2025 Best Areas to Buy Real Estate in Columbus, Ohio

Columbus, Ohio real estate market​

Read Time: 5 Minutes
3/8/2025

Looking to buy real estate in Columbus, Ohio?

Awesome choice! You’ve found a great market with ample opportunities, but if you fail to analyze the market right, you could end up buying in a spot that hurts your returns instead of growing them.

This real estate market is a savvy move, especially when you know which neighborhoods offer the best opportunities.

As a real estate professional, I’ve seen firsthand how crucial it is to choose the right area for investment.

In this guide, we’ll explore the three best areas in Columbus, Ohio to buy real estate in 2025, and we’ll prove why this spot beats others by using our RECAP analysis to ensure data-driven decisions.​

Why Use RECAP Analysis?

Over the years, I’ve learned that gut feelings aren’t enough in real estate investing.

Data-driven decisions are key to success.

That’s why we use the RECAP analysis method, focusing on Rents, Employment, Crime, Appreciation, and Population.

If the market passes each of these five metrics, you know it’s great.Average rents in Northeast Columbus, Ohio

Here’s a breakdown:​

Rent

Rule of Thumb: Monthly rents should be less than one-third of the area’s median income.​ (See why rent data matters)

Data Source: RentOmeter, RentCast

Employment

Rule of Thumb: Look for areas with at least 10% job growth over the past decade, diverse industries, and no over-reliance on a single employer. (See why job diversity matters)​

Data Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Crime

Rule of Thumb: Avoid areas with high rates of serious crimes such as weapon violations, assaults, property crimes, and vehicle theft. (See why crime patterns matter)

Data Source: CrimeOmeter

Appreciation

Rule of Thumb: Target neighborhoods with a minimum of 2% annual appreciation and no consecutive years of value decline. (See why appreciation matters)

Data Source: Realtor.com​

Population

Rule of Thumb: Focus on areas with at least 5% growth over the past 5 years and no consecutive years of population decline. (See why population trends matter)​

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau

This isn’t a strict rule, so if a market doesn’t perfectly meet all these, it can still perform well. But this is a good guide to ensure your investments are more secure.

Top Neighborhoods to Buy Real Estate in Columbus, Ohio

Based on our Columbus real estate market analysis, here are the best areas in Columbus, Ohio, to consider for real estate investment in 2025:

Population growth over time in Northeast Columbus, Ohio1. Northeast Columbus, Zip Code 43219 – A Great Market for Growth and Rents

Northeast Columbus is a prime location for homebuyers and investors alike, offering a perfect balance of affordability, convenience, and growth potential.

Its close proximity to downtown provides easy access to jobs, dining, and entertainment while maintaining a quieter, suburban feel. The area boasts a strong sense of community, with friendly neighbors, well-kept parks, quality schools, and plenty of local amenities like shopping centers and recreational spaces.

For investors, the steady development and increasing demand make it a smart choice for long-term appreciation and rental opportunities. The area’s ongoing infrastructure improvements and business growth contribute to its rising desirability, while its mix of accessibility and affordability makes it an ideal place to settle down or invest in real estate.

RECAP Analysis:

  • Rents: PASS
    • The median monthly rent of a 2 bed/1 bath home is approximately $1,150, which is about 26% of the median household income of $51,860.​
  • Employment: PASS
    • The area has seen a 11.61% job growth over the past decade, with diverse industries including trade, transportation & utilities; business & professional services; and government.​
  • Crime: USE DISCRETION
    • More crimes, but still ranging from low to medium intensity except in central Northeast Columbus where more serious crime occurs​.
  • Appreciation: PASS
    • Property values have appreciated by an average of 15.70% annually since 2016.​
  • Population: PASS
    • The neighborhood has experienced a 6.59% population growth since 2018, indicating a thriving community.​

Final Verdict: If you want great appreciation and affordable rents mixed in with steady demand, Northeast Columbus, OH is perfect for you. The only downside is that due to the crime, homebuyers would be wise to take proper precautions to ensure their home is protected.

2. South Central Hilltop, Zip Code 43223 – An All-Around Good Market to Buy Real Estate

Real estate appreciation in South Central Hilltop, Ohio.

