Looking for the very best places to invest in Columbus? Located on the edge of the Scioto river, Columbus, Ohio, is known for more than just its midwestern charm. Home to nearly 1 billion dollars worth of startups, this midwestern tech hub is home to over 2 million people across the metro area. With popular attractions such as Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, and COSI (Center of Science and Industry) the city also has a range of entertainment options for residents to find a happy balance of work and play. And with relatively steady increase in rental rates year over year, and a close split between residents who own versus rent, Columbus is a great place for investors of all kinds to begin their search for investment properties. However, it is an expansive city with many different areas to choose from, some that investors may not even be aware of. In this article, we’ll list the best places to invest in Columbus and what type of properties, neighborhoods, and price ranges you can expect there.
Bexley
Where is it?
First up on our list is the city of Bexley. Just 8 minutes and 3.5 miles outside of the city center, this charming neighborhood is in close proximity to a green belt full of parks and rivers, as well as Capital University. Since Bexley is a suburb of Columbus, residents get all of the benefits of close access to the city with the additional space of the suburbs.
What types of properties are available?
The Bexley area consists mostly of B-class, single-family homes that are priced, on average, higher than the median home price for the city. However, given that many of the homes in this area are historic, there is definitely room for investors looking to renovate and resell properties. The charm and affluence of the neighborhood are a surefire way to ensure your investment holds its value for years to come.
What other benefits are there?
The schools in Bexley are rated highly for the city of Columbus and remain a major draw for families. Who wouldn’t want to send their kids to some of the best schools in the area? While the close commute to downtown and good schools are certainly major pulls for parents, young professionals are eager for their piece of the pie, too. Bexley is a short distance away from many bars and restaurants, as well as a green belt; making it an excellent neighborhood for residents of all kinds.
Clintonville
Where is it?
The neighborhood of Clintonville lies just 12 minutes north of the Columbus city center. Notable for its proximity to golf courses, greenspaces, as well as being just a few minutes from Ohio State University, this neighborhood is perfect for residents looking to live in a tight-knit community just on the outskirts of campus.
What types of properties are available?
Mostly made up of B-class, single-family homes and condos, Clintonville is priced about average for the city. While there are plenty of historic homes looking to be renovated, there are also freshly updated houses that are still available for a great price for the investor looking to hold a rental property in the area.
What other benefits are there?
Residents of the area have close access to a variety of greenspaces, with bike paths and parks placed throughout the area. Clintonville is also known for its variety of laidback cafes and gastropubs, all of which give this community its unique feel. The proximity to the University also ensures high demand for the area in terms of rental space, for the staff, faculty, and students of OSU.
University District
Where is it?
Keeping up with the renters’ paradise theme, you’ll definitely want to explore University District. Its apt name comes from its close proximity to Ohio State University, and it’s the perfect place for investors looking to secure a high-demand rental property. Just 10 minutes north of downtown Columbus, this area is packed full of entertainment, food, and parks for residents to enjoy.
What types of properties are available?
There’s an abundance of B-class homes available in the University District, making it an ideal place for an investor looking to buy a property that won’t need much work to become rent-ready. Many of the properties available are 3 bed, 1 bath-style homes, however there are a range of properties on the market to suit all kinds of investors.
What other benefits are there?
Other than proximity to the university, the short drive to downtown and all of the conveniences of the city is a major perk for residents of the area. While a large portion of University District is made up of students and faculty of OSU, its variety of shops, dinning, and entertainment make it a hotspot for young professionals as well.
German Village
Where is it?
Moving a little closer to the heart of the city, you’ll find the neighborhood known as German Village. It’s located less than a mile from the city center and, with an abundance of properties to choose from, this neighborhood is extremely popular for residents looking to keep their circle of travel small while enjoying everything the city has to offer.
What types of properties are available?
German Village boasts a large variety of properties that range from A-class to C-class single-family homes, as well as some duplexes. Given the range of properties available, the pricing for the area varies greatly as well. The high returns on C-class properties make them perfect for investors of all kinds, regardless of whether you’re in it to hold long-term or you’re looking to flip and resell. Meanwhile, the stable investment of A-class homes in the heart of the city ensures your investment will hold its value. The majority of residents in German Village rent their homes, but there is still a large population looking to buy. So, while you might have your competition cut out for you, an investment here would certainly be worth the trouble.
What other benefits are there?
There is a wide variety of things to do in and around the neighborhood of German Village. Some of the city's greatest attractions such as The Columbus Museum of Art and the Scioto River waterfront remain popular among both residents and tourists alike. The entertainment and dining options also keep the city center bustling.
Reynoldsburg
Where is it?
The neighborhood of Reynoldsburg is located 20 minutes east of the heart of Columbus and is known for its sprawling suburban feel. This distance from the city center comes with the added benefit of extra space. It’s common to find properties with acreage as well as undeveloped land, ripe for building. Whether you’re looking to add ancillary dwelling units on existing properties or break ground on something brand new, Reynoldsburg is great for investors who are looking to build.
What types of properties are available?
There is a decent mix of all home types available in Reynoldsburg. From big houses on large plots of land to smaller, single-family homes priced closer to the Columbus average, this neighborhood is a well of opportunities for eager investors. All the better if you’re interested in creating a legacy with multiple rental properties in one place.
What other benefits are there?
Given all the extra space that comes with Reynoldsburg real estate, the main benefit is the sheer amount of parks and greenspaces in the area. Even though the neighborhood is the farthest from the city center on our list, it is still home to renters and owners alike, and you can find a mix of families and young professionals living locally.
Final Thoughts: Best Places to Invest in Columbus
Columbus has plenty of areas for investors to choose from with a variety of features, price points, and cultures. Investors can expect to find affluent neighborhoods, culturally rich and historical scenes, and suburban nature havens alike. To get the best feel for where you’d like to invest, it always helps to talk to an expert who has boots-on-the-ground knowledge and knows each neighborhood like the back of their hand. Our Columbus team is always happy to help and answer any questions you might have. If you’d like to learn more about the Columbus market as a whole, including population insight, renal market trends, and more, download our Columbus Market Deep Dive.
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