Carlos Alexandre Rozwadowski - Why Columbus Is a Hidden Gem for Real Estate Investors

Columbus, Georgia has long flown under the radar in the national real estate conversation—but that’s changing. As demand for more affordable markets rises and buyers look for strong rental returns, savvy investors are taking a closer lo

ok at this Southeastern city. The data is clear: Columbus is undervalued, yet primed for growth, offering a compelling opportunity for both new and experienced real estate investors.

Here’s a breakdown of why Columbus deserves a spot on your investment radar—and what I’m seeing on the ground through my work with Century 21 Premier Real Estate.

1. Strong Rental Demand and Competitive Returns

One of the biggest reasons Columbus is attracting investor attention is its resilient rental market. With a large population of military personnel stationed at Fort Moore, students attending Columbus State University, and a growing base of remote workers and medical professionals, the city has a steady and diverse tenant pool.

Vacancy rates in well-positioned neighborhoods remain low, and monthly rents have been increasing steadily, especially for renovated properties and multifamily units near Uptown and North Columbus. Investors are regularly seeing cap rates between 7–9%, which is significantly higher than in most metro areas with similar population sizes.

2. Undervalued Property Prices with Room for Appreciation

Compared to nearby metros like Atlanta or Birmingham, Columbus still offers exceptional value. As of mid-2025, you can still find single-family homes under $200,000 and duplexes with strong cash flow potential under $300,000—numbers that are virtually unheard of in larger urban areas.

But the real win here is the upside potential. As more people discover Columbus for its affordability, quality of life, and job growth, we’re already seeing appreciation trends that will only accelerate. Investors who buy in now are well-positioned to benefit from rising property values over the next 5 to 10 years.

3. A Business-Friendly, Growth-Oriented City

Columbus has quietly become one of the most business-friendly cities in Georgia, offering incentives for development and a strategic location along the Alabama border. It’s attracting employers across industries—from defense and logistics to healthcare and fintech—adding to the stability and diversity of the local economy.

That kind of job growth fuels housing demand—and with our city still expanding eastward and northward, it also means more opportunities for land development and value-add investing.

As I wrote in my recent Medium feature, this is a city on the rise that’s still small enough to offer insider advantages if you know where to look.

4. Columbus Is Evolving—And So Are Its Neighborhoods

Smart investors aren’t just looking at surface-level metrics—they’re watching neighborhood shifts, revitalization efforts, and zoning updates. In Columbus, areas like East Highland, Beallwood, and Midland Springs are undergoing major changes.

These neighborhoods are experiencing increased investor activity thanks to their lower entry costs, walkability, and proximity to major employers. With new construction on the outskirts and urban revitalization in Uptown, there’s a window right now where Columbus is offering both growth and affordability—a rare combo in today’s market.

If you want to see what real transformation looks like in a community, just look at what our team has been building here at Century 21 Premier. In fact, our latest growth and regional expansion efforts were highlighted in this recent Columbus CEO article.

5. Low Barrier to Entry for First-Time Investors

For those just starting their real estate investment journey, Columbus is an ideal entry market. Lower home prices mean lower down payments, and the consistent rental demand provides predictable cash flow.

This allows new investors to build equity quickly, test strategies like short-term rentals or house hacking, and scale into multifamily properties without the financial pressure of higher-priced markets.

As I often tell first-time buyers and investors alike—you don’t have to start big, you just have to start in the right place.

Final Thoughts: Columbus Has What Smart Investors Are Looking For

I’ve been in real estate long enough to know when a market is quietly heating up, and that’s exactly what’s happening in Columbus. Investors who do their homework and act strategically will find a market that’s affordable, stable, and full of long-term upside.

If you're ready to explore what Columbus can offer you as an investor, let’s talk. At Century 21 Premier Real Estate, our team works with everyone from out-of-state buyers to local developers to help uncover the best opportunities before the rest of the market catches on.