Columbus relocation (Harrison: apartment, rentals, crime)

[npauthor]

As a recent retiree, I am considering relocation to Columbus and would appreciate information regarding the most desirable (clean, safe, quiet), yet affordable neighborhoods for apartment rentals within the city limits or very close-in suburbs, far enough away from student-dominated areas. Having grown up in NYC, snow and cold do not scare me, though it has been more than twenty years since I actually lived through a "real" winter. Criteria are proximity to shopping and other frequently-necessary services, near reliable public transit. Prefer older, well-maintained buildings (no high-rises). Price range: approx. $600-900/mo. for a studio or one-bedroom apt., though am somewhat flexible. I am very progressive, physically active (hiking, running, birding), follow a green, vegan and animal-friendly lifestyle. Please advise if locating such a place is feasible these days. Would Columbus be a good fit? Any additional information about living in the Columbus is also welcome.

Ron in Oakland, CA

[Tenzo]

As a retired person I would strongly suggest German Village.
Mostly retired people and young couples that are planning on starting a family.

Everything is an easy walk in a city known for is auto malls

[jbcmh81]

Originally Posted by Tenzo

As a retired person I would strongly suggest German Village.
Mostly retired people and young couples that are planning on starting a family.

Everything is an easy walk in a city known for is auto malls

GV is nice, but I'm not sure how many rentals there are there, especially in that price range. An urban location within walking distance to amenities may be harder to find. I would try Downtown (which is still relatively inexpensive for location), Olde Towne East, King Lincoln Harrison West. You could also find a few places in the Short North, but not as many.

[Tenzo]

But on another question
Why would you come to Columbus?

I'd give you 20 reasons why going from Cali to Ohio is a bad idea, but I'd get a warning for trolling.
Even though I'd be telling the truth.

[npauthor]

Thanks for the replies. Actually, I would like to hear both sides. And what would one consider inexpensive rents for downtown...or elsewhere, for that matter?

[jbcmh81]

Originally Posted by Tenzo

But on another question
Why would you come to Columbus?

I'd give you 20 reasons why going from Cali to Ohio is a bad idea, but I'd get a warning for trolling.
Even though I'd be telling the truth.

And I could give more reasons why it's a good idea. #1 being that California is way more expensive and just in terrible economic shape right now. Retirement can go MUCH further in a place like Ohio than in California, meaning that if you ever want to escape for awhile, you can actually afford to.

[jbcmh81]

Originally Posted by npauthor

Thanks for the replies. Actually, I would like to hear both sides. And what would one consider inexpensive rents for downtown...or elsewhere, for that matter?

I don't have specifics, but I do know some people who were paying between $750-$850 near Downtown. Are you looking for a specific apt. size?

[Tenzo]

Originally Posted by jbcmh81

And I could give more reasons why it's a good idea. #1 being that California is way more expensive and just in terrible economic shape right now. Retirement can go MUCH further in a place like Ohio than in California, meaning that if you ever want to escape for awhile, you can actually afford to.

Property tax rates are higher in Columbus
and it has a city income tax

But I suppose niether matter if you are retired and renting.

[jbcmh81]

Originally Posted by Tenzo

Property tax rates are higher in Columbus
and it has a city income tax

But I suppose niether matter if you are retired and renting.

Right. Also, everything from food to health care to transportation is cheaper. Columbus overall is about 34% cheaper than Oakland according to this link: Moderator cut: link removed, linking to competitor sites is not allowed

You can look at 100 different comparisons between the two cities.

[npauthor]

Cost of living in CA, particularly the SF Bay Area is a major motivation. After more than twenty years, I've grown weary of a deteriorating quality of life (mugged for the first time in my life, this after spending most of my life in NYC, apt. break-in, crime never far away), coupled with rents through the crumbling roof. Paying through the nose for the "privilege" of living in an overrated and over-priced area. Attended grad school in So. Ill and visited various places in the midwest. Like the area and the people. Would be looking for a nice studio or one-bedroom. Is that feasible in my price range? I am flexible to a point, depending on the particular apt. and neighborhood. Currently paying over $1000/mo. for an average size one-bedroom in a 1920s, not well maintained building. That's the standard for equivalent apts. Saving grace is the neighborhood which is one of the more desirable, within walking distance of many amenities (shopping, post office, bus lines, BART, restaurants, coffee houses, etc.). Is it possible to find something similar for a lower rent in Columbus?