When Schaefer branched out into the Columbus marketplace a little over 10 years ago, there were many incentives that drew us to the capital of the Buckeye State. Business is booming in this highly entrepreneurial town, and we are surrounded by high achievers and innovators. It’s good company to be in, we like to think. While the people in CBUS are hard to beat, we’ve come up with 10 other reasons why this city will win your heart, just like it did ours.
1. We think outside the box.
Columbus is a highly creative and intelligent city. We were recognized as the Intelligent Community of the Year in 2015, and recently won the Smart City Challenge, receiving $50 million in grants for city development. We also made the top 10 list on Creative Cities International’s Vitality Index. Our recent Columbus Makes Art campaign is a testament to the vibrant minds that fill our city. If you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, scientist, artist or performer, you’ll find all the resources and support you need in Columbus. Or, if you’re just a patron of the arts, we welcome you to visit some of our favorite attractions:
2. We believe you can never have too many suburbs.
If you’re looking for a safe, beautiful, entertaining suburb to settle down in, look no further than Westerville… or Worthington… or Dublin… or, you get the idea. Columbus offers so many historic and quaint towns that are perfect for raising a family or creating a space of your own. In fact, Columbus claims 5 suburbs on the top 50 list of the best suburbs in America, including the #1 suburb, New Albany.
3. We have spirit, yes we do…
Columbus is home to THE Ohio State University, and the Buckeye spirit is contagious as soon as you enter city limits. Maybe you’ve heard of our coach, Urban Meyer, or our 2015 National Championship football team? Whether you love college ball (football or basketball), or you’re more of a futbal fan, Columbus has plenty of teams that welcome a cheering crowd.
4. We’re fashion forward.
It’s hard not to stay on top of the country’s biggest fashion trends when we’ve got retail giants like DSW and Victoria’s Secret taking up shop in our hometown. Columbus has been ranked the #3 fashion forward city in the U.S., which makes sense when considering the dozens of premier shopping centers in a 50-mile radius. Recently, we’ve hosted our own Fashion Meets Music Festival and annual Fashion Week Columbus.
5. We’re active.
There are plenty of opportunities to get off your couch and get on your feet in Columbus. Our city backs some major fitness events, such as Pelotonia – the largest bike ride in Ohio, and our very own Columbus Marathon. If group fitness is more your style, we have enough yoga studios and gyms to keep you busy through summer’s heat or winter’s cold.
6. We love the great outdoors.
With over 19 nearby metro parks spanning over 27,000 acres of land and water, there are plenty of options when it comes to enjoying all four seasons in Ohio.
7. We like to get wild.
Did you know you can visit the Heart of Africa right in Columbus’ backyard? The top-ranked Columbus Zoo & Aquarium provides an exotic adventure for over 2.3 million visitors each year. Named the number one zoo in the United States on multiple occasions, the Columbus Zoo also offers one of the Midwest’s most popular water parks, Zoombezi Bay.
8. We have our very own hot spot.
Deemed “the art and soul of Columbus,” the Short North is a magnet for everything unique and exciting about our city. Follow the arches along one main strip on High Street and you’ll get lost for hours. Monthly gallery hops keep the streetlights buzzing all night, with local artists displaying their work door to door with restaurants, theaters, bars, and more. You won’t find a place more culturally diverse or entertaining than Columbus’s historic Short North Arts District.
9. We know how to eat – really well.
To say that Columbus boasts an impressive array of cuisine is an understatement. Foodie culture permeates every part of town, from the eclectic taverns in the Short North to the deliciously greasy, hole-in-the-wall diners scattered around town. Authentic Mexican, German, Asian, Indian, Italian… you name it, and we probably have a dozen options to choose from. Some of our most-loved eateries include:
10. We like to celebrate.
In Columbus, we’re always looking for a reason to gather together amidst food, drinks, and entertainment. Festival season is year-round, with annual favorites like the Columbus Arts Festival, the Dublin Irish Festival, and the Columbus Greek Festival keeping everyone’s summer calendars full. We also host the most recognized fireworks display in the Midwest, and one of the largest state fairs in the United States.
So there you have it – hop aboard the CBUS and tell us what about this great city won your heart!
