Powell, Ohio · Delaware County · 55+ Guide
55+ Communities in Powell, Ohio
Powell is one of Central Ohio’s most coveted suburbs — and one of its most expensive to own, because of the tax rate behind it. Here is every active-adult option and the honest math.
Powell sits in southern Delaware County, north of Columbus along the Olentangy River corridor. It is known for tree-lined neighborhoods, golf, the Columbus Zoo nearby, a walkable historic downtown, and the top-rated Olentangy School District — the combination that keeps it among the metro’s most sought-after addresses and supports strong resale.
The Powell 55+ communities
Epcon ranch, larger of the two Hyatts communities
Epcon ranch, smaller sibling on the same corridor
M/I Homes ranch, pool/pavilion/pickleball, ~60 homes
The Powell catch is Delaware County’s tax — the highest in Ohio. The same Olentangy schools that make Powell desirable push the effective property tax rate to roughly 1.85%–1.9%+, well above Franklin County’s ~1.69%. On a $525k home that is about $1,100 more per year — roughly $12,500 over a decade — than the identical home just across the county line. The address is real; so is the recurring premium.
What Powell costs to own
| Home price | Effective rate | Annual tax | 10-yr tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| $475,000 | ≈1.9% | ~$9,025 | ~$102,000 |
| $525,000 | ≈1.9% | ~$9,975 | ~$112,700 |
| $600,000 | ≈1.9% | ~$11,400 | ~$128,800 |
Who Powell suits
Powell is for the buyer who specifically values the address, the Olentangy schools’ effect on resale, and the golf-and-greenery lifestyle — and has budgeted for Delaware County’s rate with eyes open. If the prestige matters to you and your heirs, the premium can be worth it. If you want a comparable Epcon or M/I ranch for less every month, a Franklin County suburb like Dublin (still prestigious, lower rate), Hilliard, or Grove City is the structural answer. The Ohio 65+ homestead exemption trims the tax line if you qualify.
Considering Powell?
We will run the exact parcel tax on any Powell home and show you the Franklin County alternative side by side.
Get the real numbers