OPINION REQUESTED: Bad Areas In Columbus, OH

[Mitxel Totorica]

Hey all, my partner and I have been looking into areas/submarkets within Columbus, OH. We are looking to buy and hold one SFR/MFR upto a quad by June 1, 2019 for less than 100k cash.

First, We are looking at markets and have narrowed some good markets in terms of lifestyle, safety, and home quality to Westerville, Hilliard, Lincoln village, Westgate, Franklinton, Southwest German Village, Far South, Livingston Park, South Side, South Alum Creek, Southeast Area, Berwick, Eastmoot, Woodland Park, North Central, Italian Village East.

Are any of these neighborhoods bad areas that somehow slipped through the cracks?

Second, I see a lot of value add opportunity in Hilltop and Lindon. Are these areas bad enough to avoid investing? Would you rate any of these areas C/C-? We are primarily looking for C properties in B neighborhoods but at the right price, it sure becomes tempting to stray from our initial targeted neighborhoods. Are there any neighborhoods in Columbus that strike you as stay away at all costs neighborhoods?

We are out of state investors looking to gain some insight on where to focus our attention, and any input would be greatly appreciated.

[Benjamin Piecenski]

Hey @Mitxel Totorica!  As mentioned, Hilltop and Linden are not so great areas, and they are not as likely to see large improvement in the community in the next 10 years unlike an area like Franklington.  There are some other troublesome areas you're included, like Eastmoor and North Central.  What have you been looking for specifically when determining what are good areas?  Westerville/Hilliard are vastly different from places like the Hilltop and Linden.  As for neighborhoods that you should stay away from, you have to take into consideration your tolerance for sketchiness.  I'm a strong believer that between basic security measures, common sense, and not involved with any drugs or gang activity, you'll have no problem staying safe.  I also believe that pretty much 99% of areas inside the 270 outerbelt will end up being a great long term play.  Sure, some areas will yield more, but the population is expanding rapidly and we are not building homes at a rate to accommodate the growth.