Best Places to Live in Columbus

What are the best neighborhoods in Columbus, OH? Check out these great places to live in Columbus! 

If you are looking for a great place to live in Ohio, then Columbus might be the place for you. Not only is Columbus the capital of Ohio, but this fun-filled city is regarded as a popular mid-west hub for business. With a lower cost of living than the national average, many families and professionals are moving to the area for all it has to offer. 

As one of the best places to live in Ohio, Columbus is not only found in a convenient location, but it is home to many homes for sale and diverse neighborhoods within walking distance of the Downtown district. Featuring beautiful 19th-century brick buildings and historic architecture, Columbus is a unique city with plenty of charm. 

From new single-family homes for sale to cute condos for sale, finding a safe and affordable neighborhood is easy if you are moving to Columbus. Whether you are searching for a community near work or some of the best restaurants and things to do, the neighborhoods alone are worth relocating to Columbus. 

Luckily, our team has compiled a list of the best places to live in Columbus and local favorites to help make your moving decision easier. Check out these great neighborhoods in Columbus, Ohio. 

Here are the seven best places to live in Columbus.

Bexley 

Bexley is an inner suburb and top-rated neighborhood in Columbus found in Franklin County. Best known for its rich history, excellent public school system, and walkability, Bexley is a sought-after and tight-knit community home to friendly residents. 

A great place to raise a family, Bexley offers plenty of opportunities for learning, recreational facilities, well-maintained parks, delicious restaurants, and fun things to do that everyone will enjoy. Featuring quiet streets, a low crime rate, and beautiful homes for sale, it is no wonder many people want to call Bexley home. 

Located only seven minutes from Downtown Columbus, Bexley is a thriving community with over 14,000 residents. Home to many successful businesses on Main Street, from local specialty stores to eateries, Bexley provides plenty of opportunities for growth and development. 

Local Favorites: 

North Market Downtown: This 147-year-old farmer's market sells fresh local produce, flowers, handcrafted goods, and delicious global dining options. 

Rusty Bucket Restaurant and Tavern: This casual restaurant and tavern offer a menu full of comfort food favorites and an extensive list of beer and craft cocktails. 

Brassica in Bexley: Located in Bexley Square, this Mediterranean restaurant offers good food, excellent service, and affordable prices. 

Upper Arlington 

Found on the northwest side of the Columbus metropolitan area lies the neighborhood of Upper Arlington. A great place to live, Upper Arlington is home to a growing population of over 36,800 residents in Franklin County. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, many people are moving to Upper Arlington for its family-friendly community, beautiful architecture, and sparse suburban feel. 

Founded in 1918 and under 10 square miles in size, Upper Arlington is found just ten minutes from Downtown Columbus. Considered the most expensive suburb in Columbus according to Travel and Leisure Magazine, Upper Arlington is often regarded as upper-class and wealthy. 

Located close to Ohio State University and a top-rated public school district, many new homes are being built to accommodate families and students moving to the area. For those moving with school-aged children, some of the best public schools that serve the neighborhood include Griffith Thomas Elementary School, John Sells Middle School, and Dublin Coffman High School. 

Local Favorites:

Gallo's Kitchen and Bar: Order Creole favorites from this scratch kitchen that sources ingredients from local sources and provides a warm and fun atmosphere. 

Moretti's of Arlington: This intimate Italian restaurant is best known for its fresh pasta, long wine list, delicious food, excellent service, and outdoor dining options. 

Hudson 29 Kitchen + Drink: A great spot to eat with friends and family, this restaurant offers New American cuisine, wine, and cocktails in a beautiful space with a sidewalk patio. 

Dublin 

Considered a suburb of Columbus, Dublin is part of Franklin, Delaware, and Union counties and is only 20 minutes from Downtown Columbus. Offering a sparse suburban way of life where most residents own their homes, Dublin is a great place to live, known for its small-town feel and charm. 

With a crime rate of only eight per 1,000 residents, Dublin is a safe community to call home, making it the perfect place to raise a family. Dublin is a suburban oasis home to many thriving businesses, award-winning restaurants, world-class events, and diverse culture. As the largest suburb in Columbus, residents love to take advantage of its many art installations, breweries, rooftop bars, scenic views, and outdoor spaces. 

Local Favorites:

Cap City Fine Diner and Bar: This retro, mid-century diner serves diner favorites, American comfort food, and daily specials. 

The Pearl: Specializing in made-from-scratch comfort food, seasonal seafood, oysters, and handcrafted cocktails in a relaxed atmosphere. 

Local Cantina Dublin: The perfect spot for lunch and dinner, this locally-owned restaurant and bar serves Mexican-inspired favorites, including delicious tacos, chips and salsa, and tequila. 

German Village 

Worth the visit; German Village is one of the best places to live in Columbus. Located just south of Downtown Columbus, German Village is a quiet and charming community named after many German immigrants who settled there during the city's founding in 1812. 

Featuring beautiful brick houses and unique architecture, plenty of homes are for sale in German Village to fit your lifestyle. Living in German Village is unlike any other neighborhood in Columbus, with cobblestone streets, delicious German-themed restaurants, cute bookstores, art galleries, pubs, and artisan coffee shops. 

