Main Image Courtesy of the City of Powell.

Powell, Ohio is a small city with a host of history, a vibrant downtown, and plenty to do in and around the city. It is only 20 or so miles away from Columbus, and it’s that proximity that took it from a small town with 400 people to the city it is today! Whether you are stopping by for a weekend or planning a longer stay — Powell has something for you. 

With Columbus only a half-hour drive away it opens up a lot of job opportunities in the state’s capital. Alongside that, there are all the opportunities in Powell as well! In Powell, there’s a lot of shopping and dining downtown and in their city proper, and even a local winery and brewery!

Here’s what you should know about moving to Powell:

• History of Powell
• Facts and figures about Powell
• Local favorite things to do in Powell
• And more!

History of Powell

Before Moving to Powell, Get to know the History of Your New Home

Powell was founded in 1857 when deed owner Thomas R. Hall applied for a post office. Judge Thomas Powell approved the request, and the townspeople decided to rename the village after him. At that time, Powell housed a few families, just enough for a general store and a post office. Before 1857, the land, occupied by only a few families, was named Middlebury. 

For ninety years the Village of Powell continued its quaint existence, reaching almost 400 residents in 1947. In that year, Powell was officially recognized as a municipality. The population remained stable until the 1980’s when the Greater Columbus metropolitan area started to explore residential development in and around Powell. 

Powell became known for its small-town atmosphere and its proximity to the city, only about a half-hour away. Powell’s population grew to over 6,000 by the turn of the century. In 2000, the quaint village officially and proudly became the City of Powell. Powell is now home to over 14,000 residents and maintains its humble beginnings, keeping their downtown reminiscent of their days as a village. 

Powell is a beautiful, walkable city that preserves the history and ambiance of the past. That coupled with boutique shops and casual restaurants as well as the modern-day amenities you would expect from a city. Specialty shops, community events, and formal dining serve to complement the quaint feel of the downtown district. 

Powell by the Numbers

Learn About Powell’s Economy, Demographics, and What It’s Like to Live Here

Powell’s Population

Powell, Ohio has a population of almost 13,500 people. The median age in Powell is 38.1, about one year over the median age in the US. There are 3.1 people per household in Powell, which is a little more than the US average, which is 2.6.

Powell’s Demographics

The population in Powell is 85.8% white, 10.1% Asian, and 2.3% black. 

The median price for a home in Powell is $374,800, and the median home appreciation in Powell over the last 10 years is 11.4%, much below the median appreciation in the US, which is 48.4%. Only 5.5% of the Power population are renters, meaning the great majority of residents own their homes. 

Powell’s Schooling

Olentangy School District in Powell is well-rated in its overall performance, with high academic achievement and many extracurricular activities. The Olentangy district consists of 20 schools, including four high schools, five middle schools, and 16 elementary schools. 

The US News ranked Olentangy High School 527 out of almost 18,000 schools nationally, and 14 out of almost 700 schools in the state of Ohio.

Things to do in Powell

Powell is a city that has something for everyone. There are boutique shops, restaurants, and many places to meet friends and family. There are local wineries and breweries, and even a small park within the city!

Get to Know Powell Like a Local

Where People Shop, Dine, and Hang Out in Powell

Powell is a city that’s proud of its history. They make sure to keep their small-town roots alive in its ambiance. Powell prides itself on having a walkable city with beautiful sidewalks, streets, and parks throughout the city and its outskirts. You can easily spend a day meandering through their downtown, shopping in local businesses, trying out the local cuisine, and enjoying the sights. For longer stays, the city proper is home to a variety of larger, chain stores and specialty shops for all of your needs.

There is a lot to do in the City of Powell, and its proximity to Columbus opens up even more options! Living in Powell, Columbus is always less than an hour away, the perfect distance for day trips into the capital. To enjoy Powell like a local, here are some places to visit during your first few weeks in the city!

Vittoria

This Old School, Italian Restaurant is the Perfect Night Out

10241 Sawmill Parkway | Powell | vittoriacolumbus.com

Vittoria has been a Powell staple for over a dozen years, known for its amazing food, drinks, and ambiance. Vittoria continued the legacy of its founder William Lalli, who grew up in Cerreto Di Vastogirardi, a small Italian village. Similar to how Powell is proud of its small-town roots, so is Vittoria. Step inside for a view of rich, hand-painted murals, high ceilings, and elegant decor that will transport you into the Italian countryside. 

Their chefs blend modern Italian cuisine with traditional tastes, offering guests an amazing experience between your dining, ambiance, and service. 

