Thinking about making a move? Columbus, OH could be the right fit for you! With an affordable cost of living, endless unique activities, amazing food, and a booming job market, Columbus has it all. Ready to pack your bags? Take a look at our top 9 reasons you should move to Columbus:
1. Food
As Ohio’s biggest city and the foodie hub of the area, you can find just about anything you want in Columbus. North Market will keep your eyes and mouth happy with a huge variety of food shopping. Vegetarians and vegans will be surprised and pleased with the abundant options like vegan chili dogs. One of the best places to go for a diversity of food offerings is in the Short North. With casual brunch, fine dining, hearty comfort food, or relaxed, organic options, you won’t go hungry in Columbus whether you stay downtown or venture out to the suburbs.
2. Arts & Music
Columbus remains one of the artsiest cities in the Midwest with its Museum of Art, which features late nineteenth and early twentieth-century American and European modern works of art, and its vast array of smaller art galleries as well. The city is also home to The Ohio Theater. Opened in 1928, this beautiful, Spanish Baroque-style theater hosts the Columbus Symphony Orchestra, BalletMet, the Broadway Series, and other performances and events.
3. Diversity
Columbus is one of the most diverse Midwestern cities. 82% of new residents are foreign-born, and the city has the second-largest Somali population in the U.S. There are also thriving Japanese, Korean, and Indian populations. Columbus has also been rated one of the most underrated gay cities in America. With a large LGBTQ population of about 35,000, it’s very welcoming and ranks as one of the most LGBTQ-friendly cities.
4. Cost of Living
Columbus has a relatively low cost of living compared to similarly-sized cities such as San Francisco, Austin, or St. Louis. According to the cost of living index at Area Vibes, Columbus, is a solid 11% less expensive than the national average. If you’re coming from another big city, you will definitely notice the prices for common things are a bit lower and that your paycheck is going a lot further!
5. Job Opportunities
The city’s diversified economy allows Columbus to remain a strong employment performer in the Midwest. It is among the top 100 metro areas in the nation, making moving to Columbus a safe and smart option for workers. Along with The Ohio State University and state-related jobs, the city is full of industries in all sectors that attract people from around the country and the world. In recent tech-industry news, Intel has selected Columbus to be home to its new factory that will add over 3,000 jobs to the area. With such professional diversity, anyone looking to move to Columbus will have no issues finding employment within a reasonable time frame.
6. Dog-Friendly
Columbus loves dogs! You will find furry friends roaming all throughout the city streets and parks. The city is also home to many dog-friendly patios and local businesses like Jeni’s Ice Cream that offer special treats for your fur babies. All Oakwood communities are pet-friendly (although breed and weight restrictions may vary), so be sure to consider one of our communities if you are bringing your furry friend with you! And for more unique local luxury pet perks in Columbus, check out our previous article here!
7. Close to Nature
Columbus offers a wealth of ways to connect with nature. The Metro Parks system features 19 outstanding natural area parks with more than 230 miles of trails and over 28,400 acres of land in seven Central Ohio counties. Even in the urbanized areas like Downtown you can find shade or bike along the Scioto River at The Scioto Mile, or catch a concert on the green at the Columbus Commons. For the best parks to explore in the Columbus area, take a look at our previous article here!
8. Unique Things to Do
Restaurants, breweries, festivals…these are all things you can find in every city. However, Columbus is also home to some unusual experiences that you can’t find anywhere else! From the world’s largest indoor ropes course to a large-scale art and mixed reality playground, there is a never-ending supply of places to explore. Check out this article for a list of more unique things to do in Columbus!
9. Great Selection of Apartments
Whether you’re looking to live in the hustle and bustle of downtown at River & Rich, Highpoint on Columbus Commons or Luxe 23, or you’re looking for the more relaxed, suburban environments of Albany Glen, Asherton of Dublin, or Cumberland Links, this city has something for everyone! Development in Columbus is booming right now, so you will be more than certain to find a home that checks everything off your list! Be sure to check out our complete portfolio of beautiful properties located all throughout Columbus if you are considering making the move to Central Ohio. We hope to see you soon!