Author Topic: The big Move - Longmont to Columbus, OH - tips for the journey?  (Read 5053 times)

BMEPhDinCO

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The big Move - Longmont to Columbus, OH - tips for the journey?
« on: February 24, 2017, 02:21:28 PM »
Hi all,

So the time has come in the job market to leave this lovely part of the world in Colorado and move (back) to Ohio.

First, the Longmont property - we are in the process of finding a REA, so my questions are more general
1) Would anyone here want to buy my house (half kidding...)
2) The two people we've interviewed so far are pushing us to do the kitchen and finish the basement bathroom - this is probably $10k with DIY - is it worth it? Both in time as well as cost... in this market... we aren't sure and would like another opinion from someone who won't make money off the choice (House was built in 1982, kitchen is fairly old, it's mostly cabinets, countertop, and appliances though, we re-did the floor in travertine tiles and painted; bathroom piping is roughed out in basement for full bath; right now house has 1.5 baths)
3) What *little* things can we do to make the house more appealing? (I'm talking baking cookies before an open house type stuff here)

Second, the new location...
1) Any suggestions of "must live" or "die if you move here" places in Columbus?
2) Anyone here have a property for rent there? Or experience in the rental market?
3) Our plan right now is for me to move up there and rent and look for about 3 months, then DH will join me mid-summer and we would buy a place (once our current CO house sold).. any thoughts on that? Should we rent for a year first? Not buy at all there? We do plan on this being a long term job for me, if that matters... I'm super excited about it!
3b) If we were to buy, option 1 is use cash to get something a bit cheaper outright and put some work into it... option 2 is to put down 20%, then invest the rest .... with my income, we still wouldn't go too much higher, but maybe a bit more.... option 3 is a combo - get a nicer place and put down more to bring it to an affordable level but not pay off right away

So thoughts at all on any of this? I'll be working for OSU, so go Buckeyes! (??)

Thanks for any tips on Columbus!

J Boogie

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Re: The big Move - Longmont to Columbus, OH - tips for the journey?
« Reply #1 on: February 24, 2017, 02:55:49 PM »
All I can think is wow, you're in a red hot real estate market.  That 10k will go VERY far if you can make that kitchen look sweet.  I wouldn't hesitate.

If you don't have kids, I'd look for a fixer upper to buy there assuming it's much cheaper than one that doesn't need anything.

That's all I got.  Good luck!


Ocinfo

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Re: The big Move - Longmont to Columbus, OH - tips for the journey?
« Reply #2 on: February 24, 2017, 03:25:55 PM »
I'm from Ohio and lived in Columbus from 04 to 10, graduated from OSU, and own a rental in Worthington (not available though). Prices in Columbus have increased a lot in the last 5 years or so but are still reasonable compared to a lot of places. My favorite areas are Grandview, Clintonville, Worthington, and German Village. All are pretty convenient to OSU.


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Loretta

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Re: The big Move - Longmont to Columbus, OH - tips for the journey?
« Reply #3 on: February 24, 2017, 04:34:08 PM »
If I were moving back to OH I would go to Grove City, Hilliard or German Village for a less snooty feeling than the NW or NE Columbus suburbs. 

MayDay

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Re: The big Move - Longmont to Columbus, OH - tips for the journey?
« Reply #4 on: February 24, 2017, 06:46:54 PM »
Run away from New Albany.

We considered Worthington south of 270. Just depends on if you want cbus proper (not great schools) or a suburb. Clintonville is a neighborhood just north of OSU that is nice.

If you have kids and care about schools, Ohio has terrible school funding formulas. They are heavily reliant on passing local levies, and some districts have trouble passing them. Whatever district you are looking at, Google "Worthington school levy" or whatever. We steered clear of districts that had trouble passing levies. Gifted programs, bussing, extracurricular stuff, etc tends to get cut when levies fail. OTOH, property taxes can be all over the place, so watch that closely when you buy.

We ended up in a small town east of Cbus as we both work east of the city. We have a decent number of OSU professors in our town, but it's a 45 minutes commute. I wouldn't recommend unless you only have to go in to campus a couple days a week.

