Central Region, OH Land for Sale

Central Ohio, as indicated, is in the center of the state, and at the center of this region is Columbus, Ohio's capital, which is primarily located in Franklin County, though annexed portions also lie in Delaware and Fairfield Counties. It is often called the "Columbus region" since it is the largest city in the area, though only the third largest metropolitan area in the state. It is named for explorer Christopher Columbus.

Ohio State University employs a large number of people in the area, as well as a financial sector where several banks are headquartered, and a manufacturing sector featuring most notably auto manufacturing, laboratory, chemicals and scientific equipment, food manufacturing and homebuilders. It is also headquarters for several retail brands and two major fast food chains. Columbus is also home to a large science museum (COSI) and the Columbus Museum of Art, in addition to performing art, such as Opera Columbus, BalletMet, Columbus Symphony Orchestra, the Contemporary American Theatre Company and Columbus Jazz Orchestra. In addition to the industry and culture of a large city, the region features many state parks and other natural beauty, including Blackhand Gorge, Clifton Gorge, Alum Creek, Hocking Hills State Park and Rockbridge State Nature Preserve.

Delaware County is named after the Delaware Native American tribe, and is included in the Columbus Metropolitan Statistical Area. Located in the county are the Scioto River, Olentangy River, Alum Creek, Big Walnut Creek, Alum Creek Lake and Delaware Lake. Ohio Wesleyan University, one of the top liberal arts colleges in the country, is located in this county. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is located in Delaware County, and U.S. President Rutherford B. Hayes is a native to the area. Columbus is partially located in Delaware County, and other large cities are Delaware, also the county seat, Dublin and Westerville (partly in Franklin County).

Licking County is also part of the Columbus Metropolitan Statistical Area, but Newark is the largest city and the county seat. It is named for the salt licks in the area. Blackhand Gorge State Nature Preserve and Flint Ridge State Memorial are located in this county, as well as Denison University. The county is also known for its high school sports, due to a large number of high school athletic programs located there.

Franklin County is the second most populated county in Ohio. As mentioned, most of the city of Columbus is contained in this county, which is the state capital and the county seat. It is named in honor of historic figure Benjamin Franklin. Other large cities are Dublin and Gahanna (considered suburbs of Columbus), Hilliard, Upper Arlington and Westerville (which is just partially located in this county).