Ohio Columbus
Moving to Columbus, Ohio
Columbus, Ohio offers young professionals a dynamic mix of career opportunity, cultural vibrancy, and Midwest charm. As one of the fastest-growing cities in the region, Columbus combines a strong economy with a friendly, welcoming atmosphere and a thriving creative community.
Housing options are diverse—from modern apartments in the Short North and Arena District to historic homes in German Village and cozy neighborhoods in Clintonville. Many areas are walkable and bike-friendly, with easy access to cafes, parks, and locally owned businesses.
Outdoor enthusiasts can explore the Scioto Mile riverfront parks, bike along the Olentangy Trail, or unwind in Franklin Park Conservatory. The city’s cultural scene shines with art galleries, live music venues, and events like the Columbus Arts Festival and Gallery Hop.
Home to Ohio State University, a growing tech sector, and major employers like Nationwide and JPMorgan Chase, Columbus is an ideal place for young professionals seeking career growth, affordability, and a strong sense of community.
Columbus by the numbers
City population
City rank of cost of living
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Discover Columbus: Top Attractions and Things to Do
Local Experiences
Local Experiences
Columbus is a dynamic city where Midwest charm meets innovation and cultural energy. Known for its diverse neighborhoods, creative spirit, and growing tech and arts scenes, Columbus blends tradition with progress. Whether you're exploring local parks, trying new cuisine, or attending a festival, Columbus invites you to experience its unique, welcoming vibe.
Creative Culture & Local Flavor
Columbus is a hub for creativity, with vibrant districts like the Short North offering art galleries, murals, and local boutiques. The city’s food scene is equally exciting—from food trucks and craft breweries to trendy restaurants serving everything from farm-to-table fare to international cuisine.
Local makers and artists thrive at events like Gallery Hop and the Columbus Arts Festival, where community and culture take center stage.
Arts & Entertainment
Columbus supports a lively arts scene with institutions like the Columbus Museum of Art, Wexner Center for the Arts, and independent theaters showcasing local talent. Music venues and festivals bring live performances year-round, spanning everything from classical and jazz to indie rock.
Community Events & Festivals
The city’s calendar is filled with events that reflect its community pride—like the Ohio State Fair, ComFest, and the Stonewall Columbus Pride Festival. Weekly farmers markets, seasonal parades, and neighborhood block parties offer locals regular ways to connect and celebrate the city’s diversity.
Whether you’re new to town or a longtime resident, Columbus delivers a rich mix of creativity, community, and culture to explore.
Sports and Recreation
Sport and Recreation
Columbus is a city where sports pride and outdoor adventure are part of daily life. From devoted fans cheering on local teams to residents exploring scenic parks and trails, Columbus offers year-round recreation for all ages and interests.
Sports & Community
Home to The Ohio State University Buckeyes, Columbus thrives on college sports. Football Saturdays at Ohio Stadium draw massive crowds, while basketball and other athletics keep fans engaged throughout the year.
The city also hosts professional teams like the Columbus Blue Jackets (NHL), Columbus Crew (MLS), and Columbus Clippers (MiLB). Community leagues and recreation centers offer youth and adult sports including soccer, basketball, softball, and the fast-growing favorite, pickleball.
Parks, Trails & Outdoor Activities
Columbus is rich in green spaces and outdoor experiences:
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Scioto Mile – A downtown riverfront park with trails, fountains, and kayaking along the Scioto River.
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Olentangy and Alum Creek Trails – Ideal for biking, jogging, and nature walks.
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Goodale Park and Schiller Park – Beloved for playgrounds, events, and neighborhood charm.
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Franklin Park Conservatory – Combines natural beauty with botanical exhibits and walking paths.
Golf courses, disc golf, ice rinks, and nearby nature preserves give locals plenty of ways to stay active and enjoy the outdoors.
Whether catching a Buckeyes game, paddling the Scioto, or joining a rec league, Columbus makes it easy to stay fit, connected, and outdoors.
Adventures
Adventures
Columbus, Ohio offers a vibrant mix of city energy, green spaces, and Midwest charm—perfect for everyday adventures and weekend escapes. Whether you're biking trails, kayaking the Scioto River, or exploring historic neighborhoods, Columbus invites you to get outside and discover something new.
Nature & Outdoor Exploration
Columbus is packed with parks and trails. The Scioto Mile downtown offers walking paths, fountains, and river kayaking with skyline views. Olentangy Trail stretches for miles, ideal for biking and jogging.
Franklin Park Conservatory combines lush gardens with art and nature exhibits, while Highbanks Metro Park and Battelle Darby Creek offer hiking, birdwatching, and scenic overlooks. For a peaceful retreat, kayak at Hoover Reservoir or explore the woodlands of Blendon Woods.
Culture, History & Day Trips
Columbus’ neighborhoods blend culture and history. Explore the Short North Arts District for galleries, murals, and local shops, or stroll historic German Village with its brick streets and cozy cafes. The Ohio Statehouse and Columbus Museum of Art offer insight into the city's past and present.
For a quick getaway, visit Hocking Hills State Park for hiking, waterfalls, and caves, or head to Granville or Yellow Springs for charming downtowns and scenic drives.
Whether you're seeking outdoor fun or cultural exploration, Columbus offers adventure in every direction.
Seasonal Events
Seasonal Events
Columbus embraces all four seasons with a packed calendar of events that reflect its dynamic culture, community pride, and love for the outdoors. From cozy winter traditions to lively summer festivals and vibrant fall celebrations, there’s always something happening in the city.
Winter to Spring
Winter in Columbus brings festive cheer with events like Wildlights at the Columbus Zoo, where millions of lights, holiday music, and seasonal treats create a family-friendly wonderland. Downtown’s Columbus Commons Holiday Lights and local craft markets add to the magic.
