10 Fun Things to Learn About Columbus Before Moving There

The Columbus metro area in Ohio is gaining more and more residents with every passing year – since 2010, the area’s population grew by more than 10%, to more than 2.1 million people now. The Mid Ohio Regional Planning Commission estimated that, by 2050, the metro’s population will surge to 3 million residents.

There are plenty of reasons why people planning to relocate would choose Columbus as their new home. The area has a diversified, robust economy that encompasses technology, banking, insurance and medical research, but also manufacturing, steel, energy generation and so on. The unemployment rate in Columbus is around 3.2%, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, lower than the national average of 3.5%.

Housing costs are another incentive for moving to Columbus. The average rent for an apartment in the Columbus metro area was $944 in January 2020, according to RentCafe. That’s significantly below the national average of $1,463. The street rate for a storage unit in Columbus was $85 this January for a standard 10×10 unit, as per Yardi Matrix data, which is also below the national average rate of $114.

If you’re planning to move to Columbus, here are some funny and interesting facts about the city, which will give you a better idea of what living in the area actually involves, and will help you decide whether it’s the right move for you – or not!

1. Columbus is young

The median age of all the people in the Columbus metro area is 36, while for those living in the city of Columbus it is even lower, at around 32. This means that Columbus, both the metro area and city, are notably younger than the nation as a whole, which has a median age of 38.2.

2. Also, quite centrally located

Although one of the city’s nicknames is Cowtown, that’s not referring to its status as a remote, backwards place – it’s simply an allusion to the bustling cattle industry the area enjoyed at the beginning of the 20^th century. Because, in truth, Columbus is anything but remote or isolated.

In fact, the area is pretty centrally located in the US. Almost 50% of the country’s total population lives within a 500-mile radius of the city. Furthermore, some of the country’s largest metropolitan areas, including New York City, Washington, DC, Chicago, Philadelphia, Detroit and Pittsburgh, are located within three to eight hours’ driving distance.

3. The German Village takes you back in time

This historical Columbus neighborhood is located close to the Downtown area but manages to take you away from the chaos and the noise of a modern metropolis and transport you back to simpler, quieter times. The neighborhood was settled by German immigrants in the early 19^th century and has kept its historic architecture and old-world charm to this day. The streets lined with sturdy, flower-adorned red-brick buildings make the perfect place for a leisurely stroll. Take a break in one of the many cafes to enjoy sausages, pastries and other typical German treats.

4. There are some cool corn statues

The Dublin neighborhood in the Columbus metro area is home to an unconventional, unique art installation created in 1994 by artist Michael Cochran. The Field of Corn, a homage to the region’s agricultural roots, consist of 109 ears of corn, made of concrete, each of them about 6 feet tall. The art installation is locally known as “Cornhenge,” proving that the residents have an appreciation for the arts and an equally great sense of humor.

5. Whistling is allowed

Columbus has the only factory in the United States that still manufactures metal whistles. The American Whistle Corporation offers free, 45-minute factory tours for guests during weekdays, and you’ll get to see a lot of cool, old and new machinery that is used to make brass whistles. And, obviously, you’ll get to whistle a lot.

6. Fast food is definitely on the menu

Columbusites have a penchant for delicious fast food, proven by the fact that two of the country’s most popular fast food chains are based here. The very first Wendy’s restaurant opened in Columbus in 1969, and the chain is still headquartered in the city. The White Castle burger chain, which was established in Kansas as early as 1921, moved to Columbus in 1933, and its HQ offices are also still here today.

7. The free-spirited Doo Dah Parade takes place every summer

Initially conceived in Pasadena, CA, the flamboyant Doo Dah Parade fell on fertile ground in Columbus, where it’s celebrated every year in early July. The satirical parade has celebrated lunacy and the freedom of the human spirit in Columbus ever since 1983.

8. Paintings are brought to life through…. gardening

Columbus residents have a knack for quirky art, demonstrated by the existence of Cornhenge, but also by the displays at the city’s Topiary Park. One of the most famous impressionist paintings ever is George Seurat’s “A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte,” showing a group of picnickers enjoying their meals and doing other fun activities. The characters in the painting were recreated at Columbus’s Topiary Park out of…. large bushes.

9. The city’s historic theater is almost 125 years old

The Southern Theater in Columbus is one of the oldest in the state – it opened back in 1896, which makes it a venerable 124-year-old institution. It currently hosts not only plays but also opera and other live concerts. Its architecture features concentric arches that create superior acoustics and make for a spectacular sight – so you should visit the theater even if you’re not interested in plays and concerts.

10. The Short North arts district is a fun place to be

The Short North neighborhood, located just north of Downtown, is a hip and artsy place, featuring plenty of art galleries, cafés, pubs, restaurants and so on. Metal archways installed by the city are reminiscent of the archways that adorned the area in the 19^th century and inspired the city’s nickname of “Arch City.” There’s also the monthly “Gallery Hop” event, encouraging residents to get in touch with local artists.

Are there any other cool facts you know and want to share about Columbus, Ohio? Please let us know in the comments!