Columbus, Ohio

What It Is Like to Retire in Columbus

Columbus, Ohio, named for Christopher Columbus, is the capital and largest city in Ohio with a population of about 822,000 in 2013, (City-Data.com).  It is a vibrant and pretty city that sits at the confluence of the Scioto and Olentangy Rivers, and is divided into several walkable neighborhoods which include the University District, home to the main campus of The Ohio State University, and German Village, a historic neighborhood settled in the early 19th century.  Victorian Village is made up of charming Victorian and Queen Anne style homes on tree-lined streets and listed on National Historic Places.

The downtown Scioto Mile is a beautiful stretch along the riverfront with more than 175 acres of parks, walkways and bike paths. Columbus has also been recognized in the past several years as a top city for businesses and an up-and-coming tech city.  It is home to several corporations in the U.S. Fortune 500, and to The Ohio State University, one of the largest universities in the United States.  Columbus has made several top lists including gay friendly, bike friendly, most literate city and most intellectual city. Photos are of the River Walk along the Scioto River, City Hall, and a street view in Victorian Village.

Watch this short Youtube video prepared by Experience Columbus:

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Here is Topretirements Mini-Guide to Retirment in Ohio

Where to Retire in Columbus and Home Prices

A city this size has many neighborhoods and developments of all types that offer shops, galleries, and restaurants. There is an Italian Village, German Village, and University District, to name a few, and many people live in the surrounding suburbs.  The median price of a home was $282,400 in the 2nd quarter of 2021, a rise in price of over 17%, according to the National Association of Realtors.

What Is Special about Columbus

Columbus is a vibrant college town with cultural events within the city and the university; low cost of living; Columbus has a Metro Parks that includes gardens, and a Audubon nature center; The Columbus Clippers are a Triple-A affilate of the Cleveland Indians; The Ohio State Buckeyes live here.

What Is Not Special about Columbus

Higher than average crime rate; property taxes are higher than most counties in Ohio; winters can be dreary.

Who Will Like Retirement in Columbus

Retirees who want a large college town with the arts, restaurants, events, sports, and good health care may enjoy Columbus. Ohio State University offers Program 60 through which residents can take tuition-free undergraduate and graduate courses.

Local Economy Is Driven by

The city has a diverse economy based on education, government,  banking, defense, aviation, medical research, and technology. Columbus is home to the Battelle Memorial Institute, the world's largest private research and development foundation, and Chemical Abstracts, the world's largest clearinghouse of chemical information. The fast-food corporations Wendy's and White Castle are also based in the Columbus area.  In 2012, Columbus was ranked in Business Week's 50 best cities in America, and Forbes has given Columbus an A rating as one of the top cities for business in the U.S., and included the city on its list of Best Places for Business and Careers.

Climate and Physical Environment

The average January temperature is about 32 degrees. Winter snowfall is about 25 inches. The city is too far south for lake-effect snow from Lake Erie. July's average temperature is about 76 degrees.

Restaurants & Cultural Scene

There are many choices of restaurants in Columbus within its many neighborhoods including the Brewery District, the German Village and downtown Columbus. It is also the home of many renowned arts and institutions including the Columbus Symphony Orchestra, and The Wexner Center for the Arts on the campus of The Ohio State University. The Franklin Park Conservatory is located on 88 acres, and the science center has been named as one of the best in the country. The city is also host to annual festivities which include the Ohio State Fair, one of the largest state fairs in the country, and the Columbus Arts Festival that occurs on the downtown waterfront. The Ohio State University also features cultural events and of course has great sporting events to attend.

Crime

The crime rate in Columbus is steadily declining, but still higher than the national median.

Medical facilities

Columbus offers medical facilities of every kind. The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center has been rated #2 in the state.

Transportation

Columbus has an international airport just east of the city. There is public transportation in Columbus and seniors ride for half fare.  Bicycling is steadily increasing in Columbus with its relatively flat terrain, urban neighborhoods and large student population. The League of American Bicyclists recognizes Columbus as a bike friendly community.

Valuable Links

Experience Columbus City of Columbus The Columbus Museum of Art