Most people know Columbus, Ohio as the home of the world-class Ohio State University and the seat of government in the state. But as one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S., many are discovering that the Arch City has much more to offer.
In the 21st century, Columbus has experienced something of a renaissance. Rapid economic and population growth has led Columbus to be recognized as one of the premier cities in the Midwest. Residents boast a world-class quality of life and a cost of living below the national average. The city has also acquired a reputation as a great place to work or run a business. Columbus has consistently been recognized as the top American city to work in tech in and the #1 rising startup city. In terms of things to do outside of work, Columbus is known for having a diverse and vibrant culture that never leaves its inhabitants short on things to do. Keep reading for some of the reasons more and more people choose to call Columbus home.
Virbant Culture to Enjoy
While you may not think to lump in Columbus with cultural epicenters like New York and Los Angeles, the city has been recognized as one of the country’s best places for arts and culture. No matter your tastes, the city has something for you. On any given night, you can take your pick of clubs and venues to sample the thriving local music scene. Do your tastes skew more classical? Then the Columbus Symphony Orchestra, Opera Columbus, or BalletMet are sure to please.
Some of the nation’s premier art collections are also located in Columbus. The Columbus Museum of Art exhibits famous works from legendary artists like Claude Monet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, and Pablo Picasso. If you’re looking for something more modern, the Wexner Center for the Arts on Ohio State’s campus has one of the most renowned contemporary art programs in the country.
A City for Foodies and Craft Beer Snobs
Over the years, Columbus has also transformed into a paradise for foodies and craft beer lovers. One of the city’s premier neighborhoods, The Short North corridor, is lined with restaurants run by some of the top culinary talents in the country. A dedicated foodie could spend an entire day sampling the cuisine in Short North. From fine dining at Martini Modern Italian to authentic Mexican at Bakersfield, this area has enough offerings to satisfy anyone’s appetite. Of course, any culinary tour of Columbus isn’t complete without a stop at Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams, a home-grown ice cream company that has become a national sensation.
The area also has an established beer scene with over 50 unique craft breweries. The options range from local up-and-comers like Wolf’s Ridge Brewing to international favorites like BrewDog. Columbus is also home to the world’s first craft beer hotel, in case you were still doubting the city’s status as a beer snob’s utopia.
Diversity of People & Neighborhoods
As Columbus’ population has grown, its citizenry has also become much more diverse. Not only are people across the U.S. moving to central Ohio, but the region is also attracting people from all over the world. In fact, 82% of new residents are foreign-born. This includes the second-largest Somali population in the U.S. and burgeoning other burgeoning immigrant communities. This diversity isn’t confined to bustling areas like Downtown and Franklinton; it also extends to the suburbs. Areas like Urbancrest, Reynoldsburg, and Whitehall all boast diverse populations in their communities.
The makeup of Columbus’ neighborhoods is also highly diverse. The city extends over 233 miles. Within its borders are many unique communities, each with its own look, feel, and personality. So, whether you want to live in a downtown condo or would like a picket fence and a front yard, Columbus has options to fit everyone’s lifestyle needs.
One America Works is ready to help individuals and companies thinking of setting up in Columbus and other growing tech hubs across the country. Learn more about what makes Columbus a great place to grow a company, start a career, and more. Stay up-to-date on other growing cities through One America Works and follow us for more trends worth your attention.
