Columbus vs Austin (live, state, better, largest)

[czb2004]

These cities are both growing cities, roughly the same size, state capitals, college towns, etc. So which do you think is better, what are the pro's and cons of each city, which has the better economy, public transportation, amenities, weather, entertainment, school/colleges, architecture, future etc...?

[grapico]

Thank you for creating this thread. Do you have a poll? Columbus seems to have less appeal as of late, but I think it might be the better city. Austin to me has always seemed overhype, I don't see much difference in it except a Texas version of Columbus. I think Columbus might have better neighborhoods and a more family vibe, for better or worse.

[SweethomeSanAntonio]

Columbus is an older city so it is more developed, neighborhoods, downtown, over infrastructure. So I would give Columbus points there over Austin, but Austin is building itself up quite nicely and has more of an identity, and less of a anywhere USA, like Columbus. Austin also has a nice backdrop, the Texas Hill country. Plus Austin is growing much faster. I give the win to Austin even though the place gets on my nerves sometimes.

[czb2004]

Just some info for comparison:

Austin
City Population: 790,390
Metro Population: 1,716,291
Density: 2,983.7/sq mi
University of Texas: Over 50,000 students
Transit: Light rail and bus
Number of Skyscrapers (Buildings over 180 ft): 46

Columbus
City Population: 787,033
Metro Population: 1,836,536
Density: 3,556.1/sq mi
Ohio State: 55,014 students
Transit: Bus only
Number of Skyscrapers (over 180 ft): 30

[jr1038]

Originally Posted by SweethomeSanAntonio

Columbus is an older city so it is more developed, neighborhoods, downtown, over infrastructure. So I would give Columbus points there over Austin, but Austin is building itself up quite nicely and has more of an identity, and less of a anywhere USA, like Columbus. Austin also has a nice backdrop, the Texas Hill country. Plus Austin is growing much faster. I give the win to Austin even though the place gets on my nerves sometimes.

Having been to Columbus and having lived in Austin, I agree with this assessment. Columbus has a better urban environment in the core and some amenities Austin doesn't have. Austin has a prettier setting and is a more unique, vibrant, and dynamic place, for better or worse. Columbus is growing and improving, but I think Austin has more momentum these days and probably the better future in the long term.

[grapico]

Originally Posted by jr1038

Having been to Columbus and having lived in Austin, I agree with this assessment. Columbus has a better urban environment in the core and some amenities Austin doesn't have. Austin has a prettier setting and is a more unique, vibrant, and dynamic place, for better or worse. Columbus is growing and improving, but I think Austin has more momentum these days and probably the better future in the long term.

Columbus has a professional hockey team which is a huge plus. There is a big difference in having a pro home town team vs having to drive somewhere an hour or so if you want to see it.

I also saw where 1/2 the countries population lives within 550 sq miles of Columbus, so better access for weekend get aways in diff directions. Austin has the more middle of nowhere feel to it, but seems hipper, at least from what I see in the media.

These cities are hard for me to get a grasp on.

[MrPortCity]

Originally Posted by grapico

Columbus has a professional hockey team which is a huge plus. There is a big difference in having a pro home town team vs having to drive somewhere an hour or so if you want to see it.

I also saw where 1/2 the countries population lives within 550 sq miles of Columbus, so better access for weekend get aways in diff directions. Austin has the more middle of nowhere feel to it, but seems hipper, at least from what I see in the media.

These cities are hard for me to get a grasp on.

Within 550 Miles
Columbus: 148,437,375
Austin: 40,173,105

250 Miles
Columbus: 35,340,270
Austin: 21,276,683

100 Miles
Columbus: 6,812,430
Austin: 5,049,042

[grapico]

cool stats.

I consider that 500 mile range a comfortable days drive.

[westhou]

My vote goes to Austin. It's able to trump the 3 largest cities in Texas so it can easily trump Columbus.

[SweethomeSanAntonio]

Originally Posted by westhou

My vote goes to Austin. It's able to trump the 3 largest cities in Texas so it can easily trump Columbus.

Then Austin woke up, yawned, stretched, and rolled out of bed.