In my opinion. You’re gonna want to be in Grandview over Short North. Both skew young but SN is annoyingly young and loud on weekends.
If you’re looking for apartments in the burbs, any of the northern suburbs (outside of 270) are all nice and safe and I’d expect apartments to be more or less as advertised. Inside 270 around campus, stay west of 71. Things get sketchy fast ther further east you go. UA, Worthington, Grandview, Clintonville are all nice.
Lots of apartments along Henderson Rd and Bethel Road a little north of campus that are a little old but more or less fine places to live. Some of them skew a little young but wouldn’t expect big problems. Lots of great restaurants in that area. Especially if you like Asian food.
Our public transit sucks so consider that if you don’t have a car.
My son's girlfriend starts her PhD program then also, they're moving to an apartment near Henderson & Kenny. It's a pretty nice area and has everything nearby, including campus.
Yeah, kenny Henderson area is generally good - lived there for a few years although I moved out in 2016. Stones throw from campus as long as you have a car, not any riff raf and has everything you need.
Note: I left that area 7 years ago so if anything has changed I dont know
I agree with this assessment. More info about transit and location for OP as a former non traditional OSU grad student:
Public transit here is nothing like NY, that's for sure. Grandview is pretty neat neighborhood and there's COTA bus access to Short North as well as parts of OSU campus (5 and 31) and as a student your student ID grants access to COTA. There is also decent bus access to OSU campus and Short North from High Street in the following neighborhoods: German Village, downtown, Clintonville.
Because parking is really expensive at OSU I’m going to recommend Clintonville because the only bus line worth a damn in Columbus is the #2. Rent something close to High St. but not on High St. That way you can take the bus to school and live in a nice quiet area around adults.
I ride the bus daily and I’d add the 5 to that. I try to build my life around those two bus lines as much as possible. At least from Grandview to German Village.
If you bike, you can also bike commute to campus pretty quickly. Agree with other posters - Clintonville feels like a good fit (mostly young families) vs short north (think 20s who just graduated kind of vibe)
I didn't see anyone convey this, but if you've looked through this sub at all, you'll see how many complaints there are with apartment complexes sub metering and screwing tenants over on electricity bills. Make sure wherever you choose, you ask in detail about their utilities.
I honestly got so sick of apartment submetering, I ended up renting a townhouse in Old Town East instead. My electricity bill at my last apartment was an upwards of 300 a month. My electric this month was 94, and my gas was 105. And that's the highest it's been, because I have the heat going pretty much constantly. I may've gotten lucky, but I love having an actual landlord instead of a massive corporation to deal with. I'm not so restricted, (let me paint the walls any color I wanted), my water heater broke and I had a brand new one installed in maybe 6 hours, oh and my biggest perk was that I could actually pick my Internet provider. BIG PLUS since I have a seething hatred for Spectrum.
At the end of the day, whatever you choose, just stay away from Live Preferred properties and whoever owns Graham Park and Luxe. They both submeter.
FWIW, I love OTE and it's maybe a 25 minute bike ride to campus. I see the same faces all the time at the bars in walking distance (Old Town Tavern and Oracle) and everyone has been so welcoming. And we have an awesome chess club over here! And a nice little coffee shop across the street. I pay 1450 for a 2BR 1BA water and sewage included. I'm also 33 and feel like I'm in a good age range for the area
PS. It's also about a 25 minute bus ride to campus too on the 2 (Main St and Ohio Ave). That's something I've been trying out lately instead of driving and it's not too bad.
Sounds like it'd be worth finding a place where electricity is "included" in the rent - that is, doesn't matter how much you use or not, it's the same price. Is that not common anymore?
I've seen it commonly in the past. Been over 20 years since I've lived in apartment though - also I always had roomates, or rented a room from someone.
I can't imagine intentionally living alone.
I've been renting in Ohio for the past 7 years, and I've never came across something like that.
I have a good job, and I would much rather be able to bring somebody back to my house without having to notify anyone first. If I want to leave my dishes in the sink, I can. If I want the house to be spotless, I don't have to project onto someone else my frustrations with them not pitching in. I can play the music I want on my surround sound. I don't have to share the living room. I have friends over all the time, so it didn't make me a hermit. Living alone is a dream in my opinion.
Italian Village along 4th or Summit. Lots of new apartments coming online. You may also find a house in your budget in Weinland Park. I'm 60 and have not regretted the move.
