Columbus OH

Columbus – The Heart of Ohio, where innovation meets Midwest charm. From its thriving arts scene to buzzing college town energy, Columbus offers a perfect blend of culture, creativity, and community spirit. Whether you're cheering on the Buckeyes, discovering trendy neighborhoods, or exploring scenic parks, Columbus invites you to experience its warm hospitality and lively vibe.

• Population: ~900,000
• Weather: Four distinct seasons; warm summers (70-85°F), cold winters with snow (20-40°F), and pleasant spring and fall.
• Places To Visit: Short North Arts District, Franklin Park Conservatory, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, Ohio Statehouse, German Village.
• Top Activities: Catching an Ohio State football game, strolling through Scioto Mile, exploring local art galleries, shopping in Polaris Fashion Place, enjoying festivals downtown.
• Famous Food: Columbus-style pizza, Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams, Schmidt’s Bahama Mama sausage, Buckeye candies, and craft brews from local breweries.

Columbus, OH is a growing city with a diverse economy. Known for its strong healthcare, technology, finance, education, and logistics sectors, Columbus offers excellent opportunities across multiple industries. Here are some of the top jobs in the city today.

Top 5 Jobs in Columbus, OH

Columbus, OH might surprise you with its array of chill spots and fun activities perfect for students looking to unwind and enjoy their downtime. Whether you're into nature, food, or the arts, Columbus has a diverse range of places to explore.

Short North Arts District – Known for its vibrant atmosphere, the Short North is packed with galleries, boutique shops, and delicious eateries. It's a great place to stroll, catch some local art, or grab a bite with friends.

Columbus Park of Roses – Nestled in Whetstone Park, this beautiful garden offers a peaceful escape with over 11,000 rose bushes. It's an ideal spot for a leisurely walk or a relaxed afternoon with a book.

North Market – With a plethora of food vendors offering global cuisine, North Market is a must-visit for food lovers. It's also an excellent spot for hanging out with friends and trying something new.

Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens – Explore the stunning gardens and unique plant exhibits. The conservatory often hosts events that make for an engaging learning experience outside the classroom.

Schiller Park – Located in the historic German Village, Schiller Park is perfect for leisurely walks, picnics, or catching an open-air Shakespeare performance during the summer months.

Clintonville – Discover eclectic coffee shops, vintage stores, and casual eateries in this charming neighborhood. It's a great place to spend an afternoon exploring local gems.

Columbus Commons – A lively urban park in downtown Columbus, offering free events, concerts, and food trucks. It's a bustling spot to simply relax or enjoy some entertainment with friends.

With so many diverse and exciting places, Columbus offers numerous opportunities for students to unwind and enjoy their city.

Columbus, Ohio is a vibrant city known for its rich educational landscape. It offers a mix of top-tier public and private colleges and universities that specialize in research, healthcare, technology, arts, and more. Students from across the country come to Columbus for its high-quality academic institutions and strong career opportunities after graduation.

Top Public Colleges & Universities in Columbus

The Ohio State University – One of the largest and most respected public universities in the country, Ohio State is known for excellence in medicine, engineering, business, and the arts. With a strong focus on research and innovation, it offers countless resources for students and faculty alike.

– A leading community college offering more than 200 degree and certificate programs in fields like healthcare, business, and information technology. It's well known for affordable tuition and pathways to four-year universities.

Central Ohio Technical College – While headquartered in Newark, COTC also offers classes in Columbus. It provides career-focused programs in nursing, engineering technology, and public safety, helping students find direct paths into high-demand fields.

Franklin University (Hybrid Public/Private) – Though a nonprofit, Franklin works closely with public systems and serves adult learners efficiently through flexible online and in-person programs in business, public administration, and healthcare.

Ohio Dominican University (Private/Public Servicing) – While a private Catholic university, it often serves the community like a public institution through dual enrollment programs and flexible training partnerships across Columbus.

Top Private Colleges & Universities in Columbus

Capital University – A respected private liberal arts college known for its strong music, law, and nursing programs. Located in nearby Bexley, it fosters a close-knit campus community with rigorous academics and service-based learning.

Ohio Wesleyan University – Located just north of Columbus in Delaware, this private liberal arts college offers excellent programs in biology, economics, international studies, and pre-law. It’s well known for producing civic-minded graduates.

Otterbein University – Situated in Westerville, Otterbein is recognized for hands-on learning in areas such as nursing, education, theater, and equine science. It blends modern programs with a commitment to liberal arts education.

Mount Carmel College of Nursing – A Catholic nursing college that specializes in training healthcare professionals with associate, bachelor’s, and graduate-level programs. Its partnership with Mount Carmel Health System gives students real-world clinical experience.

Columbus College of Art & Design (CCAD) – One of the premier private art and design schools in the Midwest, CCAD provides bachelor’s and master’s degrees in fields such as animation, fashion, game art, and advertising design. It fosters innovation and creativity in every student.

Columbus, OH is home to a range of excellent high schools, offering students strong academic programs, extracurricular opportunities, and college prep resources. Whether public or private, these schools provide exceptional education that helps shape future leaders.

