The best places to live in Columbus
The areas and suburbs in Columbus are varied: quiet, tree-lined streets in some places, busy downtown blocks in others. Ohio’s capital is big and spread out, so where you settle shapes your daily life more than it might in a denser city.
A few things are worth weighing up first: how close you want to be to work and good schools, what your budget is, what kind of day-to-day lifestyle you want, and how car-dependent you are willing to be. Downtown and the inner neighbourhoods are genuinely walkable, but Columbus is the largest US city with no passenger rail, so for most of the metro, you will need a car.
To get your search going, start with the areas and suburbs below.
City living in Columbus
Downtown
Downtown is the heart of Columbus. Make it your home, and you will never be short of things to see and do, whether you fancy cocktails with a view or a night at one of the district’s many theatres.
In most of Columbus, you need a car, but Downtown is the exception. Every amenity you could need is within walking or cycling distance. If you work Downtown too, you get the rare luxury of skipping the weekday commute.
Italian Village
Italian Village is named after the Italian immigrants who settled here from the 1890s. Today, it is a revitalised neighbourhood rather than an ethnic enclave. The narrow brick streets and preserved old homes are still here, and the housing is mostly historic single-family homes, doubles, row houses, and a growing number of new build condos.
The bars and restaurants are a big draw, and the Fourth Street strip is a neighbourhood institution. Young professionals still make up most of the population, although empty-nesters and retirees are increasingly moving in. One thing to watch: residents report the odd car break-in, so park sensibly.
Short North
Short North is the arts district along High Street, between Downtown and the university, and it is the area locals most often steer newcomers towards. You can walk to galleries, restaurants, bars, and independent shops, and the monthly Gallery Hop has pulled crowds for decades. Young professionals snap up the lofts and flats here, so rents are at the higher end.
German Village
German Village is the historic brick-street neighbourhood just south of Downtown, and it is one of the largest privately funded historic districts in the country. You get 19th-century homes, cobbled streets, Schiller Park, and a strip of independent shops, all within walking distance. The neighbourhood is popular with everyone from young professionals to retirees, and a favourite among buyers who care about long-term property value.
Family-friendly areas in Columbus
Dublin
Dublin is a great choice for families with school-age children. The suburb is calm and well-kept, and Dublin City Schools are among the best in Ohio. Parents have more than 60 parks to choose from, plus over 100 miles (160km) of bike paths and sports pitches for football, cricket, baseball, and tennis.
Property in Dublin can be pricey, but houses and apartments are roomier here than in central Columbus. Crime is low; in fact, Dublin is safer than both the Ohio and national averages, and most residents reckon the perks are well worth the price.
Bexley
Bexley is a small town set inside the city, minutes east of Downtown. The sense of community is strong, and you will meet the neighbours soon enough at the parades, festivals, summer concerts, and holiday tree lighting held each year. The Drexel, an independent cinema on Main Street, has been a local fixture for decades.
Like Dublin, Bexley is known for its exceptional public schools. The district is small, so students tend to get more individual attention from teachers.
Clintonville
Clintonville is the family favourite for people who would rather stay close to the city than decamp to the suburbs. You get tree-lined streets, local shops, the Park of Roses, and easy access to the Olentangy Trail. Schools are well regarded, and you are only about 10 minutes from Downtown.