What is there to do in Cbus for a Balt/DC transplant? (Columbus: crime rate, safe neighborhoods)

[chesapeake83]

I am a young urban professional woman who just married an Ohio native. He wants us to move to the Columbus from the DC metro area, because the cost of living is soooo much lower in Columbus than where we live. Although we currently live in the suburbs, I work in downtown Baltimore, and go out in DC and Baltimore often. The main pull to move to Cbus is that we could have a much more upscale life in Ohio. But my concern is that I may miss the culture, entertainment, history, and general hustle and bustle from living so close to two major cities. Columbus seems like a huge suburb to me so far.

Can someone please let me know what things there are to do in Columbus? Dining, dancing, arts, live music, etc? What are the cool neighborhoods? Are there any DC or NYC transports that can let me know if they like/dislike Columbus?

Btw, we plan on having kids soon, and I already know the Columbus suburbs have great schools and safe neighborhoods, so that isn't something that I am worried about.

[bsimonelli]

Downtown is very cool. The short north, arena district, brewery district, italian village, victorian village and german village. In these areas you are nearby and in some cases within walking distance to restaurants, taverns, a major arena for concerts and shows, theaters, boutiques, art galleries, museum, bike paths, parks and recreation. You will also be near the new Cooper Stadium for baseball which is being built.



In my opinion, someone in your age group would be happy in these areas. There is a lot to explore

[streetcreed]

Agreed, 100 percent

[2006Buckeye]

Originally Posted by chesapeake83

I am a young urban professional woman who just married an Ohio native. He wants us to move to the Columbus from the DC metro area, because the cost of living is soooo much lower in Columbus than where we live. Although we currently live in the suburbs, I work in downtown Baltimore, and go out in DC and Baltimore often. The main pull to move to Cbus is that we could have a much more upscale life in Ohio. But my concern is that I may miss the culture, entertainment, history, and general hustle and bustle from living so close to two major cities. Columbus seems like a huge suburb to me so far.

Can someone please let me know what things there are to do in Columbus? Dining, dancing, arts, live music, etc? What are the cool neighborhoods? Are there any DC or NYC transports that can let me know if they like/dislike Columbus?

Btw, we plan on having kids soon, and I already know the Columbus suburbs have great schools and safe neighborhoods, so that isn't something that I am worried about.

I answered your other post. What my answer didn't address was dancing. My opinion is you will find a higher concentration of college students at dance clubs in Columbus (especially places like Brothers or Gaswerks - I don't go to those places), but there are some choices for a more professional crowd. Just not a lot!

[Zippy7fo]

I know DC is expensive but I would not move back to Ohio until after the recession/depression ends. The economy here is shedding jobs left and right....play it safe for now and move back when things pick up, especially if you plan to have kids..

[ritam2001]

Yep, postpone the move unless you are 120% sure.

[Tenzo]

Originally Posted by Zippy7fo

I know DC is expensive but I would not move back to Ohio until after the recession/depression ends. The economy here is shedding jobs left and right....play it safe for now and move back when things pick up, especially if you plan to have kids..

Moved here about 4 months ago. Had two job offers within a week of looking. The economy here is fine. Housing is dirt cheap and utilities are even cheaper

As for culture, well......
Southwest flys to a lot of nice places cheap out of Columbus airport.

[tweezy]

cost of living is the only reason to move, plain and simple, if your settled down thats a good reason to. this area has way more fun and the jobs are paying

[maestro]

I'm from NY originally and I moved to Columbus for 7+ years. I lived in Grandview and I loved it. Very close to downtown, it has it's one "downtown" with shops, bars, etc. And for your future plans, the schools are very good.

If you want to be more urban (I'd call Grandview "old suburban" as opposed to "McSuburb") you should check out Victorian Village or the Short North. You'll get your pick of great places to go (shopping, bars, good restaurants). The downside is 1) parking in the Short North can be tough and 2) the crime rate is higher than Grandview or other places further out.

[streetcreed]

2) the crime rate is higher than Grandview or other places further out.

The crime rate of the Short North, the actual Victorian Village/Italian Village areas, is maybe a little higher than Grandview, but it should remembered that it is very safe for an urban area. Also, it is hardly a high crime area, it is just the city and every once in a while you hear of something.

For the last few years crimes in the short north seem to be even further on the decline. These days you only hear of some breakins/robberies north of the short north in Weiland Park or around the university district.