Columbus is both the capital of Ohio and the county seat of Franklin. Columbus was selected or rather created to be the capital of Ohio because of its central location in the state and was named after Christopher Columbus. Additionally, Columbus is also the largest city in Ohio and one of the fastest growing cities in the midwest. But Columbus wasn’t always on top of the world. Founded in 1812 along the east bank of the Scioto River, the town grew very slowly because it did not have direct river or trail connections to other Ohio cities. Not until the 1830s when The National Road reached Columbus and a link to the Ohio and Erie Canal was finished, did the area see a boom in population and industry.

The Arena District & Astor Park
There’s no way around it. Columbus is a sports town. Home to The Ohio State University (OSU), one of the nation’s largest universities, Buckeye football plays a huge part in the social fabric of Columbus, but it’s not the only game in town. The city is also home to two major league franchise teams, the NHL’s Columbus Blue Jackets and The MLS’s Columbus Crew, and one Triple A Baseball team, the Columbus Clippers.

The Blue Jackets play their games at Nationwide Arena and the neighborhood surrounding the area has become a popular place to live. You will find many popular bars, restaurants, and coffee shops and many condo options with amazing city views.

With the creation of Astor Park, a new mixed-use neighborhood, named in tribute to the birthplace of American soccer, the Astor Hotel in New York City, the Arena District will be the center of all professional sports in Columbus. The neighborhood will be adjacent to Lower.com Field where the Columbus Crew now plays their games.

The Short North
The Short North is the most vibrant neighborhood in Columbus. Known for its arts district, restaurants, and shops, including the North Market, the crown jewel of the Short North. For more than 145 years, patrons have supported hundreds of Ohio’s best independent merchants, farmers, and makers. It’s a great place to pick-up fresh seafood, prepared foods, baked goods, flowers, and much more. You can also enjoy pop-up restaurants throughout the year at the North Market.

The Columbus Zoo & Aquarium
While technically in Powell, a suburb just north of downtown the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is a place not to be missed. Many locals buy yearly memberships but because of its central location, it's a destination place for many day trippers from across Ohio. Home to 7,000 animals, the zoo also owns Zoombezi Bay, a water park and a golf course.

German Village
Enjoy dinner and a stroll through the German Village neighborhood, a lovingly restored area influenced by its early German residents. The brick streets and mature trees provide a beautiful background. Many dining options are plentiful with selections for everyone’s palate.

While historical neighborhoods like German Village are quaint and eclectic, the units created from older buildings may not include covered parking and you may have to park on the street. Just something to keep in mind.

Another thing to consider when buying a condo in Columbus,OH is accessible greenspace. Most condos don’t have an abundance of outdoor living space so being able to walk or bike to parks is very important for a comfortable urban lifestyle. Some examples of urban parks by neighborhood include:

Arena District - Bicentennial Park is a lovely five acre park in downtown Columbus with walking trails along the river, a stage for outdoor entertainment, and the Scioto Mile Fountain, the perfect spot for little ones to cool off on those hot summer days.

Victorian Village - Goodale Park is a public park located in Victorian Village, just north of the Arena District. This beautiful urban oasis is the perfect spot to take your dog for a walk, enjoy a picnic with tasty treats bought at the nearby North Market, or to rest under a shady tree while your kids burn off some energy at the playground. There are lots of walking paths and ample parking as well.

German Village - Schiller Park is a 23 acre city park located in the historic German Village neighborhood in Columbus. This pretty European inspired park has tennis courts, playgrounds, and ponds with ducks to delight the young and young at heart.

Buying a condo in downtown Columbus, will give you the time to explore many of the city's most popular landmarks. Three of the most popular Columbus landmarks include the following:

The Greek Revival Capitol Building located on Capitol Square in Downtown Columbus was completed in 1861. A popular place for field trips, the Capitol Building is also available for free guided tours.

Probably the most famous landmark in Columbus is “the Horseshoe” otherwise known as Ohio Stadium, the home of the Ohio State Buckeyes. The highly recognizable ‘Shoe is on the National Register of Historic Places and is a popular image you often see plastered on shirts, hoodies, cups, dog collars and more.

The National Veterans Memorial and Museum, located along the Scioto River between Franklinton and Downtown Columbus, is the only museum in America that honors all veterans from all branches of services throughout U.S. military history.