Downtown Advice
Welcome to the Neighborhood… now what?
Hear first-hand about living the urban lifestyle from downtown residents.
Is being pet-friendly a must?
What’s the skinny on my home association?
Talk trash?
Does size matter for moving vans, too?
What about groceries?
What’s the deal with tax abatements, and assessments?
Where do my guests park?
Where can I go online for more?
Is being pet-friendly a must?
Like most condominiums, there are rules regarding pets. Consider your pet and his or her ability to live in proximity to other animals. Downtown has become very pet-friendly in last five years, as evident by the newly constructed dog park at the corner of 4th and Spring Streets and creation of the Columbus Downtown Dog Park Association, dedicated to our furry friends in Downtown. There are also 14 other parks within walking distance of most residences.
What’s the skinny on my home association?
Understand the structure and governance of a condo association in regard to your fees and the administration of those fees. Most condo associations hire a management company to oversee maintenance, but the association dictates how dollars are spent.
Balconies, popular in many Downtown condos, may have association-imposed decorating guidelines. Check your building’s rules and regulations before buying furniture or décor.
Talk trash?
At move-in, understand trash and recycling schedules and procedures so that you'll know exactly where to leave that junk you shouldn’t have moved and those unpacked moving boxes.
Does size matter for moving vans, too?
On moving day, be sure to coordinate the size of your moving company's truck with the dock at your new residence. It goes without saying that it’s problematic if, on moving day, your truck doesn't fit the dock!
What about groceries?
CVS is a convenient place to get necessary food items when a trip to the grocery isn't possible. Milk, bread – even wine – is available at the location on South High Street near State Street.
And speaking of groceries … you’re closer to a grocery store Downtown then anywhere else in central Ohio. Giant Eagle, Kroger and the North Market are all within 1 to 1.5 miles of every Downtown resident.
What’s the deal with tax abatements and assessments?
For buyers in the Central Business District in buildings where a tax abatement has been approved, understand the timing of abatement expiration. Generally, timing is based upon project completion and not necessarily when you buy your unit.
High-rise units typically have slightly higher fire insurance than low- or mid-rise developments, which is pretty much a standard across the U.S.
Understand that many residences are within the boundaries of one of two special improvement districts (Capital Crossroads and Discovery). Additional assessments are part of your residential tax at a minimal rate. The return on this investment is significant. Learn more about plans to supplement the city's clean and safe programs. Also, find out how these programs aid in the liveliness of downtown living.
Where do my guests park?
Downtown parking meters are programmed for up to two hours of parking time. While you may have a parking space available to you, your guests may use meters on occasion. Buy a parking meter card from the City of Columbus Parking Violations Bureau (614)-645-6400. These cards are nice to have in lieu of a stockpile of quarters. Be sure to read posted signs about parking restrictions, especially during rush hour. And you can also steer guests to the pilot area on Gay Street which features credit card-accepting meters (between High and Third Streets).
Where can I go online for more?
If you’re a frequent traveler in and out of downtown during the day, for example you have a “reverse commute,” register for email alerts from www.PavingtheWay.org. You’ll hear via email about any traffic accidents or closures that could affect your commute.
Register for "Right Now Downtown" emails using the form at the top of this page. Each Tuesday at 10 a.m. we’ll send an email packed full of restaurant news, theater openings, downtown living tips and traffic alerts.
Downtown Minute
| Find It Downtown | Arts & Entertainment | Right Now Downtown Blog |
|---|---|---|
|
It all happens downtown. From restaurants, bars, theaters, galleries and parks to sporting events, workout facilities, festivals and concerts, Downtown Columbus has something for everyone. Search here for a solo pursuit, a crowd-pleasing adventure or a quiet evening for two. |
|
Inside 43215: Downtown Lifestyles SEUSS ON THE LOOSE The wicked old poet woulda had a great time with the traffic developments downtown. Y’know: Gay, Gay, goes both ways… If you can remember back to Hop On Pop, Seuss pretty much got the Town Street conversion covered with a character named Mr. Brown. Front Street? Not so much. That’s a bona fide [...] |
| View all events at experiencecolumbus.com › | Read more › |