Need help apartment hunting « Columbus Underground Messageboard

Columbus Underground Messageboard » General Columbus Discussion » Q&A

Need help apartment hunting

[17 posts] [8 contributors]

Topic Rating:

(Total Ratings: )
Rate this topic:

Started 3 years ago by MEMtransplant
Latest reply from MEMtransplant

Tags:

apartments

MEMtransplant
Columbus, OH
Login to Send PM

I've been here exactly a week and am in Corporate temp housing at Easton Commons. I moved from Memphis, TN. I used to live in a community in Midtown Memphis called "Cooper-Young" (www.cooperyoung.com). I was actually part of the Board of Directors for our Community Association. The community was extremely diverse, open minded and very artsy. The Short North is somewhat comparable here in Columbus that I've found so far. I'm looking for an apartment to rent for about a year while my house in CY, and my building hopefully in downtown Memphis sells. Then I plan on buying a house or condo here. I've noticed some interesting developments in the Short North that are happening (Ibiza and Jackson on High for instance). I haven't found a one stop shop website for newcomers like me to Columbus in regards to renting an apartment for this first year. My questions are:

1) Is there a complete list of apartments in the Short North and surrounding communities that I could access?
2) Where can I find a complete list of all new Condo developments occurring in the Short North and surrounding communities?
3) Does someone provide a service here in Columbus for apartment hunting (with regard to advising, and being up to date on the apartment communities positives and negatives) so I make the right choice.
A little about me so you understand who I am: I'm 37, SWM, no pets. As far as apartments go, I'm really looking for a demographic that is open minded, professional, and sociable. I'm not looking for a lot of noise and partying (well, partying acceptable up to a decent hour). So, I'm not really looking for an apartment complex that is full of college students. I'm looking in the $800 - $1,200 range, 1 bedroom or 2 bedroom. I'd prefer an apartment complex that has a lot of social events for the residents since I don't know many people here. Would be a good opportunity for me to meet people!
I've checked out so far:
Brewers Yard: Seems the people on apartment ratings and apartment reviews do not recommend this location for several reasons.
Kramers Place: Looks nice, but cannot find any reviews or ratings.
That's pretty much as far as I've gotten so far. Really looking in and around the Short North Area.

Thank you in advance for your help!

Posted 3 years ago #
Anne
King Lincoln
Login to Send PM

welcome! I think you will really like it here.
This might help you: http://columbusretrometro.typepad.com/
This might help you: http://www.metro-rentals.com/
Driving around in the area and taking down numbers would probably be a good bet as well.
There are also various other threads where people have talked about this on Columbus Underground too.
There is also The Jeffrey and The Jackson and ibiza and York Condos and Smith and High Condos to name a few of the condo projects off the top of my head.

Posted 3 years ago #
rave_til_dawn
Dennison Place
Login to Send PM

Craigslist Columbus is also a good source for listings.

Posted 3 years ago #
Anne
King Lincoln
Login to Send PM

This is also a great resource: http://www.columbushomesblog.com/
It is run by this guy. I'm not sure if he has expanded his services to include apartment searches, but he is super knowledgeable and probably wouldn't hurt to ask him.

Posted 3 years ago #
MEMtransplant
Columbus, OH
Login to Send PM

Thanks for the quick reply guys. Anne, if you could suggest a search string I would be more than happy to do that. Tried earlier, but got way too many hits. I drove around today (not exactly the greatest day to do that) and really didn't notice anything I had already seen. Maybe I have my expectations set to high for price versus what I'm looking for? Not sure. Been looking at Craigslist as well. Thanks for the suggestions guys! Keep em coming!
Alan

Posted 3 years ago #
Anne
King Lincoln
Login to Send PM

MEMtransplant wrote I'd prefer an apartment complex that has a lot of social events for the residents since I don't know many people here. Would be a good opportunity for me to meet people!
Also, you should come to the CU 7 Year Anniversary Party, you will get to meet lots of people. :)

Posted 3 years ago #
Anne
King Lincoln
Login to Send PM

apartment thread
older thread
rental companies suggestions

Posted 3 years ago #
MEMtransplant
Columbus, OH
Login to Send PM

Anne wrote
MEMtransplant wrote I'd prefer an apartment complex that has a lot of social events for the residents since I don't know many people here. Would be a good opportunity for me to meet people!
Also, you should come to the CU 7 Year Anniversary Party, you will get to meet lots of people. :)
Hey, sounds fun! I'll be there!

