About Columbus and Ohio

Columbus at night

Columbus is a city of opportunity, with a growing economy fueled by a diverse range of industries, including finance, healthcare, and education. Residents enjoy a high quality of life, with affordable housing options and a low cost of living. The city prides itself on being a safe city, with community engagement initiatives and neighborhood watch programs helping to maintain public safety. Moreover, job opportunities in Columbus are abundant, particularly in the technology and healthcare sectors. 

With a metropolitan area population of over 2.0 million people, Columbus is anything but a small town. Comparable in size to more well-known cities such as Las Vegas, Charlotte, and San Antonio, Columbus has all the amenities, opportunities, and events that one would expect from a major city. Great restaurants, a thriving art scene, distinctive neighborhoods, a bustling nightlife, and abundant shopping are all integral to giving Columbus that "big city" atmosphere.

Yet in many ways Columbus retains that "small town" feel. You'll find that, despite its size, Columbus is easy to get around in, incredibly affordable, and populated by friendly, outgoing people. Traffic is rarely a problem, and you won't typically find the endless lines, non-existent parking, and throngs of people that characterize many U.S. cities.

Best city in the Midwest?

Columbus is a mainstay on a diverse list of city rankings as one of the top cities nationally for anything from millennials and tech jobs to logisticsand e-commerce.  The city offers many lively activities to make it a fun place to explore after work hours. Visit the following pages to learn more about the Columbus area:

The Columbus region also leads Midwest metros in population growth, job growth, and GDP growth. So is Columbus the best city in the Midwest? From companies to careers, to being a highly affordable city where your income stretches further, the evidence suggests that the answer is quite possibly yes. 

With a cost of living 12.8% below the national average, the multitude of business and recreational opportunities the region offers, and the fact that Columbus's central location make it within a day's drive of 50% of the U.S. population, and it's easy to see why in 2006 Money magazine ranked Columbus the 8th best big city to live in nationwide.

Life in Columbus, OH

Ohio's capital is a friendly city of sleek, modern high-rises and century-old buildings along the banks of the Scioto River. In addition to being home to one of the finest universities in the nation, its attractions range from a rich visual and performing arts scene to a renowned zoo, exciting sports, fine restaurants, and enough specialty shops, outlets, and malls to satisfy even the most avid of browsers and buyers. Add to this a special-events calendar that rivals that of any other city its size, and you'll never lack things to do in Columbus.

Highlights include the Center of Science and Industry (COSI) on the west bank of the Scioto River; the Santa Maria replica docked on the downtown riverfront; three historic downtown theaters (the Ohio Theatre, the Palace, and the Great Southern); the Columbus Zoo; and a wide range of festivals and cultural events.

Columbus Crew

Sports enthusiasts can choose from a variety of professional and collegiate sports, including the Ohio State Buckeyes; the Columbus Crew (major league soccer); Columbus Blue Jackets (NHL hockey);and the Columbus Clippers (AAA affiliate of the Washington Nationals). But sports fans aren't the only ones who will enjoy the fun and flavor of the Arena District. This area also offers some of the city's most delectable eateries and nightspots, as well as fine shops and convenient hotel accommodations.

Shiller Park, German Village, Columbus, OH

Three urban districts provide unique opportunities to shop, dine, and explore. Just south of downtown is German Village, the nation's largest privately restored historic neighborhood. The adjacent Brewery District is a spirited entertainment area. And at downtown's northern edge is the Short North arts district, often referred to as Columbus's version of SoHo. The Columbus suburbs of Worthington, Westerville, Grove City, Reynoldsburg, Dublin, and New Albany also welcome visitors with a variety of attractions and events.