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If you like the convenience of apartment living but want something that feels a little more like a home, a ranch-style apartment could offer the best of both worlds. Ranch-style apartments in Columbus, Ohio combine low-maintenance, single-story living with potential features you may be more likely to associate with a traditional home, such as private entrances, outdoor space, attached garages, and no neighbors living above or below you.
Throughout Columbus and Central Ohio, renters can find ranch-style apartment communities in a variety of locations, from established Columbus neighborhoods to popular suburbs surrounding the city. Whether you're looking to avoid stairs, want a little more privacy, or simply prefer a single-level floor plan, ranch-style apartments offer an alternative to traditional multi-story apartment living.
In this guide, we'll take a closer look at what makes a ranch-style apartment different, the benefits of single-story living, and where to find ranch-style apartments in Columbus, Ohio.
What Is a Ranch-Style Apartment?
A ranch-style apartment is a rental home designed with the primary living space on a single level. Unlike apartments located within multi-story buildings, ranch-style apartments are often arranged in smaller residential-style buildings with individual entrances and no neighbors directly above or below.
Depending on the community and floor plan, these apartments may also include features such as attached garages, patios, additional storage, vaulted ceilings, or other details that create a more home-like living experience.
While the exact design varies from one community to another, the defining characteristic is simple: single-story living with the convenience of renting.
For Columbus renters who want more privacy and a home-like setting without the responsibilities that come with homeownership, that combination can make ranch-style apartments especially appealing.
Why Rent a Ranch-Style Apartment in Columbus?
Ranch-style apartments offer a different living experience than traditional apartment buildings. For renters who like the convenience of renting but prefer a more residential feel, the single-story design can come with several advantages.
Single-Level Living
With your living space located on one floor, there are no interior stairs to navigate between bedrooms, kitchens, and other everyday spaces. Single-level living can make moving around your apartment simpler and may be especially appealing to renters who prefer an easy-to-navigate floor plan.
No Upstairs or Downstairs Neighbors
One of the biggest differences between ranch-style apartments and traditional multi-story apartments is the added separation from neighboring homes. With no apartment directly above or below you, you won't have to worry about footsteps overhead—or about being the upstairs neighbor yourself.
A More Home-Like Feel
Private entrances, patios, green space, and residential-style layouts can give ranch apartments a feel that's closer to a traditional home while still offering the convenience of renting. Many ranch-style communities are also located in suburban settings throughout Central Ohio, giving renters another option beyond larger apartment buildings.
Attached Garages and Extra Convenience
Some ranch-style apartments include attached garages, providing convenient access to your home along with additional room for parking or storage. That's particularly useful during Columbus winters, when being able to go directly from your garage into your apartment can mean less time dealing with snow, ice, and cold weather.
Low-Maintenance Living
Ranch-style apartments can provide some of the features renters appreciate about a house without taking on the maintenance responsibilities of homeownership. Depending on the community, property management may handle responsibilities such as exterior upkeep, landscaping, and maintenance requests, leaving residents with more time to enjoy their home and the surrounding Columbus area.
Ranch-Style Apartments and Single-Story Living in Columbus & Central Ohio
Ranch-style apartments can be harder to find than traditional apartment layouts, but there are several options throughout the Columbus area for renters looking for single-story living. From compact one-bedroom apartments to spacious two-bedroom homes with attached garages, these Oakwood communities offer a variety of ways to enjoy ranch-style living in Central Ohio.
StoneyBrook — Galloway, Ohio
Located in Galloway on the west side of Columbus, StoneyBrook offers one- and two-bedroom ranch-style apartments ranging from 552 to 630 square feet. Open floor plans, bay windows, large patios, and additional storage help make these apartments feel comfortable and functional, while garages are also available for residents looking for additional parking or storage space.
With its smaller floor plans and straightforward single-story design, StoneyBrook is a great example of how ranch-style living doesn't necessarily require a large home.
Why we love it: The large patios and bay windows give StoneyBrook's smaller floor plans extra character, offering residents more opportunities to enjoy natural light and outdoor space without sacrificing the simplicity of ranch-style living.
The Glen at Taylor Square — Reynoldsburg, Ohio
For renters looking for more space, The Glen at Taylor Square offers two-bedroom, two-bath ranch-style apartments in Reynoldsburg. Floor plans range from 1,218 to 1,344 square feet, including an option with a sunroom.
