central Ohio should continue their stable appreciation trajectory, particularly in communities with good transportation access.

Home buyers: Consider the transportation picture when evaluating neighborhoods – areas near future BRT corridors may offer good value now with potential for appreciation as transit improvements roll out.

Real estate Investors: The diversity of price points across Columbus suburbs demonstrates the market's health and resilience – look for opportunities in emerging areas that balance affordability with amenities and connectivity.

Bottom line: Central Ohio's expanding connectivity – both through physical transportation and economic development – continues strengthening our housing market. The region's balance of affordability, economic opportunity, and quality of life makes it increasingly attractive to both residents and businesses.

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. The combination of manufacturing investment, improved air service, and forward-thinking transit planning shows how our region is positioning itself for sustainable growth. These interconnected developments create a foundation for continued economic vitality that benefits property values across Central Ohio.

P.P.S. Mother's Day is coming up this Sunday! Make those brunch reservations now if you haven't already – the most popular spots are booking up fast. Check out our weekend events section for some great Mother's Day activities around town.