Southpark Apartments in Columbus, OH

Pros

• The staff are friendly and helpful.
• It is described as a very nice and clean place.
• It is affordable and cheap, with a diverse and supportive community.
• The management is proactive and responsive, willing to help residents improve their situation.
• It serves as a decent starting option for Section 8 housing, with nice staff and decent apartments.
• It is alright to live there for someone in need of housing.

Cons

• They describe the complex as absolutely terrible, extremely dirty, and unsafe, with drugs sold in every building.
• They note overcrowded conditions, dirty hallways, trash outside, and only partial security.
• They allege the staff never returns calls and is indifferent toward low-income applicants.
• They claim the area is not a good place to raise kids due to frequent shootings and fights.
• They label it one of the worst apartment complexes in Columbus, with people sleeping on the streets and a call to tear it down.
• They report ongoing crime and drug activity making the neighborhood dangerous.
• They describe the place as dirty, pest-infested, and run down with high crime.
• They accuse management of corruption, including taking money to secure an available apartment and long waits.
• They note occasional gunshots in the area and advise getting a CCW for safety.
• They urge cleaning up the neighborhood and removing “ghetto” elements, calling for drastic improvement.
• They warn it is dangerous and not suitable for families with children.
• They report rude staff and poor communication, including being hung up on during a call.

Review

Southpark Apartments in Columbus is best suited for renters who cannot stretch their budget any further and are prepared to tolerate chronic cleanliness and safety gaps in exchange for the lowest possible rent. The community appeals to those who view price as the priority and are willing to endure overcrowded hallways, maintenance delays, and a neighborhood that feels unsafe at times. It is not appropriate for families with children, seniors needing supportive services, or anyone who expects a consistently well-maintained, orderly environment.

Those considering alternatives should note that safety, reliability, and predictable management are non-negotiables for many households. If a stable, clean, and responsive living situation is desired, or if the presence of drugs, noise, and gun-related activity is unacceptable, other options should be pursued. The repeated complaints about alleged misrepresentation around Section 8, coupled with reports of limited responsiveness from staff, raise red flags for anyone who relies on honest leasing practices and clear communication.

The primary positives center on price leverage and glimpses of functional staff and security. For tenants on a tight budget, the apparent affordability can be hard to beat, and a few reviewers single out friendly staff or a basic level of on-site security as a modest upside. In some instances, residents describe portions of the property as clean and decent, suggesting that with effort, parts of the complex can meet minimum livability standards. These quiet wins matter when rent is the overriding constraint, but they do not erase the wider pattern of deficiencies that appear across reviews.

The dominant drawbacks are severe and frequent enough to derail most housing goals. The complex is repeatedly characterized as dirty and overcrowded, with frequent reports of illegal activity, drug dealings, and safety concerns. The surrounding environment is described as hostile at times, with gunfire and fights cited by multiple reviewers. Maintenance problems and slow or inconsistent communication from management compound the frustration, and there are persistent accusations of manipulation or unfair practices in leasing. The overall impression is a fragile, high-risk living situation rather than a stable home.

The question becomes whether the affordable rent can meaningfully offset the major risks. In practice, the balance tilts away from the positives. While a minimal monthly cost and a few considerate staff experiences can ease day-to-day life for some, the level of safety concerns, cleanliness issues, and questions about fair dealing undermine the appeal for long-term residency. Pros that do exist, price and occasional staff service, cannot practically compensate for persistent crime, pests, and maintenance neglect, especially for households with dependents or for those who value predictable routines and secure surroundings.

For families and individuals weighing options, the prudent move is to pursue safer, better-managed affordable housing or to target communities with verifiable, stable operations before committing. If still considering Southpark Apartments, concrete steps are essential: tour at different times of day to observe crowding and activity, talk directly with current residents about safety and responsiveness, demand a transparent lease describing all fees, and insist on a clear plan for maintenance and security improvements. For households seeking senior-friendly or assisted-living-style support, the recommendation is to look at communities designed with on-site staff, structured programming, and robust safety protocols, where responsibilities are explicit, and elders receive assistance without compromising security. In short, Southpark may serve as a stepping stone for the budget-conscious, but it is not a destination for those prioritizing safety, cleanliness, and reliable management.

This particular area of Columbus, Ohio offers a range of amenities and services that may be appealing to seniors looking for a convenient and vibrant community. With several hospitals and healthcare facilities nearby, including Ohio Hospital for Psychiatry and Nationwide Children's Hospital, residents have access to quality medical care. There are also numerous cafes and restaurants within a few miles, providing plenty of options for dining out or enjoying a cup of coffee with friends. In addition, there are several parks in the vicinity such as Scioto Mile and Schiller Park, offering opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation. Overall, this area provides a well-rounded environment with essential services and leisure activities for seniors to enjoy.

Physicians

• Ohio Hospital for Psychiatry (0.1 miles)
• The Eye Center of Columbus (1.8 miles)
• Nationwide Children's Hospital Livingston Ambulatory Center (1.8 miles)
• West Side Health Center (2.4 miles)
• Equitas Health King-Lincoln Medical Center (2.7 miles)
• Stefanie Spielman Comprehensive Breast Center (2.9 miles)
• Hilltop Family Health (3.1 miles)

Cafes

• One Line Coffee (1 miles)
• Fox in the Snow Cafe (3.1 miles)
• Starbucks (3.5 miles)
• Starbucks (3.7 miles)
• Starbucks (4.7 miles)

Restaurants

• BrewDog Franklinton (1.1 miles)
• Land-Grant Brewing Company (1.2 miles)
• Milestone 229 (1.3 miles)
• Katzinger's Delicatessen (1.5 miles)
• Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen (1.5 miles)
• Lindey's (1.5 miles)
• Schmidt's Restaurant und Sausage Haus (1.6 miles)

Parks

• Scioto Mile - Promenade/Riverfront (1.4 miles)
• Schiller Park (1.5 miles)
• Goodale Park (2.4 miles)
• Stoneridge Park (3.4 miles)
• Quarry Trails Metro Park (6.4 miles)
• Freedom Park (6.7 miles)
• Whetstone Park / Park of Roses (6.9 miles)

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (1.5 miles)
• Walgreens (1.6 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.6 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.7 miles)
• Kroger Pharmacy (1.9 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.1 miles)

Places of Worship

• Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church (1.5 miles)
• St Christopher Church (3.3 miles)
• Holy Name Church (4.7 miles)
• St Catharine Church (5.3 miles)
• St Andrew Church (7.1 miles)

Hospitals

• Nationwide Children's Hospital (2.4 miles)
• Select Specialty Hospital (3 miles)
• Richard M Ross Heart Hospital (3.6 miles)
• Ohio State University Hospital East (3.6 miles)
• OSU Harding Hospital (3.7 miles)
• Ohio Health (6 miles)
• Mount Carmel Grove City (6.8 miles)