Kristen Auletto|
What’s it like to live in Columbus, OH?
Columbus, Ohio, is perhaps best known for its unbridled passion for college football. The fierce loyalty to the Ohio State Buckeyes is a significant part of life here. However, look past the scarlet and gray that adorn the streets, and you will see that this metro area has much more to offer.
Columbus is teeming with art, music, theater, museums and culture. Thanks to the sprawling Ohio State University and business district, it's also home to a bustling and energetic workforce.
Locals know how to have fun, too. From the lively bars and restaurants in the Short North Arts District to the charming, historic German Village and the many parks and gardens throughout the area – and, yes, to Columbus' professional and college sports teams – residents are never left looking for entertainment.
See all the best places to live in Ohio.
What is there to do in Columbus, OH?
Columbus is a bustling place that doesn't lack for entertainment. The Short North Arts District is full of restaurants, shops, bars, concert venues and art galleries. The Gallery Hop, which takes place on the first Saturday of every month, is a great way to experience Columbus's artistic talent. The Short North area is also home to the North Market, a public market with vendors offering diverse local cuisine, fresh produce, gifts and more.
Columbus also encompasses many parks and museums, including the Center of Science and Industry, the Columbus Museum of Art, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, and the Scioto Mile riverfront park.
Special events and festivals occur throughout the year. During the fall, the region lives and breathes football. The Ohio State Buckeyes are the city's pride and joy.
What’s the cost of living in Columbus, OH?
One of the best aspects of Columbus is its relatively low cost of living compared with other large metro areas. While the average annual salary is slightly below the national average, home sales prices, monthly rents and the overall cost of living are lower here than in other major metros.
Best Local Services in Columbus:
Columbus offers a better value than similarly sized metro areas when you compare housing costs to median household income.
Housing Costs 2024
- National Average
- $281,900
- Columbus, OH
- $226,207
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What’s the weather like in Columbus, OH?
Summers in Columbus are generally hot and relatively humid. In the winter, Columbus is spared the heavy lake-effect snow that other parts of the Midwest experience, although snow is still common.
Average Seasonal Temperature (°F)
- WINTER
- 35°
- FALL
- 56°
- SPRING
- 55°
- SUMMER
- 74°
Average Seasonal Rainfall (in)
- WINTER
- 0.12"
- FALL
- 0.08"
- SPRING
- 0.14"
- SUMMER
- 0.16"
Data sourced from the National Climatic Data Center.
Monthly High and Low Temperature (°F)
Data sourced from the National Climatic Data Center.
What's the best way to get around Columbus, OH?
Many Columbus residents opt to get around by car, and driving anywhere near the metro area is relatively easy. Those without wheels of their own can rely on local buses. The Central Ohio Transit Authority bus system runs through most of the city and surrounding suburbs. Columbus also offers CoGo Bike Share, not to mention a variety of taxi services.
If you prefer to walk, certain neighborhoods are more pedestrian-friendly than others, including the Short North, German Village, University District and Schumacher Place.
About 7 miles northeast of downtown is the John Glenn Columbus International Airport, which connects Columbus to various destinations. The Greyhound bus company also services the metro area.
Many Columbus residents opt to get around by car, and driving anywhere near the metro area is relatively easy. Those without wheels of their own can rely on local buses. The Central Ohio Transit Authority bus system runs through most of the city and surrounding suburbs. Columbus also offers CoGo Bike Share, not to mention a variety of taxi services.
If you prefer to walk, certain neighborhoods are more pedestrian-friendly than others, including the Short North, German Village, University District and Schumacher Place.
About 7 miles northeast of downtown is the John Glenn Columbus International Airport, which connects Columbus to various destinations. The Greyhound bus company also services the metro area.
Commuting in Columbus, OH
- Average Commute Time
- 26 minutes
6 minutes less than national average.
80.2%
3.8%
2.4%
0.5%
Driving
Public Transit
Walking
Bicycling
Data sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey.
Who lives in Columbus, OH?
Columbus attracts a young demographic and has many family-friendly suburbs.
Columbus has a diverse population because it is home to Ohio State University. People from around the world make the metro area their home, giving Columbus a multicultural flair.
The average annual salary is just below the national average, and as in any major metro area, pockets of poverty are interspersed with areas of affluence. Around 18% of residents live in poverty.
Age Distribution
Marital Status Breakdown
More single people in Columbus as national average.
Data sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey.
Marital Status Breakdown
More single people in Columbus as national average.
Data sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey.