Public Spaces Are Quietly Driving Home Buying in Ohio

When people say “location, location, location,” they don’t usually mean granite countertops.

They mean:
Can I walk somewhere?
Is there life outside my front door?
Does this place feel like somewhere I want to live?

A new survey of 3,013 homebuyers commissioned by Calgary Homes found that public spaces play a bigger role in buying decisions than many people realize. And in Ohio, three spaces rose to the top as the most influential when it comes to neighborhood desirability.

#1 Schiller Park – Columbus

In German Village, Schiller Park isn’t flashy, it’s functional. Morning walks. After-work lounging under mature trees. Kids playing. Neighbors casually running into each other. Buyers see it as proof that community and outdoor space are already woven into daily life.

#2 Smale Riverfront Park – Cincinnati

Smale Riverfront Park changes how downtown Cincinnati feels to live in. It’s not just a scenic backdrop, it’s a connector. People use it between errands, for quick river views, or just to pause. For buyers, that usability matters more than spectacle.

#3 Public Square – Cleveland

Right in the heart of downtown, Public Square operates as a true civic commons. Office workers cross it daily. Residents stop on benches. Events roll through seasonally. It’s active without being chaotic. Buyers say proximity to a well-maintained, consistently used public space signals walkability, vibrancy, and long-term value.

The takeaway? Buyers aren’t just shopping for a house. They’re shopping for a rhythm of life.