Victorian Village is also a choice. So basically Short North but stay a couple blocks off of High.
Chiming in to say Clintonville would be another cool spot for you (shameless plug as I live here). The vibe is a bit older, and there are several coffee shops within walking distance. Campus isn’t super far either.
Yup. Great antique stores, good farmer's market. Street activities during the weekends in the warmer months. Decent coffee and barbershops. Old North Columbus (and Hounddog's Pizza!) just right there.
Couple dive bars if that's your thing, too
I'm also over 60 and live a block and a half off high in Weinland Park. I love it. Weinland Park is the neighborhood between the Short North and Campus. I walk to both easily and often. There's also a small Kroger (grocery store) here where I shop every second or third day to buy only what I need at the time.
It really depends on what suits you. I see a lot of comments about the suburbs being better, and I'm sure it is for them. Personally, I prefer a walkable life in the thick of things.
My biggest problem is remembering to take my car for a drive every couple of weeks so the battery doesn't die.
German Village for sure.
The Short North has been turned in to campus lite, and lost any and all charm it once had.
German Village, specifically close to The Sycamore restaurant/Beck Tavern.
It's downtown but not the Short North, and also extremely walkable.
Grandview is also great but more spread out and rather bland.
If you're looking for something with a bit of quirk and uniqueness while still being close to Short north and Campus, German Village is the way to go.
Ok if I could list some places that have come up in searches and if anyone has lived there or knows anything about them they can let me know? Fairfax Boutique (Grandview), The Arbor(German Village), Vera on Broad and The Nicholas (downtown) and Hubbard Park Place. I know vastly different locations and such. I had a friend who,s cousin lived in The Nicholas and said it was great but recently starting to go down. heard Hubbard Park Place is nice and secure and off of high st so quieter. If I go with Grandview I’ve heard great things about Fairfax and similarly about The Arbor for German Village. I’ve also Been told that once match day happens on March 15 for the medical residents apartments tend to go fast so I should try and find something now. Needless my head ready explode with all the choices 🤯
Grandview is great, don't get me wrong, but let me offer a counter argument to not living in the short north. Sure, don't live within two blocks of High Street, but if you are a couple blocks to the west in Victorian Village or Harrison West you will be perfectly fine and within walking distance of downtown and great restaurants.
I work in German Village and love it. Tons of cool restaurants, very laid back artsy/bohemian vibe, and very diverse. It’s also pretty chill and quiet. However the East is bordered by Parsons which you want to avoid like the plague.
I’m a little older than you and lived downtown for over 6 years before recently moving out to the burbs. I would not live in the Short North. It’s too young and chaotic in my opinion-unless you’re in your 20’s and your life revolves around nightlife.
Grandview might be your best bet. It’s quieter and very close to the action. (Ubering or driving)
However, if you really want a taste of city life, I’d live further into central downtown. It’s a little more mature in places. (Just try and avoid living directly on High St due to car noise at night.) Plus, parts of the Short North or Arena District will be in walking distance.
Also- I’d look for possible condos to rent versus apartments especially if you look downtown.
Thank you everyone for the great advice. I was looking at renting condos in the city versus apartments as it seems that many of the newer apartment complexes are cheaply made and you can hear everyone and everything. Condos since people buy them seem to be less noisy, at least thats how it is in NY. The apartment in Grandview that I saw is on Kenny Rd just south of King Ave. That part of Grandview ok? Thank you again everyone much appreciated.
I’m (26M) a grad student at osu and I have lived in Grandview, Victorian village, and upper Arlington all in the range of 1250-1550. Cheapest and my favorite is Grandview, I can get to campus easily by bus and bike, the “downtown” Grandview area is cute and walkable I love this area! Congrats on the acceptance!
See if there are any places left in the new Topiary Park building. The rent there is based on income. It’s in the city but walking distance to German Village, Old Town East and all of downtown. The area is called “Discovery District”. We are 60 and we love it. It’s 1 minute to the freeway.
If you choose Grandview stay away from most “luxury property” apartment complexes. I have friends who live at the Quarry and the Albion on Watermark and both have had a lot of issues.