Papa bear

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Re: The big Move - Longmont to Columbus, OH - tips for the journey?
« Reply #5 on: February 24, 2017, 07:27:25 PM »
What type of area do you want to live in?  Walkable? Close to OSU? Trendy?  Suburbia with good schools?   There are a few of us on the boards here that stay pretty close on the RE market here in Columbus for rentals/flips. 

The market here is HOT for the desirable neighborhoods.  As in over asking multiple offers day one of listing. 

My recommendation is to try and find a rental here for a bit to decide what part of town you want to live.  You can get a feel for a commute (if you live outside the loop), how crowded some areas are, etc. 

Good luck with the move!  Ask any questions here.  We'll point you in the right direction.


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DirtDiva

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Re: The big Move - Longmont to Columbus, OH - tips for the journey?
« Reply #6 on: February 26, 2017, 04:42:47 PM »
We moved cross country almost 2 years ago (to CO, not from!) and I'm glad we rented for several months before we purchased.  It gave us a chance to learn about the neighborhoods and confirm that our jobs were a sure thing.

NoStacheOhio

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Re: The big Move - Longmont to Columbus, OH - tips for the journey?
« Reply #7 on: February 27, 2017, 07:37:38 AM »

If you have kids and care about schools, Ohio has terrible school funding formulas. They are heavily reliant on passing local levies, and some districts have trouble passing them. Whatever district you are looking at, Google "Worthington school levy" or whatever. We steered clear of districts that had trouble passing levies. Gifted programs, bussing, extracurricular stuff, etc tends to get cut when levies fail. OTOH, property taxes can be all over the place, so watch that closely when you buy.


AND Kasich keeps taking away state money. My district is projected to lose something like $4m all told over 3 or 4 years, IIRC.

BMEPhDinCO

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Re: The big Move - Longmont to Columbus, OH - tips for the journey?
« Reply #8 on: February 27, 2017, 09:11:48 AM »
Thanks everyone! We don't have kids, and aren't planning on it, so that makes school districts a bit easier, although I don't want to pay a ton in taxes for schools...I noticed some neighborhoods are more than $400 a month on property taxes!

We are planning for me to rent, although getting into a place with 3 cats is a bit difficult - any suggestions there? Would it be really crazy to just buy a really cheap house in a bad part of town (cheap as in <$25k - we have that in cash) or just pay more in rent? I'm also hoping to get a short term lease, but maybe it's better to go for a full year?

Part of the issue is that DH will be job hunting, while I'll be on the "south campus" part of OSU. So since we don't know where he might end up, renting makes more sense, it just seems to be much more expensive than buying a house.

Also, any one know of "alternative" rentals? Houses instead of apartment or something? We have lived in a SFH for 8 years and switching to sharing walls and such will be hard - plus, 3 cats.

My budget is really trying to keep to $750-$1000 for rent.

@Papa Bear - we would LOVE to be walk/bike distance to breweries/restaurants/art and fun areas...But if I could be within 5 miles or so to bike to work, that would be the best - however, I don't plan on getting rid of my car, so really anything up to about 20-25 minute commute is fine. I'm doing 45 minutes now and I hate it. We have considered getting a duplex and fixing it up, but most of them seem to be in neighborhoods that are "less desirable". Any thoughts on that?

And in general, any areas that are "stay away!" even if the housing is cheap? Again, no kids so school systems aren't an issue and we don't care if our neighbors are "different" from us, as long as the crime is lower (walk-able area in light and dusk, parks near, not too smelly).

Thanks for tips :-)

Ocinfo

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Re: The big Move - Longmont to Columbus, OH - tips for the journey?
« Reply #9 on: February 27, 2017, 09:51:10 AM »
Take a look along 5th avenue, King Ave, and Northwest Blvd in Grandview/Upper Arlington. There are quite a few duplexes/triplexes for rent, likely around the range you're looking for. 3 cats will be rough. I don't often see landlords too eager to have 3 pets. It's also easy to bike to OSU and there is plenty to do within walking distance.

East of 71 north of downtown gets rough up to 270, also south of the city. West Broad St., west of downtown is rough as well. That being said there is a lot of gentrification happening so areas  are improving.


