Is Old Clintonville safe?
Columbus, Ohio · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Old Clintonville as “Go”.
Gogo's take on Old Clintonville
“Go. Old Clintonville is one of the safest and most appealing urban neighborhoods in Columbus, distinguished by low violent crime, scenic ravines, and strong civic pride. Visitors can comfortably explore local eateries, shops, and nature preserves with standard awareness.”
Recent community safety updates primarily note occasional vehicle break-ins and porch package thefts rather than violent crime incidents.
About the area
Old Clintonville is a charming, tree-filled neighborhood located just north of Ohio State University, known for its Craftsman-style homes and independent businesses. It offers a relaxed, community-focused atmosphere with scenic ravines and a walkable commercial strip along North High Street.
- Historic / Tree-Lined
- Family-Friendly
- Bohemian & Artsy
- Walkable Dining Hub
Walking and biking in Old Clintonville
Walk score: 78/100 · Bike score: 83/100
The neighborhood provides convenient access to the paved Olentangy Trail multi-use greenway just west of the neighborhood, alongside several CoGo bike-share stations along High Street.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent crime rates are significantly lower than both the Columbus citywide and national averages.
- Strong socioeconomic stability with high median household incomes and high rates of homeownership.
- Exceptional community engagement, well-maintained parks, and natural green spaces like Glen Echo Ravine.
Cons
- Occasional opportunistic property crimes, including catalytic converter thefts and unlocked car rummaging.
- Dimly lit residential side streets and ravine approaches after dark.
- Spillover parking and speeding traffic on residential cut-through streets during rush hour.
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is very low in Old Clintonville, with only occasional individuals asking for assistance near High Street retail intersections; encampments and shelters are not typically present in this area.
What Old Clintonville is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and safe, with locals walking dogs, jogging down tree-lined streets, and grabbing morning coffee.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Lively and welcoming as shoppers, students, and families visit local boutiques and parks.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Vibrant and comfortable, with steady foot traffic around neighborhood pubs, cafes, and restaurants.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Quiet and residential; generally safe to walk, though unlit side streets and ravine access paths require typical nighttime caution.
Transit, parking and getting around
Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) provides frequent service via the Route 2 North High Street line and the Route 102 express, offering direct connections south to Downtown Columbus and OSU.
Street parking is widely accessible and predominantly free on residential side streets, though businesses along High Street have small dedicated lots or limited street spaces.
Things to do in Old Clintonville
- Catch an independent film while enjoying craft beer and pizza at the historic Studio 35 Cinema & Drafthouse.
- Walk through the shaded nature trails and birdwatch inside the historic Glen Echo Ravine.
- Browse local art, fair-trade goods, and specialty coffee along the North High Street retail corridor.
Local favorites
- Studio 35 Cinema & Drafthouse · Independent Cinema & Pub · 4.7★ (2600)Historic single-screen indie movie theater serving craft beer, cider, and fresh-baked pizzas.
- Global Gallery Coffee Shop · Coffee Shop & Fair Trade Cafe · 4.7★ (750)Community-focused non-profit cafe offering fair-trade coffees, pastries, and outdoor patio seating.
- Lavash Cafe · Mediterranean Restaurant · 4.7★ (2350)Beloved neighborhood counter-serve staple delivering fresh shawarma, falafel, and house-made baklava.
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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