This city, named after famed American explorer Christopher Columbus, is waiting for you to discover the magic of the Midwest in its magnificent metropolis.
As the Ohio state capital and the 15th most populated city in the United States, Columbus is a combination of culture, commerce and community, making it a great place to call home.
Home to Ohio State University, the region was regarded as one of the top towns in the United States according to a 2012 ranking by Businessweek's America's 50 Best Cities.
If you have ever considered moving to Columbus, browse through this guide and find out why almost a million people call this great place their home.
Columbus Climate
Seasonal climate in Columbus is quite comfortable, with residents experiencing all four weather cycles throughout the year. The coldest month of the year is January, averaging around 22 degrees and the hottest month of the year is July, averaging 85 degrees. Columbus sees severe seasonal thunderstorms, with heavy lighting and large hail falling frequently during the storms. Though less common, the city also experiences tornadoes in the spring, summer and sometimes fall.
During the winter, the Midwest city has had severe blizzards, however, it is not normally subject to much snow. The last severe whiteout was 5 years ago in 2008 when the capital had 20.4 inches.
Columbus Neighborhoods
Columbus neighborhoods are made up of many historic districts and contemporary communities, giving new residents countless choices on where they would like to lay their welcome home mat. If you would like to live off of a ravine choose Glen Echo, if you prefer living in the business ward choose Easton, or if you favor having your home in a historic quarter move to German Village. Columbus neighborhoods vary differently in the 212-mile district, but one thing that remains the same among them is that they are all great places to live.
Of course if you like a little more action around you, Downtown Columbus would be the best choice for you. With many neighborhoods in the capital's center, the Riverfront, Discover District and High Street Corridor stand out the most. Out of the three, the High Street Corridor, also called High Five, has hundreds of restaurants, stores, event venues and art galleries that make up a very active atmosphere.
Registering Your Car
The Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles is one of the first places you would visit if you were thinking about relocating to the area. According to the bureau, you must maintain a state license once you accept a job, enroll your children in the local education system, register to vote, or buy a house or rent a residence in Ohio. To obtain a new license you must pay a $23 fee and prove your full legal name, Social Security number, date of birth, U.S. residency and new Ohio address.
To receive a new Ohio registration and plates, you must provide the bureau with a vehicle proof of title and have your car inspected. Fees for a new registration and plates depend on which taxing district you live in and can range anywhere from $35 to $100.
Columbus Schools
Concentrating on higher education in Columbus is convenient since it is home to Ohio State University, ranked the 10th most populated college in the country in 2011 by the United States Department of Education. Averaging almost 60,000 students, the four-year campus costs around $10,000 for two semesters of full-time enrollment, not including room and board.
Columbus State Community College is close by the university and offers students associate degrees through its two-year programs. More than a dozen other public and private colleges are located in the capital with concentrations on law, art & design, technology and business.
Before attending a four-year school in the area, Ohio students attend Columbus City Schools. The largest school district in Ohio educates more than 55,000 students, making it a complex community of 62 elementary, 17 middle and 16 high schools. There are a plethora of private Catholic schools available in the area if your family is faith based and prefers a more specialized educational setting than public school.
Columbus Employment
Columbus offers career opportunities in various industries including education, healthcare, technology, insurance, banking and hospitality. At a couple points lower than the national average rate of 7.9%, the Columbus unemployment rate of 5.4% is rousing, giving any new resident hope of landing a job in the city.
Columbus jobs are available for any new resident who is willing to search them out. With research, persistence and a little bit of patience, part-time or full-time work is sure to come your way. And if you need a little encouragement, contact a local employment agency in the area to help find your dream job.
Living Costs in the City
In 2010, the real estate research firm RelocateAmerica ranked Columbus as one of the top 10 best cites in the country to move to. Affordability was a main factor in the ranking, proving that the Columbus cost of living, 8.8% lower than the national average, is a definite reason to relocate to the area. The median family income for Columbus households averages around $55,000 and the standard home averages around $102,000.
Columbus Moving Resources
Moving and storage companies are ready and willing to help you with your move to Columbus, whether you're moving from out of state or from another county in Ohio. Make sure you get estimates from multiple moving services before you commit to hiring any (at least three estimates). Check back to our guides for tips on how to choose your moving service wisely with important questions to ask, differentiating between types of estimates, and mistakes to avoid. Visit the following pages at Movers.com to get quotes for the following services:
Columbus Transportation
Catching a ride in Columbus is quite convenient. If you choose not to get around the area in your own vehicle on major interstates 70 and 71, you may want to buy a bus ticket through the Central Ohio Transit Authority.
The public transportation system has a fleet of more than 300 buses that transport residents throughout the city. The one-way fare for a cross-town adult ticket is $2 and the fare for an express adult ticket is $2.75. Transferring from a local to an express route is free as long as the patron uses the ticket within two hours of purchase.
The city does not offer a rail service, however the capital promotes bicycle use. The Third Hand Bicycle Co-op believes in environmentally friendly transportation and encourages residents to join the non-profit organization and use a kickstand rather than putting the pedal to the metal.
Culture & Contemporary Life
Columbus is a cultural hot spot for anyone looking to lighten up and enjoy themselves. Of course the Ohio State Fair, one America's largest annual events, is a citizen celebration that is held for 11 days. With almost a million people in attendance, the local event has been noted to bring in around $280 million dollars into the state savings.
Parades, art festivals, museums, theaters, concerts and karaoke are just some other ways to enjoy the area, with something new happening all the time. Experience Columbus is one of the resources residents use to see what is happening. You can also search out savory eateries on the website or pick a nightclub to make some noise in. No matter what you choose, contemporary life in Columbus is easy to come by.
Columbus Relocation Tips
- It is a good idea to research the region before you move, making sure Columbus is the right choice for you and your family. Get a feel for the area by visiting Columbus Board of Realtors to see where in the city you may want to settle.
- Once you have chosen a place to live, get a jump-start on changing your address through the United States Postal Service.
- Start connecting your utilities by turning on your electric with American Electric Power and getting your water ready to run with the Columbus Department of Utilities.