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Papa bear

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Re: The big Move - Longmont to Columbus, OH - tips for the journey?
« Reply #10 on: February 28, 2017, 09:48:22 AM »
Just about the entire city is gentrifying, getting massive capital improvements, and getting expensive. 

To the above poster, looking at the 5th ave, king ave, northwest puts you in Columbus, outside of UA and grandview.  While there are more rentals here, they are getting pricey. 

3 cats will definitely be difficult. I wouldn't rent to 3 cats for my units.

East of 71 north of downtown is a HUGE area, and it's not all bad.  I'd avoid linden and milo grogan myself, but would have no problem living north of Morse.  That area is heavy immigrant and has some really cool international flair right now.

West broad west of downtown is franklinton and hilltop.  Franklinton has a massive 500mm capital improvement project going on and the area is out of control for investors trying to buy in. It's in transition, but by no means "avoid at all costs".

If you want to walk/bike to OSU and be close to bars/restaurants, stuff to do, right now you are looking at grandview/tri village area, short north (Victorian village, Italian village, Harrison west), the circles, university district (I would avoid as an adult! But tons of fun if you're in your 20's), weinland park (transitioning area), UA around lane, and southern clintonville.

If you are ok with a commute, but want walkable for other things, you can hit the burbs, or south of downtown. German village is phenomenal, and would be right around bike/car range.  Otherwise look around old Dublin, old worthington/northern clintonvillle, downtown Gahanna, or even downtown Powell if you want to be that far.

I'm not a huge fan of olde town east for walkable.  While a pretty neighborhood that has been transitioning for what seems like 15 years, I don't see much in the way of things to do outside of franklin park.  May be my personal bias. 

I would avoid east of parsons avenue in Columbus, and I personally don't like the east and south side too much.  While there isn't anything inherently wrong there, it's just not my choice. 

Long term to buy with no kids, i would be city of columbus, either short north or north of grandview, south of UA. Avoid those pricey property taxes. 

One thing will be in common with all of my recommendations, expensive! 


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Papa bear

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Re: The big Move - Longmont to Columbus, OH - tips for the journey?
« Reply #11 on: February 28, 2017, 09:58:09 AM »
Oh. I hear Merion village is getting better for investment properties. That might a good area for you to look too.


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BMEPhDinCO

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Re: The big Move - Longmont to Columbus, OH - tips for the journey?
« Reply #12 on: February 28, 2017, 01:47:01 PM »
Just about the entire city is gentrifying, getting massive capital improvements, and getting expensive.  Yeah, I see that

To the above poster, looking at the 5th ave, king ave, northwest puts you in Columbus, outside of UA and grandview.  While there are more rentals here, they are getting pricey. 

3 cats will definitely be difficult. I wouldn't rent to 3 cats for my units. Understandable, but what can I do to make it affordable? They are well behaved kitties...If I were to offer a smaller non-refundable deposit and then a larger refundable deposit, would that work?

East of 71 north of downtown is a HUGE area, and it's not all bad.  I'd avoid linden and milo grogan myself, but would have no problem living north of Morse.  That area is heavy immigrant and has some really cool international flair right now.

West broad west of downtown is franklinton and hilltop.  Franklinton has a massive 500mm capital improvement project going on and the area is out of control for investors trying to buy in. It's in transition, but by no means "avoid at all costs".

If you want to walk/bike to OSU and be close to bars/restaurants, stuff to do, right now you are looking at grandview/tri village area, short north (Victorian village, Italian village, Harrison west), the circles, university district (I would avoid as an adult! But tons of fun if you're in your 20's), weinland park (transitioning area), UA around lane, and southern clintonville. This is what I'll target then, and I'm not in my 20s anymore, never was by party standards!

If you are ok with a commute, but want walkable for other things, you can hit the burbs, or south of downtown. German village is phenomenal, and would be right around bike/car range.  Otherwise look around old Dublin, old worthington/northern clintonvillle, downtown Gahanna, or even downtown Powell if you want to be that far.

I'm not a huge fan of olde town east for walkable.  While a pretty neighborhood that has been transitioning for what seems like 15 years, I don't see much in the way of things to do outside of franklin park.  May be my personal bias. 

