Firstly why Columbus, Georgia?

I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:

• City: Columbus
• State: Georgia
• Population: 196,589 people
• Columbus’s quick summary would be Known for the historic Chattahoochee Riverwalk and the annual National Infantry Museum event.

Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:

• How many people move-in: 14,000 annually
• While this many move-out: 14,000 annually
• Net Migration: 0 no real change annual change
• Non-Citizen Move-in: 1,000
• Number of Homeless people: 500

You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it home to Fort Benning attracts military families and diverse residents

Perk #1: Columbus Demographic Mix & Lifestyle

• The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 33%
• Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 55%
• Largest Local Ethnic Group is Black
• The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly White
• The median income is (and growing)  $40,000
• Income Required to Live Comfortably in Columbus is $48,000
• Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $8000 in positive cash flow

This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?

Perk #2: Housing & Columbus’s Cost of Living

• Cost of Living Index: 85 (100 is the US average)
• Annual Property Tax Per House: $1,025
• Property Tax %: 1.08%
• Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $1,000
• Rent for an average house: $1,550
• Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: Midtown
• Top 5 Growing Areas: Columbus, Fort-Benning, Ridgeway, Phenix-City, and probably could include Upatoi
• Avg. Age of Homes in Columbus: 62 years
• The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 1.9%

If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.

Perk #3: Job Market & Columbus’s Economy

• 3 Industries gaining traction in Columbus are  Military, Manufacturing, and Healthcare
• Columbus Job Scene: moderate job market focusing on military and education
• The General Tech Scene: emerging tech community with a focus on military and healthcare industries , ,
• Columbus Resident’s pay $1,100 in City Tax alone!
• Local Sales Tax in Columbus: 8%
• No. of Independent Businesses: 90 (excluding chains and corporates)
• Number of Local Branch Banks: 8

Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.

Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in Columbus

• Monthly Transportation Costs: $90 on average per person
• Freeway Access: I-185 connects Columbus to Interstate 85 facilitating travel in the region
• Commute Time: 23 minutes (public & private)
• Main Evening Traffic Area: backups on I-185 during rush hour
• Transportation Score: 32 out of 100 described as Some Transit
• No. of Vehicles Registered in Columbus: 70,000
• Cars registered per Person: 0.4
• No. of Car Washes: 8 in and around the city
• DMV Website for Columbus: dor.georgia.gov/motor-vehicle-division
• The Bike-Friendly Score: 58 of 100
• Local Airport: Columbus Metropolitan

Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.

Perk #5: Columbus’s Weather & Natural Factors

• The Most Common Natural Disaster is Tornadoes
• General Weather in Columbus is best described as has hot humid summers with temperatures exceeding 90°F and mild winters with occasional cold spells
• Winter Weather in Columbus i’d describe as mild and rainy
• Spring Weather in Columbus can be described as warm and humid
• Summer’s in Columbus are mostly hot and humid
• Fall ( the nicest time) in Columbus is usually mild with pleasant weather
• How many days in a row over 90°F: 46 days in summer
• Days in a row in Columbus below Freezing: 5
• Average Annual Rainfall: 49 inches
• Summer Air Quality is usually moderate air quality with local traffic contributions
• Columbus Winter Air mixed air quality influenced by local industry

Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.

Perk #6: Columbus Education & Schools

• The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
• Number of Colleges and Universities in Columbus 3
• While the number of trade schools inside Columbuss’s city limits are 3
• Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Chattahoochee County Public Library

If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.

Perk #7: Healthcare & Columbus Stats

• Typical EMS Response Time: 10 minutes
• Registered Full-Time Columbus only Doctors is about 60
• Local Hospitals here is  4
• Full-time Columbus only Police Officers is about 400
• Crime Rate Index: 55/100

Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.

Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality

• Columbus’s Monthly utility bill average is $100
• Columbus’s Monthly Gym Membership: $35
• Columbus’s Water Quality Score: 67

Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.

Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in Columbus

• Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 6 annually
• The General Local City Vibe: diverse city with a mix of military and cultural influences
• You might enjoy concerts at the RiverCenter for the Performing Arts
• Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Columbus  has a growing nightlife featuring local bars live music venues and dining options for all tastes

If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.

Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of Columbus

• The Objective Restaurant Scene Features a mix of Southern dining and local restaurants
• The Number of Independent Restaurants are 30 scattered around Columbus
• The Popular Sports Team is Columbus Lions
• Top Level Political Climate in Columbus can be described as politically mixed urban area with socioeconomic diversity
• Columbus’s Longer standing religious establishment is Columbus Baptist Church

Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.

Perk #11: Columbus Parks & Green Spaces

• Did you know Columbus has 25 Parks?
• Columbus Riverwalk is Columbus’s Green Space Center
• The local favorite Farmers Market is Columbus Farmers Market normally open Saturday 8am-1pm
• Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Hiking, cycling, and fishing

Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.

Perk #12: Columbus Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity

• The Pace of Life in Columbus can be described as moderate pace with military influence and community events
• 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Columbus visiting local museums sports events in parks picnicking
• The Cities people commute to from Columbus are Phenix-City 5 miles away La-Grange 30 miles away Auburn 43 miles away

Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.

8 Drawbacks about Columbus or are they?

No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.

1. Traffic/Commute Issues
   Maybe you read: backups on I-185 during rush hour. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts.
2. Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
   Columbus’s Tornadoes risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up.
3. Pricey Neighborhoods
   If Midtown is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Columbus are Phenix-City 5 miles away La-Grange 30 miles away Auburn 43 miles away.
4. Crime Rate Concerns
   With a 55 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this.
5. Harsh Climate Contrasts
   Columbus has 5 days in a row below freezing and 46 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it.
6. Limited Extra Funds
   After general costs of living here in Columbus people have an average (positive or negative) $8000 in positive cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here.
7. Homelessness or Social Challenges
   500 homeless people living in Columbus. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions.
8. Cultural/Political Mismatch
   The general politically mixed urban area with socioeconomic diversity could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to Columbus.

Retiree & Senior Life in Columbus

• Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can can benefit from property tax exemptions based on age income and disability
• The most established Senior Citizen Community is Atria Columbus
• Columbus Senior Center offers recreational activities community events and health workshops for seniors

If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.

Moving to Columbus, Georgia?

If Columbus, Georgia ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help

As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.

A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around Columbus, Georgia, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!