Navigation Jump Links
- Columbus At-a-glance
- What it’s like to live in Columbus
- Economy and job outlook in Columbus
- Real estate in Columbus
- The top neighborhoods in Columbus
- How to get around in Columbus
- School and education snapshot in Columbus
- Weather and climate in Columbus
- 10 Can’t miss things to do in Columbus
Columbus At-A-Glance
Vibrant Columbus, Ohio, rests at the heart of the Buckeye State. Affectionately known as “The Arch City” due to its numerous historic bridges and architectural marvels, this picturesque city boasts a dynamic food scene, diverse people and incredible venues that celebrate the arts and culture.
Columbus is packed with iconic spots and family-friendly attractions. From the impressive Ohio Statehouse, the serene Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, to the popular Horseshoe (home to the legendary Ohio State Buckeyes), there’s truly something for everyone to enjoy!
An Ideal City For All Walks Of Life
Columbus is the state capital and home to around 940,000 people, making it the biggest city in Ohio. The city’s energetic atmosphere and explosion in innovation make it the perfect spot for young professionals looking for a new town to call home. Families love Columbus for its excellent schools and abundant recreational opportunities. And with a cost of living that’s lower than the national average, the city is an affordable option for all newcomers.
Something most people love about living in Columbus is the city’s welcoming citizens and strong sense of community. Whether you’re a sports nut, an arts and culture fanatic, or a student looking to earn a degree at Ohio State, you’ll feel right at home!
A Great Place To Start Or Grow Your Business
Columbus’s economy is thriving, growing, and highly diversified, with no industries representing more than 18 percent of the city’s employment. The top sectors are finance, education, government, health, retail and trade.
The unemployment rate in Columbus is lower than the national average, making it an attractive city for those looking for a job. Top employers include JPMorgan Chase & Co., Nationwide, Amazon, Cardinal Health and Honda. For those looking to start or grow their business in Columbus, there are numerous supports available in the way of assessments, incentives, grants and more.
Now Is A Good Time To Invest In Real Estate
The real estate market in Columbus is booming due to an expanding population, robust job market, and increasingly diverse neighborhoods. Despite slight increases in housing costs, Columbus remains a more budget-friendly option compared to other major cities. The city has also become a hotspot for real estate investors wanting to take advantage of the increased demand for short and long-term rentals.
An average home in Columbus costs around $285,000, and if you’re looking to rent, here is what you can expect to spend on average:
Studio: $1,206
1 Bedroom: $1,219
2 Bedrooms: $1,390
3 Bedrooms: $1,695
4+ Bedrooms:$2,230
Your New Home Sweet Home
With so many incredible neighborhoods to choose from in Columbus, you may have a tough time narrowing it down to one final place to call home. Here are a few of the more popular districts in town.
Franklinton
Franklinton is a vibrant and family-friendly neighborhood just to the west of Downtown. This place is a trending hidden gem that is a unique blend of tranquility and revitalized industrial spaces. It’s home to the Center of Science and Industry (COSI), the National Veterans Memorial, and boasts exciting art galleries, studios, and performance spaces.
German Village
Just south of Downtown Columbus, German Village is home to beautifully restored brick structures, welcoming neighbors and old-world charm. Singles and young professionals are drawn to the area for its vibrant nightlife and convenient Downtown access. You’ll find many amenities here, such as cute cafés, unique shops and delicious eateries. German Village is also home to the popular Schiller Park.
Short North Arts District
Short North Arts District is a trendy, culture-rich area popular with young professionals and creatives. It’s known for its artsy vibe, historic homes, chic boutiques, popular art galleries, and a vibrant food scene. Residents here enjoy the neighborhood’s monthly Gallery Hop, where galleries stay open late, and the streets are filled with live music and street performances.
Commuting Is A Breeze In Arch City
Although most people in Columbus still get around via their vehicle, more people are switching out car rides for more environmentally friendly options. Not only are the following options better for Mother Earth, they’re also easier on the budget and in some cases, contribute to a healthy lifestyle.
