If you are looking for a place to live, there are so many things you’re going to want to keep in mind. The most important thing is finding a city that meets your needs, in terms of affordability, convenience, lifestyle, and more.

If you’re thinking of moving to Columbus, Ohio, it’s a beautiful city with a lot to offer. It’s named one of the best cities for young, growing families and the top 3 cities for new grads to live, work, and play. Aside from these rankings, there are still many reasons to consider living in Columbus, like its thriving economy, diverse population, affordable housing, and more.

So, Columbus Ohio is definitely a good place to live for a wide range of people. This article will look at factors you need to consider regarding your potential move. It will also discuss what it’s like to live in Columbus, the things you should know before moving, as well as some pros and cons of moving here.

What’s it Like Living in Columbus, Ohio?

Columbus is a big city. It’s home to over 900,000 people, making it one of the largest cities in Ohio. But with all that going on, Columbus still maintains its small-town roots. Columbus is an easy place to get around, has a low cost of living, and has plenty of things to do. 

Columbus has less traffic compared to other major metro areas. It only takes about 15-20 minutes to get to most places in Columbus. It’s also a city with many walkable neighborhoods full of great restaurants, shops, art galleries, and music venues.

Many people come to Columbus because they want to live somewhere that’s not too crowded, but still has plenty going on—and it fits the bill perfectly. With just over 900,000 residents spread out over a land area of 220 square miles (almost four times the size of Manhattan), there won’t be any overcrowding issues when it comes to outdoor activities.

There are also tons of unique neighborhoods to explore, so you can always find something new if you get bored with your current area. And if you want to take a break from the city lights, Columbus is surrounded by some beautiful nature. 

What Should I Know Before Moving to Columbus, Ohio?

Columbus, Ohio, is a wonderful place to live, but one thing you should know if you intend to move here is that its winters can be very gray. So, be prepared for some snow if you’re moving from somewhere warm. 

The city’s residents have to put up with months of a gloomy sky and bitter cold every year. The winters can get pretty brutal, but on the bright side, there’s a good chance you’ll have snow on Christmas and New Year’s.

Another thing you should know before moving to Columbus is that it’s a car-dependent city. Columbus maintains a comprehensive and well-maintained public transportation system with buses and light rail trains. But for most, it’s not efficient enough to be your sole means of getting around.

The last thing you should know before moving is that Columbus has strong employment prospects. The job market in the city is generally strong and stable, so it’s best to take advantage of it. Research Columbus’ business headquarters and corporate offices since many Fortune 500 companies are based in the city. 

Are There any Bad Things About Columbus, Ohio?

Columbus is a great city, but some things might not be so great from the perspective of someone coming from another city. First, Columbus is a relatively flat city, and it has no mountains or ocean nearby, either. 

Because Columbus is landlocked, the closest major body of water is Lake Erie, which is over 20 miles away. So, If you don’t like living in a place where hiking and beach trips aren’t highly accessible, Columbus might not be for you.

Taxes can also be a nuisance when living in Columbus since Ohio is the country’s eighth least tax-friendly state. Despite the state’s high tax burden, Columbus can be affordable for retirees – it ranks eighth on a list of cities where your retirement savings will go the furthest.

Is Columbus, Ohio Expensive to Live in?

Columbus is not an expensive city to live in. In fact, it’s among the most affordable places in the US. According to Payscale, Columbus has an overall cost of living that is 10% below the national average. And that’s not just for rent—the city-wide cost of housing, groceries, utilities, and transportation is also below the national average.

On average, rent is about 32.7% cheaper in Columbus vs the national average. And if you’re interested in becoming a homeowner in Columbus or its surrounding areas, the median home value is about 30.9% lower than the national average. For this reason, combined with the fact that Columbus is a fast-growing city with lots of jobs available, many are flocking to Columbus to lay down roots.

With every new business comes new jobs and new opportunities for growth. That translates into more wealth for its residents and ultimately into higher real estate values.

How Much Money Do You Need to Live Comfortably in Columbus?

The answer to this will vary depending on what “live comfortably” means to you. But, for the average person, you should be making at least $40,000 per year to live comfortably in Columbus.

If you’re single and want a comfortable lifestyle, you’ll likely want at least $40,000 per year to cover rent, groceries, transportation, and other expenses. If you’re married with children, that may increase to $50,000 or more to support your family’s needs.

It’s also important for people living in Columbus to have some money set aside for emergencies, like an unexpected car repair which can run anywhere from $200-$500 depending on the type of problem. Healthcare costs in Columbus are still lower than the national average, but it’s best to save for emergencies like a doctor’s visit, which can be expensive.

What’s so Great About Columbus?

There are many things that make Columbus a great place to live—but among the most important are its low cost of living, relatively high incomes, and wide range of attractions.

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium has been named the best zoo in the United States for a number of years. It’s an award that’s well deserved: the zoo is not only beautiful for having winding paths and brilliant foliage, but it’s also one of the most diverse zoos in the country, with plants and animals from all over the world. 

The animals are also treated very well. They live in unusually large enclosures designed to resemble natural habitats as much as possible.

Center of Science and Industry (COSI)

The COSI Columbus has been awarded as ‘Best Science Museum’ for three years now. The three-year streak makes it the only museum in Ohio to hold onto the title for so long and the only science center in the US that has been awarded this honor multiple times. 

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream

Aside from the booming attractions and affordable quality of life, another one of Columbus’ attractions is Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams. The business has been an icon in Columbus for being one of the best brands of ice cream in the US. 

Jeni Britton Bauer is an Ohio native who spent her days as a restaurant pastry chef dreaming about having her own shop for years. In 2002, she opened the doors to her own shop, where she could finally create ice cream from scratch in any flavor she imagined. 

What to Do in Columbus

There are many Metroparks in Columbus for outdoor activities and exploration. Inniswood Metro Gardens’ woodlands and streams cover more than 100 acres. Even if the flowers aren’t in bloom, the gorgeous forest is inviting, with easy hiking trails.

You can also hit the links at one of Columbus’ many golf courses. The Safari Golf Club at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is where golf legend Jack Nicklaus learned to play.

Columbus is home to a number of notable sports teams. If you’re a sports fan, you can watch a game at any time of the year and cheer for the NHL’s Columbus Blue Jackets, the MLS’s Columbus Crew SC, the Columbus Clippers, or the college football-favorite, Ohio State Buckeyes.

If you enjoy shopping, you’ll be delighted to learn that Columbus is home to the headquarters of retail giants such as Victoria’s Secret, Express, DSW, and Abercrombie & Fitch. In addition, Columbus boasts the third biggest concentration of fashion designers, behind only New York. 

Final Thoughts

Columbus is a great city with many things to offer, including arts and culture, professional sports, shopping, and many other attractions. Perhaps, the best selling point of this city is that it has a very low cost of living compared to other major metropolitan areas. 

There are always so many things to do and see in this city. And regardless of your current stage in life, Columbus will have something in store for you. 

Overall, if you’re looking for a city with a low cost of living, beautiful neighborhoods, and a thriving cultural scene, then Columbus is an excellent place for you to live in.

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