Definitely depends on where you think you'll be spending most of your time in the city, where you'll be working, etc.

Are you looking to be near downtown? The OSU campus area or another university area?

If you're looking for a working class neighborhood, you can definitely rule out Bexley and Upper Arlington.

Hearing that you want to purchase a fixer-upper and *not* be in the ghetto is probably not gonna happen unless you are moving into an area that is already well on its way along the gentrification process (in which case I doubt you'll be finding many cheap fixer-uppers!).

If you don't care too much about contributing to gentrification, then you might be interested in checking out Franklinton, Weinland Park, or the areas near the Franklin Park Conservatory.

Other places further along the gentrification process and a bit more pricey include Olde Towne East (high queer population in that area) and the King Lincoln District (an up and coming neighborhood on the east side, the city is already heavily developing the area).

Other neighborhoods that I would consider "safer" for white folks with money to be moving in to include Grandview or Clintonville. Grandview is more suburban, but still close to downtown (about 20 - 25 minutes by bike). Clintonville is just north of the campus area and well connected to the bus network. There's a nice co-op in the area, and lots of families live in the area, so it's a bit quieter than living amongst all the students and hipsters in the north campus area. There are also some nice places to be had in the areas west of High St. and east of Neil Ave. along King Ave. or Fifth Ave.

Some of the more expensive neighborhoods that are still centrally located include German Village (south of downtown, lots of yuppies and older professionals) and Victorian Village (near the Short North, young professional crowd).

Throw out some more specifics about what you're looking for ... demographics, types of things you like to do, area you may be working in, etc., and I'd be happy to help narrow it down a bit for you.

Peace!

Do you have school aged kids? If so I would probably steer clear of anywhere that would send your children to the disaster known as the City of Columbus schools.

Bexley has middle class areas and upper class areas (with more upper class than middle). Same with Upper Arlington.

I personally think the best suburb in terms of house value with good schools is Hilliard. From downtown it is a little harder to get to since you have to take 70 due west and then I-270 north. In other words there is no direct route. However Hilliard has a lot of stuff to do with community pools, library, etc.

Let me know if you have any other questions. I was born and raised here, moved away, and recently moved back.

There are some WONDERFUL Columbus City Schools!

Oh, the last couple neighborhoods you inquired about I'd say no too! How about Clintonville/North University district??? Two thumbs up for these areas!

Good luck. It's a buyer's market right now.