This probably isn’t the first time you are hearing about the popularity of pickleball. What used to be a niche sport didn’t slowly grow in popularity, it kind of exploded. Now we’re seeing courts pop up at parks, gyms, and even apartment complexes in Columbus. As demand for pickleball courts continues to grow, Oakwood is right there with it, bringing modern, in-demand amenities to communities across Central Ohio.

So what’s behind the obsession, and why are more renters specifically searching for apartments with pickleball courts in Columbus and beyond? Let’s break down why this trend is everywhere, the real benefits of having a court just steps from your door, and how Oakwood is staying ahead of the curve for our residents.

What Is Pickleball?

Pickleball is a paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, ping pong, and badminton. It’s played on a smaller court, making it easier to learn and less physically demanding than traditional tennis, while still being competitive and fun.

People love the sport because it’s easy to pick up, fast-paced, and social by design. You don’t need years of experience or expensive equipment to get started, which is a big reason it’s taken off so quickly. For someone like me—that’s music to my ears. I love a good group sport, but I don’t have the bandwidth to learn, practice, and execute something complicated in my season of life. Pickleball is the perfect option. So fair warning, what starts as “let’s try it once” usually turns into “we’re playing again tomorrow.” If you haven’t tried pickleball, this may just be your sign to give it a go!

Why Apartments with Pickleball Courts Are in High Demand

Amenities have always been a big part of apartment living, but let’s be honest, not all of them actually get used. Pickleball courts though….residents just can’t seem to get enough! Having a pickleball court on-site means no driving to crowded parks, no waiting for an open court, and no complicated planning. Instead, you can walk outside and play whenever you want, whether that’s a quick game after work or turning it into your new weekend routine.

Beyond convenience, apartments that keep up with lifestyle trends tend to offer more value to their residents. Pickleball isn’t just popular, it’s one of the fastest-growing sports in the country, and renters are paying attention. Apartments that offer pickleball courts signal a modern, forward-thinking community that delivers on what people are looking for.

And maybe most importantly, pickleball works because it is for everyone. Whether you’re a young professional, a couple, or even downsizing, it’s an activity that fits a wide range of lifestyles. At Oakwood, that’s exactly the goal—-creating communities that bring people together and support a more active, connected way of living.

Social Perks of Having Pickleball Courts

Because pickleball is such an easy sport to pick up, it has become a hub for inviting family and friends over, having spontaneous BBQ’s at the community grills and even dipping in for a swim—did we mention, most of our communities have resort-style pools and lounges?! Your weekend tournament can easily turn into an all day affair. Check out one of our favorite luxury pools at Asherton of Dublin by clicking here. 

In my personal community, we have a group message channel where people are always asking if anyone is available for a pickleball game. It makes for a great time, because the regulars become fast friends and the newcomers keep the game interesting!

Oakwood Apartments with Pickleball Courts in Columbus, Ohio

If you’re searching for apartments and townhomes with pickleball courts in the Central Ohio area, Oakwood Management Company already offers several communities that are ahead of the trend. Here are five standout options:

The Club at Woodside — Marysville, OH

Just minutes from Downtown Marysville, you’re close to local shops, restaurants, and community events that give the area its small-town charm. Back at the community, The Club at Woodside stands out with beautifully designed apartment homes and unique amenities like an on-site golf simulator, giving residents a fun, year-round way to unwind without ever leaving home. 

Check out our virtual apartment tour to get a feel for this community and see if it would be a good fit for you!

Keeneland Place — Grove City, OH

Grove City is growing fast, with new restaurants, retail, and more—it is one of the most up-and-coming areas just outside Columbus. Keeneland Place matches that energy and is a great place to call home in Grove City. This community offers perks like an on-site dog park for you and your furry friend, and multiple floor plans providing the right space for each individual and family. And if you’re a coffee person, Transcend Coffee + Roastery is right around the corner and is a personal favorite of mine—the lavender latte is always worth the stop.

If you want a closer look at the community and everything it offers, check out our virtual apartment tour to see it all in action.

The Meadows at Sunbury — Sunbury, OH

The Meadows at Sunbury offers a quieter, more spacious setting with features that make everyday living feel a little more relaxed. Private balconies and patios give you your own outdoor space to unwind, whether that’s morning coffee or sunset views at the end of the day. You’re also just minutes from Tanger Outlets Columbus—a great day of shopping followed by a peaceful evening at the serene poolside anyone?

If you want to see the layouts and finishes for yourself, check out our full apartment tour video to get a closer look inside.

Asherton of Dublin — Dublin, OH

Asherton of Dublin stands out for its peaceful, tucked-away feel while still being right in the middle of everything Dublin has to offer. With mature landscaping, thoughtfully designed layouts, and a quieter atmosphere that makes it easy to unwind after a busy day.You’re just minutes from Bridge Park, one of the most popular spots in the area for restaurants, rooftop bars, and weekend events.

Check out the virtual tour for this apartment and townhome community.

