Best Areas In Columbus, Ohio, To Buy Your Next Home

Columbus, Ohio, is a bustling city in the center of the Buckeye State. Thanks to its seasonal weather, accessible location, and reasonable cost of living, Ohio's capital is seeing a major influx of new residents. According to Columbus Metro Club, the city alone accounted for 90% of the growth in the entire state. Columbus has also been experiencing a higher growth rate than major cities like Houston and Nashville.

So, if you are one of the many people looking to call Columbus home, you're in luck. The area is home to tons of options to lay down roots. There are many appealing neighborhoods and suburbs to explore, each with its own distinct vibes and unique characteristics. This means that no matter what type of home or atmosphere you're looking for, you're likely to find it. Check out these amazing Columbus neighborhoods to find your next home in this charming Midwestern location.

If you'd like to be in the heart of it all, consider moving to the downtown area. The area features tons of restaurants, shops, and offices. Plus, you don't have to sacrifice nature for an urban lifestyle. The Scioto Mile highlights the 175 acres of abundant park areas right in the city's center. Situated on the river, this system allows you to explore several parks connected by paths and trails. Another natural oasis, Columbus Commons, is a six-acre green space in the middle of downtown that opened in 2011 (via Columbus Commons). This "backyard for Downtown residents" hosts 200 free events annually and features a carousel to delight visitors of all ages.

When it comes to living downtown, housing options abound. In 2021, a 30-year hiatus from building high-rise residences was lifted (via The Columbus Dispatch). This gave way to condo and apartment buildings of new heights in the downtown area. Many, like The Peninsula Project, are designed to offer fair housing at affordable prices. Others, like the opulent 27-story Miranova building, focus on luxurious amenities, impressive views, and high-end finishes (via The Raines Group). And communities like Highpoint on Columbus Commons fall somewhere in the middle with moderately priced apartments and a focus on convenience and location (via Live Highpoint Columbus). These options mean that many new residents can live a downtown lifestyle, no matter their budget and preferences.

If you're looking for a historic feel, German Village is an awesome downtown neighborhood that feels like you're going back in time. According to American Planning Association, German Village has stayed true to its mid-19th century roots. Here, you'll find quaint homes lining the brick streets. In fact, the entire district is on The National Registry of Historic places. Residents here have a strong sense of community and pride in maintaining their historic homes. There's even a yearly Annual Haus und Garten Tour where residents show off their properties and generate financial support for community projects. And the proximity to the downtown area and the neighborhood's 23-acre Schiller Park give residents the best of both worlds.

However, if you plan to move here, you'll have to be ready to play by the architectural rules. The neighborhood has some stringent guidelines to adhere to its historical status. Whether you are making changes to a current property or building a new one, these rules must be followed. There are guidelines about everything from fabric awnings to house spacing to maintain the distinct, historic character of the neighborhood. A formal commission is also in place to review building and construction requests and retain the neighborhood's unique charm.

If a family-friendly vibe and top-notch schools are your priority, add New Albany to your short list of location options. According to Niche, the highly rated schools and low crime rates make this area one of the best places to live in Ohio. The area features large yards, plenty of parks, and ample job opportunities at local corporations. However, living here can come with a steep price tag. The median home is valued at over $500,000, more than double the national average.

New Albany homes typically feature a quintessential American Georgian feel (via The New Albany Company). Houses are often stately, brick, and generously sized. Many homes are situated in planned residential areas that are polished and well-maintained. Bright white wood fencing and wooden street signs are prevalent throughout the area, giving it a cohesive vibe. New Albany residents often gather at the local country club or walkable town square. This, along with the area's many walking and biking trails, gives the area a community feel.

Upper Arlington is a cozy area nestled near downtown and The Ohio State University campus. Krupp Moving & Storage points out that the area is just a 5.5-mile drive from downtown and was established during the housing boom after World War II as the "country club district." The area has a few unique neighborhoods to choose from and plenty of shopping and dining options. There are also great parks and highly rated schools, making it an ideal place for families to call home.

The area's history has allowed it to collect a diverse assortment of home styles. The designated historic area of Upper Arlington is on The National Registry of Historic places for its variety of Twentieth Century Revival style homes (via the University of Alabama). There are adorable Arts and Crafts style houses and impressive English Tudors. The towering stone English Country homes and Spanish Colonial properties add to the attractive variety of the area. 

