Finding Affordable Apartments in Columbus, OH: Tips and Tricks

Columbus is the capital of Ohio as well as the largest city. It’s been getting quite a bit of attention from newcomers who are looking for an affordable and lively place. The city is famous for its great universities, hospitality, growing culture and arts scene, and thriving economy. However, the challenge that lots of people face is finding affordable apartments in Columbus. That’s why we’ve prepared an article on how to find affordable apartments in Columbus. So, before you look for storage Columbus Ohio to store your belongings while moving, here’s everything you need to know about finding your future residence.

Real estate market overview in Columbus

The real estate market in Columbus is quite competitive. The reason for this is that there’s a high demand for housing. Additionally, the rent prices keep going up while the vacancy is decreasing. As of April 2023, the median rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is $1,100, while the rent for a 2-bedroom apartment is about $1,290. Even though these prices don’t seem like too much, they can be quite expensive depending on your financial situation.

Challenges of finding affordable apartments in Columbus

Finding affordable apartments in Columbus can be challenging as the prices continue to increase over time. The high housing demand mixed with a limited amount of available apartments has caused the prices to increase, making it hard for anyone to find a place that fits their budget. Also, the competition for available apartments can be tough, with lots of people who are trying to get the same unit. This made the search for affordable apartments time-consuming and stressful, usually requiring you to live in smaller spaces, live in a location that is far from downtown or have no amenities nearby.

Reasons for the high housing demand in Columbus

One of the main reasons why it’s challenging to find an affordable apartment in Columbus is the job growth, as there are a few major employers in the city, including JP Morgan Chase, Honda, L Brands, Nationwide, etc. Also, Columbus has a few top-rated universities, and one of them is The Ohio State University which has over 66,000 students! Other reasons why there’s a high housing demand in Columbus are the population increase and the city’s desirable arts and culture scene. The city became attractive to young people who are looking for a low cost of living while having lots of recreational opportunities nearby and a vibrant downtown.

How to find affordable apartments in Columbus

Now that you know the situation in the real estate market, what are the challenges of finding affordable apartments, and the reasons why there’s a high housing demand in Columbus, here are some tips and tricks that can help you find an affordable apartment in Columbus.

Negotiate with landlords

When looking for an apartment, it’s always a good idea to negotiate with landlords. They might want to lower the rent or even provide incentives like a free month’s rent, for example. However, ensure to highlight good credit score and rental history.

Sign a longer lease

Lots of landlords give discounts or lower rent if you sign a longer lease. So if you decide to sign a longer lease, your monthly rent will be cheaper. Also, you won’t have to look for a new apartment every year. Additionally, there are moving and storage Columbus Ohio companies who will also do a great job when relocating you, so you will have peace of mind for years.

Look for subleases

Tenants who are moving out of their apartment before the end of their lease might offer their apartments for sublease for cheaper. Take a look at Facebook groups and Craigslist to see if there are any subleases.

Consider renting with a roommate

Renting with roommates is a great way to find an affordable apartment. Some of the roommate services you can use in Columbus are Roomster and roommates.com. You can also check Facebook groups and Craigslist. However, when looking for a roommate, make sure to specify what’s your budget and where you’d like to live. And be sure to talk to your potential roommates beforehand to ensure you’re good matches for each other in terms of lifestyle and personality. If you rent with a roommate, you may need bins storage Columbus Ohio, if there’s not enough space in the apartment.

Consider renting in affordable neighborhoods

If you are looking for an affordable apartment, it’s a good idea to rent it in neighborhoods that are less trendy. These areas don’t have as many amenities and nightlife as downtown. However, they’re good budget options. Some of the cheapest Columbus neighborhoods are Fort Columbus Airport, Southwest, Franklinton, and North Linden.

Be ready to act fast

Because the demand is high for housing in Columbus, cheap apartments will be rented fast. That’s why you need to be ready to act fast when you find an apartment that suits your budget and has a good location. Before you start looking for apartments, ensure you have all the required documents. Those include proof of income, rental history, and a credit card. You should also be ready to pay a deposit and sign a lease the moment you find the apartment you like. If you act fast and you’re short on time, you can get moving containers Columbus Ohio so your belongings are safe while you settle in.

Consider other rental options

If you are not able to find apartments that fit your budget, there are other rental options. These include short-term rentals, vacation rentals, and renting a room in someone’s home. All of these are very flexible and affordable. You can use Airbnb and VRBO to find short-term rentals in the city. You can find apartments, private rooms, and entire homes on these platforms. Even though these options are not permanent, they are good for anyone who needs a place to stay temporarily while they look for an affordable home.

Finding an affordable apartment in Columbus is possible

Finding affordable apartments in Columbus can be tough, but it’s possible. And if you need moving and storage companies in Columbus Ohio, check out the available options before moving. By understanding the real estate market, the reasons why there’s a high demand for housing, and using our tips and trick, you can certainly find an apartment that will fit your budget and lifestyle.