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I happen to from the Deep South in New Orleans, LA. I'm thinking about a possible move to Columbus for OSU. To me, OSU is ideal because of its location in a major city.
I am not familiar with Columbus at all like I am with Indianapolis due to having family living here.
If I enjoy Indy, will I like Columbus too? Indy is great because of its Downtown, pro sports, close distance to Chicago, and its affordable cost of living; however, its public universities aren't that great unless you go an hour away to either Purdue University in West Lafayette or Indiana University in Bloomington. Anyway, I heard both cities are so similar except for the friendliness of its residents.
Are people in Columbus and Ohio generally standoffish? No offense, I would like to know about the friendliness of the residents.
Is Columbus really doing well out of the entire state that is struggling economically?
Last edited by NewOrleanianLA1; 04-27-2012 at 02:12 PM..
I happen to from the Deep South in New Orleans, LA. I'm thinking about a possible move to Columbus for OSU. To me, OSU is ideal because of its location in a major city.
I am not familiar with Columbus at all like I am with Indianapolis due to having family living here.
If I enjoy Indy, will I like Columbus too? Indy is great because of its Downtown, pro sports, close distance to Chicago, and its affordable cost of living; however, its public universities aren't that great unless you go an hour away to either Purdue University in West Lafayette or Indiana University in Bloomington. Anyway, I heard both cities are so similar except for the friendliness of its residents.
Are people in Columbus and Ohio generally standoffish? No offense, I would like to know about the friendliness of the residents.
Is Columbus really doing well out of the entire state that is struggling economically?
If I enjoy Indy, will I like Columbus too? I always like to compare Columbus and Indy as sister cities. They are so familiar yet so unique at the same time. I enjoy Columbus and I enjoy Indianapolis both the same, however, you will find many small differences here and there.
Are people in Columbus and Ohio generally standoffish? I have never had the immpression that all people in Columbus act the same, as I wouldnt anywhere else. I consider the majority of Columbus to be friendly (maybe not on the freeways).
Is Columbus really doing well out of the entire state that is struggling economically? Definitely. Columbus and central Ohio were the fastest growing sections of the state, Columbus proper was the only major city to gain population. Columbus has always faired well during economic downturns, largely due to the diverse workforce. Columbus is wrapped around rust-belt cities and Columbus never really grew any large industrial districts like Pittsburgh or Cleveland. Any job you can think of, we have it in Columbus. (Almost anyways)
If I enjoy Indy, will I like Columbus too? I always like to compare Columbus and Indy as sister cities. They are so familiar yet so unique at the same time. I enjoy Columbus and I enjoy Indianapolis both the same, however, you will find many small differences here and there.
Are people in Columbus and Ohio generally standoffish? I have never had the immpression that all people in Columbus act the same, as I wouldnt anywhere else. I consider the majority of Columbus to be friendly (maybe not on the freeways).
Is Columbus really doing well out of the entire state that is struggling economically? Definitely. Columbus and central Ohio were the fastest growing sections of the state, Columbus proper was the only major city to gain population. Columbus has always faired well during economic downturns, largely due to the diverse workforce. Columbus is wrapped around rust-belt cities and Columbus never really grew any large industrial districts like Pittsburgh or Cleveland. Any job you can think of, we have it in Columbus. (Almost anyways)
Thank you for your helpful post! I'm glad to hear that Columbus is generally friendly because you don't get to hear that often about Ohio. That's wonderful about Columbus' economy!
My father happens to be a truck driver who goes through Ohio and socialize with other Ohioans at truck stops frequently. It was his impression but I even don't expect Ohioans to be friendly as the southerners anyway.
I happen to have one more question. Is Columbus an overall attractive city to live with vibrant neighborhoods with fewer bad areas/ghettos? It's the main reason I am leaving the city of New Orleans.
I found this photo album from Columbus Picture Thread. It looks uglier and more ghetto than any of Indy's ghettos with many symbols of gangs.
Thank you for your helpful post! I'm glad to hear that Columbus is generally friendly because you don't get to hear that often about Ohio. That's wonderful about Columbus' economy!
My father happens to be a truck driver who goes through Ohio and socialize with other Ohioans at truck stops frequently. It was his impression but I even don't expect Ohioans to be friendly as the southerners anyway.
