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Is moving to Columbus Georgia right for you?

Columbus is the second largest city in Georgia and one of the best places to live in the state.

If you’re considering moving to Columbus and wondering if the city is right for you, this guide contains all you need to know to make the right decision.

Let’s find out if moving to Columbus Georgia is right for you.

QuickFacts

Quick facts to know before moving to Columbus, GA

  • The median age in Columbus is 34 years making it a city of millennials
  • Up to 5.8% of Columbus GA residents work from home
  • Around 42.9% of Columbus GA residents are renters
  • Columbus median home cost is $127,700
  • The cost of living in Columbus GA is 74.4. The US average is 100
  • Columbus averages 214 sunny days per year
  • Columbus average annual pay for average jobs is $50,999

What is Columbus GA known for?

Columbus, which is located along the Chattahoochee River and shares a border with Alabama, has grown to be a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts thanks to its longest urban whitewater course and river-crossing zip line. The bustling downtown is a destination for sightseers, eateries, and retailers.

Is Columbus close to Atlanta?

Columbus, Georgia and Atlanta, are separated by a driving distance of 107 miles (172 kilometers). 95 miles separate Columbus, Georgia, from Atlanta, Georgia, in a direct flight. This translates to 83 nautical miles or 153 kilometers.

Is Columbus Georgia a good place to live?

Columbus has been named one of the best cities to live in for people of all ages due to its thriving downtown, excellent schools, endless entertainment, and old-fashioned appeal.

Why are people moving to Columbus GA?

The low cost of living in Columbus is one of the biggest benefits you'll experience while relocating there. Columbus has a lower cost of living than the national average and is significantly less expensive than other low-cost US cities.

What is living in Columbus GA like?

Most residents in Columbus rent their homes, giving the city's population a dense suburban vibe. There are a lot of parks in Columbus. Columbus has a large population of families and young professionals, and its people lean liberal. Columbus's public schools are better than average.

Is it expensive to live in Columbus GA?

Most residents in Columbus rent their homes, giving the city's population a dense suburban vibe. There are a lot of parks in Columbus. Columbus has a large population of families and young professionals, and its people lean liberal. Columbus's public schools are better than average.

Is Columbus Georgia a college town?

The city's growth led to the establishment of Columbus College, a two-year college that ultimately developed into Columbus State University, a comprehensive research university and a member of the University System of Georgia.

What is a good salary for a single person in Georgia?

How much money would it cost you to relocate to Georgia? A single person would require a salary of almost $60,000 to live comfortably in Georgia, according to one estimate.

Is Columbus Georgia a big city?

In terms of population during the past ten years, Columbus has slightly outgrown Augusta to become Georgia's second-largest city. According to statistics provided today by the U.S. Census Bureau, Columbus had a population of nearly 206,000. 4,000 more than Augusta, roughly.

What’s the population of Columbus, GA?

Columbus’s population is 210,330 people. The city is in Muscogee County Georgia and it’s the county seat of Muscogee County. Columbus is the second largest city in Georgia. Columbus stretches across 221 miles.

  • Columbus has a population density of 972 people per square mile
  • The median age in Columbus is 34 years
  • 32.4 years is the median age for males and 36.2 years for females
  • Columbus is currently growing at a rate of 0.82% annually
  • Columbus is the 118th largest city in America

How fast can you commute in Columbus, Georgia?

Columbus’s average one-way commute time takes 20.0 minutes. That’s lower than the U.S. average of 26.4 minutes. You’ll spend less than 30 minutes commuting to work if you move to Columbus. Less time on the road means less stress and having more time for other things.

Here’s how people in Columbus get to work:

  • About 79.9% of Columbus GA residents drive their own car alone
  • Around 9.8% of Columbus GA residents carpool with others
  • Up to 5.8% of Columbus GA residents work from home
  • About 1.5% of Columbus GA residents take mass transit

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How is the weather like in Columbus, Georgia?

Columbus averages 214 sunny days per year. The United States average is 205 sunny days. If the weather is one of the key things you’d like to consider before moving to Columbus GA, the following is a quick snapshot of the city’s1 weather:

  • Columbus’s summer high in July is around 92 degrees
  • Columbus averages 49 inches of rain per year. The U.S. average is 38 inches
  • Columbus averages 0 inches of snow per year. The U.S. average is 28 inches
  • Columbus’s winter low in January is 35 degrees
  • Columbus gets 102 days of precipitation every year
move to Columbus GA

Top 10 reasons to move to Columbus Georgia

People are moving to Columbus GA for many reasons. As the capital city of Georgia, Columbus is constantly attracting people from all over the state and beyond.