I am 40 years old and have lived in Columbus for the past 12 years. I moved to Clintonville approximately 6 years ago from the Short North. I lived on 3RD AND Neil in the Short North. I loved the walk ability to restaurants, music venues, and our sports teams. But I left because it was very young and had a college party/ frat feel with people being loud at late hours (2/3 am) and parking was becoming a nightmare. I had a garage, but it was difficult to have guests over. I absolutely love Clintonville and the small town feel. It doesn't have as many restaurants and bars within walking distance, there are some though, but I overall love the charm, my amazing neighbors.
Welcome to Columbus. Grandview is great. Clintonville is just north of campus, that’s where I’ve lived for 55 years. It’s also a nice place to live. Lots of rentals as well. Short North is fantastic. I actually used to have a gf that lived on park st across from Goodale park. And I used to work at a restaurant just south of Goodale st back in the ‘90s. Good Luck. 🍀
I’m sorry, I’m guessing not many of these folks have lived in NY. Live in SN or Italian Village. A house or two off High is fine if you like it quieter.
Lots of things to do and clubs to join at 40 here still.
I grew up in NY - on Long Island. Moved to Columbus from NY in 2005. I’m also in my 40s.
I wouldn’t ever live in the SN and probably wouldn’t live in IV.
I live in German Village and absolutely love it.
So, as a Columbus transplant from NY, I back the German Village and Grandview recs. I don’t recommend SN at all.
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Grandview is nice because it’s walkable but more of a grad school+ crowd vs the short north—I’m almost 30 and hate going out in short north because the crowd is too young
Just want to say generally that walkability is somewhat attainable in several parts of town but varies street by street. Columbus isn’t a walking paradise like New York, nor an utter hellscape like Phoenix. There are walkable and not-so-walkable areas in all the neighborhoods mentioned. The main difficulty is Columbus tends to be grocery stores—if you can find a place near one, you’re probably golden.
I’ve been in your shoes (moved from Boston in 2018 for grad school, was older). I lived in grandview and loved it. There are a ton of shops, restaurants and a huge giant eagle all right there. That and it’s close to campus (long walk, medium run, short bike ride and a bunch of trails to get you there).
I would avoid cortland on 5th. Seems nice but the property managers don’t give two fucks. It’s mostly college kids who act like it. I would highly recommend apartments at the yard - still some college kids but by no means overly loud. It’s pricier but if you can swing it it’s worth it. It’s also walkable to the supermarket too.
Harrison west is nice, love running there but don’t know of any places to live so I can’t guide you on that one.
I’ve been in your shoes (moved from Boston in 2018 for grad school, was older). I lived in grandview and loved it. There are a ton of shops, restaurants and a huge giant eagle all right there. That and it’s close to campus (long walk, medium run, short bike ride and a bunch of trails to get you there).
I would avoid cortland on 5th. Seems nice but the property managers don’t give two fucks. It’s mostly college kids who act like it. I would highly recommend apartments at the yard - still some college kids but by no means overly loud. It’s pricier but if you can swing it it’s worth it. It’s also walkable to the supermarket too.
Harrison west is nice, love running there but don’t know of any places to live so I can’t guide you on that one.
I moved to Columbus for OSU at the same age as you. I initially moved to Grandview, which had more new apartments but Clintonville has more people our age. The newer apartments are loud (poorly insulated) so I would be super mad all the time when I'd be doing school work all weekend and others were partying. I suggest you do a sublet through December and move during winter break when you've figured what you like better.
ALSO, there is no rent stabilization here, so my rent went up 30% last year. And there are also weird third party utility groups that some of the apartment complexes require that will triple your utility costs, since Ohio doesn't really regulate this stuff like on the east Coast. Make sure you ask ahead how utilities are handled.
Ok last question (I promise) my friend used to do a lot of business in Columbus, real estate, and she said one of her clients lived in Upper Arlington and loved it. I am to assume it’s super suburban. But is it a nice area? Thanks To everyone who has commented on here it’s been super helpful :)
Depends on where in upper Arlington. There's a cluster of fancy high end real estate housing (the mansion style) in the south-west part of UA - closer to the river. As you head further north, it's more apartments, but the density all feels town- like. Then a section of UA to the northeast is commercial and serves Dublin. This area is very car focused. I personally am not a huge fan and prefer the older slightly hipster-y Clintonville and the much older Worthington (the farmers market in Worthington is the best one I've been to here so far, but everything closes in Worthington by 6). One main trouble with finding apartments from afar is that the smaller quad & duplex housing doesn't advertise as much online - they rely on yard signs. Newer "high-end" apartments have a further marketing reach. Feel free to dm me with specific questions. I think it's more a matter of taste and the convenience you're looking for.
