The nice thing about cookie cutters is that you don’t need a degree from Columbus College of Art & Design to look like a pro. You can pop 32 perfectly-shaped dinosaurs on a tray for your nephew’s birthday party, and no one has to know what happened to the other four. (Well, except you. Someone had to make sure they tasted as good as they looked.)

We all love uniformity when it serves us. Look no further than wedding party attire. We spend months planning how we will dress our best friends and line them up for photos. (Sam will still forget his tie, but if we angle him just right, no one will be able to tell…) For all our big talk about uniqueness and authenticity, cookie-cutter-sameness occasionally wins the day.

But there’s one area where most people desire a little personal flare. As a realtor, I hear about it all the time. My clients aren’t just looking for a house. They’re looking for a home—a place to entertain, raise a family, or run a small business. Everyone has different goals for their living space, and a cookie cutter… well… it doesn’t always cut it.

Something I love about Columbus is our affinity for unique houses. This is evident in a neighborhood like West Darby Estates. Their 1,400-square-foot spaces make excellent starter homes, reasonably priced in the $300k range. Better yet, if you’re in the market for a fixer-upper, you may find it for under $200k. Sometimes, locating your dream home is just a matter of time and TLC. Plus, West Darby is outside the hustle and bustle of the city, nestled between Prairie Oaks Park and Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park. It’s safe, convenient, and itching to become whatever your heart desires.

Another area I like to show off is Ridgewood Estates, which is known for its large lot sizes, mature trees, and distinctive houses. It’s like the Thurmanator of neighborhoods. Residents enjoy close proximity to the interstate, a community pool, and top-rated schools. If you’re looking for a home with character in the $300-$500k range, I’m morally bound to bring you here (even more so if you have a dog. He’s going to love his new yard more than kibble, and that’s on years of professional experience).

With a bit more budgetary leeway, you may find your patch of heaven in Heritage Preserve. It’s an idyllic, park-like neighborhood that features walking and bike paths to the Heritage Trail, as well as wetlands and conservation areas. This is the place to be if you’re looking for rare, exceptional homes with at least four bedrooms and elaborate outdoor spaces. I love showing it to my clients seeking open floor plans and the latest in design trends.

If I’ve learned anything as a realtor in Columbus, it’s that everyone’s needs are different. But this city is, as the kids say, built different. We don’t just accommodate—we embrace and even transcend expectations. No matter your house-hunting goals, there’s a neighborhood just waiting for your personal touch.

Nothing against cookie cutters, of course. They have their place, too.

But as for me and my house, we shall eat Columbus-style pizza and know that we are home.