Posted 3 years ago #
lifeontwowheels
Highland West
Login to Send PM

If you're not completely sold on SN, a few suggestions:
East Town (Between Third and Parsons) has a number of rental properties in various price range. One that I have seen recommended, and one I will probably be moving to myself, is the Belmont Apartments.
Condo wise there is the Sherman-Oak development that just went on the market. Both are in Old Town East or there abouts.
Walker and Anne can probably fill you in on some of the developments in King-Lincoln.

Posted 3 years ago #
MEMtransplant
Columbus, OH
Login to Send PM

Thanks for the continuing info.
I've been reviewing "apartmentratings.com" and also some other apartment review place. I've noticed a trend, it seems management is HORRIBLE at all these apartment places... is this true? I would think some of those apartment ratings are their competition thoiugh... So, I'm sure some can't be trusted. But, when you have more than 10 ratings and most are bad, that's kinda saying something.
So, anyone have any experience as far as apartment management is concerned? Seems to be a prevelant issue. Thanks.

Posted 3 years ago #
Walker
The KLD / Downtown
Login to Send PM

MEMtransplant wrote I've been reviewing "apartmentratings.com" and also some other apartment review place. I've noticed a trend, it seems management is HORRIBLE at all these apartment places... is this true? I would think some of those apartment ratings are their competition thoiugh... So, I'm sure some can't be trusted. But, when you have more than 10 ratings and most are bad, that's kinda saying something.
I think you have to take those types of things with a grain of salt. People are 100 times more likely to write a bad review than they are a good one for those types of services. If you have a good experience (or even mediocre one) with a landlord, then you move on. No big deal. No need to get online and sing their praises. If you have a bad experience, then you let the world know about it. Trash them up a storm.
So yeah, it really doesn't surprise me if you never see good reviews for landlords. I've never given one, and I've had plenty of great landlords in the past.

Posted 3 years ago #
Tigertree
771 N. High St.
Login to Send PM

I used to live at 60 Spring. It was really great, and then a new management company and it kind of sucked, and then the landlords took it back over, so I assume it's good again.
The people that own that building have a few others in the area that are pretty similar and priced well.
+1 on Walkers review blurb, by the way.

Posted 3 years ago #
MEMtransplant
Columbus, OH
Login to Send PM

Thanks so much for everyones help so far. Still searching at this point. I've included rental houses on the list now. I've become interested in Old Town East. I've been told it's a little spotty though. Could someone advise on the streets or section that is ok? Thanks again for your help!

Posted 3 years ago #
Motorist
The Trots
Login to Send PM

MEMtransplant wrote Thanks so much for everyones help so far. Still searching at this point. I've included rental houses on the list now. I've become interested in Old Town East. I've been told it's a little spotty though. Could someone advise on the streets or section that is ok? Thanks again for your help!
There aren't many rental companies in OTE but a lot of individual landlords. Check out F&W Properties and Governor's Terrace (can't remember who owns that place). I've rented twice from F&W and an ex had a place in GT, it was really well maintained. The only other company I know of down there is Beacon Management and I've heard mixed reviews about them.
If you want a cheap condo, look at the Sherman-Oak Condos or the condos at Hamilton and Long. Both are in great parts of the neighborhood and are really good values. Unless you have some money sitting around that you would like to tie up for a few years doing nothing, steer clear of the Broadwin. That place has been 'Coming Soon!' for a few years now.
Feel free to PM me with any questions about specific places that you come across.

Posted 3 years ago #
lifeontwowheels
Highland West
Login to Send PM

Bryden seems to be a pretty decent throughout. Oak seems to be block by block, someone correct me if I am wrong. I ride Oak almost all the time coming home if on the bike, even after dark. Haven't had issues yet. You can check out the old streetcar building on Oak, which is slated to be turned into a market.

Posted 3 years ago #
ChrisSunami
King-Lincoln District
Login to Send PM

Given that you're looking in Olde Town East, we're still looking for tenants for the apartment below us. Hardwood floors, clawfoot tub, 2 bedrooms, large family room and dining room, sun porch, water included & internet available. $500/ month + gas & electric. 1692 Franklin Ave.
I've become interested in Old Town East. I've been told it's a little spotty though.
All of Columbus is spotty, but that's especially true of OTE. Of course, that's how you get the good deals, and the architecture here is fantastic --old houses filled with real wood.
The stretch of Franklin we are on is very nice, but we are on the border of some rougher areas. Personally, I would stay away from Oak completely. Bryden is very nice, especially close to downtown. Everything in the area between Bryden, Rhoades, Fairwood and the Park is pretty nice. The houses on the park itself are fantastic, but they run much higher --I don't think there are really any rentals there either.

Posted 3 years ago #
MEMtransplant
Columbus, OH
Login to Send PM

Thanks a bunch Kitoba. I'll check it out tomorrow.

Posted 3 years ago #