What’s Within Walking Distance of Continental Tower?
Continental Tower residents enjoy unparalleled access to:
- Major Employers: Nationwide insurance (14-min walk), American Electric Power (12-min walk), Huntington Bank (9-min walk)
- Essential Services: Multiple banks, pharmacies, and urgent care
- Entertainment: Nationwide Arena (17-min walk), Scioto Mile (19-min walk), 100+ restaurants in Short North (30-min walk)
- Transit: COTA bus hub (6-min walk), I-670 access (8-min drive), airport (8-min drive)
Why Location Is Your Most Valuable Amenity
When searching for luxury apartments in Columbus, Ohio, most renters focus on rooftop pools or fitness centers. But location is the ultimate amenity, one that saves you time, money, and stress every single day.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the average American commute is 27.6 minutes each way. That's 238 hours annually, nearly 6 full work weeks spent in transit.
This comprehensive guide breaks down exactly what makes Continental Tower's location the smartest investment for your career and lifestyle.
Fortune 500 Employers at Your Doorstep
Walk to Work in Minutes, Not Hours
Continental Tower's downtown location puts you within walking distance of Columbus's largest employers:
Nationwide Insurance
- Distance: 0.6 miles (14-minute walk)
- Employees: 30,000+ nationwide; major downtown presence
- Why It Matters: As a Fortune 100 company and one of Columbus's largest employers, Nationwide's downtown campus makes Continental Tower ideal for insurance and financial professionals.
Learn more about Nationwide's Columbus presence
American Electric Power (AEP)
- Distance: 0.5 miles (12-minute walk)
- Employees: 1,000+ in downtown headquarters
- Why It Matters: This Fortune 500 energy company's corporate headquarters is steps away, perfect for energy sector professionals.
Explore AEP career opportunities
Huntington Bank
- Distance: 0.4 miles (9-minute walk)
- Employees: 1,500+ in regional headquarters
- Why It Matters: One of the Midwest's largest regional banks, ideal for banking and financial services professionals.
Major Employers Within 30-Minute Commute
The Ohio State University
- Distance: 2.5 miles (25 minutes via COTA)
- Employees: About 30,000 faculty and staff
- Why It Matters: Ohio's largest employer with direct COTA bus access close to Continental Tower.
OSU employment opportunities
Cardinal Health
- Distance: 6 miles (14-minute drive)
- Employees: 48,000+ globally
- Why It Matters: Fortune 500 healthcare company. Its headquarters in the region contributes to economic stability and job opportunities locally.
Essential Services & Daily Conveniences
Grocery & Fresh Food
North Market
- Distance: 0.9 miles (20-minute walk)
- Why It Matters: Historic public market with 35+ local vendors offering fresh produce, meats, and international cuisine.
North Market vendor directory
Fitness Beyond Continental Tower
While Continental Tower features a state-of-the-art 4,500 sq ft fitness center, residents also enjoy:
- CorePower Yoga (23-minute walk) - Heated yoga and meditation
- Arena District Athletic Club (20-minute walk) - Weight training and cardio
- The WELL Collective Columbus (22-minute walk) - Sculpt and wellness
Entertainment & Lifestyle
Dining: On-Site to World-Class
Toro Meat Market (Ground floor!)
- Why It Matters: Upscale steakhouse without leaving your building.
Within Walking Distance:
- Wolf's Ridge Brewing (6-min walk) - Award-winning craft beer and gastropub
- The Guild House (23-min walk) - Upscale rustic-modern dining
- Short North Arts District (30-min walk) - 100+ restaurants, bars, cafes
Short North dining guide
Entertainment & Recreation
Nationwide Arena (17-minute walk)
- Columbus Blue Jackets NHL games, major concerts, family shows
- Event calendar
Scioto Mile (19-minute walk)
Cultural Venues:
- Huntington Park (25-min walk) - Columbus Clippers baseball
- Ohio Theatre (9-min walk) - Broadway shows, symphony
- Columbus Museum of Art (15-min walk) - Classical music, modern dance
Ohio Theatre performance schedule
Quantifying Your Location Advantage
Time & Money Savings Calculator
Example: Nationwide Insurance Employee
Suburban Commute:
- Distance: 25 miles each way
- Time: 45 minutes each way (28 min daily)
- Annual commute: 390 hours (9.75 work weeks)
- Annual gas cost: $2,400
Continental Tower Commute:
- Distance: 0.6 miles
- Time: 14 minutes each way (12 min daily)
- Annual commute: 122 hours (3.05 work weeks)
- Annual cost: $0 (walking)
Your Savings:
- 268 hours annually (6.7 work weeks back!)
- $2,400 in gas savings
- $1,000+ in vehicle maintenance
- $200-400 in insurance savings
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I really live car-free at Continental Tower?
Yes! Residents can live car free. There are walkable grocery stores, public transportation, and rideshare options.
What if I work in the suburbs?
Reverse commuting is often faster! You travel opposite rush hour:
- To Polaris: 20 minutes via I-71 North
- To Easton: 20 minutes via I-670 East
- To Dublin: 20 minutes via I-270 West
Plus, you get downtown lifestyle benefits suburban residents must drive 30-45 minutes to access.
Is downtown Columbus safe for walking?
Yes. Downtown Columbus has:
- A significant safety infrastructure
- 24/7 Safer downtown command center
- Strong coordination between private security and Columbus Police
- Walk Score of 86 ("Very Walkable")
Columbus safety data
Continental Tower provides:
- 24/7 controlled building access
- Modern security and elevator dispatch system
- Professional on-site management
- Covered, gated parking
Conclusion: Location as a Lifestyle Investment
Continental Tower's downtown Columbus location offers something rare: the ability to walk to Fortune 500 employers, access world-class entertainment, and enjoy urban parks, all while saving thousands of dollars and hundreds of hours annually.
This isn't just about finding an apartment for rent in Columbus, Ohio. It's about investing in a location that:
- Gives you 200-300 hours back annually
- Advances your career through networking proximity
- Improves health with walkable lifestyle
- Reduces stress, no traffic, parking, or weather delays
An elevated lifestyle starts with a smarter location decision. Questions about availability, pricing, or lease terms? Contact the Continental Tower team today!