The Strand at Beulah Townhomes — Grove City, OH

This community offers a more spacious, townhome-style feel in Grove City, perfect if you want a little more room and a quieter setting. With private entrances, modern finishes, and a true neighborhood-style layout, it gives you a very homey feeling—great for families and individuals looking to make a place their own. Not to mention, Grove City has a lot to offer in every regard— fryer park is a personal favorite with huge parks, trails, and sports fields.

Our virtual townhome tour video will give you a picture of what life could look like for you at The Strand at Beulah Townhomes.

The Final Verdict: Is a Pickleball Court Worth It?

If you’re looking for more than just a place to live, apartments with pickleball courts are one amenity that actually delivers. It’s convenient, social, and something you’ll realistically use, which is exactly what today’s renters are looking for.

And when a community like Oakwood stays ahead of trends like this, it says a lot. That’s our promise to our residents—to keep evolving, improving, and doing everything we can to deliver the best possible place to call home. Because that’s what we believe separates a good apartment from a great one.

Explore Oakwood Management Apartment and Townhome Communities with Pickleball Courts

Ready to find your next apartment with a pickleball court? Explore Oakwood Management’s full list of communities with pickleball courts here. Or check out our entire list of complexes offering a wide range of engaging amenities here. Don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions — we look forward to helping you find your new home!

The post Why Everyone Is Obsessed with Pickleball (and Why Your Apartment Should Be Too) appeared first on Oakwood Management Blog.

Why Apartment Gyms Are Essential for Modern Living

Wellness isn’t just a trend anymore — it’s a lifestyle. More renters are prioritizing fitness amenities when choosing where to live, and for good reason. According to a recent NMHC study, fitness centers are among the top three apartment amenities residents value most. And in Columbus, Oakwood Management is leading the way by making sure “home” and “health” go hand-in-hand.

Having a fitness center right where you live isn’t just convenient — it can actually make you healthier. A published study found that easy access to exercise spaces is strongly linked to higher levels of physical activity among residents. Translation? If your apartment has a gym, you’re more likely to actually use it. Even the American Council on Exercise emphasizes that building fitness into your daily routine increases the chance you’ll stick with it long term. By offering state-of-the-art fitness equipment and unique features like CrossFit gyms or climbing walls just steps away, Oakwood Management apartments make wellness a natural part of everyday living.

The Rise of Fitness Amenities in Columbus Apartments

The Columbus rental market has seen a major shift in the past decade. Where a simple treadmill once counted as a “gym,” residents now expect something far more engaging. Think upgraded cardio and strength equipment, open training areas, and unique features like outdoor CrossFit rigs and climbing walls — the kind of amenities Oakwood is already delivering.

This demand cuts across generations. Millennials and Gen Z especially value health-focused amenities that align with their lifestyles. At the same time, busy professionals are seeking fitness options that fit into their packed schedules. By investing in distinctive gyms and wellness spaces, Oakwood Management is staying ahead of the curve and setting a new standard for Columbus apartments.

Oakwood Apartments with Standout Fitness Centers

Across Columbus, Oakwood Management properties offer fitness centers that go above and beyond. Here are a few resident favorites:

The Pointe at Polaris – Columbus, OH

Forget being stuck inside. Oakwood’s Pointe at Polaris features a full outdoor CrossFit-style gym with rigs, turf, and open-air workouts designed to get your heart pumping under the Columbus sky.

The Charles at Riggins Run – Columbus, OH

Looking for a challenge? Oakwood’s Charles at Riggins Run is home to a rock climbing wall built right into its fitness center. It’s the perfect way to train for adventure — or just shake up your routine.

Landmark Lofts – Hilliard, OH

Oakwood’s Landmark Lofts brings boutique-style wellness into a luxury setting. Its modern fitness center includes advanced cardio equipment, strength stations, and flexible open space perfect for yoga, stretching, or HIIT workouts.

Copper Run – Marysville, OH

At Oakwood’s Copper Run, fitness feels approachable and inviting. With a strong lineup of cardio and weight machines, this gym makes it easy to squeeze in a workout before work or de-stress after a long day.

Oxford Park – Westerville, OH

Simple, reliable, and effective. Oakwood’s Oxford Park offers all the essentials — treadmills, weights, and functional training equipment — so residents can keep their fitness routine on track without leaving home.

How Apartment Gyms Support Busy Lifestyles

Between work, family, and everything else on the calendar, carving out time for the gym can feel impossible. That’s why having a fitness center where you live is such a game-changer. Studies show that proximity and convenience are two of the biggest predictors of exercise consistency — meaning if the gym is just an elevator ride away, you’re far more likely to use it.

For busy Columbus professionals, students, and parents, Oakwood apartments with gyms remove one of the biggest barriers to staying active: time. You don’t need to commute, fight for parking, or cut your workout short. Instead, you can fit in a quick cardio session before class, lift weights after putting the kids to bed, or roll out a yoga mat for some evening stretching. The flexibility of having a 24/7 fitness space on-site means residents can prioritize health on their own schedule.

