When prices are low, more people can afford to purchase and fewer people rent leading to static or declining rents.The city requirement for rising prices and rents can be summarized as follows:Significant and sustained population growth.

Columbus is one of those markets where the macroeconomics are really strong—tons of population growth, new job creation, and huge companies like Intel, Amazon, Google, Facebook, Honda, and Microsoft investing heavily here.

The Midwest is going to strategically matter more in the future and population will be growing due to fresh water and cooler climate, also fewer storms (lower insurance premiums).

Columbus is really hot right now with strong population growth, job growth, and big companies moving or expanding here like Intel, Amazon, Google, Facebook, Honda, Microsoft, and LG, which keeps rental demand high and appreciation potential strong.

Population above 400K people in it.6.

We’ve got a growing healthcare sector, strong population and job growth, and still-affordable housing where you can find cash-flowing properties that meet the 1% rule.

Columbus, Ohio, for example, is a great market for out-of-state investors because you can still find properties in the $120–180K range that hit the 1% rule, cash flow nicely, and benefit from strong population and job growth with companies like Intel, Amazon, Google, and Honda driving long-term appreciation.

I moved here from Portland in 2020 and now own 10+ rentals because the fundamentals are awesome—fast population and job growth, huge companies moving here like Intel, Amazon, Google, Microsoft, Honda, LG, Facebook, and more, plus it's still affordable where you can find properties around $120–180k that hit the 1% rule and positive cash flow.

-Investor takeaway: Consider these ZIPs for long-term holds or mid-term rentals where tenant demand is proven and turnover risk is lower.Investor InsightCharlotte continues to demonstrate the fundamentals investors look for:-Expanding infrastructure that connects key economic zones-Steady population and job growth-Sub-10% vacancy rates in most surrounding markets**The Rail Trail Bridge adds another layer of appeal to the city’s core — connecting lifestyle, transit, and development in a way that supports both rental and appreciation upside.

It’s still super affordable compared to most places, and there’s a ton of growth happening here—population is increasing, jobs are booming, and big companies like Intel, Amazon, Facebook, Google, and Honda are expanding in the area.