Not only is Columbus one of the best cities to live in the Midwest, but it’s also one of the best cities for singles and young professionals—thanks to its growing job market, low cost of living, and unique neighborhoods with plenty to do. If you’re seeking a balance of urban amenities for socializing, easy commutes, and affordable housing, here are some of the best Columbus neighborhoods for young professionals!
| Neighborhood | Clintonville | Downtown Columbus | Grandview Heights | Italian Village | Victorian Village |
| Safer than % of Ohio | 94% | 94% | 53% | 94% | 94% |
| Median Home Price | $489,281 | $433,172 | $755,656 | $574,953 | $469,663 |
| Median Rent Price | $1,629 | $2,033 | $2,168 | $1,854 | $1,444 |
| Median Household Income | $128,074 | $88,916 | $140,973 | $108,735 | $105,499 |
| Median Age | 34.6 | 38.3 | 36.7 | 28.2 | 31.7 |
Clintonville
- Home Price: $489,281 median purchase price; $1,629 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 94% of Ohio cities
Offering a collection of charming, affordable Craftsman bungalows and multi-family duplexes, as well as modern apartment complexes, Clintonville is a great spot for young professionals looking to put down roots in Columbus. Outdoor energy meets local culture at nearby Whetstone Park, while the Clintonville Farmers Market provides fresh produce and artisan goods from spring through autumn. Residents also have quick access to hike or bike the Olentangy Trail or canoe, paddleboard, or kayak on the Olentangy River. With a strong local community supported by the Clintonville Area Commission, young adults living in the area enjoy the perfect balance of an active lifestyle, trendy local shops, and neighborhood charm.
Things to Do in Clintonville
Wander through one of the largest public rose gardens in the U.S.—spanning 13 acres and featuring thousands of rose specimens, paved walking paths, and quiet green spaces—at Columbus Park of Roses. See the latest blockbuster or catch a classic with a beer and a slice of pizza at the historic Studio 35 Cinema & Drafthouse. Explore one-of-a-kind finds at eclectic shops like Small Talk or vintage co-op The Little Light Collective. Meet up with friends or make new ones during speed puzzles, tabletop gaming, and Pokemon nights at Table Top Game Cafe. Indulge in neighborhood charm and pancake balls stuffed with Nutella or Dulce de Leche at Katalina’s. Savor Mediterranean eats like Kibbeh, Shawarma, and Kefta at Lavash Cafe. Sip on a Roger That, Potato Yoshi, or Mighty Tiny while snacking on pub fare with friends at Derive Brewing Company. Or get messy with Loaded Corn Cakes, Half Slab Ribs, or a Hot & Heavy at Hank’s Texas BBQ.
Downtown Columbus
- Home Price: $433,172 median purchase price; $2,033 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 94% of Ohio cities
Downtown Columbus, including the popular Arena District, is a premier area of Columbus for singles and young professionals due to its high-energy culture and central placement in the city’s sports and entertainment core. Featuring brick streets and dynamic patio dining along Nationwide Boulevard, the area swaps traditional single-family homes for upscale urban living—including exposed-brick industrial lofts, sleek high-rise condos with skyline balconies, luxury mid-rise apartments, and modern townhomes. Downtown is also the city’s prime hub for job opportunities, offering an easy commute to major employers like Nationwide Mutual Insurance, American Electric Power (AEP), JPMorgan Chase & Co., and the City of Columbus and State Government offices.
Things to Do in Downtown Columbus
Catch a Blue Jackets (NHL) hockey game at Nationwide Arena or watch a Clippers (MiLB) game at Huntington Park. Enjoy performances from artists like Rainbow Kitten Surprise, ICP, and Phantogram at KEMBA Live! Stroll the paths or attend outdoor events while taking in beautiful views of the Scioto River at the Scioto Mile. Sample local food vendors, artisan crafts, and fresh produce inside the historic North Market. Grab a Wallie Hoagie, Buffalo Ranch Slider, or Short Ribs at The Walrus. Try authentic New Orleans comfort food dishes like Bourbon Chicken, Greens Gumbo, and Jambalaya Mac & Cheese at Creole 2 Geaux. Before or after going to a concert, sample a rotating lineup of drinks on tap at Whistle & Keg, steps from the Nationwide Arena. Gather with fellow hockey fans for a beer and a Western Conference Burger, Chipotle Chicken Wrap, or Cajun Chicken Philly at R Bar.
Grandview Heights
- Home Price: $755,656 median purchase price; $2,168 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 53% of Ohio cities
Columbus singles and young professionals flock to the Grandview Heights area for its ideal mix of small-town charm, walkable streets, urban amenities, and immediate proximity to both downtown and Ohio State University. Though technically an independent suburb, its inner-ring location gives it a strong connection to Columbus. Housing options perfectly mirror this urban-suburban lifestyle, ranging from historic 1920s Craftsman bungalows, brick Tudor revivals, and Sears kit homes with inviting front porches to sleek Grandview Yard luxury apartments, modern townhomes, and low-maintenance condo complexes. Residents can enjoy community gatherings like The Grandview Hop, a seasonal night market series that fills the streets with local vendors, food trucks, and live entertainment.
