Near the Morse Road corridor in 43224, roomy 2-beds start around $1,200/mo and townhome-style 2-beds around $1,300. To move in, plan for first month plus a one-month deposit plus a $50 application fee.
Hunting for a spacious 2-bedroom apartment in Northeast Columbus without overspending takes some patience. Rents shift over time. A unit can shine in listing photos and then feel tired once you walk through it. This guide keeps things straightforward. We will cover what a two bedroom really runs near Morse Road in 43224, how to spot a clean and properly managed home, how much cash you should have ready for move in, and how to know whether you qualify. We will also flag the rental scams floating around so you can steer clear.
By the time you finish reading, you will recognize a fair price and know which questions matter. No confusing terms. No overselling. Just honest numbers and practical tips for anyone renting a two bedroom on a set budget.
What does a two bedroom cost near Morse Road today?
Around the Morse Road area, a roomy 2-bedroom apartment often begins near $1,200 a month. A townhome-style two bedroom with an extra half bath tends to start closer to $1,300. Rent climbs when a unit adds in-unit laundry, a pool, or high-end finishes. Still, there is no reason to pay for perks you will rarely touch. A renovated two bedroom with solid basics and real square footage is usually the wiser pick.
At Morse Creek Apartments, a 2-bed/1-bath rents from $1,200/mo and a townhome-style 2-bed/1.5-bath in Morse Creek Commons rents starting at $1,300. These are true two bedroom layouts built for spreading out, so families and roommates get genuine room for the money. Browse the layouts and current rents on our Floor Plans page. Want a deeper look at each option? See our guides to 1-bedroom apartments under $1,000 and 2-bedroom apartments under $1,200.
Rents rise and dip in every corner of the city, so the smart play is to line up a few clean buildings and weigh them side by side. Note the base rent, then add up what comes with it. A home that folds in trash and shared laundry can beat one with slightly cheaper rent but a stack of monthly add ons. Judge the whole monthly total, not just the number on the sign.
What to check in an affordable two bedroom
A lower rent does not have to mean a rough apartment. The key is knowing where to look. Aim for a unit that has actually been updated rather than left to slide. Fresh paint, clean flooring, and appliances that run are all reassuring. Chipped paint, stains, or things that do not turn on are warnings. If a landlord will not repair it before you sign, do not count on it later.
Find out what is included. Some communities cover trash pickup and offer a shared laundry room, which trims your monthly costs. Ask how quickly they handle repairs. A responsive office picks up the phone and gets maintenance moving. And keep an eye out for padded fees. A fair landlord states the rent, deposit, and application fee plainly, with nothing sneaky buried in the lease.
During a tour, do not rush. Run the faucets and feel the water pressure. Fire up the A/C and the stove. Swing the windows and doors open and shut. Peek into the corners and under the sink for leaks or pest signs. Ask how old the appliances are and when the unit last got refreshed. A little effort at the showing spares you a lot of trouble down the road.
At Morse Creek, trash and a shared on-site laundry room are included, and units come with a fridge, oven, and A/C, with a private patio in select homes. Learn more on our Amenities page.

The true cost to move in
Rent is only one piece of it. Moving in typically calls for your first month of rent, a security deposit, and an application fee. At Morse Creek, the deposit matches one month of rent, so that is $1,200 for the 2-bed/1-bath and $1,300 for the townhome-style 2-bed/1.5-bath. The application fee is $50 for each adult 18 and up, and it is not refundable.
So for the 2-bed/1-bath, count on roughly $1,200 first month plus $1,200 deposit plus $50 application. That is the cash you want in hand before the keys are yours. The townhome-style two bedroom works the same way at its slightly higher rent. For a line by line rundown of every expense, read our guide to apartment move-in costs in Columbus.
It also helps to set aside a bit more for startup costs. Turning on electric service and getting internet hooked up can each carry a deposit. Small buys like cleaning supplies or a shower curtain quietly add up as well. Keeping a modest cushion before moving day keeps that first month from feeling stretched.
Do you qualify? Income and credit basics
Most landlords weigh two things: your income and your rental track record. The usual guideline is gross income near 3 times the monthly rent. For a $1,200 two bedroom, that comes to about $3,600 a month before taxes. You will need proof, such as recent pay stubs. Get the full picture in our guide to the income needed to rent an apartment in Columbus.
Credit counts as well, though it is not the whole story. At Morse Creek, we look for satisfactory credit, no recent evictions, and no disqualifying criminal history, and we apply that the same way to every applicant. To see where you land, check our guide to the credit score needed to rent in Columbus.
What's nearby
A good location trims both your budget and your commute. Sitting just off Morse Road puts everyday shopping, dining, and groceries minutes from your door, including the international restaurants the corridor is known for. Morse Road also gives you a quick run over to Easton Town Center for shopping, food, and a movie. Craving green space? Sharon Woods Metro Park and Inniswood Metro Gardens are close by. John Glenn Columbus International Airport is only about 16 minutes out, handy when work sends you traveling.
For riders, COTA service along Morse Road and Cleveland Avenue links you to downtown and points beyond. Read more in our guides to apartments near Easton Town Center, apartments near the CMAX bus line, and free things to do in Northeast Columbus.
Red flags and rental scams to avoid

Unfortunately, rental scams are everywhere. The point of a scam is to grab your money before you realize the apartment is fake or not truly available. Guard yourself by learning the warning signs. The clearest one is anybody who wants you to wire funds or hand over a deposit before you have toured the unit and signed a genuine lease.
Other warnings include a price that looks too good to be real, a landlord who will not show you the apartment in person, and pressure to pay fast in cash or gift cards. A legitimate landlord lets you tour, hands you a written lease, and takes normal payment methods. If something feels off, ease up and ask more questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find affordable two bedrooms near Morse Road?
The 43224 area along the Morse Road corridor is one of the more budget friendly spots for a two bedroom in Northeast Columbus. Roomy 2-beds often start near $1,200 a month and townhome-style two bedrooms near $1,300. Prices move, so compare a few clean, renovated buildings and confirm what is included before you sign.
Are utilities included in the rent?
It varies by community. At Morse Creek, trash and the shared on-site laundry room are included in your rent. You cover electric, water and sewer, and internet or cable. Always ask exactly what is covered so you can plan around the full monthly cost.
Can I rent with bad credit?
It comes down to your whole application, not a single score. At Morse Creek, we look for satisfactory credit, no recent evictions, and no disqualifying criminal history, applied equally to everyone. Showing steady income that clears the 3-times-rent guideline helps your case. We do not promise guaranteed approval, so apply honestly and bring your documentation.
Are pets allowed?
Morse Creek does not allow pets, so dogs and cats are not permitted in the units. Service animals and assistance animals are accommodated as the law requires. If you depend on one, tell us during the application process and we will follow the proper legal steps to support your request.
Ready to tour a clean, spacious two bedroom off Morse Road? Visit Morse Creek Apartments, 2428 Morse Ravine Drive, Columbus, OH 43224. See current availability and rents, reach out through our leasing office, or start your application online today.



