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Columbus, OH

Columbus, OH

Columbus is the capital and most populous city of the U.S. state of Ohio. With a 2020 census population of 905,748, it is the 14th-most populous city in the U.S., the second-most populous city in the Midwest (after only Chicago), and the third-most populous U.S. state capital, after only Phoenix, Arizona, and Austin, Texas. Columbus is the seat of government of Franklin County; it also extends into Delaware and Fairfield counties. It is the core city of the Columbus metropolitan area, which encompasses ten counties in central Ohio. It had a population of 2,138,926 in 2020, making it the largest metropolitan area entirely in Ohio and the 32nd-largest metro area in the U.S.

Columbus originated as numerous Native American settlements on the banks of the Scioto River. Franklinton, now a city neighborhood, was the first European settlement, laid out in 1797. The city was founded in 1812 at the confluence of the Scioto and Olentangy rivers and laid out to become the state capital. The city was named after Italian explorer Christopher Columbus. The city assumed the function of state capital in 1816 and county seat in 1824. Amid steady years of growth and industrialization, the city has experienced numerous floods and recessions. Beginning in the 1950s, Columbus began to experience significant growth; it became the largest city in Ohio in land and population by the early 1990s. Growth has continued in the 21st century, with redevelopment occurring in numerous city neighborhoods, including Downtown.

The city has a diverse economy without reliance on any one sector. The metropolitan area is home to the Battelle Memorial Institute, the world's largest private research and development foundation; Chemical Abstracts Service, the world's largest clearinghouse of chemical information; and the Ohio State University, one of the largest universities in the United States. The Greater Columbus area is further home to the headquarters of six Fortune 500 companies, namely Cardinal Health, American Electric Power, L Brands, Nationwide, Bread Financial, and Huntington Bancshares.

The confluence of the Scioto and Olentangy rivers is just northwest of Downtown Columbus. Several smaller tributaries course through the Columbus metropolitan area, including Alum Creek, Big Walnut Creek, and Darby Creek. Columbus is considered to have relatively flat topography thanks to a large glacier that covered most of Ohio during the Wisconsin Ice Age. However, there are sizable differences in elevation through the area, with the high point of Franklin County being 1,132 ft (345 m) above sea level near New Albany, and the low point being 670 ft (200 m) where the Scioto River leaves the county near Lockbourne.

Several ravines near the rivers and creeks also add variety to the landscape. Tributaries to Alum Creek and the Olentangy River cut through shale, while tributaries to the Scioto River cut through limestone. The numerous rivers and streams beside low-lying areas in Central Ohio contribute to a history of flooding in the region; the most significant was the Great Flood of 1913 in Columbus, Ohio.

The city has a total area of 223.11 square miles (577.85 km2), of which 217.17 square miles (562.47 km2) is land and 5.94 square miles (15.38 km2) is water. Columbus currently has the largest land area of any Ohio city; this is due to Jim Rhodes's tactic to annex suburbs while serving as mayor. As surrounding communities grew or were constructed, they came to require access to waterlines, which were under the sole control of the municipal water system. Rhodes told these communities that if they wanted water, they would have to submit to assimilation into Columbus.

The health and wellness sector plays a significant role in Columbus, with several renowned hospitals and medical centers serving the community. The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, a leading academic medical center, provides advanced healthcare services and conducts cutting-edge research. Additionally, Nationwide Children's Hospital is one of the largest pediatric hospitals in the country, offering specialized care for children and adolescents. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs the Columbus Parks and Recreation Department offers. These spaces provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, sports, and picnicking. Join local fitness centers and gyms to participate in exercise programs, fitness classes, and strength training. Some popular options include Resolve Fitness, Fit One Four, and The Fitness Loft Columbus. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Columbus, such as the Blendon Woods and Olentangy Trail. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

Top sites in Columbus, OH are Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, and Center of Science and Industry (COSI).

Population: 913,175 (2023). ZIP code: 43229. Area codes: 614, 380. Elevation: 781 ft (238 m). Area: 226.26 sq mi (586.00 km2).

FAQs

What is Columbus, OH famous for?

Welcome to Columbus, OH, a thriving city known for its diverse neighborhoods, vibrant arts scene, and friendly community spirit. From the iconic Scioto Mile to the lively Short North Arts District, Columbus offers residents a unique blend of opportunities and experiences. Columbus is the capital city of Ohio, serving as the political and cultural hub of the state. Columbus is known for Ohio State University (OSU), a prestigious and renowned public research university that contributes to the city’s vibrant academic and intellectual atmosphere.

Is Columbus, OH expensive?

Columbus, Ohio's cost of living is 10% lower than the national average. Columbus's housing expenses are 20% lower than the national average and the utility prices are 7% lower than the national average. Transportation expenses like bus fares and gas prices are 10% lower than the national average.

Is Columbus, OH a good place to live?

Living in Columbus offers residents an urban suburban mix feel and most residents rent their homes. In Columbus, there are a lot of bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and parks. Many families and young professionals live in Columbus and residents tend to lean liberal.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Columbus

The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center

Nationwide Children's Hospital

Columbus Parks and Recreation Department 

Resolve Fitness

Fit One Four 

The Fitness Loft Columbus

Blendon Woods 

Olentangy Trail

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

Center of Science and Industry (COSI)

Redfin

Payscale

Niche

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