Things to Do in Grandview Heights
Explore independent shops like Blue Couch Bookshop and Red Thread Studio along Grandview Avenue. Mix and pour your own candles for a first date or girls’ night out at Penn & Beech Candle Co. See local and up-and-coming live bands at Natalie’s Grandview. Marvel at the permanent collection featuring over 250 fine craft works by pioneering Ohio artists, or stroll through rotating exhibitions at the Ohio Craft Museum. Start your day with an Apple Fritter, Sour Cream Old Fashioned, or Maple Long John from local favorite donut stop, DK Diner. Catch up with friends over a drink or a meal at the Little Grand Market food hall. Dig in to Italian dishes like Bianco pizza, Gnocchi al Forno, and Pasta Bolognese at La Tavola. Grab a drink to pair with Loaded Cottage Fries, a BBQ Meatloaf Sandwich, or The Works Pizza at Press Pub on 5th.
Italian Village
- Home Price: $574,953 median purchase price; $1,854 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 94% of Ohio cities
Italian Village is known for its creative vibe, historic roots, and seamless commuting to the adjacent Short North Arts District and Downtown Columbus. Tucked just east of High Street, the neighborhood has an active social scene with highly walkable access to craft breweries, artisan coffee spots, and shops nestled along quiet streets. This community is supported by the Italian Village Society—a volunteer organization of local residents that actively advocates for neighborhood needs and concerns. Housing options blend historic charm and modern growth, ranging from beautifully restored 19th-century Italianate homes, Queen Anne houses, and brick row homes to adaptive-reuse industrial lofts and contemporary apartment complexes. The neighborhood also offers green spaces like Italian Village Park—perfect for a casual picnic, walking the dog, or outdoor yoga session.
Things to Do in Italian Village
Browse fine art on a day out at Marcia Evans Gallery. Get together for trivia or board game nights at Bada Bean Bada Booze. Get a fresh cut and play pool while you wait at Royal Rhino Club. Read, study, or catch up with friends over a delicious coffee or tea paired with a Souffled Egg Sandwich or Sticky Bun at Fox in the Snow. Chow down on a Cauliflower Melt, classic Egg & Cheese, or Lox bagel at The Lox Bagel Shop. Grab drinks on the rooftop deck, play lawn games, and sample diverse eats from a chef-driven incubator food hall inside a restored historic dairy facility at Budd Dairy Food Hall. Enjoy a slice of Comfort Zone Harry, Annie Social, or roll the dice with a Chef’s Choice pie made up on the spot at Goremade Pizza. Sip on a Li’l IPA, Goo Goo Muck, or Kitty Paw while browsing the food truck options at Seventh Son Brewing.
Victorian Village
- Home Price: $469,663 median purchase price; $1,444 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 94% of Ohio cities
Victorian Village is a great Columbus neighborhood for singles and young professionals because of its relaxed residential energy and immediate proximity to other popular areas like Short North, downtown, and OSU. Centered along historic Neil Avenue and anchored by the 32-acre Goodale Park, the neighborhood offers an idyllic setting for morning jogs, picnics, and other casual outdoor relaxation. Residents enjoy seamless walkability to the bustling restaurants, art galleries, and patio bars along High Street, while returning to quiet Victorian-style homes, brick townhomes, duplexes, or converted historic buildings turned into apartments.
Things to Do in Victorian Village
Celebrate local music, arts, food vendors, and community spirit at Goodale Park’s annual ComFest—or dress in costume and marvel at DIY floats during the satirical Doo Dah Parade. Tour the castle-like Circus House or take a self-guided architectural tour down Neil Avenue to admire towering 19th-century Queen Anne, Italianate, and Victorian-era structured mansions lining this historical city street. Belt out your favorite songs during Karaoke Nights at Vic Village Tavern. Wake up with an iced latte and a pastry inside a beautiful converted church at Stauf’s Coffee. Tuck into Baked Chive Ricotta Gnocchi or Eggplant Parmesan with a glass of Red Sangria at Basi-Italia. Enjoy Carne Asada, Al Pastor, or Chorizo Tacos at Taqueria Los Primos. Catch a game over brews paired with Buffalo Chicken Wraps, Corned Beef Reubens, or Dang Quesadillas at Zeno’s. Dine on Lobster Mac ‘n Cheese, Lamb Sliders, or a Spiced Bean Burger at Arch City Tavern.
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The team at Extra Space Storage understands that moving to a new city can be stressful, which is why we’ve created our Best Places to Live selections to help make the process easier. We’ve done the research for you—considering factors like cost of living, job market, local attractions, and education—to provide a well-rounded and accurate view of each metro area. Check out our methodology page today to learn more about how we select the best places to live.
Neighborhood statistics from AreaVibes
