Planning a move to Worthington and want a smooth landing? Relocating comes with lots of moving parts, from utilities and permits to schools and commute planning. You deserve a simple, local-first checklist that keeps you on track and helps you feel at home fast. This guide gives you a step-by-step plan, with key local links and tips tailored to Worthington.
Let’s dive in.
Why Worthington works
Worthington sits on the north side of the Columbus metro in Franklin County, with convenient access to I-71, I-270 and SR-315 for daily commuting. You’ll find a small-city feel with a historic core in Old Worthington, plus surrounding neighborhoods and subdivisions. The city is primarily served by the Worthington City School District, and local parks, libraries and community events make it easy to plug in.
To explore city services, permits, parks and more, start at the official website for the City of Worthington.
Your move timeline checklist
Use this time-based checklist to stay organized and reduce stress.
8+ weeks before move
- Research neighborhoods and your commute at peak hours. Test routes that use I-71, SR-315 and I-270.
- Engage a local real estate advisor who knows Worthington’s neighborhoods and school boundaries.
- Start decluttering and inventorying household items to lower move costs.
- If buying: complete inspections, order surveys, confirm closing date and disclosures.
- If renting: confirm lease start date, move-in condition, and pet or parking rules.
4–6 weeks before move
- Set up utility starts or transfers: electric, gas, water/sewer, trash/recycling, internet.
- Get quotes from at least three licensed movers and reserve your date.
- Begin school enrollment paperwork and gather required documents.
- Schedule transfers for home services like security systems or lawn care.
- Check for any HOA dues, rules and architectural guidelines in your neighborhood.
2 weeks before move
- Confirm move date with movers and utility providers.
- File your USPS change-of-address and set a forwarding start date.
- Gather medical, dental and veterinary records and request transfers.
- Schedule internet and TV installation windows for the new address.
- Arrange pet transport, licensing and microchip updates.
Moving week and day
- Label boxes clearly and keep an inventory. Carry valuables and original documents yourself.
- Do a final walk-through of the old home and collect keys and remotes.
- Leave appliance manuals and your contact info for new occupants if you sold the home.
First 30 days after move
- Update your driver’s license and vehicle registration per Ohio BMV rules.
- Register to vote at your new address.
- Confirm all utility account transitions and final bills at your prior address.
- Enroll children in school and submit required health records.
- Meet neighbors, learn trash and recycling pickup days, and locate your closest pharmacy and grocery stores.
Set up utilities and services
Getting utilities lined up early prevents move-in hiccups.
- Electric: Contact AEP Ohio to start or transfer service and set up your account.
- Natural gas: Many Worthington addresses are served by Columbia Gas of Ohio. Confirm service and start dates.
- Water, sewer and stormwater: Visit the City of Worthington to learn how to start or transfer municipal services and review billing cycles.
- Trash and recycling: Pickup schedules, recycling rules and any bulk-item guidelines are posted by the City of Worthington.
- Internet and TV: Major providers serve much of the metro. Run an address check with your preferred carrier for available speeds and install dates.
Tip: Schedule install windows for internet and TV at least two weeks in advance, especially if you work from home.
Taxes, permits and local rules
Understanding the basics helps you plan your budget and avoid project delays.
- Property taxes: For assessed values, exemptions and payment schedules, use the Franklin County Auditor and Franklin County Treasurer sites.
- Municipal income tax: Check Worthington’s finance or tax pages on the City of Worthington site for current rates and filing or withholding rules.
- Building and remodeling: Many structural, electrical, plumbing and HVAC projects need permits and inspections. Contact Building & Zoning early via the City of Worthington.
- Historic districts: Old Worthington and some areas have design review or historic oversight that may affect exterior work. Review guidelines and application steps through the City of Worthington.
Schools and enrollment steps
Worthington is served primarily by the Worthington City School District. Enrollment requirements and attendance boundaries can change, so verify details directly with the district.
- Start here: Visit the Worthington City School District for enrollment instructions and boundary tools.
