Columbus or Traverse City MI (Newark, Lancaster: for sale, daycare, homes)

[aquadejoe]

I realize these two locations are worlds apart but I am just looking for some feedback from families with children and/or people who have lived in either Columbus or Traverse City. My husband and I are in our early 30's with (at the moment) a two-year old. We are hoping to expand our family in the near future. We have lived in several places across the US and currently live in Michigan. We are debating a move to either Columbus or Traverse City within the next two years. We love Traverse because of it's natural beauty, small town charm, good schools and outdoor amenities. On the other hand, a larger city like Columbus offers so much more in the way of jobs, cultural activities, housing options . . . What are your thoughts on the best places to raise a family yet still have a life as adults to be able to go out and enjoy the nightlife and meet people our age with similar interests. We love to camp, hike, ski, fish and at the same time we love to go out for a nice dinner, the theatre, farmer's markets, sporting events, museums . . .Also, are they any "rural" areas within a 20 minute commute to Columbus that would offer homes for sale with land/barn (the country feel) but still close enough to enjoy Columbus when we need it?

[Daytonnatian]

You could look southeast by Lancaster, which is on the way to beautiful Hocking Hills. That might be good enough.

Still, Traverse City is really cool. Tough, but good, choice to make

[NewToCA]

I doubt you can find two cities more different from each other.

Traverse City is very "artsy", and has a very specific feel to the area. It also is very water centered, with downtown bordering the west bay area. Also, the surrounding countryside is very rural once you get only a couple of miles from the city. Finally, it has a significant retirement population.

Columbus is more like a larger (double sized) version of Grand Rapids. Like Grand Rapids, it has a bit of an open downtown area, with a few tall towers and quite a few nice large older structures. Like Grand Rapids, Columbus sits on a river. However, a significant difference between the two is that Columbus is home to a major state university, and the city significantly is built around that school.

So for me the significant Columbus advantages are more variety in activities due to the larger area, more younger families (by far), better medical care (not important...until you suddenly need it), and a more moderate climate. If you want to live somewhere close to the city but with some land you have many choices. However, to get a chunk of land big enough for a barn, you'll generally have to go about 45-50 minutes out of the city.

[coach123]

Columbus will probably offer you a little more in terms of employment opportunities and economic stability, but that is about it. Some of the things you mentioned you enjoy doing, Columbus just doesn't offer. In terms of nightlife, you are pretty much limited to going out to dinner or to a bar in Columbus. You can forget about Theatre in Columbus, at least nothing major with the exception of a couple times a year when a major production rolls through town. Museums, again forget about it in Columbus. We have the Art museum which is not all that impressive due to the fact they rarely get anything new and Cosi science museum. As far as outdoor activities Michigan definitely has more to offer than Ohio. There really aren't any nice hiking, fishing, or camping sites around Columbus. You would have drive at least an hour away and it won't compare to what Michigan has to offer. As far as sporting events, Columbus is dominated by OSU Buckeyes so get ready to be a Buckeye fan otherwise people will look at you like you are crazy. Every other sports team that Columbus has is in the shadows of the Buckeye's. There is the Columbus Blue Jackets NHL team which has never sold out the arena. And then there is the Columbus Clippers which is a farm baseball team. They have a new ball-park which is kind of cool.

[other1]

Regarding some land down the road, I am not sure what topography you are looking for, but there should be plenty of options for Columbus withing a 45 min commute to downtown. I work downtown, one of my co workers commutes to West Jefferson and one to Newark, both live on 10 acres +.

If winter activities are your most important item, I would think Traverse City would fit your needs better. Great XC skiing all around you, as well as snowmobiling and ice fishing. The Boynes are just North of you as well as Nub's Nob. (Nubs is a better hill IMO). Granted the winters will be longer and the summers shorter. Columbus does have two ski hills close that offer a surprising active and vibrant terrain park scene, however the rest of the hills don't have too much to offer. If you are interested in boating and watersports, obviously the summers here would provide a longer season. There is not much to offer for sailing.

If you are interested in art and you settle in Columbus, keep your eyes on the Wexner Center and CCAD as they are putting on events and bringing in exhibitors all the time. If theater and 5 star dining is your most important item, I not sure how Traverse City compares, but Columbus is going to fall short. While these opportunities are in Columbus, there will not be enough to fill 7 days a week.

As far as other events, Columbus gets most major mainstream acts from The killers, Brittney Spears, Disney on Ice, Monster Trucks, to Hannah Montana, it is home to Quarter Horse Congress, The Blue Jackets ( Hockey - I know they have at least sold out one game, I went to it), The Crew (soccer), The Clippers (AAA baseball), and yes, The Buckeyes. You will find quite a few people Jaded with the fact that OSU sports dominate radio talk, news coverage, ect.

[Andrea-ColumbusChamber]

If you are considering moving to Columbus, Ohio, I can offer you some resources to help you get connected. First, check out liveworkplayColumbus.com. It provides information and links to resources to help people get to know Columbus, from neighborhoods to arts & culture to information about the economy/industries/employers.

You'll also find information about schools, daycare, etc. Another good resource for you regarding information for quality childcare is Action for Children.

Speaking of employers, check out OhioMeansJobs.com, a free resource that is powered by Monster.com, to post your resume and find employers who are hiring. (The Columbus zipcode is 43215.)

There are many, many people who live in Columbus who are just like you: they are from someplace else. And they love living here! Columbus is a community of great diversity so, no matter your background, you will likely find your place here. Welcome home!