Columbus, Ohio: A City on the Rise

One of our favorite ways to stay inspired in the retail real estate space is to travel to other emerging cities to check out the scene! Our founder, Megan, had the opportunity to spend a week in the Midwest visiting the growing city of Columbus, Ohio.

After being immersed in all the happenings, our team sat down to gather some of the highlights of the city as a whole. Columbus sure has come a LONG way since its humble beginnings as a frontier town in the early 1800s.

So let’s dive in! Keep reading to learn about the Columbus market, retail and commercial developments, and more.

Demographics and Living Patterns

Today, Columbus currently sits as the 14th largest city in the United States, with a population of over 900,000 residents.

Columbus is a city with a mix of both urban and suburban areas, making it an ideal location for commercial and retail real estate developments. The city's population is diverse, with a mix of young professionals, families, and retirees. The median age of Columbus residents is 32, which is younger than the national median age of 38. The city has a relatively high median household income of $56,045, which is above the national average of $53,482.

With higher-than-average median incomes and a younger population, Columbus has been known year-after-year as one of the top few cities in the United States for startups and new retail businesses!

The city is also home to a large number of college students, with Ohio State University located in the heart of Columbus. The university has a significant impact on the local economy and culture, with over 50,000 students enrolled and over 30,000 faculty and staff employed. This demographic of young, educated individuals presents a significant opportunity for continued growth within the city. The university continues to draw top talent from all over the country, and the hot job market and growing industries easily maintain each graduating population.

Neighborhoods

Columbus is a city with many unique neighborhoods, each with its own character and charm. Some of the most popular neighborhoods for commercial and retail real estate growth include Easton, Dublin, the Short North and Grandview.

Easton Town Center is the premier shopping district for the greater Columbus area, featuring a vibrant mix of retail, office and residential. It is home to over 200 stores and restaurants, making it a popular destination for shoppers and diners alike.

Dublin is a suburb of Columbus located in the northwest part of the city. It is a thriving community, known for its excellent schools and high-quality of life, making it a popular destination for families. The downtown area of Dublin is walkable and offers an urban feel.

The Short North is a vibrant neighborhood located just north of downtown Columbus. The district is known for its lively arts scene, trendy bars and restaurants, and unique boutiques.

Located just west of downtown Columbus is Grandview — the historic neighborhood that’s well-known for its charming homes and quaint streetscapes. Grandview has a small-town feel with easy access to the city center, making it an attractive location for retail businesses.

Looking Ahead

Columbus is a city on the rise, with a growing economy and a vibrant community. The city is attracting new businesses and residents from around the country, making it an exciting place to call home. As the city continues to evolve, we will continue to see more opportunities for commercial and retail real estate in the coming years!

Check out our The Columbus Guide for a list of must-visit destinations in these neighborhoods!

Megan AtkinMay 23, 2023