Homes for Rent in Columbus, OH (987 Rentals)

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Columbus's Best Affordable Neighborhoods

Learn about Columbus and the best places to live with original content written by our Columbus, OH Local Expert Kim Mooneyham

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property at 45 E Patterson Ave

45 E Patterson Ave

ColumbusOH43202
property at 187 N Harris Ave

187 N Harris Ave

ColumbusOH43204
property at 191 N Harris Ave

191 N Harris Ave

ColumbusOH43204
property at 805 S 3rd St

805 S 3rd St

ColumbusOH43206
property at 3799 Petzinger Rd

3799 Petzinger Rd

ColumbusOH43232
property at 631 E 11th Ave

631 E 11th Ave

ColumbusOH43211
property at 90 E Neff Ave

90 E Neff Ave

ColumbusOH43207
property at 409 E 15th Ave

409 E 15th Ave

ColumbusOH43201
property at 1322 E 16th Ave

1322 E 16th Ave

ColumbusOH43211
property at 1092 E 19th Ave

1092 E 19th Ave

ColumbusOH43211
property at 1427 Grogan Ave

1427 Grogan Ave

ColumbusOH43211
property at 611 E 11th Ave

611 E 11th Ave

ColumbusOH43211
property at 71 W Blake Ave

71 W Blake Ave

ColumbusOH43202
property at 69 W Blake Ave

69 W Blake Ave

ColumbusOH43202
property at 411 E 15th Ave

411 E 15th Ave

ColumbusOH43201
property at 66 N 21st St

66 N 21st St

ColumbusOH43203
Showing Results 1-50, Page 1 of 20

Columbus, OH Local Guide

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Written By:
Brandie Parton
Local Expert

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Columbus Overview

As the most populous city in the entire state of Ohio, Columbus is also the state’s capital. It is conveniently located less than a day’s drive away from major cities like Chicago, Atlanta, and New York City. Consequently, it is considered centrally located for many people. In fact, 48% of all Americans reside within 600 miles of this immensely popular city. For this reason, when you are looking for rentals or rental homes in Columbus, you know you are choosing a great location with lots of potential for entertainment as well as career and academic advancement. Read on to learn more about Columbus, OH, and what makes it a great city:

What is the history of Columbus?

The city of Columbus, OH, was officially incorporated in 1816, though it was laid out before that in 1812 by surveyors. Columbus was originally named to honor Benjamin Franklin and was called Franklinton but was changed to Columbus by a 19 to 22 vote from the Ohio Legislature. Later, in the 20th century, Columbus earned its first nicknames when it was called “Arch City” due to the dozens of wooden arches that spanned High Street to illuminate the thoroughfare. The arches were replaced with cluster electric lights in 1914. More modern times brought along thriving economics, a bustling art scene, culture, outdoor activities, and more, making it a fast-growing Midwest area.

How is the weather in Columbus?

Looking into Columbus homes for rent will also usually involve learning more about the local weather patterns and what you can expect throughout the year. Be advised that Ohio’s weather overall, and Columbus’ as well, can be unpredictable. Summer highs can reach the nineties and include humidity that makes being outdoors uncomfortable. Winter is icy and cold and temperatures often dip into the low teens. If you don’t like harsh weather at all, this is something to keep in mind as the wild swing in both temperature and other weather factors is notorious in this area of the country.

How do I get around town?

When it comes to living right in the main downtown area, you can walk or bike to many areas. However, if you live outside this area, you will likely need a vehicle to get around well in and around Columbus unless you want to take advantage of the transit bus system. The city of Columbus does have a public transit service called Central Ohio Transit Authority or COTA. You can bike and bus with COTA, as all buses are equipped with bike racks, allowing you to cycle part of your route and ride the rest. COTA boasts 29 local service lines and nine crosstown lines, so many Columbus residents get around just fine without a vehicle by utilizing these services.

Why live in Columbus, OH?

When choosing rental homes in Columbus, it’s always good to look at what the city has to offer and compare it with other areas throughout the nation. Thankfully, when comparing the cost of living to most other major cities in America, Columbus boasts a cheaper cost of living overall. In addition to their low tax rate, there are also many attractions like parks and museums that are either free or inexpensive. This makes it a great location to live.

What Columbus landmarks should I see?

