Sales comparison approach using 3 nearby sales within 1 mile sold in last 6 months. Adjusted for lot size and interior updates.
Updated Ranch on a Level .18-Acre Lot in Southside Columbus
At 78 Southgate Drive you’ll find a one-story ranch that makes efficient use of a level, 0.18-acre parcel — 50 feet of frontage and a backyard built for weekend projects, play, and outdoor gatherings. This 1,500 SF home feels larger than its footprint thanks to a straightforward layout and recent updates that modernize daily living without losing the home’s original, comfortable proportions.
Recent work throughout brings the house forward: a refreshed kitchen, updated HVAC, new flooring that flows across principal rooms, and a fresh coat of paint that unifies the interior. The living areas are proportioned for both everyday routines and small entertaining; the three bedrooms and two full baths fit naturally on a ranch plan, and systems like central AC and forced-air gas heat have been renewed to reduce near-term maintenance concerns.
Practicality meets curb appeal with an attached one-car garage and room on the driveway for additional vehicles. The lot’s level topography simplifies yard use and landscaping — a real advantage in this pocket of Southside where outdoor space is at a premium. With Alum Creek Drive just a few blocks away and Alum Creek Park South about a mile from the front door, recreational options and commuter routes are both within easy reach.
Market-savvy buyers will note the balanced value proposition: assessed value sits near $160,000 while recent neighborhood sales and a sales-comparison valuation suggest a market range of roughly $195,000–$215,000 (midpoint $205,000). Annual property taxes for 2025 total approximately $3,200. This home appeals to first-time buyers and downsizers seeking move-in ready condition, or investors targeting stable rental demand — local rent estimates indicate roughly $1,600/month.
Before finalizing any purchase, verify permit history for recent renovations and complete a professional inspection. Overall, 78 Southgate Drive pairs a classic ranch footprint with thoughtful upgrades and a sizable suburban lot — a practical, well-located option in a steady Columbus neighborhood.
See the properties helping shape the valuation.
Comparable sales
- Same living area
- Similar lot size
- 3 years newer
- 10 SF smaller
- Similar lot size
- 3 years older
- Same living area
- Similar lot size
- 5 years newer
A 1975 ranch on 0.18 acres.
Building
Site & utilities
Southside
Researched nearby locations
Location
78 Southgate Drive, Columbus, OH 43207
Southside is a practical, family-oriented pocket of Columbus that blends older ranch and split-level homes with pockets of retail and green space. Residents benefit from quick access to Alum Creek Park South for weekend recreation and a direct route to regional shopping at Easton Town Center. Streets are generally calm and level, making the area appealing to families and commuters who value a straightforward commute via Alum Creek Drive. The neighborhood’s mix of long-term owners and newer buyers creates a stable community feel with school-based activities and local services close by.
Excellent access to Alum Creek Park South (about 1 mile) with trails and greenways for walking and biking; regional recreation and shopping at Easton Town Center within a short drive and neighborhood green space for everyday use.
A factual market snapshot around 78 Southgate Drive.
This corner of Southside Columbus is currently favoring sellers. Inventory sits low at roughly 2.8 months, and single-family homes in the immediate area have averaged about 35 days on market over the past year. Median sale prices in the micro-market are near $200,000, and short-term appreciation is running around 4.5% annually (approximately 21% over five years). Comparable recent sales within a mile show closing prices from $195K to $210K and a local price-per-square-foot near $130–140, which aligns with the $137/ft2 estimate used for this property.
Single-family ranches—like this 3BR/2BA—tend to trade briskly when updated interiors and functional yards are present; buyers prize turnkey condition and proximity to parks and commuter corridors. Inventory pressures and steady demand suggest now is a competitive window for acquiring well-maintained homes, especially those needing little immediate work. For investors, rental demand is healthy: estimated monthly rent of about $1,600 yields a gross rental rate near 7.8%.
Buyers should move decisively when they find a property that matches their checklist. For sellers, modest improvements and clear documentation (permits, service records) continue to accelerate offers. As always, confirm neighborhood comparables, perform a professional inspection, and verify permit history for recent upgrades.
Single Family Residential
Zoning
Research-indicated uses
- Single Family
Assessment data and recorded transactions.
Assessed value is kept visually separate from the CompCasa market-value estimate.
Tax assessment
Sale history
What the research supports — and what is still worth verifying.
Key findings
- 2019 purchase at $180,000 — current estimate $205,000
- Assessed value $160,000 — annual taxes $3,200
- Zoned R-1 — single-family residential
- 3 comparable sales within 1 mile range $190K–$220K
- Average days on market in area: 35
Still worth verifying
Routine buyer due diligence items; these are not known defects.
- Confirm property renovations were properly permitted
- Verify school zone assignments
- Professional home inspection
What stands out about this property.
Interior Features
- 3 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms
- Updated kitchen
- New flooring throughout
- Fresh interior paint
- Central AC
- Forced-air gas heating
- Single-story ranch layout
- Good overall condition
Exterior & Lot
- Level 0.18-acre lot (approx. 8,000 SF)
- 50 ft frontage on Southgate Drive
- Spacious backyard for family use
- 1-car attached garage plus driveway
- Asphalt shingle roof
- Standard residential driveway ingress/egress
Location & Neighborhood
- Southside neighborhood, Columbus
- Approximately 0.2 miles to Alum Creek Drive
- Alum Creek Park South ~1 mile
- Easton Town Center ~8 miles
- John Glenn Columbus Intl. Airport ~10 miles
- Columbus City Schools district
Walkability & Recreation
- Walkability Rating: 45/100 — Car-Dependent (some short trips feasible)
- Alum Creek Park South (1 mile)
- Nearby neighborhood green spaces
- Regional shopping and dining at Easton Town Center (8 miles)
- Running/walking opportunities along park corridors
- Easy access to major roads for commuting
Sources & research confidence.
See where the property research came from and how confidence varies by field.