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Hello. Has anyone moved from a bigger, more established city (DC, NYC, Chicago, etc.) to downtown Columbus? I’m curious what the transition would be like.
I grew up in the Columbus area; graduated from OSU in 2005; moved to DC. I’ve lived in the heart of downtown DC for the past 2 years. I’m seriously considering a move back to Columbus to pursue a career in real estate development – seems like good timing – but I’m hesitant about the apparent dropoff in bars/restaurants/entertainment options within walking distance.
Although I spent 3 years at OSU, and another 18 years within 15 miles of downtown, I never became familiar with it. I have read with interest about all the new projects being proposed; it is very exciting.
Any advice is appreciated.
Downtown Columbus (downtown proper) will still seem really empty after 5:00 p.m. compared with central D.C.; it would be closer to the office-heavy areas of Reston or one of the other outlying business districts.
If you want a place where you’re likely to have more people around 24/7, as well as more retail, bars, and restaurants, look to just north of downtown (Short North, Victorian Village, Italian Village … or Arena District if you want a more modern feel), or just south (German Village, Brewery District). The Gay St. corridor downtown has grown a bit since 2005, but I don’t think it holds a candle on Connecticut Ave. NW.
Rosslyn might also be a comparison. Or maybe the blocks around the Verizon Center 10 years ago, before all of the Penn Quarter development.
thanks. i live right off connecticut ave. in dupont circle, so the short north might be interesting.
i drove by the location of the “jacKson on high” project a few weeks ago; might it be a good idea to get in on one of those pre-con?
anyone else have 1st-hand experience w/ this (moving from bigger city to downtown columbus)? i’m pretty set on it; mostly just trying to convince my girlfriend that it won’t be so bad.
I lived in Chicago (Lakeview) for a year and then moved back here. To be honest I feel where I live (German Village) combines a lot of the good things that I missed here, and the stuff in Chicago. While it is a very walkable neighborhood I don’t have to worry about parking, paying $25 to park anywhere, or driving 2 hours to get out of the city. Also if there is a concert or sporting event I can get there in 5-10 minutes and out in 5-10 minutes. Example, Flaming Lips concert at the LC, got there, seated and everything in 10 minutes. In Chicago it would of taken me probably an hour or 2 just to get there, plus cab costs, etc.
Also if you work downtown, I only live a mile from the “business district”. So while in a larger city to live in a true walkable neighborhood you may have to live 40-45 minutes away from where you work.
That being said, it is not like Chicago or any other big city. There aren’t always people walking around, and your girl friend may find that annoying. Some times I do get annoyed with the small town mentality that a lot of people seem to have here, but I think the benefits out weigh the cons.
^ That’s probably the best anyone can put it.
Pros:
Low cost of living
Good walkability in nearby neighborhoods
Whether you live on the south side, or north side, they are only a $6 cab ride apart.
Cons:
Too many people are content with the status quo
Downtown proper closes down at 5:30
compare it to the loop in chicago. simple as that, both places are also seeing more residential construction.
there is no comparison, on any level, with Columbus and NYC. none, zero, zilch, etc.