Brick Streets, Buckeyes, and a Brand New Apartment: Your Complete Columbus Moving Guide

Hello from the Buckeye State! I'm Kim, your ApartmentHomeLiving.com Local Expert for Columbus, Ohio, and I've put together this guide to help make your relocation as easy and stress-free as possible.

Columbus and the broader Central Ohio region, including Franklin and Delaware counties, have experienced noticeable growth in recent years. The area continues to attract new residents, employers, and businesses because of its diverse economy, universities, medical institutions, and research facilities. For renters, that growth can create a wide range of employment opportunities and housing choices, which can make finding the right neighborhood and apartment feel a little overwhelming. I know because I have friends who've been there, and done that.

ApartmentHomeLiving.com shares what local writers actually know about these communities, not just what appears on a generic relocation checklist. Keep reading if you want practical information that can make your move to Columbus more enjoyable, more budget-friendly, and less time-consuming.

Our website provides current apartment listings throughout the Columbus area. If you're planning to move to Columbus but haven't started looking for your new home, why not begin your search for Columbus apartments here?

Current Rental Pricing for Apartments in the Columbus Area

Touring Columbus Neighborhoods

Short North, Italian Village, and Victorian Village

Like many large cities, Columbus consists of distinct neighborhoods with different characters, housing choices, transportation options, green spaces, and price ranges. If you want pedestrian-friendly access to restaurants, nightlife, galleries, shops, and entertainment, the Short North and nearby Italian Village and Victorian Village are good places to begin your search. High Street runs through the area, placing many businesses and entertainment venues within walking distance of surrounding residential buildings.

The trade-off is that parking can be limited in some of the city's older and denser neighborhoods. Depending on the building and street, renters may need an assigned parking space, a residential permit, or a willingness to park farther from home.

Here are links to current apartments for rent in these three Columbus neighborhoods:

• Apartments for Rent in Short North
• Apartments for Rent in Italian Village
• Apartments for Rent in Victorian Village

German Village, Clintonville, Old North Columbus, Grandview Heights, and Upper Arlington

South of downtown Columbus, German Village is known for its historic brick streets, distinctive architecture, restaurants, and preserved nineteenth-century character. Apartments for rent in German Village can include apartments, converted homes, townhouses, and studio apartments. German Village remains a popular neighborhood, and rental availability can be limited, particularly for certain types of housing.

North of the university area, Clintonville and Old North Columbus offer a mixture of apartments, older homes, local businesses, and established residential streets. Ohio State students, graduate students, young professionals, families, and longtime residents all live in the area. Renters can explore apartments for rent in Clintonville and apartments for rent in Old North Columbus to compare available housing options.

Depending on the property and location, renters may find more space or more budget-friendly rentals than they would in some downtown neighborhoods. However, it is important to consider commute times before signing a lease. Paying more for an apartment closer to work may sometimes make sense when transportation costs and commuting time are taken into account.

Grandview Heights is a separate municipality bordering Columbus. If you are looking for convenient access to the broader Columbus area while living outside the City of Columbus, explore apartments for rent in Grandview Heights. Housing costs and local tax rules can differ between municipalities, so take time to compare those factors before deciding where to rent.

Upper Arlington is another nearby municipality with established residential neighborhoods, parks, shopping areas, apartments for rent in Upper Arlington, and residences on the market. It can be a good option for renters who want access to Columbus proper while living outside the city.

Gas and Electric in Columbus

AEP Ohio provides electric service throughout much of the Columbus region, while the City of Columbus Division of Power serves certain areas within the city. Before moving, ask your landlord or property manager which electric provider serves the property and whether you will need to sign up for an account in your own name.

If electricity isn't included in your rent, arranging service before move-in day can make your move easier. Contact the utility provider serving your specific address to find out what information is required to establish service before you spend the first night in your new apartment.

For rental properties that use natural gas, Columbia Gas of Ohio may be your provider for heating, water heating, or gas appliances, depending on the property's location and infrastructure. If your rental uses natural gas, check your lease and find out who is responsible for the account several weeks before move-in day, if possible.

Water Service in Columbus

Many Columbus apartment communities, particularly larger apartment complexes, include water and sewer charges in the rent or bill tenants separately through a property management company. Duplexes and single-family rentals may be more likely to require tenants to pay for water usage directly. There is no universal arrangement, so ask the property owner or manager exactly how water and sewer charges are handled before signing your lease.

If you want your water and sewer bills mailed directly to you, the City of Columbus requires a Tenant Billing Agreement signed by both the tenant and property owner. The property owner continues to receive copies of the bills and ultimately remains responsible for unpaid charges.

I also suggest confirming how water and sewer charges are billed at the property and whether they are included in your rent. Columbus has been transitioning residential customers from quarterly to monthly billing through a phased process, and water and sewer rate increases took effect on January 1, 2026. Understanding how utilities are billed can help you compare the actual cost of a water-included apartment with a rental where renters pay separately.

