In reviewing things to love about Columbus we put the Buckeyes at #1 not just because of the school itself, but rather what a massive, influential school like "The Ohio State" brings to a city. It directly and indirectly makes Columbus younger, more tech-centric, more LGBT friendly, more culturally diverse, and more economically sound for jobs, and real estate, and gives the population more overall confidence than other Ohio or other midwestern cities (apologies to Ann Arbor).

Now this point might seem to go without saying if you’re thinking about moving here from another Midwestern city. However, if you’re thinking about Columbus from a coast or mountain state and are going to hold Columbus to a higher standard you are going to be disappointed with the topography. Some grow to love the plains of the midwest in the same way the desert has appeal but we’re just giving you the heads up.

Many transplants from outside the Midwest will note the weather is also a challenge and those from the west coast will celebrate the four seasons. 



It's "The" Ohio State University

LookyLOO Review of Columbus

Buckeye fandom is king in Columbus. Go to any bar in town on an OSU game day and you’ll find dozens of like minded superfans fostering a spirited environment. The Columbus Blue Jackets also bring sports fans a professional team to rally around, but sports isn’t the only thing that Columbus has to offer in terms of lifestyle. 

The city is a bustling hub of art, theater and music, highlighted by the Gallery Hop on the first of every month, where local artists have the opportunity to share their work with the community. The outdoors is also surprisingly big in Columbus for a midwest city. Green spaces like the Olentangy Greenway are sprinkled throughout Ohio’s capital, offering residents the opportunity to get some fresh air without making a big drive. Enjoying everything the city has to offer is made easier by great public transit and relatively little traffic. Overall, people in Columbus are regarded as having a much wider range of interests and personalities than your typical ‘midwestern nice’ stereotype, likely the result of the city’s large size.

For a more detailed sense of what happens in Columbus check out the city [calendar of events](https://www.experiencecolumbus.com/events/).

We highly recommend visiting Columbus and staying in the community in a [VRBO](https://vrbo.com/affiliate/p4JS4ZC) rather than a hotel to get a feel for what it's like to live among the locals. You can receive discounted fares on travel via our [partnership with Expedia](expedia.com/affiliate/9NZ8LBQ) as well.

Lifestyle

Columbus is regarded as having a diverse economy, and having the second largest population in the Midwest (behind Chicago) there are opportunities across a wide range of industries. I know this is probably getting redundant, but we’re gonna start with OSU. The university, along with the area’s other school systems, employ a substantial number of Columbus residents. Columbus also shares the dual responsibility of being the county seat and the state capital of Ohio, creating a substantial number of political opportunities. Bath & Body Works Inc. is headquartered in Columbus and is one of the biggest employers in the area. 


Worklife

We found a description of the public school system in Columbus that is extremely helpful and want to share in giving guidance to the LookyLOO community about the district process and quality: 

**djsassan**
Updated 1y ago

First, you have to take your child to the enrollment center by Fort Hayes. They will do a small assessment to make sure your child is ready for kindergarten and will not need special services. This is done starting in January if I recall (double check, may be sooner). It is a standard practice.

Next, you will start getting blasted with emails and calls about School Choice. You may enter a lottery to try to send your child elsewhere, and they will transport. Things to consider are how competetive that school is, how long of a bus ride will it be for a 5 year old, etc. For example, Kenwood is an all-French school you must start in either first or second grade, or else they will not accept becaude the student is then too far behind in the language. It is a higher rated CCS school, but do you want your child to learn French and ride a bus an hour a day from ghe far east side, for example. This is purely a hyopthetical of the pros and cons.

Other options include alternative schools, catholic schools that offer financial assistance, or charter schools. Some charter schools are pathetic money grabs, others are phenomenal and work with districts as an alternative to traditional school i.e STEM-based, music-based, etc. You really do have to research. No comment on catholic schools, others are better-suited to respond than I am.

There are some really good CCS schools that are brought down in scores because of influx of other populations. Again as an EXAMPLE - A high ESL population MAY NOT do as well in testing, so they could bring down the overall average. Some schools really do need help, others really are great. My kids' principal is an absolute all-star, the staff loves her, the students love her, the parents love the school, but they are technically a mid-tier school due to test scores. I have zero concern about my kids' education at that school and in fact they have done very well.

Some schools are pure crap. This is anywhere. You have to tour, talk to parents, and filter out. The problem with CCS is mostly not the teachers, it is an absolute out of touch administration that is not spending wisely. The Parent Portal is a joke. It must have been designed in 1997 and was made only to be compatible with Netscape as the browser. Each school has a website, but they are no better than a geocities page. Facilities are struggling, etc etc. That's not on the school leadership, but on those above the people IN the school.

I'm not an educator, but I am very pasionate about this because education solves a LOT of social topic. An educated person is the scariest type of person, because knowledge is power.

Wish you the best in your selection of path, but my biggest advice is do not be afraid to ask questions or to go see a school. If they feed you fluff and dont want to tour you, walk away.

