Returning to Upper Arlington: A Move Rooted in Community and Familiarity
Craig and Kathleen were not new to homeownership. Years earlier, as newlyweds, they purchased a four bedroom home in Golfview Woods, a quiet neighborhood just across the Scioto River from Upper Arlington. But with their daughter approaching school age, life began pointing them back toward the community where Kathleen grew up. Many of her lifelong friends were now raising their families there, and both she and Craig wanted their daughter to have that same sense of closeness, familiarity, and easy access to nearby parks and gathering spots.
They were not rushing. They were looking for the right home in Upper Arlington, and they wanted to make the move with clarity and confidence.
The Challenge: Buying in Upper Arlington While Planning for the Long Term
Buying in Upper Arlington is rarely simple. Demand is steady. Homes are older than those in surrounding suburbs. And buyers often face tough decisions about space, updates, or location. Most people give somewhere in order to live within the community.
Craig and Kathleen understood this. They toured many homes between June and early October and saw the full range of what it means to buy in an established area. They wanted a home that felt like a good fit and a location that would add comfort and connection to their daily life.
At the same time, they were also deciding what to do with their current home. Sell it, or keep it as a long term rental. They were aligned on moving to Upper Arlington, but not initially aligned on the best path forward with Golfview Woods.
A Patient Strategy: Waiting for the Right Home and the Right Investment Path
The plan depended on staying patient and being ready to act when the right home appeared. Kathleen grew up in Upper Arlington, so she understood the pricing reality. There would be no dramatic bargains or unexpected surprises. The focus was on location, schools, daily convenience, and the ability to walk or bike to the places that mattered.
Relationships mattered too. The Upper Arlington community is tight knit, and the listing agent for the home they eventually purchased had gone to high school with Kathleen. We also had a family connection, which helped create a smooth and predictable process during a time when the seller was navigating personal stress.
On the investment side, once Craig and Kathleen decided to keep their Golfview Woods home, they wanted a plan that made the rental process simple. I connected them with my preferred property manager and secured a strong tenant, a woman moving to Columbus to join the faculty at Ohio State. She loved the home for its space and its proximity to the OSU Galbreath Equine Center. With that in place, Craig and Kathleen could step into their next chapter without lingering uncertainty.
When the Right Home Appeared: Acting Decisively in a Competitive Market
In early October, the right home surfaced. A single family home just north of Lane Avenue, surrounded by coffee shops, dining, groceries, and the steady hum of one of Upper Arlington’s most walkable areas. It was close to friends Kathleen had known since childhood, and close to the places that would shape their daughter’s early years.
They knew quickly that this one felt different.
The home received multiple offers. This is common in Upper Arlington, and it often introduces tension about price or negotiation strategy. Craig and Kathleen were realistic, and they made a strong offer that reflected the home’s value and location. Their offer stood out not only because of its strength, but because the listing agent knew them, trusted their lender, and understood that this move truly mattered to them.
When the offer was accepted, it was a moment of real relief and happiness. They had secured a home that aligned with everything they hoped for.
The Result: A Home They Wanted and an Investment That Still Worked
They purchased the home they wanted in the location that mattered most. At the same time, they kept their Golfview Woods property and secured a reliable tenant. Their long term investment strategy stayed intact, and the rental process did not add stress or distraction.
Life in Upper Arlington: How the Move Changed Their Everyday Rhythm
Now that they have been in their Upper Arlington home for more than a year, the benefits show up in the rhythm of their everyday life. Everything is closer. A grocery run that used to take fifteen minutes now takes five. They can walk to coffee. They are five minutes from their daughter's school next year. Even though Craig's commute is a few minutes longer than it was in Golfview Woods, the tradeoff has been worth it for everything else they now have within reach.
Their street is filled with kids, which has brought an entirely new kind of energy to their block. Finding a babysitter is easier. Running into familiar faces around town is a normal part of daily errands. Kathleen described it simply. Life in Upper Arlington feels like home again, and she is grateful that their daughter will grow up experiencing the same community feel she loved as a child.
Outside of the interest rate on their old house, which she jokes about often, the decision to move was straightforward. The location made everything easier. And a year later, it continues to pay off in small, steady ways.
Why This Move Worked: Clarity, Timing, and Intentional Guidance
Moves like this work best when the plan is steady and the decisions are intentional. A clear understanding of the Upper Arlington market, a thoughtful offer strategy, and a simple path for managing their rental allowed Craig and Kathleen to move without second guessing. Guidance creates clarity, and clarity makes transitions like this feel manageable instead of overwhelming.