In continuing our Columbus real estate market analysis, South Central Hilltop is a solid market offering a mix of affordability and investment potential, making it an attractive option for homebuyers and real estate investors.

The area provides easy access to downtown Columbus, making commutes convenient while offering lower housing costs compared to nearby neighborhoods. With a strong sense of community, local parks, schools, and small businesses contribute to the neighborhood’s character, making it a viable option for those looking to put down roots.

For investors, South Central Hilltop presents opportunities for value appreciation and rental income as Columbus continues to expand. The area’s ongoing revitalization efforts and infrastructure improvements are drawing attention, while its affordability appeals to both renters and buyers looking for budget-friendly options. With continued growth and development, this neighborhood is positioned for long-term potential.​

RECAP Analysis:

  • Rents: PASS
    • South Central Hilltop’s median monthly rent is around $1,040, approximately 27% of the median household income of $45,902.​
  • Employment: PASS
    • The area has seen a 11.61% job growth over the past decade, with diverse industries including trade, transportation & utilities; business & professional services; and government.
  • Crime: PASS
    • More crimes, but still ranging from low to medium intensity except in Southwest Central Hilltop, where less serious crime occurs​.
  • Appreciation: PASS
    • Property values in South Central Hilltop have appreciated by an average of 18.58% annually since 2016.​
  • Population: PASS
    • The neighborhood has experienced a 5.64% population growth since 2018, showing enduring appeal.​

Final Verdict: Investors and homebuyers looking for an all-around great market set up for steady growth and incredible appreciation, South Central Hilltop is one of the best markets Columbus, Ohio has to offer.

3. Governour’s Square, Zip Code 43220 – A Stable Market with Slow Appreciation

To finish our Columbus real estate market analysis, Governour’s Square is a highly desirable neighborhood in Columbus, offering a blend of suburban charm and urban convenience.

Known for its well-maintained homes, tree-lined streets, and strong community feel, the area provides easy access to top-rated schools, shopping centers, and recreational amenities. Its proximity to major highways and downtown Columbus makes commuting simple, while the abundance of parks and green spaces adds to its appeal for families and professionals alike.

For investors and homebuyers, Governour’s Square presents a stable and attractive market with strong demand. The neighborhood’s reputation for safety, well-kept properties, and continued development makes it a solid choice for stability. With a mix of single-family homes, condos, and rental opportunities, it offers diverse housing options in a location that balances comfort, convenience, and investment potential.

Crime rates in Governour's Square, OhioRECAP Analysis:

  • Rents: PASS
    • The average monthly rent is about $1,952, which is roughly 30% of the median household income of $77,090, just barely fitting into the RECAP guidelines.​
  • Employment: PASS
    • The area has seen a 11.61% job growth over the past decade, with diverse industries including trade, transportation & utilities; business & professional services; and government.
  • Crime: PASS
    • More mild crimes overall, but the occurrences are denser and more severe in the northern and eastern areas.
  • Appreciation: FAIL
    • Property values have appreciated by an average of 0.79% annually since 2016.​
  • Population: PASS
    • The neighborhood has seen a 11.93% population growth over the past five years, indicating a rapidly growing community.​

Final Verdict: With the high population growth and low appreciation, Governour’s Square offers a great opportunity for house flippers to gain from the heavy demand of housing while avoiding the slow wait for appreciation in a longterm hold.

Final Thoughts: Should You Buy Real Estate in Columbus, Ohio?

Our Columbus real estate market analysis shows that investing in real estate in Columbus, Ohio offers strong opportunities across various neighborhoods, each catering to different investment goals.

Whether you’re looking for high appreciation potential, steady rental income, or a stable long-term hold, Columbus provides a diverse range of markets to choose from.

  • Northeast Columbus offers strong appreciation and rental demand.
  • South Central Hilltop balances affordability with growth.
  • Governour’s Square provides stability with a high-demand housing market.

By using a data-driven approach like RECAP analysis paired with BrightInvestor’s market research software, investors can confidently navigate the Columbus market and make informed decisions that maximize returns while minimizing risks.

Remember, successful real estate investing requires thorough research and data-driven strategies.

If you’re ready to explore these opportunities further, consider signing up for a free trial on BrightInvestor to dive deeper into the real estate in Columbus, Ohio, analyze deals instantly, and get the guidance you need choose the right one.​