Townhome living is quickly becoming one of the most in-demand housing choices in Columbus. As renters look for more space, privacy, and flexibility, townhomes offer a unique balance between apartment convenience and single-family comfort. With Central Ohio experiencing rapid growth and rising home prices, more residents are discovering that townhomes deliver the room they want, the modern finishes they prefer, and the maintenance-free living they can’t get with homeownership.

According to the Insight2050 report from the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC), Central Ohio is expected to add nearly 700,000 new residents by 2050 — increasing the need for flexible, spacious rental housing across the region. With this growth, townhomes are emerging as the clear choice for renters who want a smarter, more comfortable place to call home.

Why Columbus Renters Are Switching to Townhomes

Columbus is one of the fastest-growing metro areas in the Midwest, and continued population growth has kept pressure on the housing market. While home prices have cooled slightly from previous spikes, they continue to rise year over year, making homeownership increasingly challenging for many residents. According to the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) House Price Index, home prices in the Columbus metro increased 3.1% over the past year, reflecting steady upward movement despite broader market fluctuations. That’s why more Columbus residents are seeking housing choices that deliver greater space and home-like convenience—without the cost and personal upkeep of ownership.

Townhomes solve the gap between small apartment living and a full mortgage by offering:

• Home-like layouts

• More square footage

• Private entrances

• Lower financial commitment

• Professional management instead of DIY home repairs

According to the National Association of Home Builders, townhouse construction recently rose to a record 18.3 % of all single-family starts — reflecting growing demand for smaller, more affordable homes in today’s challenging housing market.

Communities like Liberty Reserve in Powell, OH exemplify why this style of living is gaining momentum. This community gives renters spacious townhome-style layouts with modern finishes, ground-level entry, and attached garages in one of the most desirable suburbs north of Columbus. Just minutes from Polaris and top-rated Olentangy schools, it’s an ideal choice for renters who want extra space and upscale comfort without sacrificing convenience.

More Space, Privacy, and Comfort

One of the biggest benefits of townhome living is simply more room to live. Multi-level floorplans let renters separate work, sleep, hosting, and downtime. Townhomes typically include larger kitchens and living rooms, expanded living areas for better flow, private front doors instead of shared hallways, extra storage space, and patios or small yards.

According to Zillow’s 2024 Consumer Housing Trends Report, renters consistently rank interior space, functional layouts, and unit-level features as some of the most important factors when choosing where to live.

For Columbus renters—especially those in growing suburbs such as Westerville, New Albany, Dublin, and Hilliard—townhome living feels like a true upgrade. Communities like Albany Glen in New Albany, Ohio showcase exactly why. With generous layouts, direct-entry access, elevated interiors, and perks like a clubhouse, fitness center, and resort-style pool, residents get the comfort and flexibility they can’t find in most standard apartment communities.

Parking, Garages, and Everyday Convenience

Ask any Columbus renter what they wish they had more of, and you’ll hear the same answer over and over: reliable parking. This becomes especially true in high-traffic areas such as Downtown, OSU, Polaris, Dublin, and more.

Townhomes eliminate this struggle with features renters can’t always find in standard apartment complexes, including:

• Attached garages for secure, private parking

• Driveways that guarantee a spot the moment you arrive

• Proximity to your front door, making unloading groceries or carrying in kids far easier

• Additional guest parking that avoids the hassle of on-street limitations

And when winter hits—something every Central Ohio resident knows all too well—a secure, enclosed garage becomes a major quality-of-life upgrade. No scraping ice at 6 a.m., and no freezing walk to the car. Communities like Enclave Village offer private driveways and parking that add both security and everyday convenience. For renters tired of circling crowded lots or dealing with street parking, townhomes make daily life noticeably easier.

Maintenance-Free Living with Modern Upgrades

One of the biggest advantages of townhome living is the freedom it gives renters. Maintenance worries disappear—no furnace replacements, no roof repairs, no mowing, and no unexpected weekend fixes. And with Oakwood’s trusted, responsive property management, you always have a team in your corner making sure your home stays comfortable and well cared for.

Beyond the relief of hands-off upkeep, today’s townhome communities are designed with the modern renter in mind. The 2024 NMHC & Grace Hill Renter Preferences Survey Report finds that in-home features and community amenities play a major role in where renters choose to live. That’s why Oakwood prioritizes thoughtful design and upgraded living spaces. Exterior Oakwood amenities often include upgraded clubhouse spaces, fitness centers, co-working lounges, pet amenities, and outdoor features like walking paths or firepit patios. Inside the home, residents enjoy contemporary kitchens, smart-home touches, private outdoor areas, and flexible floorplans that support today’s hybrid lifestyles.

Communities like Beulah Place in Grove City bring this blend of convenience and modern living to life. Spacious interiors pair with resort-style perks—like the community’s beautiful pool—which gives residents an easy place to relax, recharge, or meet neighbors during warm summer days. It’s the type of everyday comfort that transforms a rental into a lifestyle that genuinely feels like home.

Perfect for Remote Work and Busy Hybrid Lifestyles

Remote and hybrid work remain a major part of life in Columbus. A 2023 study highlighted in the Columbus Dispatch found that more than 20% of workers in the region now work remotely or in hybrid roles, making flexible home layouts more important than ever.

Townhomes naturally support this shift with multi-level layouts, quiet spare bedrooms for home offices, and the privacy needed for focused work. Modern communities also add coworking lounges, Wi-Fi-equipped clubhouses, and flexible common areas that make it easy to work away from the living room.

Communities like The Charles at Riggins Run in Hilliard, Ohio bring this convenience to life, offering comfortable shared spaces where residents can take calls, study, or get work done without leaving home.

Where to Find Townhome Living in Columbus (Oakwood Communities)

Oakwood offers townhome-style living in some of the most desirable pockets of Central Ohio, including Westerville, New Albany, Hilliard, Grove City, Powell, and several other Columbus neighborhoods. These communities deliver the features renters want most—open, well-designed layouts, private entrances, attached garages, modern interiors with contemporary finishes, and work-friendly clubhouses—along with the reliability of professional, resident-focused management. Whether you’re looking for quiet suburban comfort or quick access to major hubs like Polaris, Dublin, or Easton, there’s an Oakwood townhome that fits your lifestyle.

Click here to explore all Oakwood townhome-style communities across Columbus and find the perfect fit for you.