Moving to Columbus, Ohio

Quick insights

• There’s much to do in Columbus, including activities for students, art appreciators, sports fans and outdoor enthusiasts.
• The cost of living in Columbus is below the national average, with housing and transportation standing out as low-cost categories.ec-payscale-cost-ohio
• Potential homebuyers may want to monitor rising property taxes in Columbus, which could potentially offset the lower cost of housing.disc-axios-ohio-property-tax

Columbus has matured over the years into a hub of activity. The Ohio State University brings a student population to the city, for example, along with a focus on research and innovation that distinguishes Columbus from other metro areas in the Midwest. In this guide to moving to Columbus, we’ll identify the average cost of living, things to do, popular neighborhoods and other relevant tips for potential homebuyers.

Living in Columbus, Ohio

Columbus has a humid continental climate and shows characteristics of all four seasons, including light snowfall in the winter. Temperatures can vary throughout the year from 22°F to 84°F, and it’s not uncommon for the city to experience intense storms. The city has a substantial system of parks and trails, offering many opportunities to get outdoors on nice days and enjoy the seasons.

Landmarks and activities in Columbus

There’s much to see and do in Columbus, including attractions for those inclined toward sports, history, outdoor adventuring and the arts.

• The Columbus Museum of Art: Located in downtown Columbus, this museum showcases both contemporary and classic art pieces. Visitors can study temporary exhibitions as well as permanent collections of work from notable Columbusites, such as George Bellows, Elijah Pierce and Aminah Brenda Lynn Robinson.
• The Ohio State Fair: This annual fair is one of the largest in the country, with numerous events and competitions to participate in. Visitors can check out live music events, large-scale butter sculptures, the lumberjack show, pig races and a 14-foot animatronic rendition of Smokey the Bear. The event is hosted every summer at the Ohio Expo Center & Fairgrounds.
• Sports teams to root for: Columbus’ major professional teams include the Columbus Blue Jackets (NHL) and the Columbus Crew SC (MLS). The Ohio State Buckeyes, an NCAA Division I football team, also have a massive following amongst the city’s students and residents. In fact, Ohio Stadium has a capacity of over 102,000, making it one of the largest in the country.
• Earthen mounds: In its pre-Columbian history, the city was a center for indigenous communities of Moundbuilders who created large earthen structures. The remains of certain earthen mounds still exist in and around the city, including Shrum Mound, located in the modern Campbell Memorial Park.
• Local parks and trails: Columbus has a substantial number of parks within the city limits with hiking and biking trails, such as Goodale Park, Schiller Park and the Scioto Mile. For those willing to travel a bit outside the city limits, there are several larger state parks and nature preserves.

Jobs and the average cost of living in Columbus

A relatively low cost of living, affordable housing and a robust job market have made Columbus an attractive destination in recent years. The average cost of living in Columbus is 6% below the national rate, with housing and transportation standing out as low-cost categories.ec-payscale-cost-ohio Conversely, groceries in Columbus are 3% above the national average.ec-payscale-cost-ohio

Between the city’s public school system and the nearby Ohio State University, there are many job opportunities for those in academia. Columbus’ job market is also known for having many jobs in healthcare, finance and technology, with corporate offices of several national companies located within the city.

Transportation options in Columbus, Ohio

Depending on your preferences, how you’ll get around in the city may be a key factor in your decision to move here. Many areas of Columbus are somewhat walkable, but the city is largely dominated by driving as a form of commuting.

• Driving: Columbus is encircled by I-270 (commonly referred to as the “Outerbelt”), which connects drivers to the city’s suburbs and other major highways including I-71 and I-70. Traffic can be heavy during rush hours, particularly near downtown and the university.
• Biking: The city is notably bike-friendly, with many bike lanes for traversing city streets as well as dedicated trails, namely the Central Ohio Greenway Trails, which span 230+ miles through and around Columbus.
• Catching a flight: The John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) is one airport for Columbus, located on the city’s near north side. To the south is Rickenbacker International Airport (LCK).
• Public transit: The Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) provides bus services that operate in the city and surrounding areas. This broader system is supplemented by the CMAX line, which runs northeast from downtown Columbus to Westerville.

