Columbus vs RTP, NC (Cleveland, Carey: home, job market, neighborhoods)

[rijn_in]

I'm thinking about moving either to Columbus, OH or the RTP, NC area. I currently live in New York, NY.

I enjoy the urban feel of NYC, but home ownership in NYC isn't realistic. I travel around 50% of the time (mostly on the east coast) for work. I like living in a city and having access to a wide range of activities within a short distance. A few pubs, sports lounges w/ good wings, paved cycling paths accessible from my home and a reasonable cost of living. I'm 32 years old (male) IT professional and not married or a party animal. I'm not a huge fan of endless suburban growth that is not based around a city.

I've read that downtown Columbus has been turning around for the last 10 years. What areas should I look at and does the city fit me?

Thanks

[ZnGuy]

My personal preference would be RTP....Carey, Apec, NC is a poplular area. Lived in both and hands down NC.

[HuskerDu]

Research Triangle Park???

[rijn_in]

Raleigh/Durham area. The triangle area. I shouldn't call it RTP that's just an area with tons of jobs between the two cities.

[rijn_in]

I probably should add that coffee shops, sports games and bowling (once in a while) are pluses. Does the area have an adult sports league/group?

[streetcreed]

Raleigh is a smaller city than Columbus. The research triangle is nice but I prefer Columbus because it has a bigger city vibe and has more of a great lakes/midwest feel that would be more comparable for someone coming from the east coast.

Regarding downtown Columbus. Downtown itself has seen reinvestment, but Columbus' real turn around are the neighborhoods around downtown. These are where the liveliness and entertainment is. Downtown itself has housing but is more of a business district, except for the northern "Arena District" portion, boarding the popular Short North neighborhood.

[rijn_in]

Here's the million dollar question. How is the winter in Columbus and the job market? I was reading that a new baseball stadium and possibly a new park to replace a failed mall will be built.

[Clevelander17]

Originally Posted by rijn_in

Here's the million dollar question. How is the winter in Columbus and the job market? I was reading that a new baseball stadium and possibly a new park to replace a failed mall will be built.

Well, what kind of winters are you used to (for sake of comparison)? Being from Cleveland, I can confidently say that Columbus winters aren't bad at all, but that's because Cleveland really gets hit at times because of the lake.

A new baseball stadium will indeed open this summer in downtown Columbus, across from Nationwide Arena. The stadium, Huntington Park, is home to the Columbus Clippers, "AAA" affiliate of the Cleveland Indians. I haven't seen how construction is coming along, but all of the drawings I've seen make the place look like it's going to be spectacular.

As for your other questions, I don't know enough those things to accurately answer for you.

[rijn_in]

I'm used to NYC winters. Is it easy to build a social network and staying active in Columbus?

[bucknuts84]

If you like sun or outdoor activities, don't move to Columbus. It is a mediocre city with nothing too outstanding. I am moving from Columbus to Raleigh in a few months and am thrilled to finally leave.