Your Columbus, OH Real Estate Questions Answered

Columbus, Ohio, is a great place to live for many reasons. The city is constantly growing and changing, with new restaurants, businesses, and attractions popping up all the time. Add to that a low cost of living and plenty of job opportunities, and it’s no wonder Columbus is one of the fastest-growing cities in the country. 

Columbus has a community to suit any lifestyle, whether you’re looking for vibrant city life or small-town charm. If you’re thinking of buying or selling real estate in Columbus, OH, we have answers to your most common questions.

What is the average price of a home in Columbus, OH?

The Columbus real estate market is hot in Q1 2022, with demand outpacing supply in many areas. It was forecasted to be the fifth hottest housing market in the nation during 2022.

The average home price in Columbus varies depending on the neighborhood, but the median sale price in January 2022 was $225,000, which was 9.2% up year-over-year. Typical home prices range from $150,000-$350,000.

The most affordable home in March 2022 was a 600 square-foot studio for $35,000 in need of repair. The most expensive listing was for $2.45 million on a one and a half acre lot overlooking a river with three bedrooms in over 3.5-bathrooms.

Are there any condos or townhomes available in Columbus, OH? 

There are many condos and townhomes available in Columbus. The most active areas for condo and townhome developments are the Downtown area, the Short North Arts District, and the Polaris areas.

The most expensive listing in March 2022 was a downtown condo for $1.95 million with three bedrooms, 3.5-bathrooms, and almost 3,500 sq ft of living space. The most affordable listing was a condo needing repairs for $16,301 with three bedrooms and 1.5-bathrooms.

What’s the best time of year to buy or sell a home in Columbus?

You can find a property in Columbus at any time of year, but there tends to be more activity during certain seasons. That’s because Columbus is also a college town that attracts over 100,000 students each year. More students or college-related professionals are looking to buy or sell real estate in the spring and summer. If you’re looking to buy, the spring and summer months are the best time to find a property that’s in your budget and move-in condition.

What is the property tax rate for Columbus, OH?

The property tax rate for Columbus is assessed based on a per-thousand dollars of assessed home valuation. The Ohio property tax rate in 2021 was 0.47 mils. The Franklin County property tax rate was 19.77 mils. The City of Columbus charged 3.14 mils. Columbus City Schools charged 81.03 mils. In total, the rate for a city of Columbus resident was 107.21 mils.

What county is Columbus, OH, in?

Columbus is the capital of Ohio and is located in Franklin County. Other major cities in Franklin County include Westerville, Dublin, and Gahanna. 

Franklin is home to 19 Metro Parks with more than 200 miles of hiking trails. It has a highly regarded culinary scene and top-rated attractions like the Columbus Zoo and Zoombezi Bay waterpark. You can learn more about what’s nearby in our Columbus moving guide.

Is Columbus, OH, growing?

Yes, Columbus is growing rapidly. The city’s population in April 2020 was 905,748 and has grown by more than 17% since 2010. It ranked 59th in the nation for population growth. It’s expected to continue to grow in the years to come. 

What neighborhoods are in Columbus, OH?

There are dozens of neighborhoods in Columbus, OH, each with a unique character and amenities. Some of the most popular communities include the German Village, Victorian Village, and Short North Arts District areas. These neighborhoods are known for their restaurants, nightlife, and arts scene. Here’s a snapshot of some of the neighborhoods:

Franklinton was the first settlement in the area to be established in 1797. It is experiencing revitalization and becoming a new creative center for Columbus’s culture and independent art scene. The two areas are linked via several paths and parklands along the Scioto Mile.

The Near East Side is quickly becoming a hot destination. This group of neighborhoods, which includes Olde Towne East, the King-Lincoln District, and Franklin Park, is an up-and-coming area with stately Victorian homes and tree-lined streets.

German Village is one of the most picturesque areas in the Midwest, located south of downtown Columbus. Originally constructed by German immigrants in the mid-nineteenth century, the lovingly restored brick homes, shops, streets, and sidewalks are full of historic allure and modern swank. Residents live a short walk or drive from downtown.

