Why Ohio's Fastest Growing City Should Be On Your Radar
Located in the Midwestern state of Ohio, Hilliard is a wonderful destination in Franklin County. This community of 37,000 is a popular suburb in the region, drawing in people from all over with its homely vibe and tourist attractions. From recent economic developments like the Hilliard City Lab to its proximity to Columbus, the capital of Ohio, there are plenty of reasons why Hilliard continues to grow. With so much to see and do, plus its fast pace of growth, this city should be on your list whether you are planning a vacation or want to settle down.
History of the City
The story of Hilliard dates back to 1852 when John Reed Hilliard bought ten acres of farmland in Franklin County. The following year, he platted the land between the Big Darby Creek on the west and the Scioto River on the east. Originally named Hilliard鈥檚 Station, the community gradually grew in popularity along the bisecting Piqua and Indiana Railroad station. It was an ideal shipping point for farm products, allowing farmers to transport their produce to the region. By 1854, a post office was set up in town, and the current name 鈥淗illard鈥� was adopted.
About 30 years later, in 1886, the first railroad station was built, and it became a vital part of the community as the town center. It was only in 1962, when railroad services stopped that the town center shifted, and the railroad station was closed. Following this, Hilliard grew with large residential subdivisions, especially after its connection to the Columbus regional sewer and water systems in the 1960s. Since then, growth has continued, and the city is now home to over 37,000 residents. More so, Hilliard has restored the original railroad station from 1886, and it is a prominent reminder of the community鈥檚 storied past.
Recent Growth and Amenities in Hilliard
Over the past few decades, especially since the 1960s, growth has skyrocketed in Hilliard. Many consider it the fastest-growing city in Ohio, and many facts support this claim. Population is one of the most prominent indicators of growth, and Hilliard has seen a stark rise of over 31% between 2010 and 2020. In numbers, the city鈥檚 residents grew from 28,234 in 2010 to 37,114 in 2020, making it one of the largest increases in the region. In addition to recent growth, Hilliard has seen continuous inflows of people since 1950, with an 823% population growth between 1950 and 1960 and a 105% growth between 1990 and 2000.
Hand in hand with the people, the town鈥檚 housing environment, facilities, and amenities have also followed suit. Road connectivity is one such place where Hilliard continues to grow, and the city opened its 19th roundabout at Cosgray and Scioto Darby in October 2024. There are also plans for crosswalks with flashing beacons, overhead lane control signs, and pavement markings to improve pedestrian and driver safety. In addition to this, Hilliard has its own division of police, the Hilliard Division of Police, with over 50 police officers focused on maintaining security in the city. Meanwhile, healthcare is provided by multiple facilities, including the OhioHealth Hilliard Health Center and Mount Carmel Hilliard, featuring a 60,000-square-foot campus.
Reasons For Growth
Economic Development
The city of Hilliard has made many programs focused on developing the town, ranging from business additions to vital services. For example, the TruePointe Development project is a $250 million mixed-use project set to open in 2025. The project will include restaurants, retail shops, social areas, and community spaces within walking distance of residences. Moreover, they are set to open 350 residential units, including condos and apartments, as well as a hotel within the complex. Along with this project, one of the city鈥檚 largest employers, Eco Plumbers, Electricians, and HVAC Technicians, broke ground on their 158,000-square-foot flex industrial building in October 2024, a significant milestone for economic growth.
Proximity to Columbus
As a suburb of Columbus, the capital and most populous city of Ohio, Hilliard is well connected to the metropolis. To this end, residents enjoy connectivity to various urban amenities and facilities, from healthcare to transportation. For example, the Ohio State University, one of the largest educational institutions in the United States, is within driveable distance. Moreover, the John Glenn Columbus International Airport is another major benefit, providing domestic and international connectivity to residents. To top it off, medical centers such as the Mount Carmel Health System, Grant Medical Center, and Riverside Methodist Hospital are in abundance.
Affordable Housing
Another reason for Hilliard鈥檚 growth is the city鈥檚 housing market, which is quite affordable. With a median home value of $363,000, the city may seem expensive compared to the Ohio state average of $226,000. That said, when compared to other areas near the capital of Columbus, Hilliard stands out as a budget-friendly place to live. For example, the nearby community of Bexley has a median home value of $537,000, which is $200,000 greater than Hilliard. Moreover, Hilliard has an average rent of $1,797, which is $53 less than the median rent in Bexley.
Tight-Knit Community
Along with its growing population, the community in Hilliard remains tight-knit, with a strong sense of unity. This is palpable through the many events that take place throughout the year, such as Touch-A-Truck in May and Bring the Zoo to You in June. The former is a friendly outing wherein families can head out in town on large commercial trucks. These vehicles offer tours for kids, and they can also decorate their own helmets for a fun outing. Meanwhile, Bring the Zoo to You is in partnership with the Columbus Zoo, wherein locals can head over to meet the animals, get themed tattoos, and build animal crafts.
Attractions In and Around Hilliard
One of the main reasons why people continue to grow and thrive in Hilliard is the array of attractions in town. Culture, history, and nature abound, providing something for everyone to enjoy. Those interested in history will adore the Historical Village at Weaver Park, which takes one back to the 1850s. This rustic set of landmarks boasts a one-room schoolhouse from 1891, the Colwell Church from 1876, and Kuhn Barn from 1870, among other sites. For a more informative experience, one can spend time at the Early Television Museum, an establishment dedicated to pre-and post-海角社区 War II TVs.
No community is complete without greenery; Hilliard抬 is no stranger to this. The city abounds with natural spaces, ranging from the Homestead Metro Park to the Hilliard Rail Trail. The latter is a multi-purpose trail lined with historic sites and lush forests, perfect for an outing. People shifting to Hilliard also adore Homestead Metro Park, a 44-acre expanse of wilderness. Here, locals and visitors can spend their time on the water, walking around, or checking out the train station replica.
Wrapping Up
Hilliard is one of Ohio鈥檚 fastest-growing cities, offering affordable housing, strong economic growth, and a welcoming community. Its proximity to Columbus, expanding infrastructure, and booming local economy make it an attractive place to live. The city balances modern development with historic charm, featuring landmarks like Weaver Park鈥檚 Historical Village and Homestead Metro Park. With family-friendly events, cultural attractions, and green spaces, Hilliard provides a high quality of life. Whether you鈥檙e looking for a thriving suburb with big-city access or a vibrant place to visit, Hilliard continues to grow while maintaining its small-town appeal.
