Best Neighborhoods for Real Estate Agents in Columbus: A 2025 Guide 

Whether you’re transitioning into the real estate industry or aiming to expand your business, understanding the unique characteristics of each neighborhood in your market is crucial. Here’s what you need to know about the Columbus real estate market.

First, we’ll explore the broader Columbus economy and real estate trends. Then, we’ll highlight key neighborhoods with strong potential for real estate agents.

Key Takeaways

• Columbus Real Estate Market Shows Steady Growth – With a 3.8% YoY increase in median home prices ($275,000) and strong sales activity, Columbus remains one of Zillow’s top housing markets for 2025.
• Top Neighborhoods Offer Diverse Opportunities – Areas like Milo-Grogan, North Linden, Bexley, Johnstown, and Granville present unique opportunities for real estate agents, from affordable investment properties to luxury home sales.
• Strong Earning Potential for Agents – The average real estate agent salary in Columbus is $94,713, surpassing the state average, making it a promising market for both new and experienced agents.

Overview of Columbus, OH

Columbus, the capital of Ohio, is a thriving economic and governmental center, attracting a steady stream of new residents. According to Macrotrends, Columbus’ population is 1,746,000, with consistent growth over the past several years.

It’s no surprise that people are choosing Columbus as home. The city is home to government offices, major healthcare systems, and a growing tech sector, providing stable employment opportunities — that drive housing demand. Its central location within Ohio, combined with a lower cost of living than other major metro areas, makes it an appealing choice for those seeking affordability without sacrificing job opportunities or amenities.

Key Columbus Stats:

• Unemployment Rate: 3.7% (FRED, November 2024)
• Average Household Income: $82,282 (World Population Review, 2024)
• Cost of Living: 6% lower than the national average (PayScale, 2025)

Columbus presents a diverse real estate landscape that caters to a broad range of buyers. The city offers a variety of housing options, from modern urban condos to spacious suburban homes. As a real estate professional, understanding the distinct characteristics of Columbus’s neighborhoods is crucial for matching clients with their ideal properties.

By familiarizing yourself with these and other neighborhoods, you can effectively guide buyers to homes that align with their preferences and lifestyles.

Introduction to the Columbus, Ohio Real Estate Market

The housing market in Columbus, OH, is strong. According to current Redfin statistics, in February 2025, the median sale price of a home in Columbus is an even $275,000 (up 3.8% YoY). Unlike other communities where higher prices lead to sluggish sales, the number of homes sold in December 2024 was up 6.4% YoY.

In addition, Columbus was named No. 12 on Zillow’s prediction for the hottest housing markets of 2025. The city was ranked No. 2 on Zillow’s 2024 list.

While this high-level overview of the Columbus real estate market forecast is valuable for Ohio real estate agents, having a deep understanding of local market conditions is essential to best serve your clients.

How to Choose the Right Target Neighborhood for Your Real Estate Business

Selecting the right neighborhood for your real estate business requires more than just looking at home prices. If every agent focused solely on high-value areas, places like New Albany —where the average home value is $595,568 —would be oversaturated with agents.

Before diving into Columbus’s neighborhoods, consider these key factors when choosing the best area to grow your real estate business:

1. Market demand & sales activity

• Focus on neighborhoods with strong buyer demand and high transaction volume.
• Review historical trends in home sales, price appreciation, and average days on the market.

2. Price point

• Decide if you want to specialize in luxury, mid-range, or entry-level markets.
• Higher-priced areas may mean larger commissions, but lower-priced homes often sell more frequently.

3. Growth & development trends

• Look for neighborhoods experiencing economic growth, new construction, and infrastructure improvements.
• Proximity to job centers, schools, and amenities can drive long-term property value.

4. Target client demographics

• Choose neighborhoods that align with your ideal clientele—first-time buyers, investors, luxury clients, etc.
• Consider demographic trends like income levels, household size, and lifestyle preferences.

5. Competition & market saturation

• Research the number of active agents and brokerages in the area.
• A competitive market can be challenging, while an underserved area may offer more opportunities.

6. Rental vs. homeownership trends

• If you specialize in investment properties or property management, areas with high rental demand may be ideal.
• Neighborhoods with higher homeownership rates may provide steadier opportunities for traditional home sales.