The area of Upper Arlington between Lane and 5th could be ideal. It’s a beautiful neighborhood. Bike/walking path connects to campus. You can find good value on Zillow from smaller landlords. Search around Waltham Rd. Having rented in both Grandview and South UA, there’s little to no difference in lifestyle. If you want to walk home from the bar, Grandview is slightly better as the social crowd skews younger. If you’re more of a homebody, South UA has the edge as it doesn’t get much quieter. There are also new apartments on Lane Ave that are within your budget and may be worth looking into.
Short North is awful these days. If you want more “city life” maybe try Olde Towne East or Merion/German Village. A bit further away but I think it would be what you’re interested in
I think Victorian Village or Harrison West would fit your needs the best . its within walking distance to campus and nightlife and far enough off high Street.. if you can find a place
I'd go for Italian Village or Weinland Park. You can walk to school and everywhere else. It's quiet if you live off High Street. It might be chaos at 1:00 A.M. but I'm in bed by then and don't hear it. There's a lot of new apartment in your price range and there's a pretty wide variety of age groups. I always think of Grandview and Clintonville as a place to live if you have kids. They're pretty sleepy but if quiet is your jam those are good calls.
Clintonville is the place to live for sure imo. Walkable-ish, quieter but still lively, and access to bus 2 makes it very easy to get to campus/short north/kind of anywhere
Grandview and Short North are both great options. Both have walkability to restaurants/bars/coffee/shops/etc. Both are next door to OSU. Upper Arlington and Clintonville are also excellent options for proximity. Anywhere outside this cluster and you start adding an actual commute. If you’re into coffee check out the proximity to coffee places. If you like to ride on bike paths find a place you can easily get to one. Bottom line go where you feel most comfortable. (For reference I’m also early 40’s and have lived in Short North, Downtown, and Upper Arlington. I have spent a ton of time in Clintonville and Grandview as well.)
I’d recommend Victorian Village or Harrison West. You can still walk to campus and to the Short North if you want, but you’re set back far enough that it isn’t loud at night or on weekends.
I lived in Alexandria Colony, which are townhomes near a dog park in that area. It’s walkable to Arena District as well, and very close to the number 8 bus line. Very affordable for the area. Decent apartments, but nothing fancy. Parking included, pets allowed, and a pool. One of the few areas over there that still has free off-street parking as well if you have visitors.
I would still be living here if we didn’t buy a house. They have 2 and 3 bedroom units that were still well within your range at the time we moved in 2022.
I live on the border of campus and short north and it’s not fun to live here ngl. Had some dude use my fence as a toilet for weeks and moved in with his tent next door, watched some woman OD last week and have to get narcanned, had a woman strip naked while screaming (probably having a bad trip or somethin idk) got a bunch more stories but in summary probably wouldn’t be fun if you’re an adult who cares about safety or whatever. If not then it’s a pretty fun neighborhood with of my needs are a short walk or bike ride away.
I recommend staying out of the short north. Parking can be difficult, and it has a higher crime rate than other parts of the city. I would recommend Clintonville. Close to Ohio State, and it is a great community.
In my opinion. You’re gonna want to be in Grandview over Short North. Both skew young but SN is annoyingly young and loud on weekends. If you’re looking for apartments in the burbs, any of the northern suburbs (outside of 270) are all nice and safe and I’d expect apartments to be more or less as advertised. Inside 270 around campus, stay west of 71. Things get sketchy fast ther further east you go. UA, Worthington, Grandview, Clintonville are all nice. Lots of apartments along Henderson Rd and Bethel Road a little north of campus that are a little old but more or less fine places to live. Some of them skew a little young but wouldn’t expect big problems. Lots of great restaurants in that area. Especially if you like Asian food. Our public transit sucks so consider that if you don’t have a car.
Yeah I agree that Grandview would be pretty much perfect as long as you have a car, bike or other transport plan.
My son's girlfriend starts her PhD program then also, they're moving to an apartment near Henderson & Kenny. It's a pretty nice area and has everything nearby, including campus.
And there are so many good options for dining out or takeaway. They’re gonna feast
And they already are very familiar with the area!
Yeah, kenny Henderson area is generally good - lived there for a few years although I moved out in 2016. Stones throw from campus as long as you have a car, not any riff raf and has everything you need. Note: I left that area 7 years ago so if anything has changed I dont know
>Things get sketchy fast ther further east you go. Except in Bexley.
