Madison House – A Decision Review for Columbus Student Housing
Overview
Madison House is a student-oriented apartment complex located in Galloway, OH 43119, roughly 15–20 minutes by car from the central campus of Columbus’s major public university. The property offers one‑bedroom, two‑bedroom, and unspecified apartment layouts with monthly rents ranging from USD 1,136 to USD 2,119 (indicative — confirm with the operator). It is one of three student housing options currently listed in Columbus on this platform, and its starting price matches the city’s from‑price for student accommodation. The first move‑in date available is July 6, 2026, with a minimum lease term of six months. On‑site amenities include a fitness centre, swimming pool, and study area, but the overall Google rating stands at 3.7 out of 5 based on 115 reviews. The following sections break down who this residence suits best, what current and former residents actually say, how the pricing compares, which room types to consider, and when to book.
Who It Suits (and Who Should Look Elsewhere)
Suits:
- Students who prioritise quiet living and fast maintenance. Several reviews highlight that the complex is generally peaceful, with minor occasional rowdiness that does not dominate the atmosphere. The maintenance response is described as “very fast paced,” and office staff are noted to be friendly and willing to work with tenants.
- Budget‑conscious renters who want the city’s lowest‑price entry point. At $1,136/month, Madison House offers the same base rate as the cheapest student housing currently available in Columbus. If you are looking for a one‑bedroom at the low end of the spectrum, this property is a realistic option.
- Students who need a fitness centre, pool, and study area without premium rent. The listed amenities — fitness centre, swimming pool, study area — are functional for daily needs and are not accompanied by luxury price tags.
Does not suit:
- Anyone looking for a pristine new complex. One Google reviewer who lives nearby delivered an order to the property and described the common areas as “disgusting” and “in such disrepair (especially for being a newer complex).” If you expect spotless hallways and well‑maintained exteriors from day one, Madison House may disappoint.
- Students who want a move‑in ready unit with no initial issues. Reviewer Zach Reese reported multiple problems upon arrival: no provided trash can, being charged for trash pickup without receiving a refund, a broken door and door handle, permanent writing inside a cabinet that was never fixed, and unclear electricity/water rates. While some issues may be individual cases, the pattern suggests management does not always correct pre‑existing damage quickly.
- Those who need a car‑free commute to campus. The property is located in Galloway, west of downtown Columbus. Public transit connections to Ohio State University are limited; a car or regular ride‑share is practically necessary. If you rely on walking or cycling to class, look at properties closer to the main university.
What Residents Actually Say (Quoted from Google Reviews)
Kate Columbus (Rating 1/5, non‑resident delivery driver):
“I am not a current nor past resident, but I do live nearby. I recently delivered an order to an apartment here and found the property so disgusting and in such disrepair (especially for being a newer complex), that I had to post about it. I feel so bad for the residents having to live with filthy breezeways, siding, an”
This comment raises a red flag about common‑area cleanliness and general upkeep. Even though the reviewer is not a resident, their observation as a visitor carries weight because it reflects first‑hand visual evidence.
Jamiya Janae (Rating 4/5, resident):
“It’s nice and quiet here it’s some days that’s can be a little Rowdy but that’s barely . I haven’t experienced any bugs, maintenance is very fast paced , the guys in the office are very nice and understanding especially the dark haired guy. they work with you . I never had a bad experience with staff. very nice gym nic”
This resident confirms a generally quiet environment complimented by responsive maintenance and helpful office staff. The only downside mentioned is “a little rowdy” on rare days. No pest issues were reported, and the gym is described as “nice.”
Zach Reese (Rating 3/5, former or current resident):
“Not bad, but I wouldn’t say it is great. There were multiple issues when we arrived including, * No provided trash can for trash pickup and still got charge for multiple months and never got a refund. * broken door, broken door handle, permanent writing in the cabinet(still not fixed) * electricity and water rates are ”
This neutral‑to‑negative review highlights a pattern of unaddressed move‑in defects and billing disputes. The reviewer acknowledges the property is “not bad” but stops short of recommending it due to these unresolved frustrations. The incomplete sentence about electricity and water rates suggests unclear utility billing.
