When it comes to real estate, people always say, "Location, location, location." And while location is important, lifestyle and affordability can be just as important too. Ohio has so many amazing options at affordable prices. Having seen both Columbus, Ohio and other parts of the world like Sydney, Australia, I thought it would be interesting to compare two drastically different real estate markets. Here's what I found:

Affordability

In 2022, the median home price in Ohio is about $230,000 while the median home price in Sydney is close to $1,600,000. In terms of affordability, Ohio is the clear winner here. In Sydney, a lot of the locals refer to it as the housing bubble that never pops. Why's that?  Well, the population in Sydney has been growing rapidly over the years and there's just not enough housing to meet the demand. The average person simply can't afford to buy a home in Sydney. Even if you have an amazing high paying job, it might take you a while to save up for a deposit on a home. And once you do, you'll likely be paying a mortgage for the rest of your life. The process of house deposits is slightly different than in America. If you want to learn more, check out this link.

On the other hand, in Ohio, the median home price is much more affordable. The average person can easily save up for a deposit on a home and have a mortgage that is manageable. And while the population in Ohio isn't growing as rapidly as it is in Sydney, there is still great demand for housing.

Things To Do

When it comes to amenities, Sydney is very different from Ohio. From world-class beaches to amazing restaurants and bars, there's always something to do in Sydney.  There's this place called Bondi Beach which is only a 20 minute train ride from the center. Imagine living close enough to the beach and the heart of the city all at the same time. You can surf on the weekends and then grab some dinner at a fancy restaurant in the Central Business District.

In Columbus, there are diverse areas with plenty of things to do. It's much different than the sun and beach vibe you get from Sydney. You can visit parts of the city called DORA. DORA stands for Designated Outdoor Refreshment Areas that let you drink alcohol while out and about. There are also plenty of local breweries with amazing beer. You can frequent local farmers markets where you can get all kinds of amazing organic fruits and vegetables. And of course, you get to catch Ohio State Buckeyes football games which is truly an amazing and unique experience.

Both places offer very different experiences but Columbus will be much easier on your wallet.

Best Neighborhoods In Sydney

In Sydney the best neighborhoods are going to be close to the city center like Bondi, Newtown and Surry Hills. If you don't want to live right in the heart of the city, but want to be close by there are plenty of other options like Paddington.

Bondi

Bondi is one of the most iconic beaches in Sydney. It's a great place to live if you love the beach and want to be close to all the action.

Newtown

Newtown is a bohemian neighborhood with a lot of character. It's known for its alternative culture and eclectic mix of shops and restaurants.

Surry Hills

Surry Hills is a trendy neighborhood with a lot of cafes and boutique shops. It's also close to some of the best nightlife in Sydney.

Best Neighborhoods In Columbus

In Columbus, some of the best neighborhoods to check out are German Village, Clintonville, Olde Towne East and Bexley.

German Village

German Village is a historic neighborhood with plenty of character. It's also one of the most desirable neighborhoods in all of Columbus. It was developed in the mid 1800's by German immigrants but of course has been revitalized. Very cool place.

Clintonville

Clintonville is another great option as it's laid back and has plenty of parks. It's only 10 minutes from downtown and located close to Ohio States campus. Clintonville is a great spot for starting small and local businesses. The community loves to support locally owned restaurants and shops.

Bexley

Bexley is an amazing neighborhood that feels like a small town but is 3 miles from downtown. It's perfect for young professionals and families but it's a bit on the expensive side.

Final Thoughts

There's a lot to think about when deciding where you want to live. Both Sydney and Ohio are great places with their own unique experiences. It really comes down to what you're looking for and what your budget is. If you want an affordable place with plenty of things to do, then Columbus is definitely one place you don't want to pass up on. Sydney could be great to visit but a tough spot to live due to affordability.

If you need help getting a mortgage, or want to check out Columbus properties, we'd be happy to assist you.

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