Considering moving to Columbus? Not only is Ohio’s state capital one of the best for young professionals, but it’s also among the best places to live in the Midwest. You’ll find everything from affordable housing options to low crime and plenty of things to do in Arch City. Check out these five safe, affordable neighborhoods in Columbus!
Bexley
Photo via @streetsothebysrealty
- Home Price: $337,683 median purchase price; $395 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 95% of Ohio cities
- Perfect For: Students, singles, young professionals, families, retirees
Nestled about ten minutes east of Downtown Columbus amongst other Columbus metro neighborhoods Bexley is a quiet, safe suburban city. Though prices are on the higher side for a Columbus suburb, the well-preserved Colonial-style houses, spacious yards, low-cost rentals, and many community events make this area worth the cost. Plus, the great educational opportunities at Bexley City Schools, St. Charles Preparatory School, and Columbus School for Girls make it one of the best neighborhoods for families in Columbus. Even young adults and college students appreciate Bexley for its proximity to Capital University.
Things to Do in Bexley
Explore the Conservatory, see exhibits like Harvest Blooms in the Botanical Gardens, or attend a daily glassblowing demonstration at the Hot Shop inside Franklin Park Conservatory & Botanical Gardens. Launch down a waterslide, soak up the sun, or take a dip in the Bexley Pool. Admire over 2,500 works of art—from sculptures to paintings—at the Schumacher Gallery. Watch blockbusters or independent films at the Drexel Theatre. Savor a Corned Beef Sandwich or Sam’s Western Omelet at Scotty’s Cafe. Visit The Top Steak House—one of the top restaurants in Columbus—for a Jumbo Lobster Tail or Baby Back Ribs. Order a Spicy Italian sub, specialty pizzas like the Maximum Pep and Veggie Blanco, or create your own pizza at Bexley Pizza Plus. Or satisfy your sweet tooth with a Banana Split, Berry fruit smoothie, or a scoop of homemade ice cream from Johnson’s Real Ice Cream.
Clintonville
Photo via @614homeandheart
- Home Price: $209,483 median purchase price; $743 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 95% of Ohio cities
- Perfect For: Students, singles, young professionals, families, retirees
Want to live in one of the best neighborhoods in Columbus? Check out Clintonville! Close to The Ohio State University, Clintonville is one of the best places in Columbus for college students and young professionals working in higher education. Young adults will like this affordable Columbus neighborhood even more for its budget-friendly apartments, quick commute to the city center, and trendy coffee shops and bars on N High Street. Families living in Clintonville will appreciate being close to high-quality Columbus schools like Clintonville Academy, The Graham School, and Clinton Elementary School. And all residents will love the many affordable housing options like ranches, Craftsman, and Tudor-style homes available in Clintonville.
Things to Do in Clintonville
Stop to smell the Columbus Park of Roses, one of the largest rose gardens in the country. Read a book by the pond, walk the trails, or shoot hoops at Whetstone Park. Shop for new clothes and chic accessories at local boutique Small Talk. Pick out fresh fruits and veggies from the Clintonville Farmers Market. Dig into hot wings or a spicy chicken sandwich at one of the best fast-food restaurants in Columbus, Hot Chicken Takeover. Get a taste of the Mediterranean with a Gyro Sandwich, Lamb Chop Entree, or Falafel Plate at Lavash Cafe. Dine on vegetarian favorites like Spinach-Artichoke Dip, Raw Broccoli Soup, or Spanako Rice Wraps at Portia’s Cafe. Create your own Pho Soup Bowl or try Vietnamese street food classics like Pork Bahn-Mi or a Noodle Salad Bowl from 6-1-Pho.
Downtown
Photo via @arenadistrict
- Home Price: $256,457 median purchase price; $695 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 95% of Ohio cities
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals
As the city’s hub for business and entertainment, Downtown Columbus is perfect for those who want to live near the action! The highly-walkable Downtown neighborhood includes the Uptown, Arena, and Discovery Districts, so it’s full of trendy bars, restaurants, sporting events, and other fun things to do in Columbus. Residents living Downtown will understand why the city is named the Indie Art Capital of the World, thanks to the area’s ample poetry readings, galleries, and creative events like the Columbus Art Festival. You’ll also find beautiful green spaces like Battelle Riverfront Park, popular community activities like North Market, and budget-friendly apartments and condos in this affordable Columbus neighborhood.