Link to person writing this summary: https://www.reddit.com/r/Columbus/comments/15jqq7y/how_does_the_school_system_work_in_columbus/



Schools

Nearly everything you could want from your precious bigger city is available in Columbus: arts, sports, nightlife, diverse population, diverse economy and the rest but without much of the hassles of a high cost of living, or insane traffic, or the rest. You get all of the bigger city experiences without many of the downsides. If you’re looking for a better place to bail to, and think the midwest could work, Columbus is hard to beat. If you’re truly unsure about the Midwest (or at least Ohio) then remember that tagline they never adopted -- ***Columbus, We Are So Not Ohio***. 


It’s A Pearl

Why You Should Move Here Now?

**Expensive_Case9796**
Living in Columbus
1y ago
✭✭✭✭

Columbus overall is a great place to be. I like to think of it as the smallest big city if that makes any sense. The arts community here is so strong and really translates to day to day life. There are murals everywhere you look, a ton of festivals and events, and so many galleries and cool exhibits to see. Columbus is more like a bunch of smaller cities put together to make one big city. I live downtown (and i definitely recommend it) but other than that i don’t really know anyone relatively close to downtown. Most people live in the smaller cities that surround downtown (opposed to bigger cities where most people you know live in an apartment in the downtown area). Another great thing about cbus is that the people are SO NICE. Of course not everyone is nice but probably 9 times out of 10 if you are talking to someone they are smiling and being kind which i love. There’s a shopping center called Easton and it’s Wexner’s big project. I think it’s one of the biggest if not the biggest shopping center in the US. Even if you aren’t looking to shop there’s still an infinite amount of restaurants and stuff to do so you can always find an excuse to go to Easton. Ohio state football is a staple here. Believe it or not, they statistically have one of the biggest and most loyal fan bases of anything ever. If you don’t believe it, move here and you’ll believe it. Columbus people go absolutely NUTSO for the buckeyes. The transportation issue is a big con. You need a car if you live here. There are buses but they don’t really get you anywhere fast, the people on them can be a little scary, and they break down all the time. Overall though, Cbus is an amazing city and even though it’s no New York or anything, I still feel as if you get the big city feel and a small community feel at the same time. Also, it’s the biggest growing city in the US right now. We just got a bunch of new companies (Intel, Google, Amazon, etc) moving here. I’m a huge cbus advocate and i can’t recommend moving here enough.

If you're interested in hearing from other locals check out: [**The Reviews**](https://lookyloomove.com/locations/columbus/reviews).



It’s Flat (but fun)

Reviews of Columbus from Locals

**The Best Thing About Columbus?** The Ohio State University 

We put the Buckeyes as the #1 thing about Columbus not because the school itself is the thing, but rather what a massive, influential school like Ohio State brings to a city. It directly and indirectly makes Columbus younger, more tech-centric, more LGBT friendly, more culturally diverse, and more economically sound for jobs, real estate, and gives the population more overall confidence than other Ohio or other midwestern cities (apologies to Ann Arbor). 

**The Worst Thing About Columbus?** It’s Flat

Now this point might seem to go without saying if you’re thinking about moving here from another Midwestern city. However, if you’re thinking about Columbus from a coast or mountain state and are going to hold Columbus to a higher standard you are going to be disappointed with the topography. Some grow to love the plains of the midwest in the same way the desert has appeal but we’re just giving you the heads up. 

**How You Living?** Surrounded By Brick

Columbus has so many beautiful historic neighborhoods(they call them districts) that are dominated by sturdy brick homes, brick apartment buildings, brick rowhouses and renovated brick buildings that house much of the commercial district businesses. The Short North is a great example of all this; with lots of art galleries, boutique retail, bars, coffee spots and plenty of walkable housing (all made of brick). Whether you’re a young single looking for a social neighborhood or a family looking for bigger homes and some land you’ll find it here (and much of it will be brick). 


**Why You Should Move Here Now?** It’s A Pearl

Nearly everything you could want from your precious bigger city is available in Columbus: arts, sports, nightlife, diverse population, diverse economy and the rest but without much of the hassles of a high cost of living, or insane traffic, or the rest. You get all of the bigger city experiences without many of the downsides. If you’re looking for a better place to bail to and think the midwest could work Columbus is hard to beat. If you’re truly unsure about the Midwest (or at least Ohio) then remember that tagline they never adopted: Columbus: We Are So Not Ohio. 


University District is the center of off-campus living. The area surrounds campus, all within walking distance, and made up of apartment buildings, townhomes and homes split up into apartments. Tons of restaurants, bars and entertainment options including movie theaters and concert spots make it the first stop for OSU students. https://offcampus.osu.edu/resources/off-campus-resources/columbus-neighborhoods/
- The University District
- Victorian Village/Italian Village
- Short North
- Arena District


College Students

University District

Italian Village is a hotspot for young professionals looking for an active social scene but not right in the heart of the University District. More boutique housing options upgrades it a bit from the apartment complexes in the college neighborhoods. German Village is another good option for those who want a bit more outdoor lifestyle – parks, picnic areas, softball fields, fishing ponds and outdoor theater make it a social and outdoor center of the city. 
- Italian Village
- German Village
- Short North


