Where to look for rentals like this in Columbus? (Bexley: hardwood floors, appliances)

[ShallWeDance]

I currently live in the suburbs, but my friends and I have decided that living closer to downtown would be a better fit for our lifestyles. We aren't huge into the bar scene (at most 2x a month), but like the idea of being able to walk to a coffee shop or park. Of course safety is a priority, and we want something that is walkable at basically all times during the day. So here are the requirements that we have set forth. Where is the best area to look and does anyone have suggestions on how exactly to look? Craigslist hasn't been overly helpful.

-3 or 4 bedroom house
- not in, around, or about Campus.
-prefer not a double or townhouse
-updated fixtures and appliances a plus
-needs to have at least a small fenced yard and allow dogs
-a garage would be a plus
-prefer something with character and hardwood floors

And budget wise we are looking between 1500 to 1700 at the very most per month.

Any suggestions?

[VideoEngineerAJS]

That's pretty specific. If you are wanting to get as close as possible to downtown and still be safe I would say Grandview or Bexley. It's been a little while since I've been around those areas, but the Grandview area does seem to have a lot of houses for rent whenever I go through it.

In those places $1,500 - $1,700 is probably about right for rent (depending on how large the house). Grandview is kind of close to campus, but it's not like you'd be able to see it from your house.

You may have to give a little on your requirements. I mean it's hard to be close to downtown, in a safe area, and not be around campus. Grandview is next to campus, Bexley is next to Capital University's campus, Clintonville is just north of campus, and the Short North is just south of campus.

The only place that I can think of that's not right next to campus is German Village, but it's more cramped than Grandview and Bexley so it may be a little harder for you to find the type of house you would want.

[ShallWeDance]

Most of what I listed as requirements I am pretty flexible on. However of course in a perfect world I would like to have that. I didn't mean that I didn't want to be in a neighborhood that neighbors the campus area, but I don't want to be in the campus area. Its not my scene. I like German Village, but have been having a difficult time finding anything with 3 to 4 bedrooms there at any price point.