7. Personal interest & expertise

• Choosing a neighborhood where you have experience, knowledge, or personal ties can make marketing and client interactions more authentic.
• By evaluating these factors, you can strategically select a Columbus neighborhood that aligns with your expertise, business goals, and market potential—helping you build long-term success in real estate.

Top Neighborhoods for Real Estate Agents

What is the best neighborhood in Columbus for real estate agents? That depends on your niche, target demographic, and interest. (For example, do you specialize in luxury real estate? Rentals? First-time homebuyers?)

Regardless of your specialty, here are some trending neighborhoods that may deserve a glance.

1. Milo Grogan, OH

• Average home value: $142,382 – up 8.4% YoY (Zillow, February 2025)
• Milo-Grogan, OH, is an up-and-coming neighborhood in Columbus, attracting investors and homebuyers looking for affordability and growth potential. With its mix of older homes, modern renovations, and increasing property values, Milo-Grogan presents an excellent opportunity for real estate agents targeting first-time buyers, young professionals, and investors seeking rental properties.

2. North Linden, OH

• Average home value: $168,595 – up 5.9% YoY (Zillow, February 2025)
• North Linden, OH, is a rapidly evolving neighborhood in Columbus. It offers affordable housing options and strong investment potential, appealing to first-time buyers, investors, and young professionals seeking an up-and-coming area.

3. Bexley, OH

• Average home value: $541,235 – up 4.1% YoY (Zillow, February 2025)
• Average income of real estate agents: $95,546
• Bexley, OH, is known for its tree-lined streets, historic homes, and top-rated schools. Located just east of downtown, Bexley offers a mix of stately mansions, early 20th-century homes, and modern renovations. Bexley presents excellent opportunities for those specializing in luxury real estate and high-end clients.

4. Johnstown, OH

• Average home value: $408,459 – up 3.9% YoY (Zillow, February 2025)
• Average income of real estate agents: $71,151
• While not necessarily a “neighborhood” of Columbus, this rural area offers good value for buyers – and is experiencing steady growth. With expanding infrastructure, new developments, and its proximity to Intel’s massive chip manufacturing facility, Johnstown is attracting homebuyers seeking more space while still being within commuting distance of Columbus.
• Real estate agents can find opportunities in both residential sales and land acquisitions in Johnstown.

5. Granville, OH

• Average home value: $491,514 – up 3.9% YoY (Zillow, February 2025)
• Average income of real estate agents: $93,603
• Granville is known for its excellent schools and small-town feel. While not a neighborhood of Columbus, it’s within easy access to the city. Real estate agents serving Granville can capitalize on luxury sales, historic properties, and family-friendly housing opportunities in this sought-after market.

Income Potential and Career Opportunities

Real estate agents in Ohio typically work on commission based on the property’s sale price. How much do real estate agents make in Columbus? The average salary of a real estate agent in Columbus is $94,713, according to Indeed, February 2025. Compare this with the average salary of real estate agents in Ohio, which is $93,386.

Tips for Succeeding as a Real Estate Agent in Columbus

If you want to capitalize on Columbus’s steadily growing housing market, now is the time to take action. Here are some essential tips to help you get started as a real estate agent.

Tip 1: Build a strong local network

Successful real estate agents develop extensive networks, both within and outside the industry. Establish connections with local businesses, Columbus community leaders, and other professionals to strengthen your presence in the market.

Tip 2: Interview multiple brokerages after you earn your license

In Ohio, real estate agents must work under a supervising broker. Before committing to a brokerage, explore various options to find the best fit for your goals. Consider the advantages and challenges of working with both large and small firms.

Tip 3: Choose the right real estate school

Hondros College provides all the courses you need to obtain and maintain your Ohio real estate license. With options for livestream and self-paced learning, our packages include 7-day-a-week instructor support, a Crammer Course, and course textbooks. Financing is available—start your pre-licensing coursework today to take advantage of the growing Columbus real estate market!

Disclaimer: This report is informed by a blend of trusted perspectives, including insights from seasoned real estate instructors who serve as local experts and professionals deeply embedded in the Ohio housing market. Complementing their expertise are data and trends drawn from leading real estate publications, comprehensive market analyses, and reputable industry reports. Together, these sources provide a well-rounded depiction of the Ohio real estate landscape, ensuring that buyers, investors, and professionals alike have access to actionable and reliable information.