Wellness Beyond the Gym

Wellness isn’t only about weights and treadmills. Many Oakwood Management communities round out their fitness centers with other wellness perks — think sparkling pools, community yoga studios, walking trails, and pet-friendly spaces that encourage residents to get moving.

There’s also a mental health benefit. Exercise has been proven to reduce stress and improve mood, and when fitness options are easy to access, residents are more likely to use them as part of a balanced lifestyle. The CDC’s physical activity guidelines stress the importance of mixing cardio, strength, and flexibility, and Oakwood communities make that possible — all without leaving the neighborhood.

Find Your Fit with Oakwood

From CrossFit rigs to climbing walls, Oakwood Management communities are redefining what it means to have a home gym. Explore all our Columbus apartments with gyms and find your perfect fit today.

FAQs About Columbus Apartment Gyms with Oakwood

Are apartment gyms free for residents?
Yes — at Oakwood Management communities, access to the fitness center is included as part of your amenities package. No need to pay for an extra membership.

Do Oakwood apartment gyms have 24/7 access?
Many Oakwood gyms are available around the clock, making it easy to fit in a workout whether you’re an early riser or a night owl.

What kind of equipment can I expect in an Oakwood gym?
From treadmills and free weights to luxury fitness studios and even unique features like a rock climbing wall or outdoor CrossFit rigs, Oakwood apartments with gyms offer a wide variety of equipment to suit every fitness style.

Are apartment gyms better than a traditional gym membership?
It depends on your routine, but having a gym right where you live removes barriers like commuting, parking, and extra costs. For many residents, the convenience and quality of an on-site Oakwood gym makes it the smarter choice.

Do Oakwood apartments offer other wellness amenities besides gyms?
Yes! Many Oakwood communities also feature pools, walking trails, yoga spaces, and pet-friendly amenities — supporting wellness beyond the fitness center.

The post The Best Apartment Gyms Around Columbus, Ohio with Oakwood Management appeared first on Oakwood Management Blog.

Feeling the drain from the same old workout routines and looking to try something new? Columbus is a city full of diverse new ideas and this definitely applies to the fitness community. We’ve picked out a few amazing local fitness spots who strive to offer exhilarating new classes and opportunities to break out of your boring fitness cycle. We hope these out-of-the-box fitness experiences will bring some excitement into your workout and other aspects of your life too!

Engage Higher Degree Fitness- This dark and mysterious fitness studio, located in Westerville OH, recognizes that life’s too short for a boring workout.Engage Higher Degree Fitness offers a new take on workouts like yoga, barre, weights, and combined fitness classes but in the unique setting of a heated, dark studio. In one power-packed hour their instructors will keep your body guessing, keep you motivated and empowered while transforming you into a lean mean flexible machine. No two classes are the same and your first class is always free! Be sure to bring plenty of water and a towel or five.

Southpaw Boxing Club- Who doesn’t love the idea of relieving a stressful day by throwing a few punches? At Southpaw Boxing Clubin Hilliard OH they welcome those who are looking to try-out their inner “Rocky Balboa.” Their 60 minute classes will combine cardio, strength training and traditional boxing combinations. If boxing is new to you don’t worry, all exercises are modifiable and of course your first class is free! With the holiday season approaching, we find these classes could also be considered a great form of therapy.

Vertical Adventures- Looking to take your workout to new heights? Then you’ve got to try Vertical Adventures an indoor rock climbing and fitness experience. You can find this new way to exercise just off of 71N in Worthington. They offer fun and fitness for the whole family with classes, personal training, youth clubs and even guided trips to gorgeous places like Mad River Gorge, OH! If you‘ve never gone vertical they offer a Rope101 course that includes equipment, 1 ½ hour lesson and 2 week pass to gym to try out your new “spidey-skills.” Take it from us, after 1 climbing session you will work out muscles you didn’t know you had!

Renovo Fitness- This is not your average fitness studio! Renovo Fitness strives to provide an individualized path to health and wellness, focusing on a tailored, personalized workout experience with a holistic approach. A membership to this 24/7 gym facility has it all, including boot camp classes, personal training, cycling, on-site massage, informative health and fitness blogs, and Kettlebell Kitchen services. Why not give it a try; the first week is free and you can’t beat the location, settled at our very own Landmark Lofts in Hilliard OH!

Walk with a Doc Program- If you are new to exercise or just looking to kickoff a more active lifestyle, then we found the perfect fit for you. The Walk with a Doc Program is a fantastic opportunity to enjoy a healthy walk year-round together with great people within your community and the company of a local doctor! This completely free program takes place every Saturday at multiple locations around Columbus, indoors and outdoors. One of the top reasons we love this organization is because it gives you a chance to learn about current health topics and have great conversation with a medical professional in a motivating and uplifting environment!

Do you have a favorite local fitness spot? We’d love to hear about it! Tell us more by sending us a message on our Oakwood Management Company Facebook, Instagram and Twitter accounts! For more details about these amazing locations and how to take advantage of the free classes visit their websites by following the links provided above!

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