Things to Do in Downtown
Watch the puck fly across the rink during a Columbus Blue Jackets (NHL) game at the Nationwide Arena. Honor veterans from all branches of service at the National Veterans Memorial and Museum. Feel closer to far-away constellations in the COSI Planetarium or a full-size T-rex skeleton at the Center of Science and Industry. See everything from improv shows to plays at MadLab. Start your morning with a Strawberry Mint Matcha or Cold Brew from Brioso Coffee. Taste a modern twist on Asian classics with Crispy Dumplings, Korean BBQ Chicken, or Tom Yum Ramen at Tiger + Lily. Indulge in Southern dishes like Fried Green Tomatoes, a Country Fried Steak, or Smothered Pork Chop at LaSalle’s Southern Kitchen and Bar. Or fill up on White Bean & Roasted Cauliflower Hummus, Baked Rigatoni, or Short Rib En Carrozza at Lola’s Kitchen + Bar.
Harrison West
Photo via @dooleycoteam
- Home Price: $254,550 median purchase price; $1,055 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 95% of Ohio cities
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals
Looking for a safe neighborhood in Columbus away from the hustle and bustle? Consider Harrison West! Situated along the beautiful Olentangy River, this stunning Columbus neighborhood is on the National Register of Historic Places and is well-maintained by the Harrison West Society. This preservation and care can clearly be seen in the many flawless Victorian homes and manicured green spaces common to the neighborhood—like Wheeler Memorial Park, Thompson Park, and nearby Goodale Park. Despite the sense of being removed from the city, Downtown Columbus is a quick drive away thanks to Harrison West’s access to OH-315 and I-670.
Things to Do in Harrison West
Have a riverfront picnic date at Harrison Park. Let your furry friends run loose at Wheeler Dog Park. Treat yourself to a Body Wrap, Luxe Hydrofacial, or Lash Extensions at Lacquer Gallery. Try “Hens-in-a-Basket” or a Breakfast Chick ‘Wich at Katalina’s. Catch up with friends over Spicy Nachos or Asparagus Battered Fries paired with a Pineapple Express or Ketel Fizz cocktail at Harrison’s on Third. Tuck into German delicacies like Heidelberger Rahm Spatzle, Schnitzel Sandwich, or Bratwurst at Hofbrauhaus Columbus. Or reserve a table on the patio at Basi Italia to have Pizza Neapolitano, Baked Ricotta Gnocchi, or Butter Poached Halibut.
Worthington
Photo via @vutechruff
- Home Price: $235,220 median purchase price; $625 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 95% of Ohio cities
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
For a safe neighborhood in Columbus that won’t break the bank, look no further than Worthington! This northern Columbus suburb is a quiet place to live, popular among retirees and established families. While slightly removed from downtown life, singles and young professionals still love Worthington for its quick access to the Columbus metro. Residents also appreciate the area’s outdoor recreation spots, kid-friendly local businesses, and one of Columbus’ best farmers markets, the Worthington Farmers Market. And parents will feel confident sending their kids to local schools like Worthington Estates Elementary and Worthingway Middle School located within the Worthington City School District.
Things to Do in Worthington
Watch your kids burn energy on the playground at Indianola Park. Browse exhibits like Drawing the Line: Comic Artists of Columbus or see the Worthington Chamber Orchestra perform at the McConnell Arts Center. Learn everything about railroads and locomotives at Ohio Railway Museum—and end your visit with a train ride. Challenge friends to a round of golf, sweat through a HIIT class, or splash in the pool at Brookside Golf & Country Club. Dine on a Prosciutto & Over-Easy Egg Sandwich or Braised Short Rib Hash paired with The Whitney Mimosa at The Whitney House. Order Fried Veggies and Bahama Mamas for the adults and Peanut Butter & Jelly or Grilled Cheese for the kids at family-friendly Over The Counter. Savor Shrimp Fajitas, Carne Asada, or Carnitas at Chapala Mexican Grill. Or spoil your dinner with delicious treats like Snickerdoodle cookies or Red Velvet Cupcakes from Mrs. Goodman’s Baking Co.
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Neighborhood and suburb statistics from AreaVibes