When purchasing a home here, you'll have a diverse assortment of styles to choose from. And, with a median home age of 59 years old, it's a great place to snag some historic charm (via Best Places). Plus, with promising home appreciation rates, you'll likely be making a smart investment for the future.

Clintonville is a unique neighborhood. It's within the Columbus city limits but has a distinct personality all its own. The area is known for its artsy feel, interesting homes, and diverse assortment of shops and eateries. In fact, Yelp rates Columbus as the hottest hipster market in the entire country, so you're sure to find some unique spots in the Clintonville zip code. This means homes sell fast, but there is an atmosphere here that's trendy, fun, and likely to grow long-term.

Despite being uber cool and hip, Clintonville is also an awesome place to raise a family. There are many parks, and you can easily walk to both stores and restaurants (via AreaVibes). Residents report that the neighbors are friendly, pets are welcome, and they feel safe at night. The area schools are also highly rated, and the sense of community is unmatched. It also hosts a weekly farmers market with live music, food trucks, and over 50 vendors (via The Columbus Dispatch).

Clintonville is home to properties that represent nearly every style of architecture, and the styles vary greatly from lot to lot (via the City of Columbus). This creates an eclectic neighborhood feel and diverse housing choices. So whether you are looking for everything from a Cape Cod or Victorian home to a charming bungalow, the neighborhood likely has a home you'll love.

As The Columbus Team points out, Lewis Center boasts fantastic schools and tons of recreation, making it a great place for families to live. The area has many amenities, including a beach and park with hiking, biking, and a sledding hill. There's also a phenomenal library and plenty of golf courses in the area. Plus, it's less than a half-hour drive from downtown.

The Lewis Center area receives high marks for its housing choices. There are many charming neighborhoods and planned communities to choose from, and the average age of homes is just 16 years (via Best Places). A number of builders are also expanding their communities in the area. This means that whether you want a home in great condition or want to build a custom property, you're likely to find the right fit here.

Lewis Center is also home to the state's first community built on new urbanism principles (The Delaware Gazette). This development, Evans Farm, purposefully built everything close together and within walking distance so folks could spend less time in their cars stuck in traffic and more time enjoying their lives. Everything from homes to restaurants to offices is built with proximity in mind. There are also restaurants, stores, and parks, making it an awesome place for Lewis Center residents to either visit or live in.

Victorian Village is a charming downtown area full of well-preserved homes from its namesake era. According to Touring Ohio, the area was developed entirely by 1920, and many of the original homes still stand today. The area grew in popularity throughout the 1960s and '70s, and many homes were renovated while retaining their historic character. A yearly home tour takes place in the area for residents to show off their renovations.

The blend of history, charm, and proximity to the city's art district make Victorian Village a prime place to live in the city (via Columbus Underground). There are also tons of things to do and see right in the area. The neighborhood surrounds Goodale Park, a popular urban oasis that hosts events like a yearly community fest. There are also art galleries, eateries, and indoor swimming facilities. Plus, the artsy Short North area and its many shops and restaurants is just blocks away. All of these features make Victorian Village an awesome place to live in terms of walkability and amenities.

Dublin is a vibrant city that bridges history and modernity — literally. Visit Dublin, Ohio highlights The Dublin Link, an expansive footbridge that connects historic Dublin to new and contemporary Bridge Park. The bridge is the longest single-tower S-shaped suspension bridge worldwide and is a stunning sight over the Scioto River. The pedestrian bridge allows residents to easily explore Dublin's charming past and promising future on foot. Living in Dublin will enable you to experience the best of both worlds and gives you access to diverse real estate options.

Dublin was founded in 1810, and many original buildings and homes still lend themselves to a historic charm (via Dublin Ohio History). Quaint shops and restaurants line the street on this side of the city. There is a cozy library and plenty of green space to explore. An architectural review board ensures that the structures in the area stay true to their historical roots.

A stroll across the bridge takes you to the Bridge Park District, where residents can find a more modern lifestyle. The 30-acre neighborhood features over 600 homes along the Scioto River (via Columbus Monthly). The homes in this complex are in high demand, likely for their proximity to the neighborhood's over 20 eateries and shops. It offers a thoroughly modern lifestyle!

Worthington is another suburb of Columbus full of character and historic charm. The Worthington Historical Society notes that the city has 31 sites on the National Registry of Historic Places, including many residences. The downtown area and surrounding streets are filled with homes authentic to their time and redesigned with modern style. These allow for options for home buyers with diverse tastes.