  • Homes are affordable in Columbus
  • The great outdoors is the ultimate Columbus playground
  • If you love sports, you’ll like Columbus
  • Columbus has a great weather
  • Columbus has a robust job market
  • The cost of living across Georgia is low
  • Incredibly diverse landscape
  • Property taxes are low in Columbus
  • Columbus is home to top-quality schools
  • Columbus is one of the best places to live in Georgia
pros and cons of Columbus GA

Pros & cons of moving to Columbus GA

If you’d like to find out if moving to Columbus is right for you or not, we’ve made a list of the pros and cons of living in the city.

This can make it easier for you to figure out if moving to Columbus is right for you or not.

The pros
  • Columbus has a great weather
  • Low volcanic hazard risk
  • Public schools in Columbus have good rating
  • Race diversity
  • Industry diversity
  • Low hurricane and earthquake risk
  • Blue ribbon Elementary school(s)
  • The cost of living in Columbus is affordable
  • Living in Columbus means lots of activities
  • Low substance abuse rate
  • Low cancer incidence rate
The cons
  • You’ll have to put up with the city’s crime rate
  • Columbus water and air quality need improvement
  • Columbus’s unemployment rate is rising
  • High risk of severe storms
  • High poverty rate
  • Wet weather
  • Low Math proficiency at Elementary schools
  • Low proficiency in Reading and Language Arts at Elementary schools
  • Columbus has a high sales tax rate
  • The city is too close to an airport
  • Low house ownership rate
Best places

Best places to live in Columbus GA

Columbus GA is home to several beautiful livable neighborhoods. Moving to Columbus gives you the perfect chance to live in any of these neighborhoods. If you’re moving to Columbus and wondering what neighborhood the best for you is, the following is a list of the ten best neighborhoods in Columbus:

  • Green Island Hills
  • Midland
  • Grove Park Big Creek
  • Hilton Heights
  • Upatoi
  • The Crossings / Maple Ridge Community
  • Brookstone
  • Midland South
  • Gentian
  • East Highlands

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Cost of living in Columbus GA

The cost of living in Columbus GA is 74.4 and its 25.6% lower than the national average of 100.

Affordable living in a big city is one of the key perks of moving to Columbus GA. The following are the key components that make up the city’s cost of living since you’re considering moving to Columbus GA:

Living Expense Columbus Georgia National Average
Overall 74.4 93.4 100
Grocery 94 95.5 100
Health 93.9 95.5 100
Housing 38.5 80.7 100
Median Home Cost $127,700 $240,400 $291,700
Utilities 104 103.2 100
Transportation 79.8 105.1 100
Miscellaneous 90.9 94.8 100
Job Market

How is the job market in Columbus, Georgia?

How fast can you get a job if you need one in Columbus GA? The COVID-19 pandemic has affected several job markets across the United States and Columbus wasn’t left out.

Columbus’ unemployment rate is lower than the U.S. average. Since you’re considering moving to Columbus, here’s a breakdown of the city’s job market:

  • Columbus GA future job growth is predicted to hit 3.88%
  • Columbus GA unemployment rate is 5.3%. America’s average is 6.0%
  • Columbus GA recent job growth has nosedived by -4.00%
  • Columbus GA jobs have grown by 2.3% over the past year

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What are the top career options in Columbus, Georgia?

You’ll find lots of jobs to choose from if you’re moving to Columbus. Which ones should you opt for? You may be interested in some of the city’s highest-paying jobs. The following is the list of the highest-paying jobs in Columbus.

Rank Job Title Average Salary Entry Level Salary # Of People
1 Dentists, General $253,910 $133,600 30
2 Physicians and Surgeons, All Other $206,740 $131,030 170
3 Chief Executives $171,010 $75,440 210
4 Family and General Practitioners $163,370 $56,590 210
5 Lawyers $144,070 $57,350 230
6 Architectural and Engineering Managers $130,340 $77,740 70
7 Marketing Managers $122,780 $58,770 80
8 Financial Managers $121,040 $58,460 380
9 Pharmacists $120,840 $95,760 240
10 Computer Network Architects $116,710 $62,520 110

What is a good salary in Columbus, Georgia?

