Planning to move to Columbus, OH. What neighborhoods should not consider? (Worthington: rentals, condo)

[DandySmith]

We are a middle aged couple (empty-nesters), planning to move to Columbus this summer. We'll be doing a scouting mission soon to check out where to live. What neighborhoods should we avoid? What neighborhoods should we consider? We plan to rent for a few of years before buying a house/condo - gotta find jobs, make sure Columbus is a good fit. Looking for an affordable 2 bedroom place that allows cats. Considering a townhouse. Would love to live in a walking neighborhood - one where we could walk to a market, post office, coffee shop, mom and pop shops, library etc - a bustling neighborhood. We like to walk on trails, explore, ethnic festivals. Socially liberal. We've lived in urban areas and very rural areas - so are very flexible. Thanks in advance for your thoughtful advice!

[Cbus76]

You might consider the Clintonville neighborhood on the north side. It's walkable, has a lot of independent shops, is reasonably affordable, safe, very liberal, has a great park (Park of Roses) and a library (Whetstone).

North of Clintonville is the suburb of Worthington. Old Worthington has a lot of the things you'd be looking for as well, though more expensive than Clintonville.

Grandview Heights, and in particular, areas near Grandview Avenue would be perfect, but Grandview is rather expensive. However, there are areas of Columbus that border Grandview Heights (I think the neighborhood is called 5th X Northwest) that are still within a few blocks of Grandview Avenue, but at more affordable prices. Lots of townhomes off of 5th Avenue, King Avenue, Northwest Boulevard, etc.

[mattbward]

Define affordable on the rental.

[DandySmith]

Rental lower than $895. I assume most rentals do not include heat. I have no idea what heating costs are like in Columbus.

[captainclipper]

Originally Posted by Cbus76

You might consider the Clintonville neighborhood on the north side. It's walkable, has a lot of independent shops, is reasonably affordable, safe, very liberal, has a great park (Park of Roses) and a library (Whetstone).

North of Clintonville is the suburb of Worthington. Old Worthington has a lot of the things you'd be looking for as well, though more expensive than Clintonville.

Grandview Heights, and in particular, areas near Grandview Avenue would be perfect, but Grandview is rather expensive. However, there are areas of Columbus that border Grandview Heights (I think the neighborhood is called 5th X Northwest) that are still within a few blocks of Grandview Avenue, but at more affordable prices. Lots of townhomes off of 5th Avenue, King Avenue, Northwest Boulevard, etc.

I'll second all of this. These neighborhoods are probably the best bet.

I also might add German Village and the Brewery District area to your search. Good luck!

[mattbward]

I would also check out Italian Village and Weinland Park

[Muffy1]

Out of curiousity, do you have family in Columbus or know people. There isn't much here for seniors. Ohio in general is not senior friendly. Definitely join a church because that is HUGE here!!! Good luck!

[otters21]

I would also consider Merion/Hungarian Village which is just south of German Village. The former is up and coming , walkable and much less expensive than the latter.

[db108108]

Originally Posted by Muffy1

Out of curiousity, do you have family in Columbus or know people. There isn't much here for seniors. Ohio in general is not senior friendly. Definitely join a church because that is HUGE here!!! Good luck!

Middle age does not equal senior. Yeesh.

[DandySmith]

Thanks so much for the suggestions. Sure does help to whittle down the possibilities.

We do not have family in Ohio but we have already found a church with like minded people. We are used to moving though don't like it one bit

By my definition, we are not seniors... yet. Seniors for us are 80+. Last kid just graduated from college. :-)