As spring arrives, so do major events like the Arnold Sports Festival, one of the world’s largest multi-sport expos. Blooms & Butterflies at the Franklin Park Conservatory and Columbus Blooms at Franklin Park mark the return of warmer weather, while neighborhood farmers markets and outdoor fitness classes begin to pop up across the city.
Summer to Fall
Summer in Columbus is festival season. Red, White & Boom!—Ohio’s largest Independence Day celebration—lights up downtown with fireworks and music. The Columbus Arts Festival and Jazz & Rib Fest fill the riverfront with creativity, food, and performances.
As fall sets in, enjoy events like the Columbus Oktoberfest at the Ohio Expo Center and the HighBall Halloween fashion and costume spectacle in the Short North. Pumpkin patches, fall hikes, and football tailgates at Ohio State University add to the seasonal energy.
No matter the season, Columbus offers endless ways to explore its creative spirit, diverse neighborhoods, and community-focused events.
Community Resources
Columbus offers residents access to a strong and diverse healthcare system, with leading hospitals, urgent care centers, mental health services, and community wellness programs. Whether you're seeking routine checkups or specialized care, the city’s medical network supports the health of its growing population.
Major Hospitals
OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital
One of the largest hospitals in the state, Riverside is known for its top-rated care in neurology, heart and vascular services, orthopedics, and maternity care. It also operates a Level II trauma center and provides advanced surgical services.
The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center
The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center is a nationally recognized academic medical center offering cutting-edge care across specialties including cancer treatment, transplant services, neurosciences, and sports medicine. Its partnership with OSU ensures access to innovative research and clinical trials.
Nationwide Children’s Hospital
Ranked among the best pediatric hospitals in the nation, Nationwide Children’s Hospital offers comprehensive care for infants, children, and adolescents, including specialty clinics, mental health programs, and pediatric emergency services.
Mental Health & Community Wellness
Columbus provides robust mental health services through organizations like Netcare Access, North Central Mental Health, and Syntero, offering outpatient therapy, crisis stabilization, substance use programs, and mobile response teams. Community centers and nonprofits host support groups, wellness classes, and mental health outreach throughout the city.
Urgent Care & Preventive Services
Urgent care is widely accessible through providers like OhioHealth Urgent Care, Mount Carmel Urgent Care, and CVS MinuteClinic, offering walk-in treatment for non-emergencies, vaccinations, and telehealth services.
The Columbus Public Health Department leads preventive care initiatives, including immunization clinics, health screenings, fitness events, and education programs focused on nutrition and chronic disease management—promoting wellness in every neighborhood.
Columbus is a vibrant city that values education, innovation, and lifelong learning. With strong public schools, top universities, and a rich network of libraries and community programs, Columbus offers opportunities for learners of all ages to grow, explore, and succeed.
Public Schools
Columbus City Schools (CCS) serves a diverse student population with a focus on academic achievement, equity, and college and career readiness. Notable schools include:
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Columbus Alternative High School – Known for its rigorous academics and magnet programs.
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Eastmoor Academy – Offers Advanced Placement courses and a strong arts program.
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Metro Early College High School – Provides a college preparatory curriculum with early college credits.
CCS supports specialized programs like dual-language immersion, Career and Technical Education (CTE), STEM academies, and fine arts programs.
Higher Education & Lifelong Learning
Columbus is home to several major institutions that attract students nationwide and fuel the city’s innovative spirit:
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The Ohio State University (OSU) – One of the largest public research universities in the U.S., OSU offers a wide range of programs in business, engineering, health sciences, arts, and more.
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Columbus State Community College – With multiple campuses, it provides associate degrees, workforce training, transfer pathways, and continuing education.
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Franklin University – Focuses on adult education and flexible degree programs designed for working professionals.
The Columbus Metropolitan Library system supports lifelong learning with workshops, literacy programs, technology classes, and cultural events—welcoming learners from preschoolers to seniors.
Columbus provides residents with reliable public services and infrastructure that support a safe, connected, and high-quality lifestyle. From transportation and emergency response to waste management and community programs, Columbus’ municipal systems serve a growing and diverse population.
Government & Safety
The City of Columbus manages essential services including public safety, city development, utilities, and neighborhood programs—focused on transparency, equity, and innovation.
The Columbus Division of Police provides law enforcement and community engagement efforts centered on safety and public trust across the city’s neighborhoods.
The Columbus Division of Fire delivers fire protection, emergency medical response, disaster preparedness, and public education on fire safety.
Columbus Division of EMS offers emergency medical services with rapid response times throughout the metropolitan area.
Utilities and public works, including water, sewer, trash collection, and recycling, are managed by the city’s Department of Water and Power and Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio (SWACO).
Transportation
Columbus’ transportation network supports commuters and visitors with highways, public transit, and alternative mobility options:
Major highways like I-71, I-70, and I-270 connect Columbus to the region and beyond.
Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) operates an extensive bus system with local, express, and paratransit services serving the city and suburbs.
John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) offers national and international flights and continues to expand to meet demand.
Residents also benefit from bike lanes, multi-use trails, scooters, and pedestrian pathways promoting sustainable and multimodal travel.
Vehicle Registration and Licensing
Vehicle and driver services in Columbus are managed by the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV), with locations throughout Franklin County offering:
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Driver’s licenses, state IDs, and REAL ID issuance
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Vehicle registration and renewal
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Title transfers and emissions testing in required areas
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Handicap parking permits and learner’s permits
The Ohio BMV’s online portal provides convenient access to renewals, appointments, payments, and document management.
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This city guide is provided as a service by Atlas Van Lines.