Relocation - Dublin, Hilliard and Powell (Columbus, Westerville: transplants, first time home buyer, teaching jobs)

[NewToCA]

I would say they are all fairly stable, no area is really transient in metro Columbus.

Depending on how you decide to integrate into the area (church, kids, organizations) you shouldn't be uncomfortable for too long. If you golf, I recommend Dublin. You'll fit in instantly.

[UAbear]

If you want the perfect neighborhood than choose UA. Great schools, great communties, not as snobby as Dublin, and there are a ton of middle class families. Not one street has at least 3 of them.

[Michiibelle]

I grew up in Dublin, my father grew up in Dublin.. my Parents still LIVE in Dublin.. I on the other hand moved to Hilliard. I can honestly say that I am growing to appreciate Hilliard as opposed to Dublin now that I have children in school.
To be honest, the Dublin, Muirfield area i grew up in just isn't realistic if you are trying to teach your kids values and or if you are interested in having your children go to a school that exposes them to different classes of people and income levels.
Hilliard actually seems to be a good mix of socially diverse people and is NOT a poor school district. I would classify Columbus as a bad school district as far as teachers, and education, whatever you may want to throw at that.

Hilliard actually has a lot to offer, more than I would have though of about 7 years ago when I was SET on living in Dublin where I grew up.

I am actually thinking that my kids are getting a great exposure to all types of real world people and are not living in a "bubble" as they would have been in Dublin.

Just one opinion though.. I still LOVE Dublin, don't get me wrong... my Husband works there and It's my first home....it's just that some areas like Tartan Fields and Muirfield are just not realistic and some times the kids and parents get too caught up in WHO has WHAT and all.

[kilgresak]

Thanks for the insight on Dublin and Hilliard. I have not looked in UA much as the houses are a lot more expensive and it is hard to find anything less than 10 years old.

[alliswell]

UA is great, beautiful. Kind of known for old money and definitely older houses.

Was glad to see Michiibelle speak to the different school cultures. My kids went to Hilliard schools and I agree with her. I too grew up in the Dublin/Hilliard/UA area. I knew full well that I wanted my kids in Hilliard -- it's a much easier time of it for a kid on many levels, IMO. There is a lot of big money/old money in Dublin and UA. There are very well to do areas in Hilliard too, don't get me wrong. But, it's just different in Hilliard. It is more balanced across a broader spectrum of income levels, not so much peer pressure to have the right hair, the right clothes and the right car at 16, etc. It's not like EVERY kid in Dublin or UA live uber privileged lives, but there are a lot of very fortunate families in those areas.

Dublin, Hilliard, UA, you can not make a mistake if you choose ANY of the three. Just a wonderful area all around. Finding the community and school district that fits you and your family's character and personality best will be the biggest challenge you face which is great spot to be in! :-)

[MontanaXVI]

I live in what I call Hillbus (more on that in a minute) and while I don't have kids I can see where there might be "social" issues in the Hilliard School District, though I cannot vouch for it.

To quote someone above "some times the kids and parents get too caught up in WHO has WHAT and all."

I remember being in school and I am sure things have only gotten worse no matter what school you attend, there are always going to be social cliques and classes within any group of young kids. But to my Hillbus comment, I live technically in the city of Columbus I have C-bus waste, sewage, utilities etc, however my physical zip code is 43026 - Hilliard, and I live within Hilliard School district so I don't know if the kids would be any worse on a C-bus kid who's mom and dad ONLY have a $145K house while they live in a $310K house.

[rltycheck]

I love the houses I've seen in Ballantrae, right style, right price, right ameinities, but one of my biggest concerns is the fact there are SO MANY houses on the market in Ballantrae, and many with photos from last summer.

Are the houses not seeling there? If so, why, is it because of the Hilliard Schools but Dubin city?

[alliswell]

Ballantrae has always moved slow. I remember the models taking a while to move and that was before RE got challenging.

Hilliard has a levy on the ballot, if it does not pass, it's not going to be pretty for home values in Hilliard nor Ballantrae. The district made the money from the last levy last an entire year longer than it was intended - not too many people like to recognize that fact. There's a lot of fuss about the levy. Yes, taxes will go up, but so has everything else and just like everything else educating a child isn't getting cheaper either.

If this new levy doesn't pass, there will be significant cuts. I would imagine buying in Ballantrae or anywhere in Hilliard right now is iffy due to that fact that the quality of schools are at risk. If a community can't say they offer hi-quality, well-funded public education, it's the kiss of death for houses like Ballantrea and most of Hilliard. We're moving from Hilliard due to relocation and the schools are the FIRST thing I consider. If crowded or underfunded, we just move on and keep looking.

Price point in Ballantrae likely isn't helping either. Probably not a lot of buyers out there right now in that bracket.

[Traveler87]

Hilliard is the best out of the three IMO.

[kilgresak]

Hilliard did not pass school levy. Probably not good for sale of Ballantrae houses. Makes me concerned about Hilliard schools. How do I find out more about what cuts will/might be made?