For years, Greater Columbus was known as an affordable, easy place to own a home. But in recent years, that story has changed—especially for people trying to enter the housing market. For longtime homeowners, however, particularly adults 55+, this shift has created a unique opportunity.
According to a recent analysis of the Columbus metro area, home values have climbed roughly 51% since early 2020, one of the sharpest increases in the Midwest. At the same time, rents have risen more slowly than home prices, even as demand for housing continues to grow.
For older adults who already own a home, this combination can be a powerful advantage: You may be able to sell high, unlock significant equity, and right-size into a maintenance‑free rental lifestyle without leaving the Columbus/Hilliard area you love. At Verena at Hilliard, we’re seeing more and more residents do exactly that.
What’s Driving Home Prices Up in Columbus?
Columbus has become a magnet for employers and new residents. Major companies in sectors such as financial services, tech, defense, and biotech are expanding in the region, bringing thousands of jobs and new residents.
But while jobs can grow quickly, housing supply can’t. New home construction has struggled to keep up, due in part to limited infrastructure, local resistance to development, and higher borrowing costs. With more people competing for a limited number of homes, prices climb fast.
For younger buyers and many middle-income families, today’s market often requires more financial flexibility and patience, as buyers navigate higher price points and competitive demand.
However, for 55+ homeowners who bought years ago, it means something different: You may be sitting on a home that’s worth far more than you ever expected.
Why This Market Favors Older Homeowners
If you’ve owned your home for a decade or more, you’ve likely built up substantial equity—both by paying down your mortgage and from the recent surge in property values.
That equity can be converted into:
- A strong sale price in a competitive market
- The ability to pay off remaining debt
- Cash to fund a more flexible, low‑maintenance lifestyle
Instead of stretching to buy another house at today’s prices, many adults 55+ are choosing a different path: selling their home and moving into a high‑quality rental community, where one predictable monthly payment covers most day‑to‑day living costs.
At the same time, while rents have increased in Columbus, they haven’t come close to matching that 51% jump in home prices, meaning it can be more financially efficient to rent your lifestyle and let your equity work for you.
The Case for Downsizing Into Independent Living
Owning a home comes with ongoing responsibilities and costs, including:
- Property taxes
- Homeowners insurance
- Repairs and surprise maintenance
- Lawn care, snow removal, and general upkeep
For many 55+ adults, these tasks become less appealing over time, especially when kids are grown and extra space goes unused. By downsizing into Independent Living at Verena at Hilliard, you can trade those responsibilities for:
- One all‑inclusive monthly rate
- Utilities, Wi‑Fi, and DirecTV, all included in your rent
- Maintenance‑free living (no shoveling, mowing, or repair bills)
- Chef‑prepared dining, wellness programs, and social activities
- Beautiful, modern one‑ and two‑bedroom apartment homes
For those seeking a different option, some residents choose our Active Adult cottages to enjoy added flexibility and independence.
Downsizing isn’t about giving something up—it’s about gaining freedom, flexibility, and time.
Why Verena at Hilliard Makes Sense for Homeowners with Equity
If you love the Columbus area and want to stay close to family, friends, and familiar neighborhoods, Verena at Hilliard offers the best of both worlds:
- A luxury 55+ community in Hilliard, just minutes from everything
- Independent Living apartments connected to indoor amenities and direct interior access to the Hilliard branch of the Columbus Metropolitan Library
- Active Adult cottages that feel like home, with a brand‑new pickleball court and a 22‑acre walking path
- Access to Heritage Golf Club, where residents can play and enjoy 50% off dining
- A vibrant social calendar with events, clubs, and outings that make it easy to meet people and stay engaged
Instead of worrying about what the housing market will do next, you can lock in a lifestyle that’s predictable, enjoyable, and tailored to where you are now—not where you were 20 years ago.
How to Explore Your Options
If you’re curious whether downsizing could work for you, here are a few simple next steps:
- 1. Get a sense of your home’s value
Talk with a trusted real estate professional to estimate what your home might sell for in today’s market. - 2. Compare your current costs to an all‑inclusive rate
Add up your mortgage (if you have one), property taxes, insurance, utilities, lawn care, repairs, and other home expenses. Then compare that to an all‑inclusive Independent Living rate at Verena at Hilliard. - 3. Schedule a tour
Experience the community in person! Walk the halls, see the floor plans, visit the dining room, and picture what daily life could look like. - 4. Talk it through with family or a financial advisor
Use your equity to support your goals: more time, less stress, and a lifestyle you truly enjoy.
Turn Rising Home Prices Into Your Next Chapter
The current housing market may be challenging for buyers, but for longtime homeowners, it can be an opportunity to step confidently into a new season of life. If you’re 55+ and considering a change, now may be an ideal time to leverage your home’s increased value and move into a community designed around comfort, freedom, and connection. To learn more or schedule a personal tour, call (614) 333‑1555 or visit VerenaAtHilliard.com.