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Columbus, GA

Frequently asked questions

Columbus, GA

Columbus is a consolidated city-county located on the west-central border of the U.S. state of Georgia. Columbus lies on the Chattahoochee River directly across from Phenix City, Alabama. It is the county seat of Muscogee County, with which it officially merged in 1970; the original merger excluded Bibb City, which joined in 2000 after dissolving its city charter.

Columbus is the second most populous city in Georgia (after Atlanta), and fields the state's fourth-largest metropolitan area. At the 2020 U.S. census, Columbus had a population of 206,922, with 328,883 in the Columbus metropolitan statistical area. The metro area joins the nearby Alabama cities of Auburn and Opelika to form the Columbus–Auburn–Opelika combined statistical area, which had a population of 563,967 in 2020.

Columbus lies 100 miles (160 km) southwest of Atlanta. Fort Moore, the United States Army's Maneuver Center of Excellence and a major employer is located south of the city in southern Muscogee and Chattahoochee counties. Columbus is home to museums and tourism sites, including the National Infantry Museum, dedicated to the U.S. Army's Infantry Branch. It has the longest urban whitewater rafting course in the world constructed on the Chattahoochee River.

Columbus is one of Georgia's three Fall Line cities, along with Augusta and Macon. The Fall Line is where the hilly lands of the Piedmont plateau meet the flat terrain of the coastal plain. As such, Columbus has a varied landscape of rolling hills on the north side and flat plains on the south. The fall line causes rivers in the area to decline rapidly towards sea level. Textile mills were established here in the 19th and early 20th centuries to take advantage of the water power from the falls.

Interstate 185 runs north-south through the middle of the city, with nine exits within Muscogee County. I-185 runs north about 50 mi (80 km) from its beginning to a junction with I-85 just east of LaGrange and about 60 mi (97 km) southwest of Atlanta. U.S. Route 27, U.S. Route 280, and Georgia State Route 520 (known as South Georgia Parkway) all meet in the interior of the city. U.S. Route 80 runs through the northern part of the city, locally known as J.R. Allen Parkway; Alternate U.S. Route 27 and Georgia State Route 85 run northeast from the city, locally known as Manchester Expressway.

The city is located at 32°29′23″N 84°56′26″W. According to the US Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 221.0 square miles (572 km²), of which 216.3 square miles (560 km²) are land and 4.7 square miles (12 km²) (2.14%) are covered by water. Columbus borders Phenix City, its largest suburb (in Alabama). Columbus also borders Chattahoochee, Talbot, Harris, and Russell County, which is in Alabama.

Columbus places a strong emphasis on health and wellness for its residents. The healthcare sector in Columbus is robust, with institutions such as St. Francis-Emory Healthcare and Piedmont Columbus Regional providing comprehensive medical services to residents. For a rejuvenating spa experience, visit Massage Envy for various therapeutic massages and skincare services. Tri-Therapy of Columbus offers specialized massage therapy and reflexology. Fitness enthusiasts can join CrossFit Sacrifice, known for its high-intensity workouts. For those who enjoy yoga, Art of Yoga Columbus Georgia, and Riverflow Yoga provide a serene environment for practicing different yoga styles. 

Top sites in Columbus, GA are The National Infantry Museum, Coca-Cola Space Science Center, The Columbus Museum, and National Civil War Naval Museum.

Population: 201,830 (2024). ZIP codes: 31820, 31829, 31900–09, 31914, 31917, 31993–94, 31997–99. Area codes: 706, 762. Elevation: 283 ft (86 m). Area: 221.01 sq mi (572.42 km²).

FAQs

Is Columbus, GA a nice place to live?

More people are finding the life they love when they move to Columbus, GA, a place where all feel welcome to leverage their potential and create something worthwhile. From innovative entrepreneurs to exciting new developments, this midsized city in west-central Georgia is experiencing exciting momentum. The region’s affordability is attracting new residents to the area. With typical home prices well below the state and national averages at around $162,000 (Zillow, December 2023), it’s no wonder Columbus made it to the No. 3 spot on Forbes’ list of Cheapest Places to Live (with the Best Weather). Income goes further in Columbus, where, according to payscale.com, the overall cost of living is 16% lower than in metros like Atlanta.

Why do people visit Columbus, GA?

Columbus earns its reputation for thrilling whitewater rafting experiences along the Chattahoochee River. The city offers the world’s longest urban whitewater rafting course, attracting adventure seekers and outdoor enthusiasts. With various rapids and scenic views, Columbus provides an exhilarating and unforgettable rafting adventure for visitors of all skill levels.

What is Columbus, GA best known for?

Columbus lies 100 miles (160 km) southwest of Atlanta. Fort Moore, the United States Army's Maneuver Center of Excellence and a major employer is located south of the city in southern Muscogee and Chattahoochee counties. Columbus is home to museums and tourism sites, including the National Infantry Museum, dedicated to the U.S. Army's Infantry Branch. It has the longest urban whitewater rafting course in the world constructed on the Chattahoochee River.

Sources

City of Columbus

Wikipedia

Livability

Redfin

The National Infantry Museum 

Coca-Cola Space Science Center 

The Columbus Museum 

National Civil War Naval Museum

St. Francis-Emory Healthcare

Piedmont Columbus Regional

Massage Envy

Tri-Therapy of Columbus

CrossFit Sacrifice

Art of Yoga Columbus Georgia

Riverflow Yoga

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