Summary: The three reviews create a mixed picture. Positive points — quiet atmosphere, fast maintenance, friendly staff. Negative points — poor common‑area upkeep, initial damage not repaired, billing confusion. The overall 3.7 rating matches this ambivalence: the property is functional but far from premium.
Pricing Positioning vs. the City’s From‑Price
Madison House’s minimum rent of $1,136/month (indicative — confirm with the operator) is exactly the same as the current city‑wide from‑price for student housing in Columbus. That means you cannot find a cheaper listed student apartment in the city right now. However, the maximum rent of $2,119/month pushes into a higher bracket that competes with some newer or better‑maintained complexes.
For a budget‑conscious student, the one‑bedroom units at the lower end are the most attractive. The two‑bedroom apartments, if shared, could bring the per‑person cost down further — but only if the roommate share is roughly equal. Because the maximum rent is nearly double the minimum, you need to check exactly which unit type and floor plan matches your price range.
Compared to the other two student housing options in Columbus (not named here), Madison House is the only one whose starting price equals the city floor. If you want a genuinely low base rent and can tolerate the trade‑offs in building condition, it is a viable entry point. But if you value a turnkey unit with no repairs needed, you may prefer to pay slightly more for a property with a higher overall rating.
Room‑Type Guidance
The available types are listed as “1b” (one‑bedroom), “2b” (two‑bedroom), and “apartment” (likely a general studio or one‑bedroom variant).
- 1‑bedroom: Best for solo students who want privacy. At the lower end of the price range, these are likely the budget units. Check lease terms carefully: some one‑bedrooms may have the same base dimensions as other complexes but with older fixtures.
- 2‑bedroom: Best for two students who are comfortable sharing. The per‑person cost could fall below $600 if you split the minimum $1,136 rent, but the actual rent for a two‑bedroom may be higher. Always confirm the exact price for a two‑bedroom unit.
- Apartment (generic): This may refer to studios or flexible layouts. If you are flexible between a studio and a one‑bedroom, the “apartment” type might offer a slightly different floor plan or lower price.
Because the property has a mixed reputation, request a video tour of your specific unit type before signing. Ask about the exact condition of the cabinets, doors, and appliances in that unit.
Booking Timing
The earliest move‑in date is July 6, 2026, and leases start from six months (so the shortest lease runs until early January 2027). The academic year for most Columbus universities begins in late August or early September 2026. If you want to secure a unit for the fall semester, you should begin your application as soon as possible after July 2026 — or even earlier if the operator accepts pre‑applications.
Since Columbus has only three student housing listings on this platform, demand could be higher for the cheapest units. The starting price of $1,136 may attract many applicants. Booking in July or early August 2026 would give you the widest selection of unit types and move‑in dates. If you wait until September, you may be left with only the higher‑priced units.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Madison House close to Ohio State University?
The property is located in Galloway, OH, about a 15‑ to 20‑minute drive from the main campus. Public transportation options are limited, so having a car or using ride‑share services is recommended for a reliable commute. Walking or cycling is not practical due to the distance.
What is included in the rent?
Rent covers the base accommodation and access to the fitness centre, swimming pool, and study area. Utility billing (electricity and water) appears to be separate based on the review mentioning “electricity and water rates are…” (the sentence is cut off). Ask the operator directly whether gas, electricity, water, and internet are included or billed separately, and confirm any trash removal fees that were mentioned in a review.
Can I break the lease early?
The minimum lease is six months, which is relatively short for student housing. Early termination policies vary by operator. Contact Madison House’s management to ask about the cancellation fee or notice period. The reviews do not mention this, so you should get it in writing before signing.
Sources & data date: Google reviews as of July 2026; Amberstudent listing for Madison House (property ID amber‑1681395). All prices are indicative — confirm with the operator.
If you would like to check real‑time availability for your preferred move‑in dates or room type, you can ask the on‑site assistant on this page.
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