Tiny apartments are gaining traction in the Midwest
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
Illustration: Lindsey Bailey/Axios
Tiny apartments are becoming more popular in the Midwest, though Columbus has a ways to go before we start competing with West Coast hotspots like Seattle and San Francisco.
Why it matters: Micro-housing is generally more affordable than traditionally sized apartments, making it attractive to renters willing to sacrifice space for location and price.
- Locally, it's also giving new purpose to historic buildings and providing transitional housing for people experiencing homelessness.
The big picture: The trend is sweeping the U.S., with a steady doubling of units now compared to the 2000s, per a new StorageCafe report.
Zoom in: Connect Realty was among the first locally to embrace the concept, repurposing historic downtown buildings at Long and Front streets in 2020 and 260 S. 4th St. in 2016.
- The latter, above the former Hadley's restaurant, recently went on the market.
By the numbers: Micro-housing now accounts for 2.4% of Columbus' rentals, per StorageCafe's report.
- That ranks us No. 48 out of the 100 largest U.S. metros.
- Their average monthly rent is $829, compared to a traditional unit's $1,315 price tag, and they currently range 150 to 436 square feet.
The intrigue: Columbus doesn't even crack the top 10 for the Midwest, though, when it comes to our share of tiny rentals.
- Minneapolis (10.4%), Chicago (7.4), Cleveland (5.4), St. Paul (4.9), Detroit (3.8) and Toledo (2.8) are among Midwest cities outranking us.
What they're saying: Doug Ressler, manager at Yardi Matrix, which provided the data for StorageCafe's analysis, says Columbus has many central neighborhoods with micro-housing growth potential, including Old Towne East, Franklinton and Milo-Grogan.
Yes, but: We're likely hindered by our relative urban sprawl and lack of public transportation, as such units are typically located close to work, entertainment and other amenities.
- The planned addition of more bike lanes, trails and transit options should help, he says.
The bottom line: "Overall, Columbus offers a relatively manageable commuting experience with some challenges typical of growing cities," Ressler tells Axios.