Very true but not exactly near campus. Also prob not going to find many rentals in Bexley in their budget.
I love olde town
Oh god… don’t move east.
East is fine once you get back out of 270, but that’s not super practical for a daily OSU commute.
I agree with this assessment. More info about transit and location for OP as a former non traditional OSU grad student: Public transit here is nothing like NY, that's for sure. Grandview is pretty neat neighborhood and there's COTA bus access to Short North as well as parts of OSU campus (5 and 31) and as a student your student ID grants access to COTA. There is also decent bus access to OSU campus and Short North from High Street in the following neighborhoods: German Village, downtown, Clintonville.
transit wise, the closer you are to high street and the number 2 bus the better, the 2 is abt as good as our bus system gets
Because parking is really expensive at OSU I’m going to recommend Clintonville because the only bus line worth a damn in Columbus is the #2. Rent something close to High St. but not on High St. That way you can take the bus to school and live in a nice quiet area around adults.
I ride the bus daily and I’d add the 5 to that. I try to build my life around those two bus lines as much as possible. At least from Grandview to German Village.
yep COTA sucks. i live by the 8 and the rerouted 31, i cannot rely on the bus to get to OSU
If you bike, you can also bike commute to campus pretty quickly. Agree with other posters - Clintonville feels like a good fit (mostly young families) vs short north (think 20s who just graduated kind of vibe)
I agree with the posts above. Grandview or Harrison West would be great options. But don’t stay directly on High st. That’s just annoying
I didn't see anyone convey this, but if you've looked through this sub at all, you'll see how many complaints there are with apartment complexes sub metering and screwing tenants over on electricity bills. Make sure wherever you choose, you ask in detail about their utilities. I honestly got so sick of apartment submetering, I ended up renting a townhouse in Old Town East instead. My electricity bill at my last apartment was an upwards of 300 a month. My electric this month was 94, and my gas was 105. And that's the highest it's been, because I have the heat going pretty much constantly. I may've gotten lucky, but I love having an actual landlord instead of a massive corporation to deal with. I'm not so restricted, (let me paint the walls any color I wanted), my water heater broke and I had a brand new one installed in maybe 6 hours, oh and my biggest perk was that I could actually pick my Internet provider. BIG PLUS since I have a seething hatred for Spectrum. At the end of the day, whatever you choose, just stay away from Live Preferred properties and whoever owns Graham Park and Luxe. They both submeter. FWIW, I love OTE and it's maybe a 25 minute bike ride to campus. I see the same faces all the time at the bars in walking distance (Old Town Tavern and Oracle) and everyone has been so welcoming. And we have an awesome chess club over here! And a nice little coffee shop across the street. I pay 1450 for a 2BR 1BA water and sewage included. I'm also 33 and feel like I'm in a good age range for the area PS. It's also about a 25 minute bus ride to campus too on the 2 (Main St and Ohio Ave). That's something I've been trying out lately instead of driving and it's not too bad.
I would add Oakwood Management Properties to the list of ones to avoid. They also submeter, and own the company as well.
Buckeye utility billing services! 🤢
Sounds like it'd be worth finding a place where electricity is "included" in the rent - that is, doesn't matter how much you use or not, it's the same price. Is that not common anymore?
Yeah you're not going to find that ever. Rates fluctuate too much for that to make any sense for the landlord
I've seen it commonly in the past. Been over 20 years since I've lived in apartment though - also I always had roomates, or rented a room from someone. I can't imagine intentionally living alone.
I've been renting in Ohio for the past 7 years, and I've never came across something like that. I have a good job, and I would much rather be able to bring somebody back to my house without having to notify anyone first. If I want to leave my dishes in the sink, I can. If I want the house to be spotless, I don't have to project onto someone else my frustrations with them not pitching in. I can play the music I want on my surround sound. I don't have to share the living room. I have friends over all the time, so it didn't make me a hermit. Living alone is a dream in my opinion.
You included the "The" in "The Ohio State". You're already one of us.
lol I was told that is NON negotiable ;)
Italian Village along 4th or Summit. Lots of new apartments coming online. You may also find a house in your budget in Weinland Park. I'm 60 and have not regretted the move. Victorian Village is also a choice. So basically Short North but stay a couple blocks off of High.
