Columbus, Ohio, is a great place to live for many reasons. Central Ohio’s largest city is still growing, 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 that suits any lifestyle, whether you are looking for exciting downtown city life or small-town charm. If you’re buying or selling real estate in Columbus, OH, we have answers to your most common questions.

Columbus Housing Market Overview

For several years running, the Columbus, Ohio, real estate market has ranked among the top 15 hottest housing markets nationwide. In 2024, it ranked 15th (lower than prior years) but was the 8th “emerging housing market.” Other media sites put Columbus right on top as the most popular housing market.

These rankings are based on factors like closed sales, home price growth, market inventory, supply, and active listing views.

Columbus’s low unemployment rate and relative housing affordability drive the housing market. Although it’s posted year-over-year gains in median home prices, the overall median price still falls under the national average. Being a mid-size city, it also has the advantage of less density without losing popular urban amenities like an arts scene, professional sports, delicious and diverse dining, and lower commute times. Columbus is also considered a “college town” with the nation’s third-largest university.

What is sales activity like in Columbus?

Based on the 2023 Columbus housing market report, closed sales declined 11.8% despite the market’s high demand. Active listings did increase by 9.7%, but the total inventory of homes for sale remains low. The year wrapped with just 3,156 listings. Nonetheless, despite a reduction in closed sales, most sellers received 100.4% of their list price. It is a testament to the demand for homes in Columbus. Single-family homes spent an average 24 days on market, while condos reported an average 20 days on market.

Local Columbus neighborhoods with the most change in their home prices in 2023 were:

• Valleyview (24%)
• New Albany (19%)
• Dublin (11%)
• Short North (9%)
• Hilliard (9%)

Columbus needs more active homes for sale to meet buyer demand. But, as of August 2024, new listings have increased 0.6% across the metro. In the City of Columbus, there were 1% more new listings than the same time last year.

How are home prices in Columbus, OH?

Given Columbus’ status as a hot market, you could expect high home prices. In 2023, the median home price across the entire Columbus metro was $302,000, a 4.1% year-over-year increase. In the City of Columbus, home prices jumped 17.4%, but were still at an affordable $270,000.

Even more recent numbers show how the current market is still in demand among home buyers. In August 2024, the year-to-date median home sale price was $320,000, up 5.1%. Inside the city limits, home buyers were paying $20,000 more, or $290,000, at the year-to-date.

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.

August 2024 home prices ranged from $3,000-$6.5 million, both for vacant lots.

The most affordable Columbus home in September 2024 was a foreclosed home being sold as-is at $28,000. The most expensive was in Upper Arlington, priced at $4.2 million in the Scioto Country Club with five bedrooms in over five bathrooms.

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

Find many condos and townhomes available in Columbus. The August 2024 housing market had 701 listings in this property type. The most active areas with condos and townhomes for sale are the Downtown area, the Short North Arts District, and the Polaris areas.

In September 2024, the most expensive real estate listing was a downtown condo for $2.7 million with two bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and almost 4,000 sq ft of living space. The most affordable listing was a condo with 784 square feet and one bedroom and one bathroom for $77,000.

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 move to Columbus, 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 2024 was 0.32 mils. The Franklin County property tax rate was 19.77 mils. The City of Columbus charged 3.14 mils. Columbus City Schools charged 87.91 mils.

What county is Columbus, OH, in?

At the heart of the state, Columbus is the capital of Ohio and is based in Franklin County. Other major cities in Franklin County include Westerville, Dublin, and Gahanna.

Franklin’s perks include 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. Learn more about what’s nearby in our Columbus moving guide.

Is Columbus, OH, growing?

Central Ohio 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. The greater metro has 1.7. million people. Columbus and its neighborhoods are expected to continue to grow in the years to come.

What neighborhoods are in Columbus, OH?

