Columbus at a Glance
91.4
Cost of living index
~8.6% below U.S. average
21.6 min
Average commute
230 miles
Greenway trails
50+
Colleges & universities
$1,365
Median 2-bedroom rent
$301,744
Median home
Why Columbus
A city that makes it easier to feel at home
Big-city energy, small-town ease. Columbus offers short commutes, welcoming neighborhoods, riverfront greenspace, arts, sports, restaurants and year-round events.
Top 10 Best Big City
Best Place to Live in Ohio
Top 5 City for Young Professionals
Most Fun Places to Live in the U.S.
Find your fit
Neighborhoods Near Nationwide Children’s
Whether you want historic charm, walkable streets, family-friendly suburbs or downtown energy, Columbus has a neighborhood that can fit your lifestyle.
German Village
Brick-paved streets and 19th-century homes; cafés and parks minutes from downtown.
Short North
Art galleries, independent shops, restaurants and nightlife along High Street.
Victorian Village
Historic homes on walkable streets; next to dog-friendly Goodale Park.
Arena District
Walk to Nationwide Arena, Huntington Park and KEMBA Live!; newer flats and studios.
Merion Village
Historic charm and urban energy with community gardens and green space.
Clintonville
Family-friendly, older-style homes just north of Ohio State.
Grandview & Marble Cliff
Close-in neighborhoods with historic character, popular with young professionals.
Suburbs & Nearby Towns
Dublin, Gahanna, New Albany, Upper Arlington, Worthington, Westerville, Granville and Delaware offer more options for every lifestyle.
Explore the city
Things to Do in Columbus
From pro sports and festivals to museums, parks and a beloved zoo, there is always something to do in Columbus.
Sports
NHL, MLS, AAA baseball, Ohio State football and PGA events year-round.
Festivals
Columbus Arts Festival, Dublin Irish Festival, Oktoberfest, Food Truck Festival, Red, White & BOOM! and Arnold Sports Festival.
Museums & Attractions
COSI, Franklin Park Conservatory, Columbus Zoo & Zoombezi Bay, Columbus Museum of Art, Wexner Center for the Arts and more.
Parks & Outdoors
Explore the Scioto Mile, Metro Parks, bike trails, playgrounds and riverfront paths.
For families
Family, Schools & Support
Columbus offers resources for every stage of life, from early child care and K–12 education to wellness support for Nationwide Children’s employees.
Early Child Care
Nationwide Children’s on-site Child Care Center supports children ages 6 weeks to 6 years.
- Curriculum-based, play-focused learning
- Close to main campus
- Convenient for working families
K–12 Education
Families can choose from public, private and charter schools across the region.
- Wide range of neighborhoods and districts
- Magnet and STEM programs available
- Ohio School Report Cards can help you explore options
Wellness & Support
Nationwide Children’s offers resources to help employees and families thrive.
- Fitness, nutrition and wellness programs
- Employee Assistance Program
- You Matter support program
Getting around
Easy to Get Here, Easy to Get Around
- COTA buses serve the city.
- Columbus is bike-friendly with Veo bike share and marked lanes.
- John Glenn International is about 10 minutes from downtown.