The community combines single-story living with features that add to its residential feel, including attached garages, private patios, spacious kitchens, walk-in closets, in-home laundry, and wooded views.
Why we love it: Wooded views, private patios, and an available sunroom help The Glen at Taylor Square make the most of its single-story design, creating a quieter setting with plenty of ways to enjoy the space around your home.
The Ponds at Madison — Canal Winchester, Ohio
The Ponds at Madison offers a particularly spacious take on ranch-style apartment living in Canal Winchester. The community's Madison floor plan includes two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and 1,254 square feet of living space, all arranged on one level.
Each home also includes a two-car attached garage and a four-season room, along with features such as granite countertops, walk-in closets, a fireplace, pantry, and abundant natural light. A scenic lake adds to the community's quieter residential setting while shopping and dining remain conveniently accessible.
Why we love it: A two-car attached garage is difficult to find in a traditional apartment, making The Ponds at Madison stand out for renters who want features that feel much closer to a single-family home.
Albany Commons — Westerville, Ohio
Located in Westerville near the New Albany area, Albany Commons offers one- and two-bedroom apartments ranging from 817 to 1,079 square feet. Select layouts offer the single-story, residential-style living we're looking for, with attached garages available in select homes and detached garages offered within the community as well.
Beyond the apartment itself, Albany Commons offers a broader collection of community amenities, including a swimming pool and sundeck, fitness center, Bark Park, community gardens, clubhouse, and business center. Private patios and vaulted ceilings are also available in select apartments.
Why we love it: Albany Commons gives renters the opportunity to pair a more home-like apartment layout with the amenities of a larger apartment community, all from a location convenient to New Albany, Easton, shopping, dining, and major roadways.
Ranch-Style Apartments vs. Traditional Apartments
Both ranch-style and traditional apartments offer the convenience of renting, but the living experience can be quite different. If you're deciding which type of apartment best fits your lifestyle, here are a few of the most common differences to consider:
| Feature | Ranch-Style Apartments | Traditional Apartments | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Layout | Single-story living | May be located within a multi-story building | ||||
| Entrance | Odten includes a private exterior entrance | May include shared hallways or building entrances | ||||
| Neighbors | Typically no neighbors directly above or below | May have neighbors above, below, or beside you | ||||
| Outdoor Space | Patios and nearby green space may be available |
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| Overall Feel |
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| Maintenance |
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Exterior and community maintenance typically managed by the property |
When comparing apartments for rent in Columbus, Ohio, consider more than the layout alone. Location, monthly rent, available amenities, floor plan, management, and proximity to the places you visit most can all play a role in finding the right place to call home.
Who Might Prefer a Ranch-Style Apartment?
One of the advantages of ranch-style apartments is that their single-story design can work well for a wide variety of lifestyles. You might prefer ranch-style living if you:
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Want to avoid stairs: A single-level floor plan keeps your everyday living spaces on one floor.
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Prefer more privacy: With no neighbors directly above or below, ranch-style apartments can offer more separation than a traditional multi-story building.
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Want the feel of a home without homeownership: Private entrances, patios, garages, and residential-style layouts can provide some of the features associated with a house while maintaining the convenience of renting.
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Value easy access to your vehicle: At communities with attached garages, residents can often move directly between their home and garage without walking through a shared building or parking lot.
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Are downsizing or simplifying: A ranch-style rental can be an appealing option for anyone looking for a more manageable living space without giving up the privacy and features they enjoy.
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Have a pet: Depending on the community, private entrances and nearby green space can make getting outside with a dog more convenient. If pet-friendly amenities are high on your list, explore our guide to pet-friendly apartments in Columbus.
Ultimately, choosing between a ranch-style apartment and another type of rental comes down to the features that matter most to you. For some Columbus renters, the combination of single-story living, privacy, and a residential setting offers just the right balance between apartment convenience and the feeling of home.
What to Look for When Choosing a Ranch-Style Apartment
Not all ranch-style apartments are designed the same way. As you compare options around Columbus, look beyond the single-story layout and consider how the entire apartment and community fit your everyday routine.
