Desirous about shifting to Columbus, Georgia? There’s loads to like about this metropolis in Muscogee County.
Whether or not you’re into historical past, a various mixture of cultures, or simply wish to get pleasure from life by the Chattahoochee River, Columbus has one thing for everybody.
Columbus isn’t a small city—with a inhabitants near 200,000, there’s all the time one thing occurring.
The river provides loads of out of doors enjoyable, from kayaking to climbing, making it a fantastic place for individuals who like to be exterior.
However similar to another place, Columbus has its ups and downs.
So, if you happen to’re eager about making the transfer, it’s a good suggestion to get the total image first.
Professionals of dwelling in Columbus, GA
Listed below are the explanation why Columbus, GA, is a beautiful place to dwell.
Reasonably priced Housing
Properties in Columbus are normally extra inexpensive than in different close by cities, with the common itemizing worth sitting at $199k as of 2023.
So proudly owning your personal place right here received’t drain your pockets.
Whether or not you’re a younger skilled shopping for your first residence or a household in want of extra room, you’ll discover budget-friendly choices.
And let’s not neglect about property taxes—they’re fairly low too, averaging round 0.87%.
Abundance of Outside Actions
Columbus is a haven for out of doors lovers. With scenic spots just like the Chattahoochee Riverwalk and Lake Harding, there’s all the time a possibility to hike, bike, or fish.
For those who’re within the temper for a brief drive, FDR State Park is simply half-hour to the north in Pine Mountain, providing one more lovely backdrop on your out of doors actions.
Whilst you’re up there, Heat Springs is price a go to too. Head about 30 to 45 minutes south and also you’ll discover Windfall Canyon close to Lumpkin, a shocking pure formation that’s particularly lovely when the distinctive azaleas are in bloom.
For individuals who love an adrenaline rush, Columbus has its personal white water course at Rush South, proper close to the Riverwalk.
The native firm, White Water Categorical, organizes group rafting journeys. They even provide zip strains that span the river in addition to a treetop journey course.
Past Columbus, each Georgia and Alabama provide a wealth of state parks excellent for weekend climbing adventures.
Locations like Talladega Nationwide Forest, Amicalola Falls, Conecuh Nationwide Forest, and Chattahoochee Nationwide Forest are all nice choices for a nature-filled getaway.
Thriving Sports activities
For those who’re into sports activities, you’ll really feel proper at residence in Columbus.
Town’s acquired one thing for everybody, from baseball video games on the basic Golden Park the place the Columbus Clippers play, to ice hockey motion with the Columbus Cottonmouths.
However it’s not nearly watching—Columbus has a energetic sports activities scene with tons of rec leagues and amenities, so you possibly can be part of within the enjoyable too.
Good Climate
You’ll get to get pleasure from gentle winters and heat summers in Columbus, making it a fairly comfortable place to dwell.
With about 218 sunny days a yr, there’s loads of time to get exterior and have some enjoyable.
The great climate isn’t simply nice for spending a day on the park; it’s additionally excellent for protecting your backyard inexperienced all yr or diving into different out of doors hobbies.
A lot of Job Alternatives
Columbus has a fairly strong job market, making it a fantastic spot if you happen to’re seeking to construct a profession.
Huge names in healthcare, manufacturing, and schooling like Columbus Regional Well being System and TSYS are sometimes looking out for brand new expertise.
Even with some locations freezing hires, there’s plenty of exercise. As an illustration, Publix is ramping up hiring for its new retailer, and close by spots like Culver’s are additionally anticipated to carry on workers quickly.
For those who’re into hospitality, quick meals, or retail, you’ve acquired choices. Locations like The Loft, Mabellas, Salt Cellar, and the soon-to-open The Combine are incessantly hiring.
Plus, the town itself has a variety of jobs that don’t ask for a lot expertise however pay decently within the $15-25 per hour vary. So, don’t hesitate to use even if you happen to’re just a little quick on expertise—particularly in case your resume and software are well-prepared.
It’s not simply the standard jobs on provide, both. St. Francis Hospital, for instance, was on the hunt for roles like affected person registrars and janitors final I heard.
Safety roles are open too, notably with Allied Safety, who additionally serve Pratt & Whitney.
When it comes to commerce jobs, there are corporations that’ll rent and prepare you to grow to be an authorized electrician.
And if you happen to’re eyeing an entry-level IT position, healthcare and fintech organizations like Aflac or TSYS are price a shot.
Low Price of Residing
Georgia has many locations with a low value of dwelling, and Columbus is a standout instance.
Right here, you’ll discover the price of dwelling is a full 30% cheaper than what most People are used to.
Utilities? They’re 32% cheaper than the nationwide common.
Whether or not it’s housing, getting round city, and even simply selecting up some groceries, your cash stretches additional in Columbus.
It’s a spot the place each people and households can dwell comfortably with out stressing an excessive amount of concerning the price range.
Good Training
In Columbus, the schooling is significantly better than you would possibly initially assume.
