Apartments for Rent near Downtown Columbus, Columbus, OH

Renters are flocking to walkable downtown Columbus. It’s the perfect place to live, work, and play in an area that mixes urban convenience with natural beauty. With several distinct residential districts throughout downtown, you’ll find a downtown rental that’s perfect for you.

Transportation

• CBUS Free Circulator
• COTA Buses
• CoGo Bikeshare
• Walkable
• I -70
• I-71
• I-670
• OH-315

Demographic

• Downtown professionals and service industry employees
• Younger singles

Contains:

• Pearl Market
• Columbus Commons
• Nationwide Arena

Close to:

• The Ohio State University
• Scioto Audubon Metro Park
• Italian Village
• Short North

Downtown Columbus in three words: walkable, growing, vibrant

Join the savvy renters who have ditched their snow tires to live in walkable downtown Columbus. Whether you want to rent an urban loft or a comfortable townhouse, there are plenty of new apartments in downtown Columbus. With construction and revitalization efforts underway, you’ll see why downtown Columbus is the perfect place to live.

The number of downtown residents has doubled in the last 15 years. There’s been plenty of exciting business and residential growth to attract and retain all of the newcomers. Although downtown Columbus has long been an active business district, there are now several livable districts such as the Arena District, Discovery District, and River South. Each district has its own personality, and you can easily walk or bike around to see which one is best for you. Apartment living in downtown Columbus is exciting no matter where you choose to rent!

The Arena District in northwest downtown Columbus features luxury midrise apartments and studios. The neighborhood is also home to major employers like Nationwide Insurance. Dining and retail options are diverse, with major chains catering to visitors of the Greater Columbus Convention Center and smaller, local options as well. As a resident of the Arena District, you can walk to the famous North Market to shop for groceries in style. It’s Columbus’ only remaining public market, and you’ll find dozens of local produce, prepared food, and meat vendors. You’re also just a short walk away from the trendy Short North neighborhood that connects downtown to the OSU campus.

Head south along the Scioto River and you’ll find yourself in the popular new River South District. This district offers easy access to several beautiful parks including Scioto Audubon Park, Galbreath Bicentennial Park, Scioto Mile, and Columbus Commons. Of course, Columbus Commons isn’t your ordinary neighborhood park. Columbus Commons has a carousel, cafes, gardens, and hosts special events like weekly food truck festivals, group exercise classes, and big concerts by the Columbus Symphony and special visiting artists. River South is a lively place to live where no two weeks will be alike. River South apartments offer rooftop views of both the river and downtown.

If you want a more affordable way to rent downtown, check out the Discovery District. Located on the east side of downtown Columbus, the Discovery District was formed as a Special Improvement District (SID) in 2007,when Eastside residents provided funding for safety and beautification projects. The area is now a popular choice for young people who enjoy being steps away from CCAD, Columbus State, Franklin University, and Capital University. It’s also home to the Columbus Museum of Art and Columbus Metropolitan Library, making it Columbus’s cultural center.

Wherever you choose to rent, you’ll probably meet some new neighbors at the Pearl Market in the heart of downtown Columbus. The large farmer’s market is open twice weekly in warm weather. Although downtown Columbus once had a reputation for shutting down at 5:00pm, it now has an increasingly active nightlife. New bars and restaurants continue to open downtown and you’re never far from the Brewery District, Short North, and Olde Towne East. Nature lovers will enjoy spending weekends exploring the Scioto Greenway Trail, a 10-mile mixed-use trail. There’s even the option to connect to the Olentangy Trail for another 13 miles of hiking, biking, or running.

Now is a great time to consider renting an apartment in downtown Columbus. If you work for the state or one of downtown’s many major employers, say goodbye to long commutes and make the short walk to work instead. Even if you don’t work there, downtown apartment living is fun with plenty of dining, nightlife, entertainment, and nature right outside your door. It’s also a great choice for older students who need a break from the rowdy campus scene. Come explore all of the different apartments in downtown Columbus to see which one is right for you.