The downtown area known as Old Worthington is home to many welcoming shops and restaurants (via Experience Worthington). There are also yoga studios and a community center for active residents. The city's weekly farmer's market is one of the best in the area, and the streets often host lively events like music and festivals.

Worthington is a phenomenal place for families to live as well. It has an exceptionally high livability score of 97, thanks to its top-notch schools and low crime rate (via AreaVibes). The community amenities and housing options can be a worthwhile tradeoff for the area's higher-than-average cost of living.

The Arena District is a modern and lively neighborhood in the heart of downtown. There's an absolute ton to do here for residents. Niche gives the neighborhood top marks for its nightlife options. Because of this and the optimal proximity to downtown, the area is very popular for young professionals to call home.

Living in the Arena District is also a sports fan's paradise. The area is home to not one but three pro sports venues (via Greater Columbus Sports Commission). Residents can catch the NHL's Columbus Blue Jackets right at Nationwide Arena or the Columbus Clippers baseball team at Huntington Park. The new state-of-the-art Lower.com Field is home to former MLS champs, the Columbus Crew. No matter what sport you're into, an exciting event is just steps away.

The Arena District housing choices are primarily centered around modern condo living. However, with three unique building choices, you can select an option perfect for your needs (via Arena District). Plus, all condo residents receive memberships to a VIP program that provides discounts and access to promotions at neighborhood businesses.

On the outskirts of the Columbus area is the welcoming town of Granville. In fact, New Home Source named the suburb the very best in the city. It's praised for its stunning beauty and historical charm. It also features well-maintained homes and a low crime rate. Home to Denison University, the area has an iconic small college town feel. The sidewalks are lined with charming cafes and cozy shops for residents to stroll and explore, creating a picture-perfect scene.

Granville is a great place to live for both college students and families with children. It's ranked as one of the top 25 places in the state to raise a family (via Niche). The public school system is rated exceptionally well, and there are ample job opportunities nearby. Plus, the small-town feel makes it a comforting and reassuring place to call home.

If you're looking for an affordable home in close proximity to downtown, Grove City fits the bill. According to Niche, the average home price here is $30,000 below the national average. Plus, there are awesome job opportunities and a solid school system. One of the biggest perks of Grove City living is the easy commute. The Central Ohio Transit Authority has bus lines that run through the area (via Visit Grove City). And if you choose to drive, the city is just seven miles south of the downtown area. Plus, there's an extensive network of bike trails in the area to get around.

All of these community benefits come with some major growth. Grove City has been one of the fastest-growing suburbs in the city over the last 10 years (via Columbus Monthly). This popularity has created an expansion of housing choices and increased amenities in the area — a plus for both new and established residents.

Italian Village is an attractive place to choose to live for its uniqueness and charm. This historic district is in the heart of the city but, as E.E. Ward Moving & Storage Co. reports, is 80% residential. The narrow, tree-lined streets feature a mix of both Italian-style architecture and modern homes that bring a stunning culture to the Midwestern city. The village was established in 1862 and has a small-town community feel despite its urban setting (via Italian Village). There are diverse eateries, from swanky steakhouses to laidback pizza joints. There are tons of taverns, breweries, and cafes to grab a few drinks in the area's Short North arts district. Residents also have plenty of options to get active with gyms, yoga studios, and walkable streets.

The neighborhood is rated highly for its nightlife, diversity, and family-friendly vibe (via Niche). Living here is the perfect blend of historic charm and modern convenience. The urban feel, combined with access to parks, makes it an ideal place to call home for young professionals and families alike.

According to Niche, Bexley has a top-notch school system and is a highly rated place to raise a family. There are also great job opportunities in the area, and its close proximity to downtown makes commuting simple. The homes here are established and well-maintained, making them valued at nearly double the national average.

This affluent community has a suburban feel but is just four miles from downtown (via Krupp Moving & Storage). The city is known for its sprawling estates and stately mansions. However, there is a wide range of home's at various price points in the area to fit the needs of many home buyers. Bexley also has a charming Main Street area lined with shops and places to eat. The city also hosts a ton of public events and festivals (via City of Bexley). From Jazz in the Park to a Holiday Tree Lighting, these gatherings bring a sense of community to the town.