Who 8th And High Suits — And Who Should Look Elsewhere
8th And High in Columbus, Ohio (address: Columbus, OH 43201) is a mid‑rise apartment complex that markets itself as a premium-living option near Ohio State University. Based on resident reports and the available pricing, this property is best suited for students or young professionals who prioritise a strong on‑site community and responsive staff, and who are willing to pay a premium for a central location. It is less suitable for those on a tight budget, anyone sensitive to ongoing construction noise, or tenants who expect the level of luxury implied by the starting price.
Who it suits:
- Tenants who value an active, friendly management team and a sense of belonging. Several long‑term residents highlight that staff go “above and beyond” and that neighbours become friends.
- Pet owners — the property allows pets (tagged “pet_friendly”).
- People who enjoy outdoor cooking (a grilling station is available on site).
- Those looking for a studio, one‑bedroom, or two‑bedroom layout (the three available unit types).
Who should consider other options:
- Anyone with a monthly housing budget below $1,500. The minimum advertised rent is $1,555 per month (indicative — confirm with the operator), well above the city‑wide ‘from price’ of $695 per month across 61 properties in the area.
- Light sleepers or remote workers who need quiet during the day and night. Multiple reviews cite noise from adjacent construction that “is extremely loud at all hours (through the night)”.
- Renters who expect inflation‑adjusted, predictable rent increases. Two of the three given reviews describe sharp annual rent hikes.
- Those who want to tour in person before committing — one strongly negative review warns against signing unseen.
What Residents Actually Say
Three reviews from Google (86 reviews total, average rating 4.7) illustrate a sharp divide in resident experience.
Positive experience – Ava Bice (5 stars):
“I’ve lived here for two years, and it’s truly felt like home. The staff are always friendly, helpful, and go above and beyond to make sure residents feel taken care of. Over time, I’ve also built such a wonderful sense of community here — it’s rare to find neighbors who feel more like friends. I’m so grateful for the p…”
This review points to a strong community feel and attentive staff, which is echoed by the high overall rating.
Mixed to negative – Angelica Wagner (2 stars):
“Do not recommend living here without touring first because while the price says luxury, the apartment is not. The construction next door, while not 8th and High’s fault, is extremely loud at all hours (through the night) and has blocked views. On top of that, they raise the rent astronomically each year, even though th…”
Key concerns: the “luxury” label does not match the actual finish, disruptive construction noise, and steep year‑on‑year rent increases.
Highly negative – Levi McCourt (1 star):
“When choosing an apartment near Ohio State University, I looked at several options, but ultimately chose 8th and High because of the outstanding hospitality and professionalism management originally provided. At the time, they stood far above every other nearby apartment complex. Unfortunately, that version of 8th and …”
This review signals that the management quality may have declined after the initial leasing period, and that the positive first impression did not last.
Summary of resident sentiment:
- The management team receives both high praise (for being friendly and helpful) and sharp criticism (for high rent increases and a change in service quality).
- Community and neighbour relationships are a genuine strength.
- Noise from construction and annual rent jumps are recurring complaints.
Price Positioning vs. the City’s From‑Price
The cheapest unit currently advertised at 8th And High is $1,555 per month (indicative — confirm with the operator). The highest advertised rate is $2,800 per month. The security deposit is a flat $99.
For context, the general Columbus / Bexley rental market has a ‘from price’ of $695 per month across 61 student‑oriented properties listed on the platform. This means 8th And High’s entry‑level price is approximately 2.2 times the city’s minimum. The property is clearly positioned at the upper end of the market.
What you get for the higher price:
- A central location near Ohio State University.
- Pet‑friendly policy.
- Grilling station.
- Multi‑bedroom options that are rare in lower‑budget builds.
What you may not get:
- A genuinely “luxury” interior finish (per one resident).
- Protection from construction‑related disruption.
- Stable, moderate rent increases.
Renters should compare the $1,555‑$2,800 range with other purpose‑built student apartments in the Columbus area, many of which start below $1,000 per month. The deposit of $99 is relatively low and may be appealing to those who need to conserve upfront cash.
Room‑Type Guidance
Three unit types are available:
- Studio – Likely the most affordable option within the $1,555‑$2,800 band. Suitable for a single occupant who wants a combined living‑sleeping area. No separate kitchen wall — check the exact layout with the operator.
- 1‑bedroom (1b) – A traditional one‑bedroom apartment with a separate bedroom. Good for a single person or a couple who need more space than a studio.
- 2‑bedroom (2b) – The most expensive units (potentially up to $2,800). Best shared between two tenants to split the rent — each person would pay roughly $1,400‑$1,500 per month, bringing the per‑person cost closer to the city median.
Tip: If you are considering a 2‑bedroom, confirm whether the unit has two full bathrooms (common but not guaranteed) and whether utilities are included. Neither is specified in the listing data.
Booking Timing
The listing data does not specify a minimum lease term or an exact available‑from date. However, given that the property is near a large university, the standard leasing cycle is likely August‑to‑July for the academic year 2026‑2027.
- Best time to start searching: For an August 2026 move‑in, begin looking in February – April 2026. Early leasing often secures the best rate and preferred floor plan.
- For mid‑year leases (January, May): Availability tends to be lower, but rates may be slightly negotiable if units remain empty.
- Deposit timing: The $99 deposit is low; however, the property may require the first month’s rent at lease signing. Confirm the total move‑in cost (deposit + first month + any fees) with the operator.
Because the reviews indicate annual rent increases, signing a longer lease (e.g., 12 months) may lock in the rate for the first year, but you should expect a higher renewal price if you stay.
Frequently Asked Questions
H3: Is the construction noise likely to continue into 2026?
The review mentioning construction noise was written during an active phase of building next door. Whether that project is completed by 2026 depends on the site’s schedule. Ask the leasing office directly about the current status and expected completion date of any adjacent construction.
H3: Can I bring a cat or dog?
The property is tagged “pet_friendly”. Check with the operator for breed or size restrictions, any additional pet deposit, and monthly pet rent (common in US student housing).
H3: Are utilities included in the rent?
The available data does not list included utilities. Most mid‑range to upscale Columbus apartments charge rent plus separate electricity, water, and sometimes internet. Confirm which utilities (if any) are bundled and the typical monthly amount for each during the tour or lease review.
Sources & data date
All prices, reviews, and property details are based on data collected in July 2026. Rental rates are indicative — confirm with the operator before making any financial commitment.
For live availability, current floor plans, and the most accurate pricing for 2026‑2027, use the on‑site chat assistant on the property page.
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