Top Public High Schools in Columbus, Ohio

• Olentangy Liberty High School – Located just outside Columbus, this school is known for its strong college prep programs, dedicated teachers, and excellent test scores.
• Dublin Jerome High School – Consistently ranked among the top in Ohio, Dublin Jerome offers a wide array of AP courses and high graduation rates.
• Bexley High School – This small suburban school offers a close-knit community and a challenging curriculum, earning it top marks statewide.
• Upper Arlington High School – Renowned for its academics and arts programs, Upper Arlington provides a balanced education that supports both academic and personal growth.
• New Albany High School – Known for its beautiful campus and innovative programs, this high school combines high academic standards with community involvement.

Top Private High Schools in Columbus, Ohio

• The Columbus Academy – A prestigious private school offering a rigorous curriculum from early grades through high school, with an emphasis on innovation and character development.
• Bishop Watterson High School – A co-ed Catholic school that blends faith-based education with a strong academic program and high college acceptance rates.
• St. Charles Preparatory School – An all-boys Catholic school with a focus on academics, discipline, and leadership development.
• The Wellington School – Known for its small class sizes and personalized learning, Wellington emphasizes creativity and critical thinking.
• Bishop Hartley High School – This faith-based high school offers a strong sense of community, college prep coursework, and competitive athletic programs.

Columbus, Ohio may not have teams in every major professional sports league, but it is home to passionate fanbases and successful franchises that represent the city with pride and intensity. From hockey and soccer to a strong college football following, Columbus stands tall in America’s sports landscape.

🏒 Hockey – Columbus Blue Jackets (NHL)

• Columbus Blue Jackets – Founded in 2000, the Blue Jackets are Ohio’s only NHL team. While they have yet to win a Stanley Cup, they made a memorable playoff run in 2019 by sweeping the top-seeded Tampa Bay Lightning in the first round—one of the biggest upsets in NHL history. The team plays at Nationwide Arena, a central hub for hockey fans in downtown Columbus.

⚽ Soccer – Columbus Crew (MLS)

• Columbus Crew – As one of Major League Soccer’s original teams, the Crew has a loyal and vocal fanbase. The club has won the MLS Cup three times – 2008, 2020, and 2023. The team plays at Lower.com Field, a modern stadium opened in 2021, and is known for its dedicated supporters’ section called The Nordecke.

🏈 Football – Ohio State Buckeyes (NCAA)

• Ohio State Buckeyes – While not a professional team, the Ohio State Buckeyes football program plays a massive role in Columbus sports culture. Based at the iconic Ohio Stadium (nicknamed “The Horseshoe”), the team has won eight national championships and produced many NFL stars such as Archie Griffin, Ezekiel Elliott, Chase Young, and Justin Fields. Game days bring over 100,000 fans together, making it one of the most electric environments in college football.

🏀 Basketball & ⚾ Baseball

• Columbus does not host an NBA or MLB team, but fans support nearby franchises such as the Cleveland Cavaliers (NBA) and Cincinnati Reds or Cleveland Guardians (MLB), all within driving distance.

⚾ Minor League Baseball – Columbus Clippers (Triple-A)

• Columbus Clippers – This Triple-A affiliate of the Cleveland Guardians has a tradition of developing MLB talents and winning championships. The team has claimed multiple International League titles and plays at the award-winning Huntington Park in the Arena District.

Though often overshadowed by larger markets, Columbus thrives with loyal fans and rising teams, making it one of America's underrated sports cities.

Columbus, Ohio is more than just the state capital—it’s a dynamic city filled with hidden gems, vibrant culture, and a growing influence in food, fashion, and sports. Here are ten fun facts that make Columbus a standout place in the Midwest:

1. Home of THE Ohio State University – With one of the largest campuses in the U.S., OSU is a central part of the city's identity and energy.
2. Test Market Capital – Columbus is known as the "test market of America" for new products and foods thanks to its diverse population.
3. Surprising Fashion Hub – It is home to the headquarters of major fashion retailers like L Brands (Victoria’s Secret, Bath & Body Works) and is considered one of the top fashion cities in the U.S.
4. Buckeye Fever – The whole city turns scarlet and gray during Ohio State football season, with over 100,000 fans crowding into The Horseshoe stadium.
5. Historic German Village – Rich in 19th-century charm, German Village is packed with brick roads, bakeries, and cozy cafes.
6. Jeni's Ice Cream Born Here – The delicious, artisan Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams started in Columbus and became a nationwide sensation.
7. Smart City Innovation – Columbus won a $40 million grant from the U.S. government to become America’s first smart city, improving tech and transportation.
8. Largest City in Ohio – With over 900,000 residents, Columbus is the most populous city in the state—bigger than Cleveland and Cincinnati.
9. Diverse Food Scene – From Somali to Korean to modern American, the city boasts a thriving and highly ranked international food scene.
10. Columbus Zoo’s Star Power – The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium was led for years by beloved animal expert Jack Hanna and is one of the top zoos in the country.