I would avoid east of parsons avenue in Columbus, and I personally don't like the east and south side too much.  While there isn't anything inherently wrong there, it's just not my choice.  I notice a lot of properties RIGHTNEXT to Parsons... would that still be a no-no? I see that a duplex on the "east" side is less tahn $80k, while the "west" side for a similar place is over $100k! Why? When they are less than .5 miles apart?

Long term to buy with no kids, i would be city of columbus, either short north or north of grandview, south of UA. Avoid those pricey property taxes. 

One thing will be in common with all of my recommendations, expensive!  Yes, I see that, I worry about that...


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So @Papa Bear and others - any tips for finding a private landlord situation where they may be amenable to negotiating the cats? I've been all over Craigslist, hotpad, and padmapper... most of these are large complexes or PM companies with no flexibility. Thanks!

Jon Bon

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Re: The big Move - Longmont to Columbus, OH - tips for the journey?
« Reply #13 on: March 01, 2017, 02:08:34 PM »
Based on what you said above, I think you should look at Clintonville. Its still relatively affordable but you get  lots of places within walking distance and a fair amount of character. The schools are iffy, so that keeps rent a little lower. Other option would be Wineland park or Merion Village. Both are going to be on the upswing but not completely gentrified so you get lots of flavor and a diverse population. Grandview/UA/German Village/Victorian Village are gonna be expensive and I dont think you could find a one bedroom in your price range.

The market here right now is insane, when springtime really starts its going to be a circus. I personally got (badly) outbid on a house. So I think renting is the way to go at least until you get introduced to the city.

Just to be clear you want to rent for 3 months, with 3 cats? I don't see that as an option to most landlords, myself included. Your best best for something short term like that might be airBNB sure it would be expensive but would be the easiest solution.

Obviously tons of options when it comes to suburbs and IMHO they are all pretty much the same. Some of them have nice little downtowns, but you are still pretty car dependent. That being said Columbus does not have that bad of traffic, so you could probably commute into the city no problem if you cant find anything in the close in target neighbors mentioned by Papabear and others.

PM me if you have any direct questions. And if you had sent this a month ago I would have totally rented you a place with your cats!

kvb121

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Re: The big Move - Longmont to Columbus, OH - tips for the journey?
« Reply #14 on: March 01, 2017, 07:25:07 PM »
I moved from Columbus this past August after living there since 2006.
I recommend Italian Village or Victorian Village downtown. You are right near High Street (restaurants, bars, great coffee shops like Mission and One Line, juice like Native and Zest, etc) but also are close to OSUs campus. Rent is definitely going up now, especially in the areas I lived. Also, if you're willing to go a bit further north (summit and 5th ave) it's just starting to turn around and you may be able to get a great deal (and can pay cash like you mentioned). Slightly less safe than near high street and closer to downtown.

Old Town East is also a cool neighborhood more downtown, just starting to revitalize.

Happy to provide more feedback since I called Columbus home for 10 years! Just holler!
k

Papa bear

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Re: The big Move - Longmont to Columbus, OH - tips for the journey?
« Reply #15 on: March 02, 2017, 07:47:58 AM »
Just about the entire city is gentrifying, getting massive capital improvements, and getting expensive.  Yeah, I see that

To the above poster, looking at the 5th ave, king ave, northwest puts you in Columbus, outside of UA and grandview.  While there are more rentals here, they are getting pricey. 

3 cats will definitely be difficult. I wouldn't rent to 3 cats for my units. Understandable, but what can I do to make it affordable? They are well behaved kitties...If I were to offer a smaller non-refundable deposit and then a larger refundable deposit, would that work?

East of 71 north of downtown is a HUGE area, and it's not all bad.  I'd avoid linden and milo grogan myself, but would have no problem living north of Morse.  That area is heavy immigrant and has some really cool international flair right now.

West broad west of downtown is franklinton and hilltop.  Franklinton has a massive 500mm capital improvement project going on and the area is out of control for investors trying to buy in. It's in transition, but by no means "avoid at all costs".

