Moving to Columbus, OH

Columbus At-A-Glance

Have you set your mind on moving to Columbus but don’t know yet what to expect? With over 900,000 residents and positioned within 500 miles of 50 percent of the U.S. population, you’d be joining quite a crowd.

Plus, as the capital of Ohio and the 14th most populous in the United States, Columbus serves as a central hub for state politics and administration and is about to offer you a bit of everything — except for mountains. But it makes up for those with its scenic Scioto River, an extensive park system and a couple of boating and fishing spots just north of the city.

Aside from Ohio State University, one of the largest campuses in the country and best college town in Ohio, Columbus takes pride in its diverse economy, particularly in its strong tech sector. Balancing job prospects with family quality of life, especially in the suburbs, is something the city is particularly good at.

Excited already? Let’s see what living in Columbus really looks like.

More Than a College Town, Great for Families

Is it possible to feel the buzz of a big city and the calm of a small town, all at once? In Columbus it is. Walk down any street and you might find a burst of murals, a pop-up jazz concert, a new microbrewery that caters to the surge in young professionals or a farmers’ market brimming with Ohio’s best. 

The outdoorsy types have their pick too. Whether you’re jogging by the Scioto Mile or playing frisbee in a park, green space isn’t hard to find in Columbus — there are over 250 acres of greenspace just downtown. Columbus Commons has a state-of-the-art stage, Goodale Park has a scenic pond and tennis courts and Scioto Audubon is a major bird migration stopover point where you can engage in boating, kayaking, fishing and rock climbing or simply enjoy a picnic with family and friends.

Speaking of families, Columbus is like a treasure box for them. With places like the famous Columbus Zoo and the Center of Science and Industry that turn learning into an adventure, kids have the time of their lives. And sports? Let’s just say you’ll learn to love the color red and gray, if you don’t already.

Columbus Loves Tech and Startups

Thanks to a community that gets it and a market that spends, Columbus is a hotspot for Hispanic entrepreneurs, one of the few places outside Florida-California-Texas that rocket to the top for Hispanic purchasing power. That’s something that sets Columbus apart from its neighbors, especially since only around 6.5 percent of its population is Hispanic or Latino, but this isn’t the only remarkable front the city shines on.

This is also a place where startups find their feet and Forbes wasn’t kidding a few years ago when it tipped its hat to the city for its startup scene. If you’re moving to Columbus with your business, your wallet will breathe easy here as the cost of doing business is below the national average, plus you can find top-notch tech talent without the big-city price tag. 

With the Ohio Supercomputer Center and tech giants like Facebook and Amazon in town, Columbus is attracting loads of IT talent. Now Intel is talking about building large factories, with thousands of jobs coming up. The thing is, with low living costs, young talent and support all around, Columbus is truly setting the pace.

Unemployment rate: 3.4 percent (as of August 2023)

Average weekly wages for all industries in the Columbus, OH area: $1,344 (Q1 2023)

Columbus Has One of the Hottest Real Estate Markets

Looking for a wallet-friendly city to buy a home? Moving to Columbus sounds like a very good choice. After all, this is the third most affordable large city for hopeful home buyers in the entire U.S., taking a back seat only to the likes of Detroit and Pittsburgh.

But being affordable isn’t just about the price tag on the door. Living in Columbus means reasonable upkeep costs, straightforward homeowner’s insurance and a living cost that doesn’t pinch. Plus, the taxes on property here won’t have you sweating either.

Here’s the breakdown: a house in Columbus? Around $174,400. That’s a touch above Ohio’s average but way under the national median value of $244,900. Now, for rent in Columbus, you’re looking at about $1,061 a month, which is 22 percent higher than Ohio’s average ($870) but still under the U.S. median gross rent.

And there’s more. Columbus isn’t just lukewarm when it comes to housing; it’s hot! Columbus was the third most buzzing housing market in January 2023. And it’s been on the radar for years, consistently topping housing market rankings. Why? Houses that don’t cost an arm and a leg and lots of people looking to settle in the Midwest.

Expert insight: Here, houses don’t wait around — they get snapped up quickly. So if living in Columbus is on your list, be ready to make a move as soon as you find the right spot. This means having your finances in order and that includes mortgage pre-approval.

So Many Options to Settle Down in Columbus

Whether you’re looking for laid-back but still urban, a spot in the heart of activity or a rapidly growing and buzzing area, these are some of the most popular neighborhood choices:

Short North. Filled with galleries, boutiques and nightclubs, it attracts artists, hipsters and young professionals. Also known as the “Art and Soul” of Columbus.

German Village. A historic neighborhood with well-preserved brick houses, charming streets and the famous Book Loft. Sought after by those who appreciate architecture and history.

Bexley. Just a touch east of downtown Columbus, this suburb is home to many affluent residents in search of beautiful mansions, as well as the Capital University main campus.

Dublin. This family-friendly suburb on the northwest side offers a mix of traditional homes and new builds. As the name also suggests, you’re in for an annual Irish Festival here.

Upper Arlington. This luxurious area close to Ohio State University is popular among professionals, families and retirees.

Clintonville. A bit more laid back and family-oriented, it’s popular among young families and professionals who appreciate the local shops and its known farmers’ market.

