Is Broadmeadows safe?
Columbus, Ohio · safety score updated nightly
Be careful — go in daylight and stay on the busier streets.
VibeLoco rates Broadmeadows as “Caution”.
Gogo's take on Broadmeadows
“Go with care. Broadmeadows is primarily a residential apartment and townhouse corridor that offers immediate access to the Olentangy Trail, but it experiences higher rates of property crime and occasional violent incidents than surrounding North Columbus neighborhoods. Daytime visits to nearby parks and retail are generally fine, but visitors should exercise caution after dark.”
Local law enforcement has periodically focused community policing initiatives along Broadmeadows Boulevard in response to recurring reports of gun-related disturbances and vehicle break-ins.
About the area
Broadmeadows is a dense, predominantly multi-family residential enclave situated just east of the Olentangy River in North Columbus, nestled between Beechwold and Worthington. It consists largely of multi-unit apartment complexes and townhomes bordered by major commercial corridors along North High Street. Visitors primarily pass through for the adjacent greenway connections, parks, and nearby retail centers.
- Residential Enclave
- Multi-Family Housing
- Park-Adjacent
- Car-Dependent
Walking and biking in Broadmeadows
Walk score: 58/100 · Bike score: 64/100
The neighborhood provides immediate western access to the Olentangy Trail, a premier paved multi-use trail connecting northward to Worthington and southward through campus into Downtown Columbus.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Direct, convenient access to the Olentangy Multi-Use Trail and riverfront parks
- Close proximity to extensive grocery and retail options at Graceland Shopping Center
- Significantly lower housing and rental costs compared to neighboring Worthington
Cons
- Elevated rates of property crime, auto theft, and periodic violent crime incidents
- High concentration of aging, high-density rental properties with deferred maintenance
- Lack of pedestrian-friendly commercial activity directly within the neighborhood core
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is low within the residential apartment blocks, but occasional panhandling occurs near major commercial intersections and bus stops along North High Street.
What Broadmeadows is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and active with residents commuting to work and runners accessing the trail connectors.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Relatively quiet suburban rhythm with standard residential traffic, though general situational awareness is advisable.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Activity picks up around apartment lots and transit corridors; visitors should stick to well-lit main thoroughfares.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Safety drops noticeably due to an increased likelihood of disturbances, vehicle break-ins, and isolated crime; walking alone is not advised.
Transit, parking and getting around
COTA (Central Ohio Transit Authority) operates frequent bus service along North High Street via Line 2 and Line 102, offering easy north-south transit to Ohio State University and Downtown Columbus.
Surface parking lots are plentiful across residential complexes and commercial strip centers, and on-street parking along residential side streets is generally free and unmetered.
Things to do in Broadmeadows
- Bike, run, or walk along the tree-lined Olentangy River Greenway Trail
- Enjoy the playgrounds, open fields, and tennis courts at nearby Casto Park
- Explore shopping, dining, and local services at the adjacent Graceland Shopping Center
Local favorites
- Villa Nova Ristorante · Italian Restaurant · 4.6★ (2650)A beloved, retro neighborhood staple on nearby North High Street serving hearty pizzas, pastas, and comfort Italian classics.
- Over The Counter · American Diner · 4.5★ (790)A casual retro-style diner and pub serving elevated burgers, sandwiches, and local craft beers.
- Everest Cuisine · Nepalese & Indian Restaurant · 4.6★ (720)An acclaimed nearby eatery known for authentic momos, aromatic curries, and traditional tandoori dishes.
Scores are safety-driven — recent reported crime and local news plus Census income, poverty, housing, education, household and access data — refreshed nightly. Walk and bike scores are shown separately and do not affect the safety score. A guide, not a guarantee — conditions change street to street.
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