Ask anyone living in downtown Columbus what makes it so special, and they’ll eagerly share a long list of reasons. To spare you the enthusiastic rants of diehard downtown residents, we’ve done the research for you. Here are the top reasons why downtown Columbus, Ohio, stands out as one of the best and most underrated places to live in the Midwest!
Whether you’re considering a move from one of Columbus’s many suburbs or looking to settle in the city for the first time, here are five compelling reasons why a downtown apartment is the perfect place for you.
Job Opportunities in Downtown Columbus
Columbus boasts a growing job market, particularly in sectors like technology, finance, healthcare, and education. Major companies such as Nationwide, OhioHealth, and Huntington Bancshares have significant operations here. As Ohio’s capital city, nearly 200,000 employees work in various government positions. Ohio State University also contributes to a dynamic employment landscape. Forbes ranked Columbus in the Top 5 for young professionals, citing the abundant job opportunities across various industries.
Due to its diversified economy, Columbus has become recession-proof, making it an excellent place to settle down, no matter the current or future economic situation.
Exciting Sports and Recreation Options
Sports fans will appreciate the proximity to major sporting events. The city is home to the Columbus Blue Jackets (NHL), Columbus Crew (MLS), Columbus Clippers (MiLB), and, of course, the Ohio State Buckeyes. With the largest college football fan base, you’ll be cheering on your favorite team with 11.26 million other Buckeye fans! Downtown also offers numerous recreational activities, including gyms, fitness studios, and outdoor sports leagues. Enjoy kickball tournaments on the Columbus Commons or kayaking on the Scioto River!
Beautiful Parks and Green Spaces
Despite its urban setting, downtown Columbus features several parks and green spaces. The Scioto Mile offers scenic trails along the Scioto River, complete with fountains and event spaces. Columbus Commons is another popular spot, hosting free concerts, fitness classes, and food trucks. We highly recommend checking out the world-renowned Topiary Park, which depicts Georges Seurat’s famous painting “A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte.” Enjoy year-round views of this park from your apartment at Residences at Topiary Park, a premier Oakwood community.
A Diverse and Welcoming Community
Downtown Columbus is known for its diverse and welcoming community. There's a strong sense of local pride and community engagement, with numerous neighborhood and community events that bring residents together. Some of our favorites include Stonewall Columbus Pride, Columbus Arts Fest, and ComFest. Discover these annual events and more here.
Affordable Living in Downtown Columbus
Compared to other major cities, downtown Columbus offers a relatively low cost of living. In a recent study by Porch, Columbus ranked #9 among most affordable cities in the US. Columbus scored best in the housing category, where the average housing cost is 14.6 percent lower than the national average. Housing options downtown range from modern apartments to historic lofts, often at more affordable prices than similar properties in cities like New York, San Francisco, or Chicago.
Conclusion: Downtown Columbus is the place for you!
Downtown Columbus offers a unique blend of job opportunities, recreational activities, green spaces, a welcoming community, and affordable living. Whether you’re moving from the suburbs or relocating to Columbus for the first time, downtown could be your perfect match. Oakwood, a leading property management company, features five outstanding communities in the heart of downtown. Among them are the award-winning River & Rich and Residences at Topiary Park. Oakwood is renowned for its exceptional customer service, high-quality apartments, and dedicated local management team, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable living experience. Make downtown Columbus your new home, search our downtown apartments here.