If you’re new to Columbus (or even if you’ve lived here for awhile), it can be hard to figure out which neighborhood is for you. When we think of the Short North, we tend to imagine the section just—you guessed it—north of Columbus’s downtown; however, you might not be aware that within the greater Short North there exist two subsections, two neighborhoods, to High Street’s east and west. These neighborhoods, you may already know, are Victorian Village and Italian Village.
They’re both historic in their own right. They’re both close together. And the Short North wouldn’t be, well, the Short North without both of them here. But—and this is a big but—both Italian Village and Victorian Village are incredibly different from one another in look, in culture, and in living experiences.
For those who aren’t quite familiar with either of these neighborhoods, but want to experience living in the Short North (good decision, by the way), Lykens Companies thought it would share what makes each of these neighborhoods great. Hopefully our insight is helpful. Even if you have lived in Columbus for awhile and are familiar with both Villages, we have decades of experience watching these neighborhoods grow, so maybe our insights will be unique and helpful.
Finding the right apartment or rental might not be permanent, but Lykens Companies believes that renting should always be a decision that fits who you are and what you want in a home, whether renting or buying.
So which will you pick?
Picturesque classic or reinvented industrial?
First and foremost, you need to understand that many years ago the choice between Victorian Village and Italian Village might have been a lot easier. One, Italian Village, consisted of factories, warehouses, and shotgun houses. The other, Victorian Village, had massive homes in a variety of architectural flavors.
One had trees. One had smoke. We’ll let you figure out which was which.
Now, things are much, much different. The Short North has blossomed into one of the most desirable neighborhoods and booming Arts Districts in the nation, according to the New York Times. Italian Village and Victorian Village, therefore, have people lined up to live in them. Both of these neighborhoods are great and, yes, they both have safe air quality nowadays. Here are a few reasons to side with Victorian Village.
Inside Victorian Village
Though it’s less than a mile from all the action and culture of High Street, Victorian Village is filled with peace and quiet. There’s a lot to love about it. A quick walk reveals historic houses with beautiful architecture. A variety of styles line the streets, including Stick-Style, Queen Anne and even very new builds with contemporary flair. Plenty of greenery grows high and wide and captures the beauty of Columbus—especially when the leaves turn in the fall.
And this walkable neighborhood is anything but boring. Just south of The Ohio State University and west of High Street, all the areas surrounding culture has given it its own spice. Most notably, Victorian Village boasts some incredible restaurants and cafés: Katalina’s Café, a latin-leaning breakfast spot with some incredible pancake balls; The Angry Baker, a creative bakery serving up love to the vegan and carnivore alike; and Mission Coffee, a locally owned coffeeshop and roaster that brings craft coffee to life from inside an industrial-styled garage.
Victorian Village reimagines the tranquility of suburbia and juxtaposes it with the life of a city and the culture of the Short North. At its center, Victorian Village holds the city’s most historic green space—Goodale Park. Since the mid-1800s, Goodale Park has carried the torch of Dr. Lincoln Goodale’s fascinating legacy. This preserved space now hosts some of the country’s most awesome events, like Comfest, the nation’s largest unadvertised community festival. Each year, everyone from old school hippies to young professionals gather to celebrate good music, good food, and dozens of unique booths. When it’s not hosting huge events, Goodale Park serves as a great place for dog walks, tennis matches, evenings by the pond, and so much more.
In short, Victorian Village is perfect for the person looking for picturesque living that doesn’t lack action and excitement—peace and quiet near a not-so-peaceful and not-so-quiet Arts District.
Some of our Favorite Victorian Village Rentals
1185 N. High Street #204
$1,475/month
1BR/1BA
This newly renovated 1BR/1BA apartment is one of our most spacious ever. It seems to never end, making it perfect for hosting friends and family. Located in the Short North inside the historic Garden Theater building, this apartment rests in the heart of the Short North. It features bright hardwood floors, brand-new carpet, maybe our highest ceilings ever (!), and has countless windows that fill the space with natural light. Additionally, granite countertops, dark cherry cabinetry, a dishwasher, a gas stove, and stainless steel appliances turn an HGTV fantasy kitchen into a reality. Exposed air ducts give industrial flavor to a classy residential area. Lastly, there is a coin-operated laundry facility in the basement. All utilities are included except for water. Just a few minutes away is Ohio State, shopping, and the culture of the Short North. This one can’t be ignored.
409 W. 5th Avenue
$1,144/month
1BA/1BR
What’s it like to live inside an old pizzeria? Apparently, it means that you’ll be left with a spacious open concept. From its front door to its unique port window, there’s just nothing like this in Victorian Village. This unique build was updated just last year and features cozy carpeting, a great kitchen, and a huge bedroom. This single standing home has central heating and cooling, parking, a full basement, and washer/dryer hookups. Sitting next to Battelle, Lennox Shopping Center, Grandview, Ohio State, and the Short North isn’t bad either. You’re never going to find in a place like this again. Why not see if it fits your needs?
19 W. 1st Avenue
$1,195/month
1BR/1BA
You’ve been looking for a beautiful kitchen, right? How about this one: elegant mocha stained cabinetry juxtaposed with premium granite countertop. Then, stainless steel appliances meets white subway tiling backsplash for an extra ounce of luxury. Warm hardwood floors and muted tones combine to give this 1BR/1BA an eye catching look. A block from High Street, this apartment offers peace and quiet in the heart of the Victorian Village and all else that the rich Short North Arts District offers—restaurants, shops, and more. Bonuses include a front door intercom with remote access and a stacked washer/dryer. Tenant is responsible for all utilities. This will opportunity will be gone before you know it. Why not reserve one of the nicest apartments today?
Schedule a tour and see it in person!
But can you really go wrong?
When it comes to finding a Lykens Companies apartment or rental, we don’t think you can go wrong. It’s all about finding your fit. Whether you’re looking for an apartment in the Short North, a rental in Victorian Village, a studio in Italian Village, or a loft in Wonder Bread, our Available Rentals page will feature all that (and more). We’re constantly adding our newest properties and highlighting that month’s leasing specials. Bookmark it and check often! What if you took two minutes to browse it right now?
