Moving to Columbus, Ohio: What New Renters Should Know
- Nina Afshani
- 6 days ago
- 2 min read
The Columbus metro area grew by more than 21,000 residents in 2025, reaching a population of over 2.24 million — a growth rate double the national average and among the 15 fastest of any large metro in the country. If you're one of the people considering a move here, here's what's actually driving that growth, and what to expect as a renter once you arrive.
Why People Are Moving to Columbus
Job creation is a big part of the story. Intel is building wafer fabrication plants in the region expected to create around 3,000 new jobs, while Honda and LG Energy Solutions are investing roughly $4 billion in an EV battery manufacturing hub in Ohio. Ohio State University also anchors a steady, education-driven segment of the local economy. On top of the job growth, cost of living is a draw: rent in Columbus runs roughly 26–28% below the national average, and the median home sale price of around $290,000 is well under the national median.
What You'll Pay to Rent Here
Citywide average rent currently falls somewhere between $1,300 and $1,490 a month depending on the source, with plenty of variation by neighborhood and unit size. New arrivals often overshoot their budget by assuming Columbus prices resemble the coastal or Sun Belt cities they're leaving — in most cases, your rent dollar goes noticeably further here.
Getting Around Once You Arrive
Columbus has been ranked the best U.S. city for commuting by a Lyft-backed study, with an average commute time around 20 to 22 minutes. That said, public transit is limited outside the downtown core and about 78.5% of residents commute by car, so it's worth planning to drive and picking a location with easy highway access.
Finding Your Neighborhood: Consider North Columbus
If you're relocating without deep familiarity with the city's neighborhoods yet, North Columbus near Worthington and I-71 is a practical place to start — close enough to downtown for a manageable commute, with easier pricing than the urban core while you get to know the area. The Continent French Quarter Apartments sits right in that corridor, with friendly on-site management and simple online rent payments that make settling into a new city a little less complicated.
Floor Plans & Rent
Rent ranges from $875 to $1,500 a month across six floor plans, with electric included:
• One Bedroom, One Bath Suite (the Sulu floor plan)
• Two Bedroom, One Bath
• Two Bedroom, Two Bath Suite (the Caribbean floor plan)
• Two Bedroom, Two Bath Townhouse (the Coral floor plan)
• Two Bedroom, Two Bath Suite with washer/dryer hookup
• Two Bedroom, Two Bath Townhouse with washer/dryer hookup
Schedule Your Tour
If you're relocating to Columbus and want a straightforward move-in, reach out and we'll help you find the right floor plan before you arrive.
Call: 614-985-1950
Learn more: continentfrenchquarter.com
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