There are several landmarks located throughout Columbus. The Wonder Bread Sign is one such location. It is located near the Short North at the Wonder Bread Lofts, which was formally a bread factory. Another noteworthy landmark is the LeVeque Tower skyscraper, which claimed the honor of being the tallest building in the city for nearly 50 years. It no longer holds that distinction but is still an upscale hotel with a bar that is worth visiting.

What is there to do around Columbus?

The number of things to do in and around Columbus, Ohio, are simply immeasurable. Suffice it to say that you can stay as busy as you like all year long enjoying all this beautiful and historic city has to offer. If you like being outdoors, you will love the fact that Columbus is situated right where the Scioto and Olentangy Rivers combine. Water sports are replete, including fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and more. In addition, there are 175 acres of parkland to enjoy that runs along the river. This is to say nothing of the many art attractions, museums, restaurants, sports teams and more that are located in Columbus.

Where is the best place to move in Columbus?

When searching for homes to rent in Columbus, it’s good to know that virtually anywhere within the city of Columbus is a great place to live. However, one of the most popular areas is named “Five on High,” which describes five neighborhoods located along a five-mile stretch of High Street. High Street is a main thoroughfare in Columbus, and therefore, a desired location. The names of these neighborhoods include the University District (home to The Ohio State University), Downtown, German Village (picturesque location), the Arena District (named because of being home to three professional sports teams, the Columbus Clippers MLB, the Columbus Blue Jackets NHL, and the Columbus Crew MLS) and the Short North Arts District. Beyond Five on High, there are other bustling neighborhoods and local favorites as well. Columbus offers a rich supply of cultural and artistic expression, an abundance of restaurants, parks, attractions, and more, and is home to a number of Fortune 500 companies. Due to its low cost of living, this major U.S. city is a great move for many.

Pet Friendly Lifestyle
Columbus, OH

Ranked #2

Among cities in Ohio for Apartment listings with Pet Friendly Amenities

Pet Friendliness Lifestyle Score

3.5
Pet Friendly

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Remember the 3 Rules of Real Estate:
Location, Location, Location!

Explore Columbus, OH Rentals by Map

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See the most popular apartments and homes in Columbus, OH

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Frequently Asked Questions about Columbus

What type of rentals are currently available in Columbus?

There are currently 4887 Apartments for Rent in Columbus, OH with pricing that ranges from $300 to $8,000. There are also 987 Single Family Homes for rent, Condos, and Townhome rentals currently available in Columbus ranging from $600 to $7,350.

What is the current price range for Rental Homes in Columbus?

Today's rental pricing for Homes for Rent, Condos and Townhomes in Columbus ranges from $600 to $7,350 with an average monthly rent of $3,369.

How much are larger Three and Four Bedroom Rentals in Columbus?

For those who are looking for larger living arrangements, Three Bedroom Apartments in Columbus range from $511 to $7,945, while Three Bedroom Homes, Condos, and Townhomes for rent range from $600 to $5,550. Four Bedroom Single-Family rentals are also available starting from $1,400 and Four Bedroom Apartments start at $661.

Expert Rental Resources

Helpful Apartment Articles, How-To's and Tips

The rental experts at ApartmentHomeLiving.com provide you with top advice, tools, and tips for understanding the leasing process and finding the perfect rental. Here are a few helpful rental and leasing articles from our experts to guide you on your search.

decorative image for The 10 Best Affordable Neighborhoods in Columbus, OH article

The 10 Best Affordable Neighborhoods in Columbus, OH

Written by: Kim Mooneyham

Although Columbus, Ohio, has a reputation for being a rowdy college town, it's large enough to offer numerous neighborhoods far away from frat houses and street parties after football games.

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Battling the Butts: Your Guide to the Reality of Smoke-Free Renting

Written by: Andrea Lee Negroni, JD

While many apartment buildings are “no smoking” properties, it’s hard to know exactly how many. In 2017, the National Apartment Association reported more than half of rental properties had smoke free policies.

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Understanding Amenity Fees: Know Where You Might Be Able to Save Money

Written by: Amber Kanuckel

With the rising costs of housing, a lot of renters are asking this question: Is it possible to opt out of various amenities that your rental property offers so that you can avoid paying the fees.

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How Your Move-In Inspection Can Protect Your Security Deposit

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

If you’re anything like most people, housing costs represent a huge chunk of your monthly budget. On top of that, moving can be both a stressful and expensive affair.