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10+ Pros And Cons Of Living In Columbus, GA
Sep
Excited about moving to Columbus, Georgia? There’s loads to like about this city in Muscogee County.
Whether you’re into history, a various mixture of cultures, or simply need to enjoy life by the Chattahoochee River, Columbus has something for everybody.
Columbus isn’t a small town—with a population near 200,000, there’s all the time something occurring.
The river offers plenty of outside fun, from kayaking to mountain climbing, making it an excellent place for individuals who like to be outside.
But just like several other place, Columbus has its ups and downs.
So, if you happen to’re occupied with making the move, it’s a very good idea to get the total picture first.
Pros of living in Columbus, GA
Listed here are the explanation why Columbus, GA, is a sexy place to live.
Inexpensive Housing
Homes in Columbus are frequently more cost-effective than in other nearby cities, with the typical listing price sitting at $199k as of 2023.
So owning your personal place here won’t drain your wallet.
Whether you’re a young skilled buying your first home or a family in need of more room, you’ll find budget-friendly options.
And let’s not ignore property taxes—they’re pretty low too, averaging around 0.87%.
Abundance of Outdoor Activities
Columbus is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. With scenic spots just like the Chattahoochee Riverwalk and Lake Harding, there’s all the time a possibility to hike, bike, or fish.
If you happen to’re within the mood for a brief drive, FDR State Park is just half-hour to the north in Pine Mountain, offering yet one more beautiful backdrop on your outdoor activities.
Whilst you’re up there, Warm Springs is value a visit too. Head about 30 to 45 minutes south and also you’ll find Windfall Canyon near Lumpkin, a surprising natural formation that’s especially beautiful when the unique azaleas are in bloom.
For many who love an adrenaline rush, Columbus has its own white water course at Rush South, right near the Riverwalk.
The local company, White Water Express, organizes group rafting trips. They even offer zip lines that span the river in addition to a treetop adventure course.
Beyond Columbus, each Georgia and Alabama offer a wealth of state parks perfect for weekend mountain climbing adventures.
Places like Talladega National Forest, Amicalola Falls, Conecuh National Forest, and Chattahoochee National Forest are all great options for a nature-filled getaway.
Thriving Sports
If you happen to’re into sports, you’ll feel right at home in Columbus.
Town’s got something for everybody, from baseball games on the classic Golden Park where the Columbus Clippers play, to ice hockey motion with the Columbus Cottonmouths.
But it surely’s not nearly watching—Columbus has a full of life sports scene with tons of rec leagues and facilities, so you may join within the fun too.
Good Weather
You’ll get to enjoy mild winters and warm summers in Columbus, making it a fairly comfortable place to live.
With about 218 sunny days a yr, there’s loads of time to get outside and have some fun.
The great weather isn’t just great for spending a day on the park; it’s also perfect for keeping your garden green all yr or diving into other outdoor hobbies.
Numerous Job Opportunities
Columbus has a fairly solid job market, making it an excellent spot if you happen to’re seeking to construct a profession.
Big names in healthcare, manufacturing, and education like Columbus Regional Health System and TSYS are sometimes looking out for brand new talent.
Even with some places freezing hires, there’s a number of activity. For example, Publix is ramping up hiring for its latest store, and nearby spots like Culver’s are also expected to bring on staff soon.
If you happen to’re into hospitality, fast food, or retail, you’ve got options. Places like The Loft, Mabellas, Salt Cellar, and the soon-to-open The Mix are continuously hiring.
Plus, the town itself has a variety of jobs that don’t ask for much experience but pay decently within the $15-25 per hour range. So, don’t hesitate to use even if you happen to’re just a little short on experience—especially in case your resume and application are well-prepared.
It’s not only the same old jobs on offer, either. St. Francis Hospital, for instance, was on the hunt for roles like patient registrars and janitors last I heard.
Security roles are open too, particularly with Allied Security, who also serve Pratt & Whitney.
By way of trade jobs, there are firms that’ll hire and train you to grow to be a licensed electrician.
And if you happen to’re eyeing an entry-level IT role, healthcare and fintech organizations like Aflac or TSYS are value a shot.
Low Cost of Living
Georgia has many places with a low price of living, and Columbus is a standout example.
Here, you’ll find the associated fee of living is a full 30% cheaper than what most Americans are used to.
Utilities? They’re 32% inexpensive than the national average.
Whether it’s housing, getting around town, and even just picking up some groceries, your money stretches further in Columbus.
It’s a spot where each individuals and families can live comfortably without stressing an excessive amount of concerning the budget.
Good Education
In Columbus, the education is significantly better than you may initially think.
