Driving Park is an established Columbus neighborhood on the Near East Side, minutes from downtown. While its convenient location is a major draw for commuters, the community also attracts buyers for its character-rich, vintage homes at relatively low prices. Sidewalks, mature trees and a neighborhood park and rec center help round out the area’s low-key, residential vibe.
Early 20th-century home styles include single-story cottages, along with two-story American Foursquares, Cape Cods and Craftsman bungalows. Porches, stoops and basements are common. Some houses have been converted into duplexes. “A lot of people like an older home with quality construction,” says Columbus native Michael Jones, a Realtor with Coldwell Banker. “They’re drawn to the little, nuanced features, whether it’s leaded glass windows, built-in dining room hutches or original hardwood floors.”
According to Jones, renovation levels vary. “Adjacent neighborhoods have a lot of renovated homes, and more are coming in this area,” he says. “Ranging from updates like new windows and electrical systems to remodeled or expanded kitchens.” A small amount of new construction has also joined the neighborhood, designed to blend traditional forms with sleeker, contemporary features. These newer homes, along with fully renovated properties, tend to cost more.
Driving Park is home to a mix of renters and homeowners. Single-family homes sell from under $100,000 into the mid-$300,000s, while multifamily sales range from the low $100,000s to the mid-$400,000s. Prices here generally fall in line with those in South of Main and Deshler Park, but they may be lower than Berwick and Southern Orchards.
Neighborhood markets with essentials are a short walk for residents living near Livingston Avenue. Choices for bigger errand runs, including big-box stores, are farther away in East Columbus. Chain restaurants sit along the thoroughfares as well, but residents don't have to go far from home for good eats. Some nearby favorites are:
Driving Park is part of Columbus City Schools, with Fairwood Alternative Elementary School in the community and South High School only minutes away. The district assigns neighborhood schools, but also offers magnet and alternative programs, with acceptance typically lottery-based. Additional school choice options include open enrollment and out-of-district transfers, depending on available space and policy.
Driving Park is convenient for commutes to the heart of the city and surrounding suburbs, thanks to its location along Interstate 70. Livingston Avenue is lined with COTA bus stops, though many residents rely on cars to get around. The neighborhood offers straightforward routes to several major job hubs, such as:
On the east end of Driving Park, next to the neighborhood’s ballfields and green space, Driving Park Community Center offers a variety of youth and adult programs, from creative arts classes to pickleball lessons. The pool is open seasonally, and a paved trail outside the center connects to nearby Fairwood Park.
Theresa Barron
Take A Look Real Estate Broker
(380) 888-2291
80 Total Sales
4 in Driving Park
$284K - $300K Price Range
Janae Lincifort
Red 1 Realty
(380) 207-0835
70 Total Sales
1 in Driving Park
$195,000 Price
Amalea Harding
Dream Living LLC
(614) 968-8947
15 Total Sales
1 in Driving Park
$440,000 Price
Juli Ann Knecht
RE/MAX ONE
(380) 888-2512
85 Total Sales
1 in Driving Park
$360,000 Price
Nancy Stecklein
Keller Williams Greater Cols
(380) 333-4844
72 Total Sales
1 in Driving Park
$287,500 Price
Thomas Few
e-Merge Real Estate
(877) 749-5951
51 Total Sales
1 in Driving Park
$123,000 Price
On average, homes in Driving Park, Columbus sell after 35 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Driving Park, Columbus over the last 12 months is $195,000, down 13% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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Median List Price
$224,950
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Median Sale Price
$195,000
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Median Single Family Sale Price
$202,000
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Median Townhouse Sale Price
$253,500
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Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$160,000
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Median Change From 1st List Price
4%
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Last 12 months Home Sales
51
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Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-13%
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Average Price Per Sq Ft
$140
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Number of Homes
1,586
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Number of Homes for Sale
32
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Median Year Built
1935
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Months of Supply
7.50
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Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,310
Significantly below the national average
1,935
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Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,165
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Median Lot Size Sq Ft
4,791
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Columbus homebuyers are gaining breathing room as inventory continues to rise, though homes are taking longer to sell.
$1,099 per month
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Number of Homes for Rent
11
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Median Rent
$1,220
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Median Single Family Home Rent
$1,400
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Median Townhouse Rent
$1,200
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Median 3 Bedroom Townhouse Rent
$1,200
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Median Condo Rent
$1,099
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Median 2 Bedroom Condo Rent
$975
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Total Population
5,324
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Median Age
37
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Population Density
11 ppl/acre
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Population under 18
28.6%
On par with the national average
23.8%
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Population over 65
15%
On par with the national average
19.1%
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Median Household Income
$35,284
Significantly below the national average
$79,597
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Average Household Income
$49,918
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High School Graduates
89.5%
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College Graduates
15.6%
Below the national average
34.1%
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Advanced Degrees
6.2%
Below the national average
13.3%
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% Population in Labor Force
64.2%
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Annual Precipitation
41''
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Average Winter Low Temperature
22°F
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Average Summer High Temperature
85°F
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Annual Snowfall
19''
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Bikeability
Walkability
Transit
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Sprawling greenhouses and botanical gardens in Near East Side, Columbus
Historic homes and active neighborhood association define this Columbus community