Floor Plan and Storage
Consider how much space you actually need and how that space is arranged. Compare bedroom and bathroom counts, closet space, kitchen storage, in-home laundry, and other features that can make a floor plan more functional. Ranch-style apartments can range considerably in size, so a well-designed layout may be just as important as square footage. As our family likes to say, we’ll take functional space over purely larger space any day.
Garage and Parking Options
If having a garage is important to you, check whether it is attached or detached and whether it is included with the apartment or available separately. An attached garage can be particularly convenient during cold or snowy Columbus winters and may provide additional storage space as well. Oakwood's guide to finding apartments with garages can also help you compare the different garage options available throughout Central Ohio.
Private Outdoor Space
Patios, porches, and nearby green space can add to the residential feel that attracts many renters to ranch-style apartments. If you have a pet or simply enjoy spending time outside, consider how easily your apartment connects to the community's outdoor areas. Some places offer walking paths, pond views, and more.
Location and Everyday Convenience
Think about where you'll be traveling most often. Proximity to work, highways, grocery stores, shopping, dining, parks, and other everyday destinations can make a meaningful difference in your routine. With ranch-style apartment options located throughout Central Ohio, the right location will depend on which part of the Columbus area works best for you.
Community Amenities and Management
The apartment itself is only part of the rental experience. Consider the community's amenities as well as how the property is managed and maintained. Responsive maintenance, convenient resident services, and an experienced management team can be just as important to your experience as the features inside your home. It’s definitely worth your time to read further on the best property management companies in Columbus, Ohio so you can be well informed on the care you will receive when renting.
Before choosing a ranch-style apartment in Columbus, tour the community, compare available floor plans, and ask which features are included with the specific home you're considering. Garages, patios, finishes, and other features can vary by community and floor plan. For even more tips, check out our guide to what to look for when choosing an apartment in Columbus.
Find Ranch-Style Apartments in Columbus with Oakwood
Finding the right ranch-style apartment is about more than choosing a floor plan. Location, features, maintenance, and the team managing your community can all shape your experience long after move-in day.
With more than 60 apartment communities throughout Columbus and Central Ohio, Oakwood Management offers a wide variety of rental options, including ranch-style apartments that combine single-story living with the convenience of professional property management. Depending on the community, renters can find features such as attached garages, private entrances, patios, additional storage, and spacious one- and two-bedroom floor plans.
As a locally based property management company serving Central Ohio for decades, Oakwood understands that finding an apartment is really about finding a place that feels like home. Our team is here to help you explore communities, compare available floor plans, and find an option that fits your lifestyle and preferred Columbus-area location.
Ready to find your next home? Explore Oakwood's apartments throughout Columbus and Central Ohio to discover available ranch-style and other rental options near you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ranch-Style Apartments in Columbus
What is a ranch-style apartment?
A ranch-style apartment is designed for single-story living, with the primary living spaces located on one level. Ranch-style rentals often have a more residential feel than traditional multi-story apartment buildings and may include features such as private entrances, patios, additional storage, and attached or detached garages.
Where can I find ranch-style apartments in Columbus, Ohio?
Ranch-style apartments can be found throughout Columbus and the surrounding Central Ohio suburbs. Oakwood Management offers ranch-style options in communities including StoneyBrook in Galloway, The Glen at Taylor Square in Reynoldsburg, The Ponds at Madison in Canal Winchester, and select options at Albany Commons in Westerville. Availability and floor plans vary by community.
Do ranch-style apartments in Columbus have attached garages?
Some do. Attached garages are available at select ranch-style apartment communities and floor plans throughout the Columbus area. Garage size and availability vary, so renters looking specifically for ranch-style apartments with attached garages should confirm the features included with each available home.
Are ranch-style apartments more expensive than traditional apartments?
Not necessarily. Rent for a ranch-style apartment depends on factors such as location, square footage, number of bedrooms, garage availability, amenities, and finishes. Comparing current availability and pricing is the best way to determine how ranch-style apartments compare with other apartments for rent in Columbus.
What are the benefits of renting a ranch-style apartment?
Ranch-style apartments combine the convenience of renting with a single-story, more residential-style layout. Depending on the community, benefits may include no interior stairs, private entrances, patios, garages, additional storage, and no neighbors directly above or below. For renters who want a home-like setting without the maintenance responsibilities of homeownership, ranch-style living can offer an appealing alternative.