While the Muscogee County School District offers a mixture of colleges with various performance levels, it’s home to some real gems.
Take Columbus High and Britt David Elementary, for instance; these schools aren’t just top-tier within the district but consistently rank among the many top 3 public schools in all of Georgia.
Nevertheless, they’re magnet schools, so the competition to get in is fierce.
But don’t let average or below-average rankings idiot you. Many colleges in Columbus have specialized programs that actually elevate the training experience.
Wynnton Elementary could have lower overall test scores, but its magnet arts program is a hotbed for creativity and has students performing well above the varsity’s average.
The beauty of Columbus schools is the range in educational focus—from STEM and International Baccalaureate to Mass Communication and Nice Arts, there’s a magnet program for nearly any interest.
This flexibility in program options means parents have less stress relating to selecting where to live in the town; admissions are generally pretty straightforward, providing you with the liberty to decide on a faculty that most accurately fits your child’s interests and abilities.
If public school isn’t your thing, Columbus also offers a choice of private educational options, including faith-based schools and Brookstone, a secular prep school.
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Cons of living in Columbus, GA
Now, it’s time to think about the cons related to this city before deciding to relocate.
High crime
Unfortunately, this city has a popularity for being probably the most dangerous places to live in Georgia.
Based on recent statistics, Columbus has a criminal offense rate significantly higher than the national average at 36.8 vs. 22.7. Property crimes, equivalent to theft and burglary, are particularly prevalent.
Geographically, the crime landscape varies. Generally, the northern parts of the town are considered safer.
If you happen to’re seeking to buy a house, it is advisable to keep away from areas south of Manchester and Macon Roads.
Quite a lot of the violent crime reported within the news is usually gang-related.
That’s to not say it doesn’t affect the community—no one wants the danger of stray bullets.
But other than gang activity, crime rates are fairly typical for a city of Columbus’s size.
Macon Road serves as a casual dividing line, demarcating economic and, to some extent, racial lines as well.
South of it, you’ll find areas which are economically disadvantaged and have higher rates of violent crime.
North of Macon Road, the neighborhoods are wealthier and primarily experience property crimes, often near shopping centers.
So where should you think about living for a greater quality of life? Locations to take into consideration include:
- Downtown and the Historic District
- Around Columbus State University’s primary campus
- The Lakebottom/Weracoba Park area
- Bibb City
- Waverly Terrace (despite some naysayers, it’s generally a quiet and nice area)
If you happen to’re looking northward, North Columbus might offer some reasonable options.
Alternatively, Phenix City also has a wide range of apartments and houses for rent in additional upscale complexes.
Risk of severe storms
In Columbus, you may expect to come across a variety of severe weather conditions like hurricanes, tornadoes, and intense thunderstorms.
This not only risks damaging property and infrastructure but will also be a security concern.
High Poverty Rate
In Columbus, nearly one in five people live under the poverty line, in response to data from the U.S. Census Bureau.
Quite a lot of communities in the world grapple with financial challenges, making it tough for a lot of to cover basic living expenses.
Low Percentage of Open Land
As the town grows and latest developments pop up, there’s less and fewer room for parks and natural spots.
If you happen to’re someone who likes to spend time outdoors, whether it’s mountain climbing or simply having fun with a picnic, this generally is a little bit of a letdown.
Low Homeownership Rate
In Columbus, owning a house isn’t as common as you may find in other parts of the country.
Nearly 56.7% of individuals here own their homes, in comparison with a national average of 64.4%.
Why the gap? Well, a mixture of issues comes into play. For some, financial limitations make it tough to take that step into homeownership.
Others is likely to be a part of the town’s ever-changing population, perhaps military families or young professionals, who find it easier to rent.
Either way, renting appears to be the go-to for a number of folks in the world.
Is Columbus a Good Place to Live?
Columbus is the most effective places to retire in Georgia because it is one among probably the most reasonably priced warm places.
Town offers a variety of amenities, from lush parks to cultural events, all wrapped up in a price of living that won’t break the bank.
But it surely’s not only retirees who find value here; it’s also a unbelievable place to boost a family.
While it’s true that homeownership rates are on the lower side, don’t let that deter you.
The tutorial system, particularly north of Macon Road, offers solid opportunities for teenagers.
Schools like Columbus High and Britt David Elementary continuously rank among the many top within the state.
Safety generally is a concern, especially in areas south of Macon Road, but just like several other city, knowing where to settle could make all of the difference.
Town has high poverty rate and areas of high crime, but we’d argue that the community spirit, educational options, and quality of life outweigh the drawbacks.
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