Columbus is a great city for young professionals, known for its affordable housing and job opportunities. It also offers many recreational options, parks and cultural facilities and a vibrant food scene, so it’s little wonder many millennials are moving there. But where should young professionals choose to live in Columbus? Take a look at this list of neighborhoods and suburbs that have everything a young professional needs. From the quintessentially urban to the downright rural- Columbus has a place that’s right for you:
Downtown
If you’re the urban type, look no further than Downtown. This central neighborhood offers plenty of jobs, a buzzing nightlife, a wide array of restaurants and bars and a trendy retail scene. Some of the best activities to do in Columbus are located here, including the Shadowbox Live Theater, the COSI science museum, and the Book Loft. It’s surprisingly accessible and highly walkable, which is great news for those who wish to ditch their car (and the payments that go with it). The median age in Downtown is only 29, and the majority of working residents hold white collar jobs.
Short North
Even more walkable than Downtown, Short North is a lively neighborhood where you can access tons of entertainment options, restaurants, bars, art galleries, shops and boutiques by foot. Short North Art District is a colorful place where you can enjoy some live events and spend a fun afternoon browsing local artists’ work in the frequent sidewalk sales. It’s perfect for young professionals who want to live among their peers- the highly educated, white-collar population of Short North has a median age of 32.
Victorian Village
If you’re interested in a more laid-back community, Victorian Village could be perfect for you. It’s a picturesque neighborhood with many turn-of-the-century Victorian homes, and its main recreational facility is Goodale Park, which is a perfect place to have a picnic or play some ball in nice weather. It’s a quiet part of town, where you can steer clear of loud bars and busy streets, but still, enjoy them whenever you wish with just a short trip to neighboring Downtown and Short North.
Clintonville
This sprawling neighborhood is one of Columbus’s most beloved neighborhoods. Located just six miles north of Downtown, it is home to Whetstone Park, a popular landmark featuring bike trails, tennis courts, and baseball fields. It also boasts a pond, a library, and a 13-acre rose garden. You’ll find great shopping and a versatile array of restaurants on High Street and its adjacent streets, which comprise the neighborhoods’ business district. One of the best vegetarian restaurants in Columbus is located here- Whole World Natural Restaurant & Bakery, where you can find some exceptionally delicious vegan pancakes on the weekend.
Grandview Heights
Moving a bit out into suburbia, Grandview Heights is a community located just outside of Columbus with a lot to offer young professionals. It has a very young population, with over 20% of residents between the ages of 22 and 29. Enjoy your free time here hiking the trails of Wyman Woods Park, nurturing your intellect in The Grandview Heights Public Library or browsing the lovely Farmers’ Market in the summer. Food lovers will also appreciate Taste of Grandview, a local foodie festival showcasing the community’s restaurants and food vendors which takes place annually.
Ashville
Further out into suburbia you will find Ashville, a village located 22 miles south of Columbus. Here you can enjoy real community life with events such as the Gazebo Gatherings, where neighbors come together to enjoy live local music and get to know each other. Asheville is great for young professionals who aren’t looking for an urban environment but would still like to enjoy proximity to jobs and amenities. Cost of living is also slightly lower here than the average cost of living in Columbus.
Dublin
With a population of over 40,000, Dublin is a big suburban town located 18 miles northwest of Columbus. It is home to some major companies, including Cardinal Health, Nationwide and Wendy’s international corporate headquarters. Dublin celebrates its Irish roots with an annual St. Patrick’s Day parade and the Dublin Irish Festival, which is one of the nation’s largest Irish-American festivals. It’s also a golfing hotspot, hosting the Memorial Tournament, a stop on golf’s PGA Tour every spring. Locals can enjoy the quiet afternoons in one of the town’s beautiful parks, most notably Hayden Falls, with its gorgeous 35-foot waterfall and rare wildlife and plants.
Do you hear Columbus calling? Get in touch with some interstate movers and be on your way!