Offering something for everyone, German Village is a great place to live, work, shop, dine, and play all year round. 

Local Favorites:

Schmidt's Sausage House: This fifth-generation historic landmark in the heart of the German Village is best known for its German sausage recipes, award-winning cream puffs, and German chocolate cake. 

The Old Mohawk: Serving turtle soup, meatloaf, sandwiches, and other American favorites in a former speakeasy. 

The Thurman Cafe: Featuring oversized burgers with toppings, this lively restaurant with a full bar offers a fun and laid-back atmosphere for the whole family. 

Worthington 

Worthington is a northern suburb of Columbus and a beautiful historic town in Franklin County. With a population of over 15,000, Worthington is one of the best places to live in Columbus, but it is also a top-rated city in Ohio for its sparse suburban feel and access to restaurants, coffee shops, bars, and parks. 

Founded in 1803 as one of the first planned communities in the Midwest, many historic commercial buildings and churches still stand today. Named in honor of Thomas Worthington, one of Ohio's first senators and a future governor, Worthington continues to grow in size and attracts many young professionals to the area for its various business opportunities and easy access to other parts of Ohio and the nation. 

For those moving to the area with school-aged children, the Worthington School District serves the area. Check out homes in Worthington if you want to live in this safe and vibrant community. 

Local Favorites:

North Market Bridge Park: This public market is new to the area and is open seven days a week with many options for food, coffee, smoothies, and drinks. 

The Whitney House: Located in Downtown Worthington, this upscale restaurant with a classy atmosphere serves seasonal American cuisine and great drinks. 

Over the Counter: The perfect spot for weekend brunch or happy hour after work, this retro diner-style restaurant features a tasty New American pub grub menu. 

Clintonville 

The suburban residential neighborhood of Clintonville is located in north-central Columbus and is home to upwards of 30,000 residents. As one of the best neighborhoods in Columbus and Franklin County, Clintonville is recognized for its laid-back way of life and free spirit atmosphere, reflected through its cafes, local shops, gastropubs, and other amenities. 

Not only is Clintonville safe, but it offers affordable homes in beautiful family-friendly subdivisions. Home to a farmers market where growers and artisans sell fresh produce and handmade crafts, as well as multiple public parks, biking trails, and walking paths, there is always something fun to do in Clintonville for all ages. 

Found just south of Worthington and North of the Ohio State University district, many students, professionals, and young families love to call Clintonville home. Offering proximity to Downtown Columbus business and educational opportunities, Clintonville provides a tight-knit community where its residents can thrive. 

Local Favorites:

Lavash Cafe:  This counter-service restaurant is the go-to spot for gyros, kebabs, falafel, and other classic Mediterranean favorites. 

Hot Chicken Takeover: This counter-service restaurant offers spicy Nashville-style fried chicken and southern sides. 

Harvest Bar + Kitchen - Clintonville: Visit this family-owned restaurant for gourmet specialty pizzas, small plates, and handcrafted cocktails in a modern atmosphere. 

Short North Arts District 

If you are moving to Columbus and looking for a neighborhood full of diverse culture and art, look no further than the Short North Arts District. Much like the name suggests, this neighborhood is found just North of Downtown Columbus and is recognized as a creative and vibrant community full of art galleries and street murals. 

Considered a pioneer in the urban revitalization of Central Ohio, the Short North Arts District is a lively place to live that is welcoming and inclusive to all residents and visitors. Found short of the University district, hundreds of businesses call the Short North Arts District home, from rooftop bars and restaurants to local boutiques and coffee shops. 

Full of historic architecture and small-town charm, this once-forgotten neighborhood has turned into a sought-after community in Columbus that is an ideal place to call home for artists, students, young professionals, and families. 

Local Favorites:

Forno Kitchen + Bar: Serving New American cuisine, this restaurant is perfect for dinner or brunch on the weekend in the heart of the Short North Arts District

Bodega: Featuring more than 45 craft beers on tap and a menu full of inventive American dishes, this lively gastropub has served the area since 2005. 

The Guild House: Serving American cuisine and global-inspired seasonal dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. 

FAQs

Here are some common questions about the best places to live in Columbus, OH. 

What is the nicest area of Columbus, Ohio? 

Columbus has many lovely areas and neighborhoods, including Downtown Columbus, Upper Arlington, Bexley, and Dublin. 

What is the safest area around Columbus, Ohio? 

Considered a safe place to live, Bexley, Clintonville, and Worthington neighborhoods are among the safest in Columbus. 

What is the wealthiest suburb of Columbus, Ohio? 

Not only is Upper Arlington one of the best places to live in Ohio, but it is also the wealthiest suburb in Columbus. 

What are the fastest-growing suburbs in Columbus? 

Columbus is one of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas in the nation and is home to suburbs that have grown faster than the city, including New Albany, Grandview Heights, Dublin, Hilliard, Grove City, and Canal Winchester. 

Best Neighborhoods in Columbus - Our Last Words

From Bexley to the South North Arts District, there are many great places to call home in Columbus that are surrounded by top-rated restaurants, excellent shopping, and fun things to do that the whole family will enjoy. If you are moving to Ohio and are ready to call Columbus home, contact the experts at UpHomes. We are prepared to help you find your dream home.