“My husband and I came here for the first time for our anniversary and had the most wonderful time. Our waitress was so pleasant and knew the menu well. I ended up getting the spaghetti (they make their own pasta) with spicy sausage and it was quite delicious! Beautiful and romantic setting. Will definitely be back here again!” -- Yelp Review

Prohibition Gastro Lounge

Kick Back and Relax at this Prohibition Themed Restaurant

21 W. Olentangy Street | Powell | prohibitiongastrolounge.com

This sleek, modern bar and grill is located in the heart of Powell. They serve a mighty menu of drinks, from a mixture of classic and house cocktails to whiskeys, wine, and beer. That is supplemented with an excellent menu with bar classics and a whole section dedicated to Mac and Cheese. 

The chefs and bartenders at Prohibition believe in a constantly evolving menu and they are not shy about modifying old recipes and trying new ones altogether! Prohibition Gastro Lounge is a great place to unwind on the weekend, sharing a few drinks with family and friends. If you are looking for a new cocktail to try, this is the perfect place. The bartenders are more than happy to tailor your drink to your tastes. 

“If I'm looking for a place to explore my palette when it comes to drinks, there's no better place. A phenomenal variety of types of alcohols and amazing bartenders to create the drinks. I wasn't sure what to order, just asked the bartender that I enjoy rum/bourbon and I like sweet, and he made me something that loved, even though I don't remember the name of it haha will be going back to ask for it and will post the pictures as well!” -- Yelp Review

Powell Village Winery and Tasting Room

Enjoy a Beautiful Tasting Room and Help Yourself to a Flight at this Local Winery!

50 S. Liberty Street | Powell | powellvillagewinery.com

The Powell Village Winery is a local business built upon a family’s love for wine. The Waldron family opened this winery in 2011, and have been making wine in the City of Powell ever since. Located in downtown Powell, this urban winery is a great place to spend an afternoon — tasting wines, finding which ones you like the best, and enjoying their indoor and outdoor seating. 

Powell Village Winery also has a wine club, letting you choose a monthly box of two, four, or six wines to pick up or get delivered to you. With 20 varieties, there are sure to be wines for every palette! 

“What a great find in Powell!  The ambiance was lovely and the wine was delicious!  I was impressed with the pricing of the generous wine flights and the bottle prices were also very competitive.  I'll be back to enjoy the food menu.  This place is a gem!” -- Yelp Review

Ill Mannered Brewing Company

This Nano Brewery is Packed Full of Unique Beers Waiting for You to Try!

38 Grace Drive | Powell | illmanneredbeer.com

Are you a fan of locally brewed craft beer? If so, Ill Mannered Brewing Company is an absolute must-see in Powell! Four passionate beer crafters banded together after brewing beer at home and founded their nano brewing experience — Ill Mannered Brewing Company. They brew their beer in 186-gallon tanks, leaving them plenty of room to experiment with new flavors. 

Chances are, every time you stop in (and you’ll want to come more than once!) there will be something new on tap. Also, the owners of this brewery will happily show you around the place, from their taproom to their six-barrel electric brewery. 

With some friends and some snacks, this is an amazing place to spend a day. Beer, space outside on a nice day, and pleasant company is a great way to spend a day in Powell. 

“Love this brewery!  My friends and I come here regularly and it's always great.  There is a robust offering of tasty options; something for everyone.  If you can't decide, ask one of the amazing staff or owners for a recommendation.  There are rotating seasonal brews plus their main lineup.” -- Yelp Review

Emily Traphagen Park

Taking a Stroll Through Nature is a Great Way to Relax in Powell

5094 Seldom Seen Road | Powell | preservationparks.com/parks/emily-traphagen

‍Just outside of Powell’s downtown is the Emily Traphagen Park. This small, beautiful park is an amazing place to take a walk, have a picnic, and get a little bit of nature! This park is very close to the Scioto River and it attracts a few varieties of waterfowl — including mallards, kingfishers, wood ducks and great blue herons. 
There is other wildlife around the park like deer and if you’re lucky — maybe even a turtle! Between the animals and the plants, this park is incredibly relaxing. 

“A beautiful, peaceful little park in the middle of a gorgeous residential area in Powell. The restrooms were closed today, but there is a playground area for kids and a few picnic tables. The park was being patrolled by a ranger and the grounds are well cared for.  There are three walking trails, all of which seem to be under one mile. The upside of that is that it is impossible to get lost, the downside that you have to do loops to get in any kind of real exercise.” -- Yelp Review

Powell, Ohio is an amazing blend of small-town and city. There is plenty to do within the city limits, and if you want you can also go out to spend the day in Columbus!