I happen to have one more question. Is Columbus an overall attractive city to live with vibrant neighborhoods with fewer bad areas/ghettos? It's the main reason I am leaving the city of New Orleans.
I found this photo album from Columbus Picture Thread. It looks uglier and more ghetto than any of Indy's ghettos with many symbols of gangs.
I hope this is not what Columbus mostly looks like! I hope someone proves me wrong.
I'm a little surprised that there's an image of unfriendliness, not just about Columbus, but Ohio in general. I've been to all the major cities in the state, lived in Columbus most of my life, etc, and never encountered that beyond some individuals. Overall, I've always found the people of the state to be friendly. There are going to be some cultural differences from the South, and I think some of them are often mistaken for rudeness. For example, I have found Midwesterners generally have a longer wait-and-see phase when it comes to people before fully opening up, but once they do, they are truly loyal friends. And of course, though, everyone is going to be different. I don't think you should have trouble finding friends, especially at OSU where there are so many people from all over the country and internationally.
That link seems to show only one side of the city, and imo, a very small portion. From the pics, it looks like East Franklinton and parts of the East Side. I know the one large building pictured is Poindexter Tower, part of one of the first public housing projects. It's scheduled to be torn down later this year. Both areas are seeing increased amounts of gentrification over time. Either way, there are not as nice parts to every city. Columbus has FAR more nicer neighborhoods than anything in that link. I think the photographer just intentionally chose urban blight to focus on. I would definitely encourage you to take a look through Google Earth or something to get a more accurate impression. The attached pic is one of my favorite taken of the Scioto Mile.
I'm a little surprised that there's an image of unfriendliness, not just about Columbus, but Ohio in general. I've been to all the major cities in the state, lived in Columbus most of my life, etc, and never encountered that beyond some individuals. Overall, I've always found the people of the state to be friendly. There are going to be some cultural differences from the South, and I think some of them are often mistaken for rudeness. For example, I have found Midwesterners generally have a longer wait-and-see phase when it comes to people before fully opening up, but once they do, they are truly loyal friends. And of course, though, everyone is going to be different. I don't think you should have trouble finding friends, especially at OSU where there are so many people from all over the country and internationally.
That link seems to show only one side of the city, and imo, a very small portion. From the pics, it looks like East Franklinton and parts of the East Side. I know the one large building pictured is Poindexter Tower, part of one of the first public housing projects. It's scheduled to be torn down later this year. Both areas are seeing increased amounts of gentrification over time. Either way, there are not as nice parts to every city. Columbus has FAR more nicer neighborhoods than anything in that link. I think the photographer just intentionally chose urban blight to focus on. I would definitely encourage you to take a look through Google Earth or something to get a more accurate impression. The attached pic is one of my favorite taken of the Scioto Mile.
Thanks for sharing your photo with me! Columbus does look more urban with vibrant Downtown.
When I looked at the map of Columbus, I noticed something that Indianapolis lacks: an interstate loop circling Downtown area making Columbus more accessible to the interstates.
I admit I love most of Indy's neighborhoods; however, too many red lights can be very tiresome!
One main difference: OSU football is huge here. In general, I've learned that if I don't have anything good to say about it, I should keep my trap shut. People can be extreme fanatics about the Buckeyes.
Other than that, people are generally friendly. I moved from a smaller area and had no trouble being accepted. There are tons of churches, organizations, and volunteer activities, so if someone whines about "not meeting anyone," s/he isn't trying. There are also many family activities, as well.
Like Indy, Columbus has a number of neighborhoods and 'burbs. Some are ritzy, like the Dublin area, where the Memorial Golf Tourney is held, and others, like parts of Westerville, are more affordable.
Also, like Indy, there is a belt, and traffic can be horrible during rush hour, so you should keep your commute in mind when you're deciding where to live. There are bike trails and buses, but the vast majority of us drive!
I can't say much about the night entertainment scene because I work a lot and mostly hang out at home watching movies and reading when I'm off, but I can tell you that there are plenty of places to rent movies, an extensive library system (branches all over!), and plenty of shopping opportunities from malls to one-of-a-kind boutiques, as well as plenty of restaurants from the chains to upscale to ethnic, especially around the OSU campus. There's something for almost everyone in every price range.