Whereas the Muscogee County College District provides a mixture of colleges with various efficiency ranges, it’s residence to some actual gems.
Take Columbus Excessive and Britt David Elementary, for instance; these colleges aren’t simply top-tier within the district however constantly rank among the many prime 3 public colleges in all of Georgia.
Nevertheless, they’re magnet colleges, so the competitors to get in is fierce.
However don’t let common or below-average rankings idiot you. Many colleges in Columbus have specialised packages that actually elevate the educational expertise.
Wynnton Elementary could have decrease total take a look at scores, however its magnet arts program is a hotbed for creativity and has college students performing properly above the college’s common.
The beauty of Columbus colleges is the range in instructional focus—from STEM and Worldwide Baccalaureate to Mass Communication and Effective Arts, there’s a magnet program for nearly any curiosity.
This flexibility in program choices means mother and father have much less stress in the case of selecting the place to dwell within the metropolis; admissions are typically fairly simple, supplying you with the liberty to decide on a college that most accurately fits your baby’s pursuits and abilities.
If public faculty isn’t your factor, Columbus additionally provides a choice of non-public instructional choices, together with faith-based colleges and Brookstone, a secular prep faculty.
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Cons of dwelling in Columbus, GA
Now, it’s time to take into account the cons related to this metropolis earlier than deciding to relocate.
Excessive crime
Sadly, this metropolis has a repute for being one of the crucial harmful locations to dwell in Georgia.
Based on current statistics, Columbus has a criminal offense charge considerably larger than the nationwide common at 36.8 vs. 22.7. Property crimes, resembling theft and housebreaking, are notably prevalent.
Geographically, the crime panorama varies. Usually, the northern elements of the town are thought-about safer.
For those who’re seeking to purchase a house, you would possibly wish to keep away from areas south of Manchester and Macon Roads.
Loads of the violent crime reported within the information is usually gang-related.
That’s to not say it doesn’t have an effect on the group—no person needs the hazard of stray bullets.
However aside from gang exercise, crime charges are pretty typical for a metropolis of Columbus’s dimension.
Macon Street serves as an off-the-cuff dividing line, demarcating financial and, to some extent, racial strains as properly.
South of it, you’ll discover areas which might be economically deprived and have larger charges of violent crime.
North of Macon Street, the neighborhoods are wealthier and primarily expertise property crimes, typically close to purchasing facilities.
So the place do you have to take into account dwelling for a greater high quality of life? Areas to consider embody:
- Downtown and the Historic District
- Round Columbus State College’s fundamental campus
- The Lakebottom/Weracoba Park space
- Bibb Metropolis
- Waverly Terrace (regardless of some naysayers, it’s typically a quiet and good space)
For those who’re wanting northward, North Columbus would possibly provide some cheap choices.
Alternatively, Phenix Metropolis additionally has quite a lot of residences and houses for hire in additional upscale complexes.
Threat of extreme storms
In Columbus, you possibly can anticipate to come across a variety of extreme climate circumstances like hurricanes, tornadoes, and intense thunderstorms.
This not solely dangers damaging property and infrastructure however may also be a security concern.
Excessive Poverty Charge
In Columbus, practically one in 5 folks dwell underneath the poverty line, based on information from the U.S. Census Bureau.
Loads of communities within the space grapple with monetary challenges, making it powerful for a lot of to cowl primary dwelling bills.
Low Proportion of Open Land
As the town grows and new developments pop up, there’s much less and fewer room for parks and pure spots.
For those who’re somebody who likes to spend time open air, whether or not it’s climbing or simply having fun with a picnic, this is usually a little bit of a letdown.
Low Homeownership Charge
In Columbus, proudly owning a house isn’t as frequent as you would possibly discover in different elements of the nation.
Nearly 56.7% of individuals right here personal their houses, in comparison with a nationwide common of 64.4%.
Why the hole? Properly, a mixture of points comes into play. For some, monetary limitations make it powerful to take that step into homeownership.
Others is perhaps a part of the town’s ever-changing inhabitants, maybe army households or younger professionals, who discover it simpler to hire.
Both manner, renting appears to be the go-to for lots of oldsters within the space.
Is Columbus a Good Place to Stay?
Columbus is without doubt one of the finest locations to retire in Georgia, and for good cause.
Town provides a variety of facilities, from lush parks to cultural occasions, all wrapped up in a value of dwelling that received’t break the financial institution.
However it’s not simply retirees who discover worth right here; it’s additionally a unbelievable place to lift a household.
Whereas it’s true that homeownership charges are on the decrease aspect, don’t let that deter you.
The academic system, notably north of Macon Street, provides strong alternatives for teenagers.
Faculties like Columbus Excessive and Britt David Elementary incessantly rank among the many prime within the state.
Security is usually a concern, particularly in areas south of Macon Street, however similar to another metropolis, realizing the place to settle could make all of the distinction.
Town has excessive poverty charge and areas of excessive crime, however we might argue that the group spirit, instructional choices, and high quality of life outweigh the drawbacks.
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