9/11/2025 | Columbus, OH & Tampa, FL
As two of the country’s most talked-about real estate markets in 2025, Columbus, Ohio and Tampa, Florida are showing how growth, planning, and opportunity intersect in different but powerful ways. Whether you’re an investor, developer, or future homeowner, understanding how these cities are evolving is essential to making strategic decisions in today’s competitive market.
Columbus, Ohio: Steady Growth with Strategic Planning
Columbus is undergoing a transformation as it responds to steady population growth and increased demand for housing. With projections to add over 700,000 residents by 2050, city leaders have already begun adjusting zoning and development incentives to allow for smarter, denser, and more inclusive building.
Highlights from Columbus Real Estate in 2025:
- Scioto Peninsula Phase II: A 14-story residential tower and ground-floor grocery store designed to address downtown housing and retail shortages.
- The Estrella Tower: A luxury 24-story mixed-use building bringing skyline views, upscale amenities, and vital services like a full-service grocery.
- Affordable Housing in Action: Projects like Broadleigh Lofts and Franklinton NOW are setting a new standard for community-based development.
- Intel Impact: With the $20B+ Intel semiconductor project underway just outside the city, suburban and exurban developments are booming.
Columbus is also investing in LinkUS, an $8 billion regional mobility plan including new Bus Rapid Transit lines and enhanced sidewalks, helping guide transit-oriented development and walkability for the future.
Tampa, Florida: Sun Belt Surge Meets Urban Reinvention
Tampa continues to shine as one of the fastest-growing cities in the country, with major in-migration, a strong economy, and a mix of high-end and workforce housing developments across the region.
Major Developments in Tampa 2025:
- Water Street Tampa: A $3+ billion WELL-certified waterfront development that redefined downtown living with luxury residences, retail, and office space.
- Gas Worx in Ybor City: A 50-acre redevelopment infusing 5,000 new residential units and retail into a historic neighborhood with new transit integration.
- Rome Yard & West River: Public-private partnerships delivering hundreds of affordable and workforce housing units near the downtown core.
- Luxury High-Rises: The Ritz-Carlton Residences and Pendry Tampa tower are raising the bar on branded living experiences.
Tampa is also in the middle of key infrastructure improvements, including a new Howard Frankland Bridge, expansion of Tampa International Airport, and increased streetcar connectivity downtown. Despite affordability challenges, Tampa remains a magnet for investment and long-term value.
Columbus vs. Tampa: Strategic Differences, Shared Momentum
| Topic | Columbus, OH | Tampa, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Growth Pace | Steady & planned | Rapid & high-demand |
| Median Home Price | ~$320K | ~$440K |
| Transit Investment | $8B LinkUS plan (BRT, walkability) | Bridge, highway, and airport upgrades |
| Focus Areas | Mixed-use with affordability | Urban luxury + affordability pivots |
| Affordability | More accessible overall | High demand = price pressure |
| Key Drivers | Intel, zoning reform, OSU | In-migration, tourism, finance, healthcare |
What This Means for You
- Investors: Tampa may offer stronger short-term rental yields; Columbus provides longer-term value with lower entry costs.
- Developers: Both cities are encouraging mixed-use projects, but Tampa focuses more on luxury and waterfront developments while Columbus targets balanced, sustainable growth.
- Buyers: Columbus remains a more affordable option for families and first-time buyers, while Tampa delivers urban lifestyle perks with higher competition.
At The Kidwell Group, Renn Real Estate, we operate in both regions and bring localized expertise to guide you through these changing landscapes. Whether you’re building your portfolio, relocating, or searching for your next home, we’re ready to help you navigate every step.
Contact us today to discuss opportunities in Columbus or Tampa.