CoGo Bikeshare: This network of 300 bikes is stationed across 30 prime downtown locations in Columbus. Users can sign up for a yearly membership or purchase a 24-hour or 3-day pass. The first 30 minutes are free; after that, a small extra fee kicks in for every additional half-hour of riding.
Central Ohio Bikeways: These bikeways offer a network of paths linking cyclists, joggers, and pedestrians to various regional destinations.
COTA Bus Service: Columbus’s public transportation system, COTA (the Central Ohio Transit Authority) has options such as Bike ‘n Bus, Park and Ride, the Downtown C-pass, as well as rush hour and local lines.
Taxi or Rideshare: Traditional taxi services, along with rideshare options such as Uber or Lyft, are popular and reliable transportation options in Columbus.
Brag About Being A Buckeye
Columbus is an ideal destination for those seeking a solid educational foundation. A part of the Columbus City School District, the city boasts an impressive total of 623 schools from preschool to high school. The district also has 73 public charter schools and 401 private institutions, offering a diverse range of options for families.
Beyond primary and secondary education, Columbus is a higher education hotspot with approximately 50 colleges and universities throughout the city. The two largest higher learning institutes in town are Ohio State University and Columbus State Community College. OSU, home of the beloved Buckeyes, is one of the largest universities in Columbus and among the largest in the United States. The school has an astonishing enrolment of over 60,000 and offers over 200 undergraduate programs. Students here have more than 1,400 groups and organizations to choose from. CSCC has over 45,000 students enrolled in more than 250 academic programs.
Get Ready To Enjoy Four Full Seasons
Columbus boasts four distinct seasons with temperatures ranging between 23°F and 84°F, rarely reaching extreme highs or lows. The city’s summers are warm and humid, while winters are cold and snowy.
Columbus is covered with snow from mid-December to mid-March, with February bringing an average of 2.9 inches. Rain falls throughout the spring and summer, with May being the wettest month, bringing up to 3.5 inches of the wet stuff. Generally, the best time to visit Columbus is between mid-June and mid-September. Nonetheless, locals discover enjoyable activities all year long.
10 Things That Will Make You Love Columbus Even More
Just when you think you can’t love this remarkable city any more, you’ll discover a new hidden gem or an adorable new shop, or an exciting new restaurant to try. If you need a little nudge to try something new, try picking something from this awesome list:
1. Check Out the COSI Science Center. This family-friendly attraction is full of exciting exhibits and hands-on interactive activities. Who said learning can’t be fun?
2. Cheer on Your Favorite Team: Columbus is a sports city through and through. Check out the Columbus Crew’s MLS team, the NHL’s Columbus Blue Jackets, or join your fellow Columbusites and cheer for the Buckeyes!
3. Explore the Short North Arts District. This trendy neighborhood is known for its great shopping and vibrant arts scene. You’ll have plenty of dining options when you’re ready to grab a bite after a day of gallery hopping.
4. Fill Your Belly at the North Market: This historic public market boasts local vendors and has a variety of international food and drinks to enjoy.
5. Find Your Zen at the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens: Enjoy the peaceful tranquility while strolling through the stunning indoor and outdoor gardens.
6. Enjoy an Afternoon in German Village: This beautiful area is home to brick streets, unique shops and stunning historic buildings. Take a leisurely stroll through Schiller Park while you’re here.
7. Get in Touch with Your Wild Side at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. This is one of the top-ranked zoos in the country and is home to over 10,000 animals. There are also plenty of exciting exhibits to enjoy while you’re here.
8. Cycle the Olentangy Trail: Feeling active? Hit this gorgeous 13-mile-long trail and enjoy the scenic beauty of the Olentangy River while you ride.
9. Tap Into Your Inner Foodie: Columbus has no shortage of mouth-watering food; one of the best ways to enjoy it is by joining a guided food tour. Your tastebuds certainly won’t regret it!
10. Get Inspired at the Columbus Museum of Art: This Columbus gem is home to an extensive collection of centuries-old art. Aside from the stunning permanent collection, the museum also hosts rotating exhibits.
