Keely Stagg, a resident of Columbus, Ohio, found herself at a financial crossroads after moving into a new downtown apartment following a job promotion and subsequent pay rise in 2024. Initially excited about her upgraded living situation, Stagg quickly realised that her new studio, which came with a rent of around £1,500 per month, was significantly impacting her financial goals, particularly her desire to save money and pay off student loans. With additional costs such as parking, utilities, and various fees, her monthly expenses swelled to an alarming £1,900.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Keely-Stagg-murphy-bed-apartment-02-090326-047a578fbdec4844a374efde69d0fd79.jpg)
Stagg recounted her experience, stating, “The cost was 100% the reason I moved out of my previous apartment. I loved that apartment too, but I wanted to focus on saving money and paying off my student loans, and I just couldn’t do that at all with how much I was spending on housing.” This situation prompted her to seek more affordable living arrangements.
Determined to reduce her housing expenses, Stagg turned to property listing website Zillow in hopes of finding a better deal. It was during this online search that she stumbled upon a one-bedroom apartment listed for £989 per month. Unlike many listings, this price did not raise any immediate red flags for Stagg, who had familiarity with the area near The Ohio State University, having previously lived in older homes in Columbus. She understood the potential risks, such as living next to rowdy neighbours, but hoped for the best.
Fortunately, her move has so far proved to be successful. Stagg commented, “Luckily, so far I haven’t had to deal with any of that, and my block has been pretty peaceful!” This contrast in experiences from her previous living situation further underscored the value of her new home.
Throughout her apartment hunt, Stagg had encountered several other listings for studios and one-bedroom apartments priced between £700 and £800 per month. However, these options invariably lacked certain essential amenities. Many either lacked a dishwasher, in-unit laundry facilities, or central air conditioning. In contrast, her current apartment boasted all three features, something Stagg was more than pleased with.
In addition to these conveniences, her new residence offered appealing extras like free parking, front and back porches, and access to shared storage in the basement—all at no additional charge. Stagg revealed that she had previously paid for a separate storage unit, which only added to her costs. The free storage in her new building allowed her to cancel that expense, contributing further to her overall savings.
Though Stagg acknowledged a minor drawback regarding the basements’ slightly eerie and dusty conditions, she remained unfazed, expressing that it did not detract from her satisfaction with the new apartment. She believes she has indeed found a hidden gem within the Columbus rental market, particularly considering the affordable price point.
However, Stagg is also aware that her £989 rent may not be representative of all areas in Columbus. She observed that those looking to rent in trendier neighbourhoods or suburban areas might find themselves paying a premium of at least an extra £200. Nonetheless, her experience has shown that reasonably priced options exist if renters are diligent in their search.
Reflecting on her new living situation just two months after the move, Stagg admitted that she was astounded by how much she had managed to save. With hundreds less in monthly expenses, a larger living space, and the elimination of her previous storage unit fees, she has exceeded her initial savings expectations. “I’m saving even more money than I anticipated,” Stagg concluded, showcasing a successful case study on the benefits of thorough research and strategic planning in the housing market.
Ultimately, her experience may serve as an encouraging example to other tenants navigating the rental landscape in Columbus and similar cities, underscoring the importance of searching for value and not compromising on essential amenities while looking for affordable housing options.