Travel-wise, it's 2 hours from Cinci, 2 hours from Lake Erie (don't miss the Lake Erie Islands!), 90 minutes from Amish Country, and about 90 minutes from Hocking Hills. I don't go to Cleveland, but we're about 2 hours from there. If you miss going to Chicago, that's only 6 hours.
Employment is lower than it ought to be, but it's the bright spot in the state and with the casino going in, that'll help.
Best advice: be here early Sunday morning when you can drive around downtown and learn it and spend the next several days driving around. You'll soon get a feel for what you like. It's not that large.
One main difference: OSU football is huge here. In general, I've learned that if I don't have anything good to say about it, I should keep my trap shut. People can be extreme fanatics about the Buckeyes.
Other than that, people are generally friendly. I moved from a smaller area and had no trouble being accepted. There are tons of churches, organizations, and volunteer activities, so if someone whines about "not meeting anyone," s/he isn't trying. There are also many family activities, as well.
Like Indy, Columbus has a number of neighborhoods and 'burbs. Some are ritzy, like the Dublin area, where the Memorial Golf Tourney is held, and others, like parts of Westerville, are more affordable.
Also, like Indy, there is a belt, and traffic can be horrible during rush hour, so you should keep your commute in mind when you're deciding where to live. There are bike trails and buses, but the vast majority of us drive!
I can't say much about the night entertainment scene because I work a lot and mostly hang out at home watching movies and reading when I'm off, but I can tell you that there are plenty of places to rent movies, an extensive library system (branches all over!), and plenty of shopping opportunities from malls to one-of-a-kind boutiques, as well as plenty of restaurants from the chains to upscale to ethnic, especially around the OSU campus. There's something for almost everyone in every price range.
Travel-wise, it's 2 hours from Cinci, 2 hours from Lake Erie (don't miss the Lake Erie Islands!), 90 minutes from Amish Country, and about 90 minutes from Hocking Hills. I don't go to Cleveland, but we're about 2 hours from there. If you miss going to Chicago, that's only 6 hours.
Employment is lower than it ought to be, but it's the bright spot in the state and with the casino going in, that'll help.
Best advice: be here early Sunday morning when you can drive around downtown and learn it and spend the next several days driving around. You'll soon get a feel for what you like. It's not that large.
I like college sports better than pro sports so that's a pro for Columbus over Indy. Pro sports are not that exciting to me. For fact, I am turned off by Indy 500 and the whole NASCAR culture in Indy. NASCAR itself is not redneck but most of their spectators seem to be mostly rednecks. LOL
I believe the Midwest is generally friendly, but it just takes little more time for people to warm up to newcomers compared to the South.
I did some research. It turns out that Worthington and Dublin near Columbus are similar to Indy's Meridian Hills and northern suburb of Carmel.
Indy may be more centralized; however, Columbus has an interstate loop circling its Downtown area that Indy lacks at its west side.
Indy's airport is newer but neither airports offer many direct flights.
Indy experiences colder temperatures and higher humidity during summers while Columbus receives few more inches of snowfall during winter annually.
Indy's economy is better because of the state with well run government. Despite being in Ohio, Columbus' economy is improving though.
Columbus seems to have more diversity: higher percentage of foreign born and more ethnic neighborhoods with one of the most underrated GLBT population. Both have sizable African-American population.
Indy has the pro of being closer to Chicago but Columbus is closer to the East Coast/50% of the U.S. within a day worth of driving.
OSU is a traditional college campus while Indy has both satellite campuses and commuter schools through Purdue, IU, Ball State, and Vincennes.
Columbus is more liberal while Indy has more conservative population. Both cities are the Democratic hotspots in the middle of conservative states.
In other words, Indy and Columbus are so similar with some notable differences.
Which city seems to be much cleaner with least trash litter and debris found on the freeways: Columbus or Indy?
I love the fact that Columbus has one of the best zoos in the country including Zoombezi Bay and Jungle Jack's Landing plus Cedar Point is only 2.5 hours away in Sandusky, OH.
I think Indy only offers small water park inside a luxurious hotel and Six Flags Mid-America in Gurnee, IL is little over 4 hours away and 5 hours away from Cedar Point.
The closest one is Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom in Louisville.
provide stats that indy's economy is better than Columbus because CO has a much healthier economy.
Indy's jobless rate is higher than C-bus last I checked. What the two do have in common are government jobs, being state capitols. That can't be ignored in both cities having relatively healthy economies.
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