Clintonville? -> Franklin U by bike? Other neighborhods for single guy? (Columbus: apartments, rental)

[OH2CA]

Hello all,

I recently accepted a job at Franklin U downtown and will be moving to
Columbus. I don't know the city at all.

I was wondering if anyone could suggest some neighborhoods that would
allow me to commute to work, by bike if possible, or public
transportation.

My preference would be to cycle, walk or use public transport, but I
would consider a shortish commute by car if it would let me live in a
nice neighborhood.

Nice to me means a walkable neighborhood with stores, cafe, etc .. not
your "planned" bedroom community/suburbia .. not that those are
necessarily bad, but probably more suitable for families. I'm single,
mid 40s, looking for 2 BR apt and while not into the bar scence,
interested in meeting people. Greenspace/parks would be nice too.

I think 5 miles or so would probably be the max cycling distance,
otherwise time may start becoming an issue .. but I guess I am
somewhat flexible on this, but I'd probably not want to cycle more
than 30 minutes each way

I've heard about Clintonville (is that too far?). Does the bike path
I've heard of in Clintonville run downtown? Any other neighborhoods
.. that would allow a sane commute by bike (in terms of traffic and
time) to Franklin University?


Thanks!

Oh, someone suggested Olentangy Village (Olentangy Village Apartments) in
Clintonville, anyone know anything about this place?

[jajosh07]

I think you would probably be happy with Clintonville, but you might also want to look in German Village or the Short North... Are you looking only to rent or possibly to buy?

[OH2CA]

Originally Posted by jajosh07

I think you would probably be happy with Clintonville, but you might also want to look in German Village or the Short North... Are you looking only to rent or possibly to buy?

Hi there.

Initially at least I am looking to rent for at least a year .. down the line, once I get a better feel for the city and its neighborhoods I may end up buying.

How do Clintonville, Grandview Heights, German Village and the Short North (thanks for the last two neighborhood suggestions) compare in terms of cost - are they all pretty much similar or should I expect noticeable differences in rents?

Thanks!

[jajosh07]

I'm not exactly an expert in these matters but, generally i would think all of the neighborhoods would be comparable. Just to give you an idea, you may want to check out Columbus RetroMetro :: Home and Downtown Columbus which will both give you options much closer to downtown, but with some research i'm sure you would be able to find something in most neighborhoods within your price range

[OH2CA]

Originally Posted by jajosh07

I'm not exactly an expert in these matters but, generally i would think all of the neighborhoods would be comparable.

that's good to know.

Just to give you an idea, you may want to check out Columbus RetroMetro :: Home and Downtown Columbus which will both give you options much closer to downtown, but with some research i'm sure you would be able to find something in most neighborhoods within your price range

Thanks .. I'll check out the links, I had seen one of them before, but the other one is new.

Anyone else want to jump in and share their knowledge?

[streetcreed]

How do Clintonville, Grandview Heights, German Village and the Short North (thanks for the last two neighborhood suggestions) compare in terms of cost - are they all pretty much similar or should I expect noticeable differences in rents?

All of these neighborhoods are sought after for various reasons. They lye on high st., columbus' only real urban retail/restaurant corridor, that lasts for miles from downtown past clintonville. Also, these neighborhoods are against the Olentangy River which has the bike trail you mentioned. The rail begins miles north of Clintonville and extends all the way through downtown and past it to the Brewery District.

The Clintonville neighborhood is more family oriented and had housing prices increase greatly in the 1990s. There is mostly single family homes, older, but all renovated.

Now the Short North/Victorian Village area gentrified in the 90s and is still today. The housing market there is going to be more expensive than Clintonville. The Short North is just north of downtown, thus it is more lively and has a more diverse makeup because there are older residents, very wealthy ones, and many young professionals some gay couples left around who haven't been pushed out by the decently high property values.

I say check the two neighborhoods out and see which one fits your style better. The condo market in the short north is very solid, and the housing market at well. The area is the most sought after area in the city of Columbus (central city) at this point and shows no signs of changing, condo developments (some 11 stories) are still going up in the Short North even at this point of a low economic growth.

[OH2CA]

Hi Streetcreed,

Originally Posted by streetcreed

All of these neighborhoods are sought after for various reasons. They lye on high st., columbus' only real urban retail/restaurant corridor, that lasts for miles from downtown past clintonville. Also, these neighborhoods are against the Olentangy River which has the bike trail you mentioned. The rail begins miles north of Clintonville and extends all the way through downtown and past it to the Brewery District.

Kudos to Columbus for having this .. that's really nice.

The Clintonville neighborhood is more family oriented and had housing prices increase greatly in the 1990s. There is mostly single family homes, older, but all renovated.

Now the Short North/Victorian Village area gentrified in the 90s and is still today. The housing market there is going to be more expensive than Clintonville. The Short North is just north of downtown, thus it is more lively and has a more diverse makeup because there are older residents, very wealthy ones, and many young professionals some gay couples left around who haven't been pushed out by the decently high property values.

I say check the two neighborhoods out and see which one fits your style better.

Yes, I think that sounds like good advice. I'm looking for a 2BR apt or a small rental house. I would like a diverse neigborhood, and while a family oriented neighborhood is nice, as a single person that would probably not be a major feature for me. Not that I'm the wild kind into roudy bars etc ...

Thanks for the message .. I hadn't even known about Victorian Village and will check it out along with the Short North.

[stlouislux]

OH2CA:

What's your impression of Franklin University?

[OH2CA]

Originally Posted by stlouislux

OH2CA:

What's your impression of Franklin University?

Hello .. regarding what aspect? As a place to study? A place to work?

I just started so I haven't had much chance to form a firm opinion yet. People there are quite friendly there though.

[stlouislux]

Originally Posted by OH2CA

Hello .. regarding what aspect? As a place to study? A place to work? I just started so I haven't had much chance to form a firm opinion yet. People there are quite friendly there though.

Both. I have heard mixed reviews. Diploma mill, -- unprepared students, etc. I have also heard that there have been changes for the positive in the last few years. Would like to know your impression. Have you found a place to live yet? Can Columbus be enjoyable if you are NOT a rabid Ohio State fan or 30 years or younger?