Things to know before moving to Columbus

Now that you have a good idea of what it’s like to live in Columbus, let’s look at some of the factors which may specifically influence the homebuying process.

• Rising property taxes: It’s important to investigate the tax rate for the area you plan to move to before buying a home. Although home values are below the national average, increased interest in Columbus has driven taxes up in recent years, even more so than in other cities.disc-axios-ohio-property-tax
• Flood zones: Columbus experiences occasional flooding, so it may be important to check flood zone maps and consider specialized insurance before buying your home. Flood zones are primarily located near major waterways, including the Scioto and Olentangy Rivers, but it's still possible for buildings outside of these zones to flood in certain circumstances.
• Proximity to work centers: Sketching out potential commutes before buying a home can be an important decision-making factor. Depending on your profession, you may want to be close to downtown Columbus, Easton Town Center or Ohio State University.
• Major hospitals: Buying a home near one of Columbus’ major hospitals may be a priority for certain buyers, such as the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Riverside Methodist Hospital or Nationwide Children’s Hospital.
• Historic properties: Certain areas of Columbus (such as German Village and parts of Old Towne East), have been added to the National Register of Historic Places. Homes with historical value are often subject to renovation regulations in order to preserve their character.

Popular neighborhoods in Columbus for homebuyers

Wondering which is the best neighborhood in Columbus for your tastes and lifestyle? As you begin your search, you may want to investigate these popular neighborhoods:

• German Village: Named for the working-class community who originally settled in the area, this neighborhood has a distinctive, historic look with cozy cottages and red brick Italianate-style homes dating back to the 1850s. Just a mile south of downtown, this neighborhood provides access to many activities and amenities.
• Short North: North of downtown, the Short North area may be an ideal location for those who value arts, dining and an overall bohemian vibe. Homes in this area include a mix of modern condos, classic Victorian-style homes and American Foursquares. Residents have good access to some of the city’s best restaurants and the North Market, which sells a combination of goods from independent vendors.
• Clintonville: This large neighborhood on the north side of Columbus has a family-friendly reputation with a mixture of historic and modern homes. Its expansive footprint includes access to restful green spaces, including Whetstone Park and Overbrook Ravine Park. Cyclists in this neighborhood have good access to the Olentangy trail, which runs alongside the river of the same name toward downtown.
• Southern Orchards: This up-and-coming neighborhood east of downtown has a wealth of affordable bungalows and foursquares. It’s considered more walkable than other areas of Columbus, with good access to parks, restaurants, stores, schools and the Nationwide Children’s Hospital.
• Old Towne East: As one of Columbus’ oldest neighborhoods and most eclectic, Old Towne East is characterized by a mix of historic homes in various architectural styles and striking modern buildings. Residents have many options when it comes to dining and good proximity to the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens.

Housing resources in Columbus, Ohio

If you’re a first-time homebuyer, it may be especially important to take advantage of local programs that can assist with financing and education—information and availability may vary.

Ohio Housing Finance Agency (OHFA) programs

OHFA has many housing programs to assist those looking to buy either their first or “next” home in Ohio. OHFA loans come in a variety of formats, with generous income and purchase price limits intended to help homebuyers with low- and moderate-income levels. OHFA also has Your Choice! Down Payment Assistance (up to 5% of the home’s purchase price), special grants for recent graduates, discounted rates for Ohio Heroes (those who work in certain careers) and direct federal tax credits.

Homes on the Hill Community Development Corporation

This HUD-approved housing counseling agency helps individuals and families throughout Franklin County reach their housing goals. Homes on the Hill provides classes and workshops covering a wide range of topics related to housing, such as mortgage loan applications, interest rates, budgeting and credit, homeowners' insurance and hiring an inspector. Prospective homebuyers can also meet one-on-one with a certified counselor for financial guidance and assistance planning.

In conclusion

Columbus’ relatively low cost of living, affordable homes and strong job market make it an attractive place to live for many families and individuals. However, it’s important to take a moment and consider the various factors that are unique to Columbus before committing to a move. If you’re considering buying your first home in this city, it can be helpful to enlist the assistance of an expert home lending advisor in Columbus to help you navigate the process.