Apartments for rent in Columbus, OH

Getting to Know Columbus, OH

Columbus is at the geographical and cultural heart of Ohio. As the home of the largest public university campus in the United States, the city is a well-known focal point for student life and college athletics. It's also the seat of Ohio's state government and home to major private employers. What's more, Columbus is just a short drive from Ohio's most scenic region. If the thought of living in Columbus doesn't excite you, you probably haven't been there.

Columbus Attractions

The single biggest Columbus attraction is undoubtedly the sprawling campus of The Ohio State University. The 1,800-acre expanse impresses visitors with such architecturally significant buildings as Hayes Hall and William Oxley Thompson Memorial Library. It also delights college sports fans who come to see the Buckeyes beat the competition in baseball, basketball, football, tennis, ice hockey, gymnastics and more. Meanwhile, the Capitol building downtown attracts thousands of visitors every year. Columbus Museum of Art and Columbus Symphony Orchestra, among others, round out the city's diverse cultural offerings.

Neighborhoods around Columbus

Settling down with your family? Forest Park is a perfect fit, offering four city parks and scenic tree-lined streets. The German Village and the culturally diverse Discovery district attract artsy types, while the Brewery district is the best choice for bar-hopping singles and students looking to stay close to campus.

Columbus Apartments

Apartment Guide is committed to connecting you with the widest range of attractively priced apartments in the best parts of Columbus. Whether you're looking for a student-friendly, two-bedroom home in a secure building or a family-style townhouse in a gated community, our up-to-date database of apartments in Columbus, Ohio can help you find the best place to live. You can also use our powerful search feature to find apartments with specific attributes. For example, you can customize your search to include Columbus, Ohio apartments with on-site gym facilities, 24-hour security or convenient bike parking spots. With Apartment Guide at your service, you'll have no trouble finding the best apartments in Columbus, Ohio.

Free Things to Do in Columbus

Many of our favorite things to do in Columbus are completely free. Here are our top five picks for fun afternoon activities:

• Ohio Statehouse: Go on a guided tour of the Ohio Statehouse for the gorgeous architecture and to learn about influential Ohioans such as George Washington Williams.
• Short North Arts District: Stroll through the Short North Arts District to see the area's best public art and to check out more than a dozen galleries.
• James Thurber Home: Head to the childhood home of cartoonist and author James Thurber to satisfy both the history buff and the bibliophile in you.
• Browse the Shops: Window-shop at more than 200 retailers at the Easton Town Center, an outdoor shopping mecca just north of downtown.
• Public Market: Get a feel for the local flavor at North Market, the city's only public market. You'll enjoy the smell of freshly made international foods while you peruse gourmet groceries, artisanal gifts and handcrafted housewares.

Activities for Families in Columbus, OH

If the little ones in your life love animals, drive north of downtown to Columbus Zoo or spend the day at the Center of Science and Industry to get an up-close view of a T. rex skeleton. We also recommend checking out the kid-friendly things to do at one of the nearly two dozen Columbus Metropolitan Library locations.

Columbus Natural Beauty

Columbus is known for the winding jogging and biking trails lining its riverfront and stretching into the gently rolling suburban neighborhoods surrounding the city. Nearby Slate Run Metropark and Alley Park boast picture-perfect picnicking spots. Further afield, the rugged hills to the south and east of town delight hikers, mountain bikers and rock climbers with their seemingly endless nooks and crannies. Popular protected areas in this region include Hocking State Forest and Lake Logan State Park. Don't miss the Scioto Mile, a 175-acre riverside area, with its bike paths, walkways, playgrounds, and Bicentennial Park's famous whimsical fountain.

Weekend Getaways from Columbus

When you feel like taking a family road trip, head an hour west to Dayton, the birthplace of aviation, or explore the shores of Lake Erie in Cleveland, a 2.5-hour drive northeast of Columbus.