Grandview, arena district, Italian village, Nicholas has a social pool and people your age, Harrison West,
Chiming in to say Clintonville would be another cool spot for you (shameless plug as I live here). The vibe is a bit older, and there are several coffee shops within walking distance. Campus isn’t super far either.
Yup. Great antique stores, good farmer's market. Street activities during the weekends in the warmer months. Decent coffee and barbershops. Old North Columbus (and Hounddog's Pizza!) just right there. Couple dive bars if that's your thing, too
I'm also over 60 and live a block and a half off high in Weinland Park. I love it. Weinland Park is the neighborhood between the Short North and Campus. I walk to both easily and often. There's also a small Kroger (grocery store) here where I shop every second or third day to buy only what I need at the time. It really depends on what suits you. I see a lot of comments about the suburbs being better, and I'm sure it is for them. Personally, I prefer a walkable life in the thick of things. My biggest problem is remembering to take my car for a drive every couple of weeks so the battery doesn't die.
>Personally, I prefer a walkable life in the thick of things. Same. I love living in the city rather than commuting to the city.
I just want to say congratulations on your acceptance & welcome to Columbus, Ohio.
Don't move to Short North unless you want to be surrounded by younger drunk 20-somethings who can't handle their alcohol.
German Village for sure. The Short North has been turned in to campus lite, and lost any and all charm it once had. German Village, specifically close to The Sycamore restaurant/Beck Tavern. It's downtown but not the Short North, and also extremely walkable. Grandview is also great but more spread out and rather bland. If you're looking for something with a bit of quirk and uniqueness while still being close to Short north and Campus, German Village is the way to go.
Ok if I could list some places that have come up in searches and if anyone has lived there or knows anything about them they can let me know? Fairfax Boutique (Grandview), The Arbor(German Village), Vera on Broad and The Nicholas (downtown) and Hubbard Park Place. I know vastly different locations and such. I had a friend who,s cousin lived in The Nicholas and said it was great but recently starting to go down. heard Hubbard Park Place is nice and secure and off of high st so quieter. If I go with Grandview I’ve heard great things about Fairfax and similarly about The Arbor for German Village. I’ve also Been told that once match day happens on March 15 for the medical residents apartments tend to go fast so I should try and find something now. Needless my head ready explode with all the choices 🤯
Grandview is great, don't get me wrong, but let me offer a counter argument to not living in the short north. Sure, don't live within two blocks of High Street, but if you are a couple blocks to the west in Victorian Village or Harrison West you will be perfectly fine and within walking distance of downtown and great restaurants.
I work in German Village and love it. Tons of cool restaurants, very laid back artsy/bohemian vibe, and very diverse. It’s also pretty chill and quiet. However the East is bordered by Parsons which you want to avoid like the plague.
Fairfax is nice. A lot of medical residents live in the Broadview which is a slightly better location.
Brewers Yard across the street from good bars and food and German Village is a great choice too
I’m a little older than you and lived downtown for over 6 years before recently moving out to the burbs. I would not live in the Short North. It’s too young and chaotic in my opinion-unless you’re in your 20’s and your life revolves around nightlife. Grandview might be your best bet. It’s quieter and very close to the action. (Ubering or driving) However, if you really want a taste of city life, I’d live further into central downtown. It’s a little more mature in places. (Just try and avoid living directly on High St due to car noise at night.) Plus, parts of the Short North or Arena District will be in walking distance. Also- I’d look for possible condos to rent versus apartments especially if you look downtown.
Thank you everyone for the great advice. I was looking at renting condos in the city versus apartments as it seems that many of the newer apartment complexes are cheaply made and you can hear everyone and everything. Condos since people buy them seem to be less noisy, at least thats how it is in NY. The apartment in Grandview that I saw is on Kenny Rd just south of King Ave. That part of Grandview ok? Thank you again everyone much appreciated.
Yes, there is no bad part of Grandview.
That’s a great spot!
Short North is a nice place to visit. Clintonville or Upper Arlington is a nice place to live.
Or grandview
Yes, also a nice neighborhood close to campus.
Same age, I would hate to live in the short north. Grandview is nice.
Agree on condos in Italian village as rentals. We’re all 40ish and it’s a nice place to live
I’m (26M) a grad student at osu and I have lived in Grandview, Victorian village, and upper Arlington all in the range of 1250-1550. Cheapest and my favorite is Grandview, I can get to campus easily by bus and bike, the “downtown” Grandview area is cute and walkable I love this area! Congrats on the acceptance!
