Columbus, Ohio, has a lot going for it. This Midwestern city attracts global corporations and is home to the Ohio State University. With a booming economy, Columbus also has a vibrant cultural scene with public art galleries, museums, and other attractions. The city’s diverse community already knows what many others are just figuring out: Columbus is a great place to live. If you’re new to the area, you can use this neighborhood guide to choose the best place to live in this thriving city. Here’s a list of the 10 best neighborhoods in Columbus.
Selection criteria
To select the top Columbus neighborhoods, we considered various factors, such as affordability, location, and real estate. Other considerations included:
- Amenities
- Businesses and the economy
- Community engagement
- Events and attractions
- Food and restaurants
- Parks
- Proximity to downtown
- Schools
1. Short North Arts District
The Short North Arts District is a trendy, eclectic neighborhood known as the art and soul of Columbus. Centered on a stretch of High Street, Short North gets its name because of its location: it’s north of downtown and short of the Ohio State University campus. It’s home to over 300 businesses, including shops, restaurants, and art galleries. Each month, Short North hosts a Gallery Hop where you can view art exhibitions, purchase artwork and crafts from street vendors, and enjoy food and drinks. The event even features street performers such as dance troupes and stilt walkers.
In addition to its artsy culture, Short North has become a true dining destination in Columbus. Head to The Pearl for chicken and waffles, or visit Marcella’s if you’re craving Italian. Quench your thirst at the neighborhood’s meadery or one of its three breweries. When you’ve had your meal and drinks, visit some of the district’s local shops and boutiques. Many establishments in Short North are women-owned, Black-owned, or LGBTQ+-owned.
Short North is an inclusive community and aims to be a place where everyone can feel safe. The Short North Crime Interdiction Program, a partnership between the Columbus Police Department and Short North Alliance, works to prevent crime in the neighborhood. The densely populated district attracts many young professionals. Many people rent in the area, and the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $1,526 per month, slightly higher than the citywide average. A house may be more difficult to find in Short North, and the cost of living is generally higher than in other parts of Columbus.
2. German Village
German Village is minutes from downtown, but its vibe couldn’t be more different. This charming historic neighborhood dates back to the 1840s, when German immigrants settled in the area. In the years since, little has changed in the neighborhood’s appearance. You’ll find historic houses, brick-paved streets, and several parks where you can stroll through lush gardens and admire the changing colors of the seasons. German Village has many independent businesses, such as the family-owned chocolate confectionary Winans Chocolates and Coffees.
You’ll get a true neighborhood experience in German Village, where residents take pride in preserving the area’s historic charm. Its proximity to downtown and the Ohio Statehouse make it a prime location for people working in those areas. The average property price in German Village is $377,450, and some homes are worth over $1 million. It’s densely populated due to its historic architecture. Properties are close together, and driveways are a rarity, so most people park on the street. You may want to look elsewhere if you prefer more space for your money.
3. Clintonville
Located north of the Ohio State University campus, Clintonville is a family-friendly neighborhood with a strong sense of community. It’s home to many locally-owned businesses. You can find unique gifts, stationery, and accessories at Tigertree. Stop at Katalina’s for made-from-scratch food inside a 100-year-old former gas station. If you prefer vegan treats, head to the Pattycake Bakery. For some outdoor activities, you can visit the 136-acre Whetstone Park and the Park of Roses, a beautiful area with over 350 varieties of roses blooming vibrantly.
Clintonville offers a quiet escape from the city’s busier areas, such as downtown and the University District. About 30,000 people live in Clintonville, and you’ll find a variety of charming homes, including bungalows and Dutch colonials. The neighborhood attracts many young families because of its high-quality schools, and the area also draws people from the university, including faculty and graduate students. More people own than rent in Clintonville, and the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $1,460. It’s a good choice if you value a quieter lifestyle and beautiful parks over the hustle and bustle of livelier neighborhoods.
4. Victorian Village
As its name suggests, Victorian Village is widely known for its Victorian homes. Located adjacent to Short North, Victorian Village was one of the first neighborhoods in Columbus. After decades of blight and decay, the Victorian Village Commission revitalized the area. Today, it’s one of the most desirable areas due to its architecture, parks, and entertainment. Goodale Park, the oldest park in Columbus, offers an oasis in the center of city living, with a pond, park shelter, and gazebo. The park is also home to the annual ComFest and other popular events.
Victorian Village is one of the most walkable neighborhoods in Columbus and offers good access to local transportation. Its location next to Short North means you’ll be close to nightlife and entertainment. According to Niche, the median home value in Victorian Village is $458,579. A higher cost of living may cause some people to look elsewhere for more affordable housing.
5. Grandview Heights
A suburb of Columbus just two miles from downtown, Grandview Heights combines urban living and small-town charm. Also known simply as Grandview, this idyllic town has something for everyone. You can eat at top-rated restaurants such as Alchemy Kitchen and Figlio Wood Fired Pizza. There are also plenty of coffee shops, bars, and independent breweries. Local businesses, including Penn and Beech Candle Co. and the Clay Cafe , offer classes and hands-on experiences. Grandview Heights also has 15 parks where you can enjoy the fresh air.
