Thinking about relocating - a few questions (Columbus, Upper Arlington: appointed, transplants)

[justaguy93]

I am currently a resident of Madison, WI and considering relocating to Columbus. I'd like to hear what anyone has to say about the people, the city, and the state in general. I'm a huge fan out of the outdoors with hiking and fishing being a couple of my favorite activities and I can't see living somewhere where there isn't somewhere I can go on a day trip to get out of the city/suburbs and into nature. I'd also like to live in a city with some energy and interesting people. Madison is great but Wisconsin people seem to be very apathetic about life in general for lack of a better term, with very little interest in anything outside of their personal lives.

I'd live to hear what anyone has to say and if anyone from my neck of the woods who has moved out there could share some information about how the transition was for them I'd love to hear about it.

On another note, I am looking at employment at a large downtown Mutual Insurance company there in town, in the IT field, and if anyone could share some information about what sort of a reputation it has for jobs and how employees are treated I'd be very interested in hearing that as well. I'm not sure about the forum rules in this regard so I'm not mentioning any companies by name. I'm guessing anyone from the area knows what company I'm referring to, but again if I'm breaking some rules by asking about it I apologize and you can just disregard that question.

Looking forward to hearing what people have to say......Justaguy.

[derekgreer17]

I think I know what company you are talking about. My dad worked there his whole career and has nothing but good things to say about it.

If you are looking for interesting people then I would recoment the Gradview or Upper Arlington area. These areas are close to downtown and very very safe. Gradview has more bars and nightlife than upper arlington but the houses are not as nice. They both are old neighborhoods but very nice. Grandview has more of a younger crowd.

[asearchforreason]

My mother has worked at the unnamed company for almost her entire career also. As far as I can tell, she likes it. In the city there is not much to do outdoors and the bike trails could use expansion but there are some nice metroparks that would make for a very short trip and for a longer trip the Appalachians are just a couple of hours to the southeast.

I have not been to Madison but I assume the university plays a big role. If you enjoy this aspect of Madison, then I suspect you will like Columbus since Ohio State is a big deal here (especially during football season).

[justaguy93]

Thank you for the replies, I really appreciate the input.

One more question that I'd be curious about is if there are any dog parts in the city or suburbs? My wife and I recently bought a puppy and in Madison there are several fenced in parks nearby where people can let their dogs run unleashed which has been outstanding for wearing the little guy out. I'm guessing that's not unique to Madison but thought I'd ask if anyone knows of some places like that in or around Columbus.

[derekgreer17]

Yes, there are plenty of dog parks here in columbus. I take my dog to all of them. I know of at least 5, and I think there is more.

[justaguy93]

That's great to hear. Again, thanks for the info!

[CirclevilleGuy]

I am currently a resident of Madison, WI and considering relocating to Columbus. I'd like to hear what anyone has to say about the people, the city, and the state in general. I'm a huge fan out of the outdoors with hiking and fishing being a couple of my favorite activities and I can't see living somewhere where there isn't somewhere I can go on a day trip to get out of the city/suburbs and into nature. I'd also like to live in a city with some energy and interesting people. Madison is great but Wisconsin people seem to be very apathetic about life in general for lack of a better term, with very little interest in anything outside of their personal lives.

Columbus is a very *neat* city , downtown Columbus is a great sight (This coming from a farm boy) lots of activty and excitement. There are a ton of activities to do in Columbus, and once you move to Ohio , there's a 95% chance you'll be a Buckeye fan for life.

On another note, I am looking at employment at a large downtown Mutual Insurance company there in town, in the IT field, and if anyone could share some information about what sort of a reputation it has for jobs and how employees are treated I'd be very interested in hearing that as well. I'm not sure about the forum rules in this regard so I'm not mentioning any companies by name. I'm guessing anyone from the area knows what company I'm referring to, but again if I'm breaking some rules by asking about it I apologize and you can just disregard that question.

If I'm thinking correctly of the company you're reffering to, they're definately the big guy in Columbus. I haven't heard of any complants concerning the company and everyone I've known that's associated with that particular company has enjoyed it quite a bit.

[Gee]

There are tons of fishing possibilities in Central Ohio not to mention a 2 hour trip to either Lake Erie or the Ohio river. Hunting is very popular here as well although I don't know all the regulations and/or public locations. Ohio has one of the best park systems in the country and central Ohio has some great Metro parks too -- all free no admission. I know of several dog parks -- one of which is located at the Alum Creek State Park. You can google Ohio state parks and/or Columbus metro parks and research these for yourself. Folks are pretty down to earth, love sports and are friendly -- except during OSU/Michigan week. A wide variety of people live here which is why it is often chosen for test market studies. It is also home to quite a few major corporations. I am not sure how housing prices are in Madison, but compared to many areas of the country housing is very affordable.

[mommyof2cutegirls]

Just wanted to share a point of view with you. We relocated to the Columbus area last year from a major metropolitan area. We are a bit disappointed, as we find the area (especially Dublin & Powell) to be very snobby and superficial. We were surprised, assuming people would be much more down to earth and friendly. Not to be a downer, just wanted you to know the truth. Honestly, we wished we had before we moved. We will do a lot more research before we move again. Good luck.

[streetcreed]

If your looking for more down to earth individuals I would not say Dublin or Powell (now the wealthiest city in the entire state) are the best place to start your search.

I am sorry that things worked out this way for you though.

I would say that Clintonville, Beechwold, and Berwick neighborhoods in Columbus are family friendly and down to earth. As well as Grandview Heights suburb. These areas are all closer to the central city and Ohio State so the down to earth more liberal effect comes into play.

Dublin is a newer suburb and Powell is a little further out and into the next county as well. Just to give a geographical description.

And yes Columbus is a metro of 2 million, many are transplants and many are young and have money coming here for jobs or school. You will find many individuals here who flaunt there self and style like a coastal city. Those who come to Columbus looking for complete great lakes midwest charm might be thrown off.