- Common documents to gather: proof of residency, your child’s birth certificate, immunization records and health forms, prior school records, and a parent or guardian ID.
- Timing: Begin paperwork 4 to 6 weeks before your move when possible. Confirm any health or placement screenings required by the district.
Note: Use neutral tools and official boundary maps for school assignments. Policies and programs are updated regularly.
Getting around and commute tips
Worthington’s location offers straightforward access to downtown Columbus and regional job centers.
- Highways: Test commute times along I-71, SR-315 and I-270 during peak hours.
- Transit: The Central Ohio Transit Authority provides regional bus service. Review routes and schedules on COTA.
- Air travel: John Glenn Columbus International Airport serves the metro and is a practical option for frequent flyers.
Neighborhood finder quick tips
When comparing Worthington neighborhoods, consider the age of homes, maintenance needs and any design review requirements.
- Old Worthington: Historic core with shops and dining along High Street. Some addresses fall under design review or historic oversight for exterior changes.
- Surrounding areas: Mix of mid-century homes and later suburban subdivisions, plus some townhomes and condos.
- Practical checks: Verify HOA rules, plan for older-home maintenance, and ask about energy efficiency upgrades or insulation in older properties.
If you are unsure which area fits your goals, focus on commute needs, nearby parks and retail, and school boundaries. Your agent can help you weigh tradeoffs between price, size and location.
First 30 days home checklist
Use this short list to settle in confidently.
- Confirm mail forwarding and look out for any stray mail from your old address.
- Verify proper utility function, then close out final bills at your prior home.
- Update home, auto and renters insurance with your new address. Ask about endorsements you may need for local risks.
- Introduce yourself to neighbors and find neighborhood social groups. These are great for recommendations and service referrals.
- Get your library card and review seasonal programs through the city’s parks and recreation pages.
Safety and maintenance must-dos
A few quick tasks can protect your investment and reduce risk.
- Change locks and reprogram garage remotes.
- Locate the main water shutoff, gas shutoff and electrical panel. Label breakers clearly.
- Schedule routine HVAC service and a roof and gutter check within the first month.
- Consider energy-saving updates. Ask your utility providers about any current rebate programs.
- If you are near water features or a mapped floodplain, review flood risk and insurance needs with your insurer.
Government tasks and registration
Knock out these items early to stay compliant in Ohio.
- Driver’s license and registration: Review required documents and timelines with the Ohio BMV.
- Voter registration: Register or update your address through the Ohio Secretary of State.
Local contacts and resources
Bookmark these official resources for reliable, current information.
- City of Worthington: Municipal services, permits, utilities, parks
- Worthington City School District: Enrollment and boundaries
- AEP Ohio: Start or transfer electric service
- Columbia Gas of Ohio: Start or transfer gas service
- Franklin County Auditor: Property records and assessed values
- Franklin County Treasurer: Tax billing and payments
- COTA: Transit routes and schedules
- Ohio BMV: Licensing and registration
- Ohio Secretary of State: Voter registration
Ready for a smoother move with clear numbers and a local guide at your side? Reach out to Jason Peeler for neighborhood insights, budgeting guidance on taxes and utilities, and a step-by-step plan tailored to your timeline.
FAQs
Utilities in Worthington for new residents
- Contact AEP Ohio for electricity, Columbia Gas of Ohio for natural gas, and the City of Worthington for water, sewer, and trash to start service before move-in.
School enrollment requirements in Worthington
- Visit the Worthington City School District site for enrollment steps and boundary tools, and prepare proof of residency, birth certificate, immunization records, prior records and parent ID.
Building permits and historic review in Worthington
- Many projects need permits, and some Old Worthington addresses require design review for exterior work, so contact the City of Worthington Building & Zoning before starting.
Property tax and payment info for Worthington homes
- Use the Franklin County Auditor for parcel values and the Franklin County Treasurer for tax bills and payment schedules, then budget escrow or installment plans accordingly.
Ohio BMV deadlines after you move
- Review the Ohio BMV site for current timelines and required documents to update your driver’s license and vehicle registration soon after establishing residency.