Young Professionals

Italian Village

River South District is an interesting alternative to the core University and Village neighborhoods. A bit more of a chill spot with beautiful river views, walking, biking and doggo play areas, it houses the Cultural Arts Center and of course runs along the river south of the city center. 
- River South District
- King-Lincoln


DINKs/SINKs

River South District

Columbus has several popular neighborhoods with the LGBTQ+ community. German Village is the most partnered with gay couples and is filled with German pubs, art galleries and at times the German Village Society offers a “Gay Pioneers Tour” that explores the queer history of the neighborhood and Columbus. 
- German Village
- Short North

LGBTQ+

German Village

Westgate is one of the most rock-steady family neighborhoods in the city. Anchored by the 46-acre Westgate Park, the beautiful homes both have their own wonderful yards and tree-lined streets, but also amazing play options at the park on the tennis courts, athletic fields, and a fishing pond. Eastmoor is another great option, just five miles from downtown and filled with the most diverse community in the city. Residents do an amazing job taking care of the plentiful common green areas and creating as tight a bond as any neighborhood in the city. 
- Westgate
- Eastmoor
- Merion Village


Families

Westgate

Columbus

**Anonymous**
6 months ago
🦉🦉🦉🦉

I am originally from here but lived in LA for a couple years. For me, the best thing about moving back was just how easy it is to do things here, unless you have lived in a big city that can be hard to appreciate, but in Columbus you can get to anywhere in the city from anywhere else within 30 mins, you can drive, park (usually for free 😮) and just walk in with pretty much no inconvenience. In addition to the cost of living, that was kind of the best. In response to the other person's comment about the people, I didn't really find them too different from one another, but Columbus has a lot less cultural diversity than CA overall - not to say there is none, but in CA cities the diversity is much more prominent.

The worst thing about living here is probably just the lack of proximity to the ocean, but overall I absolutely love it and lake Erie being only 2 hours away can give you that large body of water fix if you need it.

**Beneficial_Card5609**
Living in Columbus
1y ago
🦉🦉🦉

For me, I really like the variety. Going out in German village is different from going out in the short north which feels different from going out in Old Towne East , East Franklinton, or even Clintonville. I really like the food scene that's developed here in Columbus, and I always feel like something fun is happening every weekend in the summers.

Cons for me would be winter. I feel like the sky turns gray for several months and it is just wet and slushy outside - we don't really get much snow anymore. Also it's pretty tough to buy a house here right now due to both lack of supply and increasing cost. There's a lot of new infrastructure coming to Columbus- Intel plant, HP, and Amazon. Things are going to start becoming more expensive around here.

**Expensive_Case9796**
Living in Columbus
1y ago
🦉🦉🦉🦉

Columbus overall is a great place to be. I like to think of it as the smallest big city if that makes any sense. The arts community here is so strong and really translates to day to day life. There are murals everywhere you look, a ton of festivals and events, and so many galleries and cool exhibits to see. Columbus is more like a bunch of smaller cities put together to make one big city. I live downtown (and i definitely recommend it) but other than that i don’t really know anyone relatively close to downtown. Most people live in the smaller cities that surround downtown (opposed to bigger cities where most people you know live in an apartment in the downtown area). Another great thing about cbus is that the people are SO NICE. Of course not everyone is nice but probably 9 times out of 10 if you are talking to someone they are smiling and being kind which i love. There’s a shopping center called Easton and it’s Wexner’s big project. I think it’s one of the biggest if not the biggest shopping center in the US. Even if you aren’t looking to shop there’s still an infinite amount of restaurants and stuff to do so you can always find an excuse to go to Easton. Ohio state football is a staple here. Believe it or not, they statistically have one of the biggest and most loyal fan bases of anything ever. If you don’t believe it, move here and you’ll believe it. Columbus people go absolutely NUTSO for the buckeyes. The transportation issue is a big con. You need a car if you live here. There are buses but they don’t really get you anywhere fast, the people on them can be a little scary, and they break down all the time. Overall though, Cbus is an amazing city and even though it’s no New York or anything, I still feel as if you get the big city feel and a small community feel at the same time. Also, it’s the biggest growing city in the US right now. We just got a bunch of new companies (Intel, Google, Amazon, etc) moving here. I’m a huge cbus advocate and i can’t recommend moving here enough.

**Zezimom**
Living in Columbus
1y ago
🦉🦉🦉

It’s not quite there yet for that big urban city feeling. It does have a thriving and vibrant college town vibe though. The best part is the outdoor recreation. Columbus has many beautiful metro parks nearby as well an amazing nature scene surrounding the Columbus area in every direction within an hour.

You could go hiking at some of the best trails in the state at Hocking Hills State Park/Conkles Hollow State Nature Preserve, John Bryan State Park/Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve, Mohican State Park, and Blackhand Gorge State Nature Preserve within about an hour of the Columbus area.

You could also go boating at Delaware State Park, Alum Creek State Park, Buckeye Lake State Park, Caesar Creek State Park, Buck Creek State Park, Deer Creek State Park, Dillon State Park, Indian Lake State Park, Paint Creek State Park, Lake Hope State Park, and Pleasant Hill Lake Park within about an hour of the Columbus area.

Columbus, Ohio

We Are So Not Ohio

Looklyloo Score: 89