Mid-20s student looking for a place to live (Columbus: wood floors, sales)

[osuphysics87]

I am a 25 year old non-traditional student that has been in the Columbus area since March and I have been living in extended-stay housing while (slowly) searching for a permanent place to live. To cut a long story short, my original plan was to live in the Dublin or Powell area but between the rent increases due to the start of fall term at OSU, and my new desire to be closer to nightlife, I have decided to find a place closer to campus and/or closer to downtown.

I came across a few apartments that I found appealing, though slightly high in rent, including Arena Crossing and Flats on Vine, however, the sales representative informed me that most of the units are currently booked and won't become available for at least two months.

Ideally I was looking to spend around $700-750 but I have realized that my ideal apartment is probably closer to $900 based on what I have seen and I would be ok with spending that much depending on the details of the unit. I find it slightly difficult to rank my criteria in any particular order but if you are familiar with Arena Crossing then I think you would have a good idea of what I am looking for, but I will also list a few things below.

Proximity to nightlife (preferably walking distance)
Proximity to OSU
Washer/dryer in-unit (this is a big one though I may be willing to sacrifice this based on what the building offers instead)
One bedroom would be best (would be willing to do studio if it was anything like Arena Crossing, I realize one bedroom is very expensive downtown)

Thank you in advance.

[AussieMovingForWork]

Hi there, I am sorry I cannot really help you, however I'd be interested in knowing how you find extended-stay? What you are looking for is something very similar to what I am after too, but for a shorter stay.

[osuphysics87]

Originally Posted by AussieMovingForWork

Hi there, I am sorry I cannot really help you, however I'd be interested in knowing how you find extended-stay? What you are looking for is something very similar to what I am after too, but for a shorter stay.

AussieMovingForWork, I think that there are a few different types of extended-stay so I will clarify that I am currently living in a In-Town Suites location. Prices are reasonable though for the same amount I could be living in a pretty decent apartment downtown. Then again, I would also be having to pay for utilities and the like... so I suppose it works out about even with the average rent options.

[kjax317]

Look at Grandview. It's full of younger professionals who like to have a good time and it's a stone's throw from OSU. If you look hard enough you can find great apartments (wood floors, high ceilings, garage, gorgeous with charm) for $600ish.

[summer22]

Take a look around the general area of 8th & Neil in Columbus. It's near the medical center, on the SW corner of campus. Its a safe area. There are several rows of apartments all built in the same style. They are small (very small) studios, but they are well-kept, affordable, and populated mostly by OSU students. It's one of the only affordable safe areas I found that still had some availability late in the school year.

Your other choice for affordable apartments would be out on the NE corner of campus by 20th and Summit, but it starts getting edgy as you go north and east of campus, and the buildings are much older.

Keep checking Craigslist and get moving on it fast if you find something you're interested in. It's not a renter's market right now at all -- the area is experiencing a big shortage of rental units. Over 4,000 apartments are under construction in Columbus right now to meet the demand, but it'll be a while before the situation changes.

Look for subleases and again, move fast on getting your application in and your lease signed. Or, see if there's any roommate situations that would work for you.

Also, hopefully you have a job, as most of the landlords are requiring applicants to earn 3-4 times your monthly rent. If you're a full-time student, they might waive the requirement, but I don't know. If you get a sublease from a private party, you maybe could avoid that requirement.

Let us know how it goes.

Good luck!