Columbus

About Columbus

Named in honor of New World explorer Christopher Columbus, Columbus is the largest city in Ohio and the state's capital. Centrally located with nationwide access via its highways, railroads and the Ohio Canal, Columbus has always been a thriving city. Today, it's a fast-growing, major American hub with a large population and a diverse economy.

Columbus is a home base for many technology and research-based ventures. Battelle Memorial Institute, the largest private research and development foundation in the world, is headquartered here. Other industry-leading companies that have chosen Columbus as a central location include Chemical Abstracts Service and NetJets.

Columbus is consistently rated as one of the best cities in the country, with nods to its educated population, active job market and local attractions.

Jobs in Columbus

Many well-known corporations have locations in Columbus, including Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company and Big Lots. Other large employers include government agencies, educational institutions and manufacturers of transportation equipment, textiles, metals and other consumer goods.

There are a variety of jobs available in Columbus, both in the metropolitan area and in the commercial centers in the suburbs. The University of Ohio gives the city a strong intellectual and cultural base and is another major employer. Many businesses are attracted to Columbus for its central location, educated population and strong work-force.

This diverse range of employers brings more economic stability and growth to Columbus than to many of its Rust Belt neighbors.

Neighborhoods in Columbus

Here are a few of the neighborhoods you'll want to check out in Columbus:

The University District

Home to The Ohio State University and the Battelle Institute, the University District is among the most densely-populated neighborhoods in Columbus. This eclectic community has a diverse population, and has produced several artists, writers, astronauts and inventors.

Near East Side

Established during the post-Civil War population boom, the Near East Side contains two of Columbus' historic districts. The Bryden Road Historic District was referred to as the Silk Stocking District in its heyday because its residents were among the wealthiest in the city.

Victorian Village

Victorian Village was one of the first suburbs in Columbus, and the area flourished with the arrival of the streetcar. Today, you can tour several of the area's original homes during the neighborhood's annual charity tour and see an impressive range of architectural styles.

German Village

Originally settled by a large group of immigrants, German Village was home to a large portion of Columbus' German population for many decades. Today, its heritage and traditions are still represented in the German Brewery District and the neighborhood's annual Oktoberfest.

Columbus Schools

Columbus City Schools serves the majority of public schools in the area, providing elementary, middle and high schools as well as several magnet schools. You can also enroll your children in one of the several private schools in the area. The Roman Catholic Diocese of Columbus has several schools, with both elementary and high school campuses.

If you're planning to attend college in Columbus, you have many options, including public and private institutions. Ohio State is one of the largest colleges in the area and offers a variety of top-ranked graduate programs.

Resources for Moving to Columbus

Here are a few handy resources for your move to Columbus:

• Utilities: The City of Columbus provides power, water and sewer services, but you also have the option of choosing an alternative electricity provider.
• Garbage and Recycling: Trash, recyclables and yard waste are collected via curbside pick-up. You can determine your neighborhood's pick-up schedule on the Columbus website.
• Transportation: The central form of public transit in Columbus is buses. The city also participates in a number of pro-bike initiatives.

Columbus Housing

Sprawling but attractive residential suburbs make buying a home in Columbus very desirable. Many neighborhoods have excellent housing, shopping, schools, golf courses and civic amenities in a layout that's more spacious, wooded and aesthetically pleasing than those of similar cities in the region. Overall, the cost of living in Columbus is significantly lower than the national average.