If you want to walk/bike to OSU and be close to bars/restaurants, stuff to do, right now you are looking at grandview/tri village area, short north (Victorian village, Italian village, Harrison west), the circles, university district (I would avoid as an adult! But tons of fun if you're in your 20's), weinland park (transitioning area), UA around lane, and southern clintonville. This is what I'll target then, and I'm not in my 20s anymore, never was by party standards!

If you are ok with a commute, but want walkable for other things, you can hit the burbs, or south of downtown. German village is phenomenal, and would be right around bike/car range.  Otherwise look around old Dublin, old worthington/northern clintonvillle, downtown Gahanna, or even downtown Powell if you want to be that far.

I'm not a huge fan of olde town east for walkable.  While a pretty neighborhood that has been transitioning for what seems like 15 years, I don't see much in the way of things to do outside of franklin park.  May be my personal bias. 

I would avoid east of parsons avenue in Columbus, and I personally don't like the east and south side too much.  While there isn't anything inherently wrong there, it's just not my choice.  I notice a lot of properties RIGHTNEXT to Parsons... would that still be a no-no? I see that a duplex on the "east" side is less tahn $80k, while the "west" side for a similar place is over $100k! Why? When they are less than .5 miles apart?

Long term to buy with no kids, i would be city of columbus, either short north or north of grandview, south of UA. Avoid those pricey property taxes. 

One thing will be in common with all of my recommendations, expensive!  Yes, I see that, I worry about that...


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So @Papa Bear and others - any tips for finding a private landlord situation where they may be amenable to negotiating the cats? I've been all over Craigslist, hotpad, and padmapper... most of these are large complexes or PM companies with no flexibility. Thanks!

I would get on Craigslist and Zillow rentals and find individual landlords like the few of us who posted here.   Call them and explain your situation and see if they can work something out.  Good luck!  If you do find something, feel free to post the area and we can give you a thumbs up or down. 

As for parsons...  it's a weird line where higher crime begins and ends. It's basically the demarcation between one of the most desirable and worst areas of the town to be in.  Bad side of the street and bar fights are spilling out into the streets in daylight, the other side and you get into overpriced housing.  It's an odd area that you need to see to get an idea of what it's like. 



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piethief

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Re: The big Move - Longmont to Columbus, OH - tips for the journey?
« Reply #16 on: March 02, 2017, 10:30:42 AM »
With a 20-25 minute commute you can get pretty far out, even outside 270 suburbs.  I live up in Marysville and unless I'm going to the far side of Columbus, like the airport, its 30 min or less anywhere.  I really like living here because we have almost anything we need in our town, but if we do want to go to Columbus for something, its just a quick drive.  I don't have a commute for work though since I work from home.

I would definitely rent somewhere for a while, or even just find a cheap motel for a while as you get a feel for the areas and the job.  To be honest, you could try extended stay hotels in a few different areas and "test" the commute via bike and check out the neighborhood.  Take your time and find something that really works for you.  Naturally, this is getting to be the time of year where the real estate market is busiest.  Buying in Ohio in the winter is usually better for getting good deals, although the last 2 winters have been extremely mild.

MayDay

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Re: The big Move - Longmont to Columbus, OH - tips for the journey?
« Reply #17 on: March 02, 2017, 10:30:46 AM »
Someone I work with just got relocated to Cbus from Atlanta, and he bought a condo for 30k and plans to live in a year while they house hunt.  Then either sell it or rent it. So that is definitely a possibility.


BMEPhDinCO

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Re: The big Move - Longmont to Columbus, OH - tips for the journey?
« Reply #18 on: March 07, 2017, 10:50:29 AM »
Ok - big update, need help from y'all!

We found a house yesterday that we really like... 5878 Northern Pine Pl, Columbus, OH.

We can (barely) cover the 20% down and closing costs from our cash, so we wouldn't be offering contingent on selling...

Any thoughts on this place? Anyone willing to do a walk-through for us?? We think it will go FAST and thus we can't wait until we can get up there...

Upside of this too - only 1 move (no apartment for me and cats first) and we would be able to pay it off in less than 5 years!

Thanks all!