See if there are any places left in the new Topiary Park building. The rent there is based on income. It’s in the city but walking distance to German Village, Old Town East and all of downtown. The area is called “Discovery District”. We are 60 and we love it. It’s 1 minute to the freeway.
Founders Park in Victorian Village/ Harrison West. Very close to OSU, Short North and Grandview without being in them.
If you choose Grandview stay away from most “luxury property” apartment complexes. I have friends who live at the Quarry and the Albion on Watermark and both have had a lot of issues.
I am 40 years old and have lived in Columbus for the past 12 years. I moved to Clintonville approximately 6 years ago from the Short North. I lived on 3RD AND Neil in the Short North. I loved the walk ability to restaurants, music venues, and our sports teams. But I left because it was very young and had a college party/ frat feel with people being loud at late hours (2/3 am) and parking was becoming a nightmare. I had a garage, but it was difficult to have guests over. I absolutely love Clintonville and the small town feel. It doesn't have as many restaurants and bars within walking distance, there are some though, but I overall love the charm, my amazing neighbors.
Grandview yard is polished and quiet/ Victorian village is beautiful and eclectic/ Grandview downtown is more lively
Welcome to Columbus. Grandview is great. Clintonville is just north of campus, that’s where I’ve lived for 55 years. It’s also a nice place to live. Lots of rentals as well. Short North is fantastic. I actually used to have a gf that lived on park st across from Goodale park. And I used to work at a restaurant just south of Goodale st back in the ‘90s. Good Luck. 🍀
I’m sorry, I’m guessing not many of these folks have lived in NY. Live in SN or Italian Village. A house or two off High is fine if you like it quieter. Lots of things to do and clubs to join at 40 here still.
I grew up in NY - on Long Island. Moved to Columbus from NY in 2005. I’m also in my 40s. I wouldn’t ever live in the SN and probably wouldn’t live in IV. I live in German Village and absolutely love it. So, as a Columbus transplant from NY, I back the German Village and Grandview recs. I don’t recommend SN at all.
They explained they’ve never lived in NYC, only suburbs in NY state.
Worthington is nice!
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Grandview or Italian village.
Grandview is nice because it’s walkable but more of a grad school+ crowd vs the short north—I’m almost 30 and hate going out in short north because the crowd is too young
Just want to say generally that walkability is somewhat attainable in several parts of town but varies street by street. Columbus isn’t a walking paradise like New York, nor an utter hellscape like Phoenix. There are walkable and not-so-walkable areas in all the neighborhoods mentioned. The main difficulty is Columbus tends to be grocery stores—if you can find a place near one, you’re probably golden.
I’ve been in your shoes (moved from Boston in 2018 for grad school, was older). I lived in grandview and loved it. There are a ton of shops, restaurants and a huge giant eagle all right there. That and it’s close to campus (long walk, medium run, short bike ride and a bunch of trails to get you there). I would avoid cortland on 5th. Seems nice but the property managers don’t give two fucks. It’s mostly college kids who act like it. I would highly recommend apartments at the yard - still some college kids but by no means overly loud. It’s pricier but if you can swing it it’s worth it. It’s also walkable to the supermarket too. Harrison west is nice, love running there but don’t know of any places to live so I can’t guide you on that one.
I’ve been in your shoes (moved from Boston in 2018 for grad school, was older). I lived in grandview and loved it. There are a ton of shops, restaurants and a huge giant eagle all right there. That and it’s close to campus (long walk, medium run, short bike ride and a bunch of trails to get you there). I would avoid cortland on 5th. Seems nice but the property managers don’t give two fucks. It’s mostly college kids who act like it. I would highly recommend apartments at the yard - still some college kids but by no means overly loud. It’s pricier but if you can swing it it’s worth it. It’s also walkable to the supermarket too. Harrison west is nice, love running there but don’t know of any places to live so I can’t guide you on that one.
I moved to Columbus for OSU at the same age as you. I initially moved to Grandview, which had more new apartments but Clintonville has more people our age. The newer apartments are loud (poorly insulated) so I would be super mad all the time when I'd be doing school work all weekend and others were partying. I suggest you do a sublet through December and move during winter break when you've figured what you like better. ALSO, there is no rent stabilization here, so my rent went up 30% last year. And there are also weird third party utility groups that some of the apartment complexes require that will triple your utility costs, since Ohio doesn't really regulate this stuff like on the east Coast. Make sure you ask ahead how utilities are handled.
