A Columbus Local Expert’s Guide To 10 Budget-Friendly Neighborhoods to Rent

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. Finding a Columbus neighborhood that aligns with your budget and provides a good quality of life is a common goal for many, including the team at ApartmentHomeLiving.com. I’m Kim, your ApartmentHomeLiving.com Local Expert for Columbus, OH, and I'm here to make it easier for you to find a Columbus neighborhood that meets your budget and lifestyle needs.

One quick note--if you plan to use public transportation exclusively after moving to one of Columbus' neighborhoods, here's a tip from someone who's lived and learned. The Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) buses do break down sometimes. Be aware of the possibility, although small, that you could be late for work or an appointment on occasion.

Greater Hilltop

West of Franklinton and downtown Columbus lies Greater Hilltop, a lively neighborhood just a 20-minute drive from downtown Columbus if you take I-70 and Sullivant Avenue. Renting one of the many affordable apartments in Great Hilltop gives you quick access to West Broad Street, a business district with an eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, and the popular Hollywood Casino Columbus and eateries. Many older, two-story homes in Greater Hilltop have retained their small-town charm, lending a vintage feel to some parts of the area.

East Franklinton

Located west of the Scioto River, East Franklinton has quiet residential streets, and a renovated industrial area dotted with art galleries and event spaces inside old factories. Art studios are open to the public on the second Friday of each month all year long. In addition to a thriving art and music community, East Franklinton offers taprooms at breweries and nightclubs for enjoying nights on the town. There's also a good selection of public, private, and charter schools within 10 miles of East Franklinton.

Southern Orchards

Southern Orchards especially appeals to young professionals searching for an urban lifestyle that doesn't crunch their budget. Over the past few years, Southern Orchard's community has been revitalized by new businesses, new apartment complexes, and the opening of the Nationwide Children's Hospital. Many outdoor enthusiasts enjoy Livingston Park's natural setting and hiking trails on weekends and summer holidays. FYI--Livingston Park is next to the children's hospital, so the park can get a little too crowded from Friday through Sunday.

Brewery District

The Brewery District encompasses West Sycamore Street and Route 23, just a few miles from Columbus proper. Featuring cobblestone streets and brick buildings dating back to the 19th century, the Brewery District is heaven on earth for discriminating beer lovers. Renting an apartment in the Brewery District means you are within walking distance of the BrewDog, Rockville Tavern, and landmarks like the Germania Singing and Sport Society building. The Scioto Audubon Metro Park offers a 120-acre urban oasis for outdoor lovers, including the largest free outdoor climbing wall in the U.S.

Olde Town East--Columbus

The first thing you will notice about Olde Town East are older homes featuring various architectural designs--from the early Victorian to Greek Revival styles. Tree-lined streets provide cool shade during hot summer days, while local eateries like the Olde Towne Tavern (locally famous for their taco Tuesdays) and Yellow Brick Pizza are community favorites. In addition, Olde Towne East is located near downtown Columbus attractions, including the Columbus Museum of Art and the Greater Columbus Convention Center. Young professionals and families are attracted to this neighborhood's unique combination of historical importance and urban accessibility.

South Franklinton

Historic South Franklinton is part of the larger Franklinton neighborhood adjacent to Columbus. Bordered by Greenlawn Avenue and the Scioto River, South Franklinton has undergone a slow and evolving transformation from a neglected working-class area to a neighborhood upgraded by job training centers, accessibility to affordable housing, and other community development projects. Residents of South Franklinton like the neighborhood's proximity to downtown Columbus, Dodge Park, and the Scioto Audobon Metro Park. There's also the popular Fukuryu Ramen Ghost Kitchen if you crave authentic Japanese food.

Vassor Village

Vassor Village radiates a close-knit community atmosphere bolstered by mom-and-pop stores scattered among the older homes and old, renovated factories. Like a few other Columbus neighborhoods, Vassor Village attracts young professionals and artists searching for affordable housing near opportunities provided by larger cities. Years of hard work by residents have led to visible improvements throughout the community, including the construction of the Barack Community Center and the Barack Recreation Center. Commuters to downtown Columbus love the fact it only takes 15 minutes to reach the city via Parsons Avenue and US 33 West, even during peak, heavy traffic hours. You'll also find metalworking companies operating next to recycling plants, an anachronism that surprised me the last time I drove through Vassor Village.

Reeb Hosack Hungarian Village

With less than 1000 residents living in this small neighborhood, Reeb-Hosack/Hungarian Village is a developing area only three miles south of Columbus. Here, you'll find turn-of-the-century homes, quiet suburban streets, and a sense of pride in its Hungarian culture. The Hungarian Village was originally settled by early European immigrants, including, of course, Hungarians. The Hungarian Reformed Church on Parsons Avenue was rebuilt in 1923 and is now a community center operated by the Hungarian Village Society. You'll find plenty of affordable apartments in Reeb-Hosack and a few houses for rent as well.

South Columbus

Drive about 15 miles southeast of downtown Columbus, and you'll enter a sprawling neighborhood known by the locals as the "South Side" or "South End" area. To me, South Columbus resembles a sliced-off section of suburban Columbus, with its traffic-heavy, four-lane streets, hundreds of quiet side streets, and a smattering of manufacturing plants that employ many residents. Although South Columbus has a few rough areas, people like living here because of its proximity to Columbus proper, Three Creeks Metro Park, and a Giant Eagle Supermarket and Pharmacy on South Hamilton Road. Renting an apartment on the South Side is a little more expensive than renting in other Columbus neighborhoods because there are more opportunities, conveniences, and residents in South Columbus.

Bexley

Bexley is an upscale Columbus neighborhood that attracts higher-end earners and families who work in or near Columbus and want their children to attend Bexley Schools, a top-tier school district in Ohio. Renting an apartment in Bexley can be a little pricey, depending on what kind of apartment you are looking for, but taking the time to do a deep-dive search can pay off. Bexley is also home to the governor's mansion and Ohio State University. You can take East Broadstreet directly into downtown Columbus and arrive there within 20 minutes, assuming you don't run into construction or accidents. Alum Creek offers outdoor activities like fishing, kayaking, and hiking. Try the Brassica in Bexley on East Main Street if you like Mediterranean food. I guarantee you'll eat there again and again--and again!

Eastgate

Developed in 1917, Eastgate is a unique suburban enclave featuring a park-like atmosphere and meandering streets that can bewilder newcomers. Downtown Columbus, the Columbus Metropolitan Library, and the John Glenn International Airport are within a short drive of Eastgate. You'll find a mix of houses converted into apartments for rent and homes for sale. It's a nice neighborhood offering studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments at affordable rates. I drove through Eastgate about six months ago, and at that time, there were quite a few "For Rent" signs in front of converted houses and apartment complexes. If you want to rent an apartment in the Columbus area ASAP, you might want to check out Eastgate first.