Cresswind at Spring Haven
Newnan, Georgia
Columbus, Georgia
What It Is Like to Retire in Columbus
Columbus, Georgia, is the second largest city in the state, and the county seat of Muscogee County, with a population of 202,824, (2013 census). It is located 100 miles southwest of Atlanta, and sits directly across the Chattahoochee River from Phenix City, Alabama. Columbus is a historical town, dating back to the Civil War, and is is one of the nation's leading destinations for military history. It is also home to Fort Benning, the U.S. Army Infantry School, and a major employer, and is home to Columbus State University which adds much to the city in both education and culture. The Chattahoochee River draws thousands of recreationist to experience the town's 15-mile Riverwalk on foot or by bike. Due to the RiverWalk bike path, Columbus has been listed by the League of American Bicyclists as one of the forty most Bicycle Friendly Communities in the United States. But much more popular as a tourist destination is its new claim to fame, the world's longest urban whiter water rafting and kayaking venue, which has been ranked by USA Today as the best manmade whitewater course. Picture of The T.Y. Whitley Clock Tower on main campus of Columbus State University courtesy of Wikipedia (public domain), picture of The Columbus Public Library courtesy Wikipedia and Shark96z, (public domain), picture of Columbus Historic District Sign Fourth Street courtesy of Wikipedia and Deutschlandreform, Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0/
Where to Retire in Columbus and Home Prices
The city is divided into five geographic areas which include the downtown district, historic districts, and suburban areas. Zillow reports the median home value to be $152,747 in late 2023. There is a large, all-ages master-planned community here.
What Is Special about Columbus
Columbus is a historical town with a low cost of living, transportation, many health care facilities, museums, the arts, and is a college town.
What Is Not Special about Columbus
Columbus has a high crime rate, summer temperatures can be in the 90's, and the nearest international airport is about 100 miles away (Atlanta).
Who Will Like Retirement in Columbus
Those who want to live in a college town that offers a lot of cultural opportunities would enjoy living here. Walkers and bikers are drawn to the Riverwalk, and historians would love the many museums and historical sites, with many volunteer opportunities.
Local Economy Is Driven by
Manufacturing and construction are the most common industries. Fort Benning is the largest employer with over 40,000 employees; Aflac and Carmike Cinemas are headquartered here.
Climate and Physical Environment
Columbus is considered to be a "natural snowline" of the southeastern United States with areas north of the city receiving snowfall annually, and those to the south receiving little or none. The average January temperature is 49 degrees with July's average 80 degrees, although many summer days see temperatures in the 90's.
Restaurants & Cultural Scene
Columbus offers an array of cultural venues both as a historic town with its role during the Civil War, and as college town that offers a variety of arts along with Oxbow Meadows Environmental Learning Center. It is home to eight historic districts and several museums including the Columbus Museum, the National Civil War Naval Museum, and the The National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center. Riverwalk is a 15 mile linear park that spans the riverfront with historic markers and monuments. Other visitor destinations include The Coca-Cola Space Science Center that houses four flight simulators and a planetarium; RiverCenter for the Performing Arts and Springer Opera House both host events and performances; Golden Park is a 5,000 seat baseball stadium that was the site for softball events during the 1996 Summer Olympics. Columbus offers all types of restaurants, and reviewers on Tripadvisor.com recommend several including The Loft, Buckhead Grill, and the Cannnon Brew Pub.
Crime
The city has a high crime rate.
Medical facilities
Columbus offers all types of medical facilities and several hospitals including Midtown Medical and Columbus Regional Health System.
Transportation
METRA Transit System offers bus service throughout Columbus; Columbus has a Metropolitan Airport, but the closest international airport is in Atlanta, about 100 miles away; the city is considered a bicycle friendly community; Riverwalk is a 15 mile stretch that links downtown Columbus to Fort Benning.
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