Columbus Traffic Is Much Better Than Expected

While Columbus is majorly car-dependent, you won’t be stuck hours in traffic given it’s such a populous city. However, it’s good to be prepared for slightly longer commute times during evening rush hours, especially mid-week.

The fact that driving here is relatively smooth makes up for some public transport limitations. What you get is the Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) operating bus service throughout Columbus and its suburbs, COTA AirConnect direct bus service connecting the Columbus John Glenn International Airport with downtown and C-Pass, a free transit pass program for eligible downtown Columbus workers which promotes bus ridership.

If buses aren’t your jam, it’s not hard to get around on two wheels. Plus, trails like the Olentangy Trail, Scioto Greenway Trail and Alum Creek Trail, while known for scenic routes and recreational activities, also offer connectivity between various parts of the city. 

No bike? There’s the CoGo bike share program with over 600 bikes and over 80 stations scattered across downtown and adjacent neighborhoods. And when you’re ready to ditch the two wheels for your very own two feet, know that there are a few pockets of the city that are pedestrian-friendly. The most walkable neighborhoods: Short North, Italian Village and German Village.

Columbus Education Shines

Columbus has over 110 public schools where a whopping 45,000 students learn and grow. Cool thing? Every teacher in Columbus gets to focus on roughly 14.5 students. That’s below the national average, meaning more individualized attention for students. There are also schools for the art-inclined as well as foreign language immersion programs that offer Pre-K-6 students the opportunity to become bilingual and biliterate. 

As for higher education, Ohio State University (OSU) is like a city within a city and people come from all over for its programs. It’s also known for its research and the Ohio State Buckeyes. Its most popular majors? Finance, Experimental Psychology, Speech Communication, Biology and Computer Engineering. That’s a tough pick given it has over 200 undergraduate majors. But if art’s your thing, then the Columbus College of Art & Design (CCAD) is the go-to spot.

Sunshine, Snow and Autumn Leaves

If you’re thinking of settling and living in Columbus, a word to the wise: pack for every weather eventuality. After all, it does have four distinct seasons and that’s part of what gives the city its charm. So, what’s the weather talk among Columbus natives?

• Summer days are pleasantly warm with a chance of ice cream. In fact, Columbus and its surroundings have some of the best ice cream spots to cool you off. But don’t expect desert-like temperatures; it’s balmy without being unbearable.
• Winter paints the city with a soft, white brush. We’re talking snowball fights, snowmen and sledding down the hill in Alum Creek Park. You’ll feel the cold, especially in January, but it’s the cozy, wrap-up-in-a-blanket kind. 
• Fall is a feast for the eyes and we don’t use this term lightly. Those autumn leaves turn the city into a living canvas of reds, oranges and yellows — just perfect for those Instagram moments. And spring is like nature’s own reboot, with a gentle warmth and blossoms everywhere.

Now, about the rain — Columbus sees its fair share, but the occasional rainy day is just an excuse to explore the city’s indoor attractions. And those sunsets over the Scioto River? Trust us, they’re worth every cloudy day.

Summer average (June – Aug): 84℉ high, 64℉ low

Winter average (Dec – Feb): 40℉ high, 24℉ low

10 Can’t-Miss Things to Do in Columbus

Before moving to Columbus, know that there’s a whole range of places to be and things to do in between. To help you get acquainted, we’ve pinpointed 10 musts — trust our selection and use it as your compass.

1. Visit the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. With over 10,000 animals spanning 600+ species, this isn’t your average zoo. Over 2 million people visit it every year. Plus, Jack Hanna was the zoo director who made the place famous with his numerous TV appearances. 
2. Stroll through the Franklin Park Conservatory. Expect lush gardens and special exhibitions in the conservatory. Don’t miss the annual Blooms & Butterflies event, which transforms the place into a fluttering paradise.
3. Attend the Ohio State Fair. Rides, fried treats, plus a fair share (pun intended!) of Ohio’s talented musicians and craftspeople. That’s an authentic slice of Midwestern culture right there.
4. Tailgate at an Ohio State University football game. The Buckeye spirit is infectious. Even if you’re not a die-hard fan, the energy of the “Horseshoe” on game day — complete with TBDBITL (The Best Damn Band In The Land) — is something to experience.
5. Kayak on the Scioto River. The river’s name derives from an indigenous word meaning “hairy water.” Not that it matters, just wanted to get your attention. Now, as you glide, you’ll see the city’s landmarks, so that’s both a serene and informative journey.
6. Experience the Columbus Arts Festival. Admire the art and get involved in hands-on activities, meet the artists behind the magic and sway to the music from the event’s multiple stages.
7. Explore Topiary Park. It’s a living painting and such a relaxing spot to unwind. The figures, trimmed from yew trees, mimic Seurat’s famous piece, A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte, down to the tiniest detail.
8. Take in a show at the Ohio Theatre. The “Official Theatre of the State of Ohio” isn’t just a place to watch a show, but a show in itself. Its Spanish-Baroque architecture, complete with a massive chandelier, is a nod to the opulence of early 20th-century design.
9. Cycle along the Olentangy Trail. Nature is in the heart of the city. The trail, spanning over 13 miles, offers a mix of urban and natural sights, and there’s even a chance you’ll spot deer or herons along the way.
10. Visit the Santa Maria Ship. Step back in time on this floating museum and get a glimpse into the life of 15th-century sailors. It’s a fully navigable ship, not a model.