The dozens of Columbus, OH neighborhoods give the Cbus its unique character. Find opulent Victorian-style homes like the famous “Circus Home” all the way to modern-style architecture. Popular neighborhoods include the German Village, Victorian Village, and Short North Arts District areas because of their architectural character. These neighborhoods are also known for their restaurants, nightlife, and arts scene. Here’s a snapshot of Columbus neighborhoods:

Franklinton was the first settlement in Central Ohio, established in 1797. While experiencing a recession for several decades, today, it’s experiencing revitalization both in housing and in business. With the ongoing construction, Franklinton is becoming a new creative center for Columbus’s culture and independent art scene. It links to greater Columbus, including downtown, through 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. Situated south of downtown Columbus, German immigrants originally constructed it in the mid-nineteenth century. The lovingly restored brick homes, shops, streets, and sidewalks are full of historic allure and modern swank, making it one of the hottest neighborhoods to live or visit. Residents live a short walk or drive from downtown.

The Arena District is northwest of downtown Columbus. It was developed on the site of the former Ohio Penitentiary through a collaboration between Nationwide Realty Investors, the City of Columbus, and several private investors. The stadiums are a huge draw, but there are homes for sale with added convenience to the city’s entertainment destinations.

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

Easton is Columbus’s largest retail center, with more than 240 best-in-class businesses, restaurants, and entertainment venues. It is 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.

Upper Arlington ranks among the top family neighborhoods, with excellent schools, beautiful homes, and access to the OSU campus.

Downtown is another amazing place to live, with a bevy of condos and historic homes. In warmer weather, jump on the Scioto Mile for a waterfront run or bike. Many top attractions are walkable, as are some of the fun places like the Brewery District, Short North, and Scioto Audubon Metro Park.

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 91.4 compared to the USA score of 100. This means that you can live comfortably in Columbus without spending a lot of money. A major draw is the affordable housing.

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 neighborhoods surrounding Ohio State University include Italian Village and the Short North Arts District. All these neighborhoods have perks appealing to the college set, like affordable restaurants and nightlife.

Are there any waterfront properties in Columbus, OH?

Even though this is Central Ohio, the waterfront is a standout feature of Columbus. The city was settled because it is at the confluence of several rivers, making travel easier back in the day. Today, the most popular areas for waterfront living are 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, which is great for all city residents, but limiting for direct residential living. Still, you can be within walking distance of the river by living in Northmoor, Waterview, North Campus, Tuttle Park, and Old Beechwold. These neighborhoods offer stunning views of the river and city skyline. Further north, find access to the riverfront in Worthington.

The Scioto River has more options for waterfront living, especially as you head north and enter the Columbus suburbs. Waterfront real estate is prime 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.

Finding waterfront among the active homes for sale will require more patience, but with the real estate agent, you can find it.

How is golf in Columbus, OH?

You’ll be pleased with the options, as 14 golf courses are based in Columbus, OH. The city has 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 have 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. Upper Arlington, Dublin, Westerville, and Gahanna are the most popular immediate suburbs. These areas run adjacent to the city and have more advantages, like some of the metro’s best schools, more job opportunities, metro parks, and retail centers.

However, you can go slightly further afield for classic Midwestern small-town living. Marysville is directly northwest, Delaware to the north, and Granville to the east. Grove City and its multiple retail centers are southwest.

The Ohio State University is in the heart of Columbus. Many people are attracted to this midsize city for its educational opportunities.

Columbus has many metro parks and surrounding state parks for recreation. Local choices include the Battelle-Darby Metro Parks, Alum Creek State Park, and Delaware State Park. Hocking Hills State Park is a popular outdoor attraction just over an hour’s drive from Columbus. Buckeye Lake is a top summer getaway destination, and it’s directly east along I-70. Mad River Mountain, Ohio’s tallest and largest ski resort, is about an hour’s drive west.

Are there any new developments in Columbus, OH?

New construction is underway throughout the metro. The most popular areas for new development include Downtown, the Short North Arts District, and the Polaris area. Many city-based projects are concentrated in multifamily. Your best bet is to look in the surrounding suburbs for new single-family homes.

What to know about Columbus, OH, real estate

The fundamentals of this central Ohio housing market are strong. Being a capital city and college town gives it some economic strength, but so do its low living costs. As you look at real estate for sale in Columbus, Ohio, contact a local real estate agent for more information. They can help you navigate the real estate market and answer any other questions.

Updated September 2024