Bexley/Olde Town East

[dustin183]

Originally Posted by cherrylyn

I am researching more about old town east I am an artist diverse friendly and wondering the do's and don't's as I have read up on flag wars. What happened now? It is years past that? Seems like there are some great steals of beautiful property but I have also seen the blight and gun fire will the area come back?

yeah, the whole flag wars thing is done.

the area improves a little bit every year. but it's a big area, so it moves somewhat slowly.

with the economy where it is now, there are lots of bargains in that neighborhood, more bargains than have been around for a while.

[searching for apartments]

I am a recent grad and have found quite a few apartments in the Olde Towne East area. They seem like wonderful finds, quaint interiors and quite cheap, however after reading this post i am somewhat skeptical. I am a young female and will be living alone. The apartments i liked best were 1096 Bryden Road, 1544 E Broad Street, and two on Oak street 754 and 796. I was hoping someone could help me with a little guidance as to if these are bad areas or not. I'm definitely fine with living in a diverse area just not an unsafe one. Thank you!

[other1]

I can't tell you about those specific apartments, however I do have a good friend that purchased a home a few years ago on Linwood. The neighborhood is diverse for sure, however I wouldn't exactly list the neighborhood number one in safety. I think if you are smart and watch your surroundings, you would be OK. However, trouble isn't too far away. It isn't a neighborhood where you go for a run after dark. Yes, the houses are full of charm and character and I think there is quite a bit of potential, but I am not sure it would be my first recommendation for a young female living alone. Have you found anything affordable in Victorian Village, German Village, or Harrison West? There may be a few others on here that might have more advice in regards to those areas. I can tell you there are some reasonable rents in Grandview and Clintonville as well, however the rentals might not have the same character you appear to be looking for. Good luck.

[JohnDBaumgardner]

I agree with the overwhelming majority of positive feedback concerning the "Olde Towne East" district of Columbus, Ohio. I recently moved to the city from Cleveland ... and OTE ( as it's known ) was one of the areas that held much of my interest. I wanted to reside in an area that would remind me alot of the historic areas in Cleveland where I had been residing. I moved into a lovely dwelling on Bryden Road and I could not be happier with my decision. Olde Towne East is filled with gorgeous mansions of yesteryear ... many of which that have been meticulously restored to their original grandeur. Bryden Road is a designated "historic district" that offers a bounty of eclectic housing choices, excellent parks are nearby and it is centrally located near the amenities of downtown Columbus. Freeway access is within very close range and not once have I ever felt unsafe in this area. Some of the streets south of Bryden Rd are exhibiting signs of decay ... especially those that are south of Main St and beyond Livingston ... but if you're seeking an urban lifestyle in what is a vibrant and progressive metropolis, you can not do much better than "Olde Towne East" in Columbus!

[14thandYou]

Originally Posted by JohnDBaumgardner

but if you're seeking an urban lifestyle in what is a vibrant and progressive metropolis, you can not do much better than "Olde Towne East" in Columbus!

I don't know that I'd go that far. Yes, the homes are frequently gorgeous and have a great deal of curb appeal, but an urban lifestyle is about more than simply living in a beautiful older home. There is next to no commercial development in the neighborhood, and neighborhood amenities are few and far between. The proximity to downtown and popular neighborhoods such as the Arena District and Short North are definite bonuses, but to me an ideal "urban lifestyle" doesn't necessitate leaving my immediate neighborhood everytime I want to go out, pick up clothes at the dry cleaners, go grocery shopping, etc.

I'm not saying there aren't reasons to move to the neighborhood, but it's a stretch to say you can't do much better than OTE when it comes to urban neighborhoods.

[geekgrl1]

I have lived near Franklin Park for years, and have never been the victim of any crime. Please keep in mind that "lower income" and "crime ridden" do not mean the same thing.

[14thandYou]

Originally Posted by geekgrl1

Please keep in mind that "lower income" and "crime ridden" do not mean the same thing.

For that matter, neither does the fact that you've never been the victim of a crime. And I don't particularly view OTE as "crime-ridden," but anecdotal evidence doesn't support broad assertions.