Moving to Columbus could mean getting a new job. But how many bucks can you earn in the city? Will you be earning more money or less compared to where you are right now? Let’s find out:

  • Columbus average annual pay for average jobs is $50,999
  • Columbus average hourly pay is $24.52 per hour
  • Columbus average weekly pay is $980 per week
  • Columbus average monthly payment is $4,249 per month
  • The minimum wage in Columbus Georgia is $7.25 an hour

Top Industries in Columbus, GA

Like several other large cities, Columbus’s economy is powered by several industries. The best part is that whether you work in a small or large industry, you’ll most likely find a suitable spot for your job in Columbus. The following is a list of the city’s largest industries since you’re considering moving to Columbus, GA:

  • Construction And Mining
  • Manufacturing
  • Trade
  • Transportation
  • Utilities
  • Information
  • Financial Activities
  • Professional and Business Services
  • Educational
  • Health Services
  • Leisure and Hospitality
  • Government

Columbus’s Housing Market

If you’re interested in buying a home after moving to Columbus, we have the key information you need to know about the city’s housing market. This will make it easier for you to make up your mind about buying a home or not if you’re moving to Columbus, Georgia:

  • Columbus median home cost is $127,700
  • Over the last ten years, home values in Columbus have risen by 14.9%
  • Currently, Columbus home values have appreciated by 14.9%
  • Around 42.9% of Columbus GA residents are renters
  • Up to 2.8% of homes and apartments in Columbus are open to rent

What’s the average home rental price in Columbus GA?

Columbus’s rental market is known for its affordable homes. Even more, you’ll find all kinds of homes available to rent in Columbus, GA. If you’re considering renting a home or an apartment after moving to Columbus, look at the average rental prices below:

  • The average rent of a studio apartment in Columbus GA is $613
  • Columbus GA average rent for a 1-bedroom home or apartment is $679
  • Columbus GA average rent for a 2-bedroom home or apartment is $775
  • Columbus GA average rent for a 3-bedroom home or apartment is $1,052
  • Columbus GA average rent for a 4-bedroom home or apartment is $1,326

Is Georgia a tax-friendly state?

How much will you be paying in taxes if you move to Georgia?

Georgia has one of the lowest property taxes in the United States. Georgia’s median real estate tax is $1,448 per year. That amount is $650 less than the U.S. average. Below is a simple analysis of the key taxes in Georgia:

  • Income tax in Georgia is 1% - 5.75%
  • Georgia Sales tax is 4% - 9%
  • Georgia’s average effective property tax rate is 0.91%
  • Georgia gas tax is 35.15 cents per gallon of gasoline, 39.33 cents per gallon of diesel

Best things to do in Columbus, GA

There are lots of exciting things you can do in Columbus. The city is home to several attractions, and you’ll find lots of amazing things to do in Columbus.

If you’re moving to Columbus, we’ve made a list of the various things you can do and places to visit and explore. Look at the list:

  • Heritage Park
  • Columbus Symphony Orchestra
  • Columbus Botanical Garden
  • Columbus Aquatic Center
  • Oxbow Meadows Environmental Learning Center
  • Whitewater Express
  • National Civil War Naval Museum
  • Pine Mountain Wild Animal Safari
  • RiverCenter for the Performing Arts
  • Chattahoochee RiverWalk
  • Columbus Museum
  • MidTown Columbus
  • Callaway Gardens
  • Springer Opera House
  • Coca-Cola Space Science Center

Is Columbus Georgia a safe place to live?

Is Columbus a safe city for you and your loved ones? Like several other large cities in the United States, Columbus has its fair share of crime problems. The following are key stats about the city’s crime rates since you’re considering moving to Columbus, GA:

  • The violent crime rate in Columbus is 36.8. The national average is 22.7
  • The property crime rate in Columbus is 75.5. The national average is 35.4
  • Residents have a 1 in 85.6 chance of being the victim of a violent crime
  • Residents have a 1 in 47.8 chance of being the victim of a property crime

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Best Schools & Universities in Columbus, Georgia

Columbus GA is home to several top-quality schools. If you’re moving to Columbus, you’ll have easier access to several excellent schools from universities and colleges to elementary, middle, and high schools.

The following is a list of the best schools in the city if you’re moving to Columbus, GA:

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