In Grandview Heights, you’ll find tree-lined streets and charming homes. According to the most recent U.S. Census data, about 8,600 people live in Grandview Heights, so you’ll likely meet your neighbors. It’s a relatively affluent area with an above-average median household income. The median property value is $438,200. Grandview Heights offers a great compromise for families and professionals who want quiet with options for dining and entertainment. People who enjoy a city lifestyle may feel bored in this suburban town.
6. Bexley
If you move to Bexley, you’ll have one prominent neighbor in town: the Ohio governor. Bexley, a top-rated suburb east of Columbus, is where the Ohio Governor and over 14,000 people live. In Bexley, you can see a show at the Drexel Theatre, a community staple showing independent, Hollywood, and international films. Bexley is also home to Capital University, a private university with a renowned Conservatory of Music that regularly hosts performances for the public. The charming suburb also has a walkable Main Street where you can purchase and carry alcoholic beverages from participating restaurants.
Bexley is well-known for its top-rated public schools and private institutions. The Bexley City School District prioritizes small class sizes and routinely receives the highest possible marks on state report cards. Bexley has an extensive parks system, anchored by the 40-acre Jeffrey Park, featuring walking trails, kayak and canoe access, tennis courts, and playgrounds. You’ll love it here if you want a tight-knit community with some of the best public schools in the state. If you’re seeking the thrill of a larger city, Bexley may not be the right place for you.
7. Worthington
Worthington is a northern Columbus suburb located at the intersection of U.S. State Route 23 and State Route 161, offering quick access to the rest of the state. The suburb exudes historic charm and New England tradition, with tree-lined streets and brick sidewalks. It has a thriving downtown filled with local businesses. Visit Vernacular for trendy apparel and accessories, or stop by Branch Line Leather Co. for handmade goods. Grab a delicious coffee at Highline Coffee Co. or enjoy a happy-hour cocktail at The Whitney House. There’s also a summer farmers market, which moves indoors during the colder months.
With nearly 15,000 residents, Worthington has a small-town feel, where you’ll often run into people you know at the Village Green. Most people own their homes, and nearly half of the properties in the city have values between $300,000 and $499,999, according to U.S. Census data. While the potential for future growth is high, the housing supply is scarce, and fewer rental properties are available than in other neighborhoods in Columbus.
8. Dublin
Northwest of Columbus, the city of Dublin blends the old and new to create a one-of-a-kind experience. It has over 20 corporate headquarters, including Cardinal Health and The Wendy’s Company. In Historic Dublin, you’ll find century-old architecture, with many buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The 760-foot Dublin Link pedestrian bridge connects Historic Dublin to Bridge Park, a modern area with shops, restaurants, and nightlife. Dublin also honors its Irish namesake with numerous Irish businesses and an annual three-day Irish Festival.
Dublin has a strong local economy, and its public school district has received many regional, state, and national accolades. People who live in Dublin take pride in their community. Indeed, 99% of residents say Dublin is a good or excellent place to live, according to the 2022 Community Attitudes Survey. It’s an extremely affluent suburb, with a median household income of just over $200,000. The median home value is $457,422. If you work in or near Dublin and can afford the housing, it’s a great community to invest in. High property prices, though, may make it unaffordable for some.
9. Upper Arlington
Located just 10 minutes west of downtown Columbus, Upper Arlington, or U.A., is a quaint suburb with about 36,000 residents. The city hosts the highly popular Upper Arlington Labor Day Arts Festival each year, attracting over 15,000 visitors. The festival features art activities, live music, and over 100 artists who sell their paintings, photography, pottery, and other artwork. Other community events include a weekly farmers market in the summer and an annual Independence Day Celebration with a huge parade and fireworks.
This sense of community extends throughout Upper Arlington. It has an excellent public library system, including a 60,000-square-foot main branch in the city’s center. Upper Arlington has 21 city parks with walking trails, picnic shelters, and playgrounds. According to U.S. Census data, home values are significantly higher in Upper Arlington than in the rest of Columbus, with a median value of $454,700. It’s a great place if you want to live in a suburb with quality city services, although it may lack the charm of other nearby areas.
10. Hilliard
Northwest of Columbus, the suburb of Hilliard offers a quintessential small-town experience with access to big-city amenities. In Hilliard, step back in time by visiting the Early Television Museum, a unique attraction with a vast collection of television equipment, including the 1920s mechanical systems. Continue your history lesson with a trip to the 1800s Historical Village, featuring an 1876 village chapel, a one-room schoolhouse, and an 1850s-era log cabin. Next, stop for a bite to eat at Local Cantina or grab a drink at Otie’s Tavern and Grill.
Hilliard has a booming economy that ranks well for jobs and wages. It has over 1,100 companies that employ nearly 16,000 people and generate over $1 billion in annual sales. The median home value in Hilliard is $288,300, so it’s a great place to invest and more affordable than other suburbs. However, its location on the outskirts of the Columbus metropolitan area means you may have a longer commute if you work in the city.
Final thoughts
Columbus is a vibrant Midwest city with plenty of desirable neighborhoods. From bustling inner city areas to charming suburbs, you have a choice of many great places to live. Pretty soon, you’ll be as excited to call Columbus your home as many other residents who can’t imagine living elsewhere.
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