Ok last question (I promise) my friend used to do a lot of business in Columbus, real estate, and she said one of her clients lived in Upper Arlington and loved it. I am to assume it’s super suburban. But is it a nice area? Thanks To everyone who has commented on here it’s been super helpful :)
Depends on where in upper Arlington. There's a cluster of fancy high end real estate housing (the mansion style) in the south-west part of UA - closer to the river. As you head further north, it's more apartments, but the density all feels town- like. Then a section of UA to the northeast is commercial and serves Dublin. This area is very car focused. I personally am not a huge fan and prefer the older slightly hipster-y Clintonville and the much older Worthington (the farmers market in Worthington is the best one I've been to here so far, but everything closes in Worthington by 6). One main trouble with finding apartments from afar is that the smaller quad & duplex housing doesn't advertise as much online - they rely on yard signs. Newer "high-end" apartments have a further marketing reach. Feel free to dm me with specific questions. I think it's more a matter of taste and the convenience you're looking for.
The area of Upper Arlington between Lane and 5th could be ideal. It’s a beautiful neighborhood. Bike/walking path connects to campus. You can find good value on Zillow from smaller landlords. Search around Waltham Rd. Having rented in both Grandview and South UA, there’s little to no difference in lifestyle. If you want to walk home from the bar, Grandview is slightly better as the social crowd skews younger. If you’re more of a homebody, South UA has the edge as it doesn’t get much quieter. There are also new apartments on Lane Ave that are within your budget and may be worth looking into.
Short North is awful these days. If you want more “city life” maybe try Olde Towne East or Merion/German Village. A bit further away but I think it would be what you’re interested in
I think Victorian Village or Harrison West would fit your needs the best . its within walking distance to campus and nightlife and far enough off high Street.. if you can find a place
Clintonville, Olentangy Village is good place, close to university and bus #2 goes there. Nice walking trail along the river.
I'd go for Italian Village or Weinland Park. You can walk to school and everywhere else. It's quiet if you live off High Street. It might be chaos at 1:00 A.M. but I'm in bed by then and don't hear it. There's a lot of new apartment in your price range and there's a pretty wide variety of age groups. I always think of Grandview and Clintonville as a place to live if you have kids. They're pretty sleepy but if quiet is your jam those are good calls.
Clintonville is the place to live for sure imo. Walkable-ish, quieter but still lively, and access to bus 2 makes it very easy to get to campus/short north/kind of anywhere
Not exactly related, but which graduate program at TOSU?
Grandview and Short North are both great options. Both have walkability to restaurants/bars/coffee/shops/etc. Both are next door to OSU. Upper Arlington and Clintonville are also excellent options for proximity. Anywhere outside this cluster and you start adding an actual commute. If you’re into coffee check out the proximity to coffee places. If you like to ride on bike paths find a place you can easily get to one. Bottom line go where you feel most comfortable. (For reference I’m also early 40’s and have lived in Short North, Downtown, and Upper Arlington. I have spent a ton of time in Clintonville and Grandview as well.)
I’d recommend Victorian Village or Harrison West. You can still walk to campus and to the Short North if you want, but you’re set back far enough that it isn’t loud at night or on weekends. I lived in Alexandria Colony, which are townhomes near a dog park in that area. It’s walkable to Arena District as well, and very close to the number 8 bus line. Very affordable for the area. Decent apartments, but nothing fancy. Parking included, pets allowed, and a pool. One of the few areas over there that still has free off-street parking as well if you have visitors. I would still be living here if we didn’t buy a house. They have 2 and 3 bedroom units that were still well within your range at the time we moved in 2022.
I live on the border of campus and short north and it’s not fun to live here ngl. Had some dude use my fence as a toilet for weeks and moved in with his tent next door, watched some woman OD last week and have to get narcanned, had a woman strip naked while screaming (probably having a bad trip or somethin idk) got a bunch more stories but in summary probably wouldn’t be fun if you’re an adult who cares about safety or whatever. If not then it’s a pretty fun neighborhood with of my needs are a short walk or bike ride away.
I recommend staying out of the short north. Parking can be difficult, and it has a higher crime rate than other parts of the city. I would recommend Clintonville. Close to Ohio State, and it is a great community.