Internet Providers in Columbus

As of 2026, Columbus renters may have access to several major internet providers, depending on their exact address. Popular internet options in the region include Xfinity, AT&T, Spectrum, and 5G home internet services from T-Mobile and Verizon.

Fiber internet availability varies by neighborhood and individual building. Before signing a lease, check each provider's current availability using the exact apartment address rather than relying on neighborhood-wide coverage information.

Many newer Columbus apartment communities, especially larger multi-unit complexes and student-oriented buildings, include internet service in the rent or have bulk agreements with a particular provider. In those cases, you could have limited ability to choose your own provider even if another company technically serves the area. Older buildings and smaller rentals may have different provider options, depending on the communications infrastructure serving the property.

Ohio Driver's License and Vehicle Registration

If you are relocating from another state, Ohio considers you a resident for Bureau of Motor Vehicles purposes when you establish residency through circumstances such as beginning employment, signing a lease, buying a home, or enrolling children in school.

New Ohio residents generally have 30 days after establishing residency to transfer an out-of-state driver's license or ID card and complete the required title and registration process for vehicles. Requirements can change, so review the Ohio BMV's current "New to Ohio" information before visiting a County Clerk of Courts Title Office or Deputy Registrar license agency.

Emissions Testing in Ohio

Franklin County is not currently part of Ohio's E-Check emissions testing program. Ohio's E-Check requirements apply to certain vehicles registered in designated counties, so Franklin County vehicle owners generally do not need an E-Check inspection before registering their vehicles. Because emissions requirements can change, always check updated Ohio BMV information before completing your registration.

What Else to Know Before Moving to Columbus, Ohio

Here are some additional tips and information I've compiled specifically about the Columbus area that may help streamline your move:

• If possible, avoid moving during the busiest lease turnover periods near Ohio State University. The University District, Old North Columbus, and surrounding neighborhoods can experience significant moving activity when student leases begin and end.
• If you're moving to the Short North, remember that parking can be more difficult during busy weekends and special events. If your building does not provide dedicated parking or a loading area, ask your property manager about the best place to unload a moving truck.
• German Village's historic brick homes and converted properties may have narrow stairways, low doorways, and limited interior space. Measure large furniture before moving day to make sure it can fit through entrances and stairwells. Ask your landlord or property manager whether there are any requirements for protecting floors, walls, or common areas during your move.
• Some older apartment buildings and converted properties in neighborhoods such as Italian Village and the Short North may have shared entrances, narrow access points, alleys, or limited loading space. Confirm with your property manager where movers should enter the building and whether there are restrictions on using particular entrances.
• If you are moving to the Clintonville or Whetstone area, ask your landlord about parking and shared-driveway arrangements before move-in day. Check local event calendars if you are moving near Whetstone Park, since larger events and construction projects can affect traffic and parking in surrounding areas.
• Grandview Avenue is a major commercial corridor in and around Grandview Heights and can become busy during evenings and weekends. If your building is located near a busy commercial area, consider scheduling your move for a less congested time and ask whether rear access or designated loading areas are available.

Right-of-Way Occupancy Permit

For larger moving trucks, Columbus offers a short-term 906 Right-of-Way Occupancy Permit for certain non-construction uses of public right-of-way space, including parking moving vans or trailers. The permit can cover temporary occupancy for up to seven days. If your move requires temporarily using curb or street space, check the City's current information regarding the Right-of-Way permit to determine whether a permit is required before move-in day.

Public Transportation

Locate your nearest COTA bus stop and review current routes and schedules even if you don't expect to use public transportation regularly. Major Columbus corridors, including High Street, Indianola Avenue, and Lane Avenue, have COTA service in various locations, although routes, stops, and schedules can change. Checking current information before your move can help you identify a convenient backup transportation option when needed.

Healthcare Availability

Also, identify the nearest hospital, urgent care center, and pharmacy before you need them. Columbus has healthcare facilities throughout the metropolitan area, including hospitals and outpatient locations operated by major healthcare systems such as OhioHealth, Mount Carmel Health System, and The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. Before an urgent medical need arises, make a list of which nearby facilities accept your insurance and review their current hours and services.

Trash/Recycling

Finally, become familiar with your property's trash and recycling arrangements before your first collection day. Trash and recycling schedules can depend on the location and type of property, while apartment communities with shared dumpsters may have their own collection procedures. Ask your landlord or property manager where trash and recycling should be placed and when it is collected so you don't miss the first pickup after moving in.

Now You're Just About Ready to Move to Columbus

Now that you know a little more about what to expect when moving to Columbus, the next step is finding the right place to live. Start by thinking about the neighborhoods that offer accommodations for your job, school, budget, and lifestyle, then compare the apartments available in those areas. Don't be afraid to ask property managers plenty of questions about utilities, parking, internet, and move-in procedures before signing a lease. Moving to a new city takes some planning, but finding the right apartment can make settling into Columbus much easier. Take your time, compare your options, and take it from somebody who knows!