If you’ve lived in Columbus for more than a week, you know that High Street is basically the spine of the city. It stretches from the tip of Worthington all the way down through the Short North and past German Village. But when people start searching for the Walmart on High Street in Columbus, Ohio, things get a little confusing. Honestly, if you put that exact address into your GPS while driving through the University District, you’re going to be disappointed.
There isn't a massive Supercenter sitting right on the corner of High and Lane.
That’s the first thing to get out of the way. While High Street is the commercial heartbeat of Cbus, the retail landscape there is mostly dominated by local boutiques, bars, and smaller footprint shops like Target’s urban concepts. If you’re looking for the Walmart experience nearest to this iconic corridor, you’re usually headed to one of two places: the location on Bethel Road or the one out on Silver Drive.
Finding the Walmart Near High Street Without Losing Your Mind
Navigating Columbus traffic is a sport. If you are starting from the Short North or Ohio State’s campus, the Walmart on High Street in Columbus, Ohio search query usually leads people to the 3900 Morse Road location or, more frequently, the Walmart Supercenter at 1221 Georgesville Rd or the 7730 Sawmill Rd spot.
But wait.
There is a specific location that people often associate with the north end of the High Street corridor, even if the mailing address doesn't say "High St." The Walmart Supercenter located at 3579 S High St, Columbus, OH 43207 is the one. It’s south. Way south. If you’re hanging out at North Market, this is about a 15-minute drive down 4th Street or High Street itself, depending on how many lights you hit.
This South High Street location is a beast. It’s a full Supercenter. You’ve got the pharmacy, the vision center, the auto care department, and the grocery section that stays busy basically 24/7—or at least during their current operating hours of 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM.
Why Location Matters in a "College Town"
Columbus is weird because it’s a massive city that pretends to be a small town. When students at OSU look for a Walmart on High Street in Columbus, Ohio, they are usually hoping for something within walking distance of the Union. Sorry to break it to you, but the city’s zoning and the "University District Plan" make it nearly impossible for a 150,000-square-foot warehouse to sit on that specific real estate.
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Instead, you have to venture out.
The South High Street Walmart serves a completely different demographic than the suburban Sawmill or Polaris locations. It’s gritty, it’s functional, and it’s a lifeline for the South Side community. If you’re headed there, expect a crowd. This isn't the quiet, suburban shopping experience. It’s fast-paced.
I’ve spent enough time in Columbus retail to know that the South High location often gets a bad rap for being crowded, but it’s actually one of the most efficient stops if you need car tires and a gallon of milk at 9:00 PM on a Tuesday.
The Logistics of Shopping at the South High Street Location
Let's talk about getting there. If you're coming from downtown, you basically just head south. You'll pass the Scioto Audubon Metro Park—which is gorgeous, by the way—and keep going until the landscape starts feeling a bit more industrial.
The Walmart on High Street in Columbus, Ohio (the south one) sits near the intersection of I-270 and High Street. This makes it a primary stop for people commuting in from Grove City or Obetz.
- Parking: It's a massive lot, but it fills up. The spots near the Grocery entrance are always gone. Drive toward the Garden Center; it’s easier to find a space and the walk isn’t that bad.
- The Pharmacy: This is a high-volume pharmacy. If you’re transferring a script here, do it via the app. Calling in can result in some serious hold times because the staff is usually buried in orders.
- Pickup and Delivery: Honestly, this is the way to go. If you don't want to deal with the chaos of the aisles, use the Walmart app. Their curbside pickup is located on the side of the building, and they’ve gotten surprisingly good at not squashing your bread.
What Most People Get Wrong About Columbus Walmarts
People assume every Walmart is the same. They aren't.
The inventory at the Walmart on High Street in Columbus, Ohio is specifically tuned to its neighborhood. You’ll find a much larger selection of workwear and bulk groceries here compared to the more "lifestyle" oriented Walmart on Bethel Road.
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Also, don't confuse this with the "Walmart Neighborhood Market." Columbus used to have more of those smaller, grocery-only spots, but the South High location is the "everything under one roof" variety. If you need a 75-inch TV and a rotisserie chicken, this is your spot.
Is it safe?
I get asked this a lot. Look, it’s an urban-adjacent Walmart. It’s busy. There’s security. Like any major retail hub in a city of nearly a million people, you just need to keep your wits about you. Lock your car. Don't leave your laptop bag in the front seat. It’s basic "city living" 101.
Alternatives Along the High Street Corridor
If you’re on High Street and realize you just need one or two things, you might not actually want to drive all the way to South High.
- The Target on 16th and High: If you’re a student, this is your "mini-Walmart." It doesn't have everything, but it has the essentials.
- Kroger on 7th and High: For groceries, this is the staple. It’s nicknamed "The Kroger" for a reason (though every Cbus resident has a different nickname for it).
- Giant Eagle on 3rd in Victorian Village: A bit pricier, but way more chill.
But none of these have the price point of Walmart. If you’re buying in bulk or need specific household goods like motor oil or cheap camping gear, you’re making the trek to South High.
Survival Tips for the South High Walmart
Avoid Saturdays at 2:00 PM. Just don't do it. That is the peak of human chaos. If you can, go on a Tuesday morning or late on a Sunday night. The shelves are usually being restocked overnight, so early morning (7:00 AM) is the sweet spot for finding everything in stock.
Also, use the "Check Stock" feature on the app before you drive. There is nothing worse than fighting High Street traffic only to find out the specific air fryer you wanted is out of stock. The app is usually about 90% accurate, which is better than nothing.
How to Actually Get There via COTA
If you’re relying on public transit, the Walmart on High Street in Columbus, Ohio is actually very accessible. The COTA Line 4 (High St / Parsons) runs right down the gut of the city. It’s a straight shot. You don't have to worry about parking, and the bus stops are frequent enough that you won't be lugging your bags for miles.
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Just keep in mind that COTA has limits on how many bags you can bring on. Don't try to haul a treadmill home on the bus. It won't end well.
The Future of Shopping on High Street
There’s a lot of talk in the Columbus City Council about "urban density." What does that mean for big-box stores?
It means we probably won't see another Walmart on High Street in Columbus, Ohio anytime soon. The land is too valuable for apartments and mixed-use developments. The existing South High location is likely to remain the primary anchor for that side of town for a long time. It’s a landmark in its own way—a place where the different worlds of Columbus collide. You’ll see construction workers, state employees from downtown, and families from the south side all vying for the shortest checkout line.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Trip
If you're planning to visit the Walmart on High Street in Columbus, Ohio, do these three things to save your sanity:
- Download the Walmart App: Use the "Store Map" feature. This specific location is massive, and wandering the aisles looking for lightbulbs is a waste of your life. The app tells you exactly which aisle (like A14 or G22) the item is in.
- Check the Gas Prices: The Murphy USA station right in front of the South High Walmart often has some of the cheapest gas in the city limits. It’s worth the detour if you’re already there.
- Scan as You Go: If you have Walmart+, use the scan-as-you-go feature. Skipping the main checkout lines at this location is a legitimate "pro move" that will save you at least 20 minutes on a busy day.
Don't expect a boutique experience. It’s loud, it’s crowded, and the lighting is aggressive. But it’s the most consistent place to get what you need without breaking the bank in a city that’s getting more expensive by the day. Whether you’re a lifelong Buckeye or you just moved to the South Side, the Walmart on South High is a rite of passage.
Check your tire pressure at the Auto Care center while you're there. It’s one of the few places in the city that still offers that kind of convenience right off the main drag. And honestly, grab a box of those generic brand cookies on the way out. They’re better than they have any right to be.