Columbus and Dayton, Ohio—B or C+ Neighborhoods, where are they?

Question

Hi BP,

I am looking to invest in small multifamily rentals in the Columbus and Dayton area. Since I am focusing on cash flow I want to target B or C+ neighborhoods. Can you please provide some areas where look for properties? and some areas to avoid ?

Remington Lyman · Answer

Most B areas in Columbus will not generate positive cash flow unless you buy the property outright with cash or make a substantial down payment. The C areas that produce the most cash flow are Linden, Whitehall, and Hilltop. Personally, I own properties in Linden and just south of Whitehall.

Austin McClain · Answer

Dayton - South Park and Walnut Hills could fit this criteria.

Patrick Drury · Answer

@Sharad BagriIn terms of Columbus, I recommend areas like Hilltop, Linden, Eastmoor/ Whitehall, and Franklinton. These are areas where you can cash flow in Columbus because the rent-to-price ratio is favorable. Out of these areas, Franklinton and Linden are seeing some of the most developments. With things like the ONE Linden plan in Linden, which is a 50M plan to improve the neighborhood. Of that 50M, 25M was allocated for the construction of a new recreational faculty that has since been completed. Franklinton has been seeing lots of developments like the completion of Gravity Phase 1 and phases 2 and 3 on the way. As well as coffee shops like Bottoms Up Coffee are moving in and small microbreweries like Brew Dog and Land Grant

Scott Allen · Answer

@Sharad Bagri Two C+ neighborhoods that I really like in Columbus are North Hilltop in 43204, North Linden in 43224, and Northgate in 43229.

Trevor Finn · Answer

Hey @Sharad Bagri,

For cash-flowing small multifamily rentals in Columbus and Dayton, consider these areas:

In Columbus:

• * Northland: Diverse community with solid investment potential.
• * Southeast Columbus: Dense suburban feel, popular with families and young professionals.
• * Old North Columbus: Urban-suburban mix, appealing to young professionals.

In Dayton:

• * Patterson Park: Well-maintained with a strong community vibe.
• * Northridge Estates: Suburban area with various amenities, ideal for renters.
• * Walnut Hills: Quiet and community-oriented, great for rental stability.

Areas to Approach with Caution:

• * Columbus: Some sections of Hilltop and Linden due to higher crime rates.
• * Dayton: Certain parts of West Dayton, which face economic challenges.

Focusing on due diligence in these neighborhoods can help you identify stable, cash-flowing opportunities. All the best on your investing journey! Here to assist if needed!

Samuel Diouf · Answer

I'd love to share a graded map of Ohio with you!

Jimmy Lieu · Answer

Hi Sharad, if you're looking to invest in small multifamilies and want cash flow, you're going to have to trade this off by the type of neighborhood that you'll be looking at. Typically, you can find cash flow in C/C+/B- neighborhoods here in Columbus! Happy to go over the pockets/areas of Columbus Ohio where you can typically find better cash flow in and would love to share some resources that can help!

Stuart Udis · Answer

@Sharad Bagri Since I am focusing on cash flow I want to target B or C+ neighborhoods. What does this even mean? You should be placing far greater emphasis on the fundamentals of the neighborhoods in which you invest. Based on your comments, you are at risk of gravitating towards the lower tier neighborhoods where the spreadsheets will suggest cash flow is better but excel spreadsheets don't tell the whole story.

Arman Ahmed · Answer

Block by block matters a lot, so look closely at rents, crime, property condition, and actual expenses before buying. If you’re investing out of state, I’d also make sure you have a solid local PM and contractor who know the neighborhoods firsthand.

Jordan Fiore · Answer

This is a great question and the caution about spreadsheets vs reality is the most important point in this thread. Cash flow on paper in a D neighborhood often evaporates through vacancy, turnover, and CapEx. In Cincinnati (my market), I advise investors toward the same principle: buy the best block you can in a C+ area rather than the cheapest property in a tougher one. Your tenant quality, turnover cost, and management headaches will more than offset a slightly lower purchase price. Happy to share how this plays out specifically in Cincinnati submarkets if useful.

Columbus and Dayton, Ohio—B or C+ Neighborhoods, where are they?

Columbus and Dayton, Ohio—B or C+ Neighborhoods, where are they?

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