The Arena District is the name given to the northwest sector of Columbus. The site of the former Ohio Penitentiary was used to develop the Arena District, which was created through a collaboration between Nationwide Realty Investors, the City of Columbus, and several private investors.

The largely residential area of Clintonville extends north from campus to Worthington. Laid-back cafés, gastropubs, independent stores, and huge parks line important thoroughfares High Street and Indianola Avenue.

Easton is the largest retail center in Columbus, with more than 240 best-in-class businesses, restaurants, and entertainment venues. It is located approximately 15 minutes east of downtown Columbus and north of John Glenn Columbus International Airport. Easton has developed 16 acres of new mixed-use space and several multifamily developments. 

What is the cost of living in Columbus, OH? 

The cost of living in Columbus, OH, is relatively low compared to other major metropolitan areas. Based on Sperling’s cost of living index, Columbus has an overall score of 85.5 compared to the USA score of 100. This means that you can live comfortably in Columbus without spending a lot of money.

What neighborhoods are near the Ohio State University?

The neighborhoods closest to the Ohio State University are the Old North Columbus, Riverview, Cranbrook, Dennison Place, Brandon Heights, Wakefield Forest, and North Campus areas. The Columbus suburbs of Upper Arlington and Grandview Heights are also beside the campus. Other popular areas surrounding Ohio State University include Italian Village and the Short North Arts District. These neighborhoods are known for their restaurants, nightlife, and proximity to the university.

Are there any waterfront properties found in Columbus, OH? 

Yes, there are waterfront properties found in Columbus, OH. The most popular areas for waterfront living are the Downtown area along the Scioto River or Olentangy River. These two rivers intersect in the heart of historic downtown Columbus. 

The Olentangy River area has an extensive trail system limiting direct residential living. Still, you can be within walking distance to the river by living in Northmoor, Waterview, North Campus, Tuttle Park, Old Beechwold. and the Scioto Mile. 

These neighborhoods offer stunning views of the river and city skyline. 

The Scioto River has more options for waterfront living, especially as you head north and enter the Columbus suburbs. You can find waterfront real estate along Riverside Drive moving through Upper Arlington, Canterbury, Scioto Trace, Scioto Estates, and Llewellyn Farms to Dublin. Heading south, you can find condos with stunning views of the Scioto in the Uptown District and the Brewery District.

How is golf in Columbus, OH?

There are 14 golf courses in Columbus, OH, with municipal, public, and private courses available for play. The highest-rated courses are the Brookside Golf and Country Club, the Worthington Hills Country Club, and the Eagle Eye Golf Course. The Ohio State University also runs its golf club. Champions Golf Club and Eagle Eye Golf Club are two public courses close to the city center.

Columbus doesn’t have a golf course community inside the city limits. If you’re looking for a golf course community, your best bet is to look at the suburbs.

The most popular golf course communities are the Muirfield Village, The Medallion Club, and Tartan Fields areas. These neighborhoods offer luxurious homes with easy access to some of the best golf courses in the area. 

What areas are near Columbus, OH?

Several areas near Columbus are worth considering if you’re looking for a new place to live. The most popular areas include the suburbs of Upper Arlington, Dublin, Westerville, and Gahanna. These areas offer great schools, ample job opportunities, and plenty of amenities. 

The Ohio State University is right in the heart of Columbus. Many people are attracted here for the educational opportunities.

Columbus has many metro parks and surrounding state parks in terms of recreation. Your choices include the Battelle-Darby Metro Parks, Alum Creek State Park, and Delaware State Park. Hocking Hills State Park is a popular destination just over an hour’s drive from Columbus. Buckeye Lake is another popular getaway destination in the summer, and it’s directly east on I-70.

Are there any new developments in Columbus, OH?

Yes, many new developments are underway in Columbus, Ohio. The most popular areas for new development include the Downtown area, the Short North Arts District, and the Polaris area. Many of these projects are concentrated in multifamily. Your best bet is to look in the surrounding suburbs for single-family homes.

What to know about real estate in Columbus, OH

If you’re thinking of buying or selling real estate in Columbus, Ohio, be sure to contact a local real estate agent for more information. They can help you navigate the market and answer any other questions you may have.