Jon Bon

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Re: The big Move - Longmont to Columbus, OH - tips for the journey?
« Reply #19 on: March 07, 2017, 06:38:57 PM »
Hey OP

I googled the house and know the area a little bit, I used to work up there years ago. I guess this all depends on what you want now, and what you think you want longer term. Based on your above posts this is not really a happening place that is friendly to pedestrians. Yup you get a lot of bang for your buck there, but I don't know about the health of the area long term.

So that part of town is not the best, kind of decaying interburbs.  Also not walk-able, you are between 161 and Morse which are about the least car friendly streets in the city. Its really just big long straight roads with a bunch of strip malls on them. There were loads of suggestions about the "hip" places to live above but a 3br house is going to run you 250-300k. If you  are ok with an actual up and coming neighborhood I would look at Franklinton. Super close to down town and I see new coffee shops/bars/restaurants going in every week. TONS of development money going in there as well, about 1 mile from downtown so its hard to beat the convenience.

If you want to make an offer don't let me stop by but just because you can afford to pay it off in 5 years does not necessarily make it a good idea, best of luck!

MayDay

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Re: The big Move - Longmont to Columbus, OH - tips for the journey?
« Reply #20 on: March 08, 2017, 04:33:41 AM »
I wouldn't want to live in that area. Strip mall hell is a good description. House is cute. Would you be buying sight unseen? Because that is a terrible idea.

You need to drive through some of the recommended areas, then this area.

Also, commute wouldn't be terrible, but from what I know you'd have to drive.

Ocinfo

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Re: The big Move - Longmont to Columbus, OH - tips for the journey?
« Reply #21 on: March 08, 2017, 09:01:05 AM »
Curious why a 5 bedroom? Since you don't have kids, why not look for a 2 or 3 bedroom a bit closer in? Will still likely be ~1500sf as places usually aren't tiny in Ohio.


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BMEPhDinCO

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Re: The big Move - Longmont to Columbus, OH - tips for the journey?
« Reply #22 on: March 08, 2017, 02:39:00 PM »
Thanks y'all!

The idea of no mortgage is super super appealing to us, hence looking at the lower price ranges. I'm also the only one with a job when we get out there, so I'm trying to keep costs lower (and the taxes there appear to be killer).

Good points on the area and not just the house (which I think is the bigger appeal) - as for size, I think my husband is the one really wanting a large place, and privacy is a big thing for us as well.

I think we are just super excited to get out there and may be jumping the gun a little. We will keep looking around and I'll post more places as we find them for helpful input.

Thanks everyone!


Blindsquirrel

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Re: The big Move - Longmont to Columbus, OH - tips for the journey?
« Reply #24 on: March 08, 2017, 05:02:05 PM »
   A couple of things to know.
-The local team is the Buckeyes, they are good at football. Attend a home game if you can. It is a tremendous experience.
-Blendon woods is a really nice park not far from where you will be living.
-Red, White and Boom is the downtown fireworks display. It is a mass number of people. Avoid if you do not like crowds but a great time.
- If you like to bike, there are really nice paths along the Olentangy river and Alum Creek
-The gallery hops in the short north are a good time.
-On the 4th of July, attend the Doo-Dah parade. It is a hoot and a half.
-If you are into community action even have a tiny hippie streak- Attend ComFest. It is a very mellow and cool good time.
-Bibibop is really good food.

2microsNH

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Re: The big Move - Longmont to Columbus, OH - tips for the journey?
« Reply #25 on: April 05, 2017, 01:08:03 PM »
I lived in Columbus for six years while at OSU for grad school. We lived in German Village and then Clintonville. German Village is expensive and snooty, although the old, brick houses are lovely. Still, from German Village you would have to travel through (or around) downtown to get to OSU, and there's no bike path option; I found this very stressful. Clintonville is way more affordable, and also has lovely, old brick houses and large apartments. Many areas of Clintonville are very close to the Olentangy River bike path, particularly if you buy/rent on the west side of Clintonville. My last two years at OSU, we rented one half of a house, which was a large, two-story, three bedroom apartment, and we were two blocks from the bike path. I rode the bike path to school every day... a very pleasant way to travel, and we also used the bike path for recreation (e.g., running, x-country skiing).