The best neighborhoods in Columbus, according to Columbus. Did yours make the list?
Columbus is a diverse and evolving community and therefore every corner of the city has its own personality and charm.
Curious residents, both new and old, are always searching for the best places to live and it’s important that your neighborhood matches your lifestyle and values.
The Columbus Ledger-Enquirer spoke to local Realtor Carey Scott from Prestige Property Brokers, and consulted the official website of the city of Columbus to get a little insight into what makes a neighborhood right for you and where to look to find it.
Because of the Fair Housing Act of 1968, real estate agencies can’t steer their clients toward or away from prospective properties, says Scott. However he has some opinions about what makes each one special.
North Columbus
These neighborhoods may be right if you prefer suburban living with more green spaces, and the farther north you head in Columbus, the less urban it will feel.
Green Island Hills — This neighborhood is on the pricier side, especially as you move closer to Lake Oliver. Formerly known as Green Island Ranch, its history is closely tied to the Chattahoochee River.
Maple Ridge — In total, this neighborhood covers 600 acres and contains an 18-hole golf course. Over the years, it has expanded from single family homes to apartment complexes, townhomes, condominiums and even a senior living facility.
Midland Downs — This area offers rural living without leaving the city proper. It even features a lake where residents enjoy fishing, swimming and boating.
Midtown
The midtown area is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Columbus and spans a large swath of the center of the city. Prices vary as much as style, charm and age, but there really is something for everyone in this part of town.
Lakebottom/Weracoba — Arguably the most well-known of the collective area, this features Lakebottom Park, which was built in 1890. It is also home to Blue Ribbon school, Columbus High.
Dinglewood — This neighborhood sits on the southernmost edge of Midtown and shares its name with both Dinglewood Pharmacy and the Dinglewood House, built in 1858. It’s also home to the legendary Dinglewood hot dog and its most famous architect, Lieutenant Charles Stevens.
Rosehill — The predominant architecture style of this area of town is Victorian, but the area has evolved into a diversified neighborhood that includes medical offices and, most notably, local favorite, Rosehill Seafood.
Uptown
Formerly known as Downtown, this area is a hub for a good portion of the city’s gentrification and restoration.
High Uptown — This area contains many historic Victorian and early 20th-century revival homes and some law offices stationed in houses dating back to the mid-19th century.
Broadway — This is the main thoroughfare and contains shops, restaurants and bars that run through the heart of Uptown.
Columbus State University — CSU owns a good bit of the real estate in that area and deemed it the “RIverpark Campus.”
Up and coming neighborhoods
East Highland — Coined as Columbus’ “last affordable area,” it can sometimes get lost in the shadow of Columbus’ other neighborhoods. Technically claimed by Midtown, it is as historically significant and diverse as any other area in town.
Baker Village — This corner of Columbus is very convenient to the military population and offers affordable off-base housing as well as proximity to the historic Baker High School.
Bibb City — This area is sometimes confused with “City Village”(which is its own distinct neighborhood) but its proximity to the old Bibb Mill gives it its own character and wit. It’s on the National Register of Historic Places and the closeness of the homes encourages a close-knit community.
Boxwood Estates — This area runs adjacent to Lindsey Creek Park and is similar in style to the neighborhood of the same name. This area is part of the post-World War II suburban expansion.
What factors should buyers consider when choosing a neighborhood?
First and foremost, says Scott, budget is ultimately the most important. Certain neighborhoods will be pricier to live in than others, so it’s best to narrow it down to your price range early. Some other considerations include:
Adjacency to work locations — Being near to your office can be an important determinant
Friends or family nearby — It is always a selling feature for a neighborhood if a buyer shares it with a loved one.
Research on schools — It’s best to do a little homework about what sort of school is desirable to help match with a neighborhood.
Lifestyle preferences — Make sure you match what you like with where you live.
What makes your neighborhood so special? Sound off in the comments, or you can email me or find me on Instagram.
This story was originally published August 28, 2024 at 1:09 PM.
