READ THE DRAFT REPORT HERE

The City just completed a study of the community’s housing market to better understand existing conditions and trends. Conducted by CommunityScale, an urban planning and spatial data analysis company, the study looked at existing conditions, such as the number and types of available housing, trends in property values and housing cost increases, and trends in remodeling and new construction activity over the past 10-15 years. It explored demographic changes within Upper Arlington and the region over the past 20 years, and how those trends have changed the local housing market. The study also looked at the economics of different housing to help estimate future demand and the potential for new development.

CommunityScale interviewed local Realtors, developers of single- and multi-family housing, home remodeling companies, and senior living firms. An online survey was also made available to the community, garnering more than 700 responses that provided insight on residents’ perceptions of the current housing market in UA, what they would look for when considering moving to a new home, and possible steps the City could take to improve options within the community.

The draft report was shared with City Council at its April 21 Meeting. Much of the report has affirmed what we already know, for example:

• The pressures of regional growth are impacting Upper Arlington, and this will likely continue to create pressure on the UA housing market.
• High land and construction costs are compounded by limited availability and high demand for new-build homes, which is increasingly resulting in prices that are higher than the current average price in our neighborhoods.
• Upper Arlington has seen growth in the number of youth and older adults. At the same time, we have seen declines in the number of young adults and residents in their 50s and 60s.
• With Upper Arlington’s high land costs, mixed-use redevelopment projects will likely require City assistance in the form of tax increment financing or abatement.

Looking forward, the data will prove useful as the City embarks on its next Master Plan update – which is slated to begin later this year – helping to inform an exploration of strategies for meeting the community’s evolving housing needs. This might include:

• Exploring whether some areas in Upper Arlington would be suitable for housing types that are appealing to empty nesters and young adults.
• Determining how best to encourage and support the development of additional senior housing opportunities.
• Reassessing the City’s approach for cultivating and incentivizing prospective mixed-use redevelopment projects within commercial districts like the Henderson Road Corridor.

The Housing Market Detailed Analysis Report can be found on the Community Development section of the City’s website. If you have questions about the study, please contact the Community Development Department, at 614-583-5070.