possible job relocation to columbus ohio

[stitchsfourkids]

Anyone from this area??? I know that the cost of living is cheaper than here in New Jersey, but any feedback on schools, housing costs, etc would be great. Neither of us have ever strayed far from family, so just the possibility is making me crazy!!!

 

[bobcat]

There are many central Ohio Disers on the boards. You might want to post this on the community board to get more responses.

 

[ginnymac]

HI! We grew up in Westchester County, NY. My brother moved out to Columbus and loves it! The cost of living is much less than Westchester. He just bought a brand new home (over 4,000 sq. ft) for much less than he could in NY and his taxes for the year are what we pay for 2 months

The only bad thing is coming back to visit and us going there. It is an 8 hour drive He was sooo sad about Skybus, because it was an inexpensive way to visit.

He always says that Ohio is great and would be even better if PA weren't between OH and NY/NJ....it just is such a long drive through PA!!

We always have such a great time out in Columbus. The Cosi museum, the waterpark nearby (I forget the name) and the zoo is beautiful!!!

We have considered moving out there a few times....

 

[momto2girls]

I live in Columbus. There are some really nice suburbs. Which side of town are you considering? (Where is the job located?)

We love Columbus! It is a wonderful city.

 

[girli565]

Cost of living is definitely lower than Jersey but is the salary staying the same?

 

[estherhead]

I'm from southern Ohio & dh is from Columbus. We lived near Newburgh, NY for awhile so I know some of the comparisons. I adore NYC & Columbus is no comparison. That being said, I only live in Newburgh for 2 years & then moved back to Ohio. People are just really nice here. And it is cheaper (a lot cheaper). And the traffic is easier. And it's cleaner. I hate living away from my family. But if I had to, Columbus is a pretty nice place. Oh, the city parks are really nice too, as are the city festivals. If you have any questions, I might be able to answer them. As for schools, I didn't go but dh did. They seem to have the same benefits and problems as all the other schools in the US. You can pick your school district in Ohio, so if you hate the one you are living in, you can take your kid elsewhere. You just have to provide transport.

 

[noodle7729]

We moved from Columbus, to Eastern PA (right on the Jersey border) about 2 years ago and really miss it. The better school systems are suburbs to the north of the city (Dublin, Powell, Westerville, New Albany, Hilliard). The difference in housing costs is dramatic. For 200,000-250,000 you can get a nice 4 bedroom, 2 1/2 bath in a nice neighborhood and good school system. We found that salaries were actually higher in columbus than where we are living now. Let me know if you have any other questions.

Jamie

 

[minniebeth]

I'm from NJ and live in the Columbus area now after having been relocated around the country in many different states. It is a GREAT area and think you would really like it. What part of NJ are you from? Even though Ohio is considered part of the midwest, we call it "Jersey Lite" here, you have the best of both worlds. The quality of life is so nice but the feel is not as congested and a little more laid back. Yes, it can be more reasonable to live here than certain parts of NJ (especially northern NJ and heavens especially Westchester Co. in NY) but be vigialant about costs...it's not as inexpensive as it seems. We find Ohio's taxes to be very hidden and it adds up. I can break it down further for you if you are interested. Food and gas is more expensive here and of course, you will miss having no tax on clothes. We try to do some big clothes shoppings when we go to visit family in NJ.
The school systems overall are very good and comparable to NJ (I am in education so I feel I can make a relatively good comparison.
Do your research carefully if you decide to make the move and pinpoint an area that would match to your simialr lifestyle now.
Good luck and feel free to ask for any info. you may need!
Beth

 

[Sonoma]

Columbus is a great city. I grew up in Westerville (a suburb to the Northeast) and I now live in Grove City (a suburb to the southwest). The cost of housing varies greatly depending on the area. The schools in the area are good, some districts are better than others. Our school district as a whole is not one of the highest rated in the area but the individual schools that our neighborhood feeds into rate very high.

There are many things to do in Columbus. We have The Ohio State University and all of the sports that go with a Big Ten team. The Blue Jackets NHL team is here, also arena football and the Columbus Destroyers Soccer. There is a AAA baseball team as well. Columbus has several museums and one of the best zoos in the country. There is an indoor water park as well as a new outdoor water park (opening this summer).

One of the other things that we love about the area is it's proximity to some many other places. Cincinnati, Toledo, Dayton and Cleveland are easy day trips. Louisville and Indianapolis are just a little farther (still a day trip, just a longer day).

I'd be happy to answer any questions you have.

 

[taximomfor4]

my brother (military) was in Columbus for about 4 yrs. I am from up near Cleveland....and it's night and day, IMO. He lived kind of in the boonies, I guess...Hilliard schools which are great, but his home was in a nearby township so he got a nice house cheaper. His water, though, was OUTRAGEOUS. APparently they were so "out there" that the company could jack up the prices.

Also, my girls do an Irish Dance competition in Columbus each August. It's held in Dublin's high school. Very nice area, and the people who live there say the schools are excellent. My brother said when he is done in the military, they will settle in or near Dublin. If your job is on the north side, consider it!~

 

[twinklesstars]

We live a county north of Columbus. We really enjoy it here. Is the job downtown or in one of the suburbs? There are many great cities in the area. I know the north side is still growing. Delaware county is one of the fastest growing counties in the country. There are many excellent school districts around. As far as cost, generally, Upper Arlington, Dublin, and New Albany are typically the most expensive. However, coming from NJ, they will probably seem cheap. Powell, Worthington, and Westerville are also nice areas. I'm not that familar with the south and east side. If you have any specific questions about Columbus please let me know!

 

[mom2mira]

We are also a few counties NE of Columbus, but my dh works in Columbus. We actually like being out a little furthur since you can get more for your money out here, but there are lots of nice suburbs. It will really depend on where work will be, your income, etc. as with any city which area will be right for you. Feel free to contact me as well if you have any questions. I'm actually more familiar with the East and NE areas, but I went to OSU and have lived in several areas in Columbus in the past.

 

[shortbun]

I'm currently living in Columbus, working for the city schools and raising a child who attends public school. Before I recommend any areas, I'd have to know more about your current lifestyle and interests. Also, in what area of town would you be employed and by what company? Opportunity abounds for anyone here and the lifestyles are all represented. If you really want good schools but want to be in town, you'd be best off looking at Upper Arlington or Bexley. Most of the other areas listed are new build suburbs with good but crowded schools. My son is getting a stellar education in Columbus City Schools but we/his parents actively participate and he attends an alternative school with an unusual style but excellent results. It is difficult to get into the alternative schools here IF they are successful. Again, depending on the location of your job, you might consider a little village called Granville. They are a university town(Denison) and because of highway construction, very close to east Columbus. My nephew is a junior in high school in Granville and getting an excellent education in one of the highest rated school systems in the state. The people currently living in Granville would probably kill me for mentioning it because it too is getting a bit crowded. Housing costs vary tremendously depending on your location. Some of the pricier neighborhoods IN Columbus have 3bdr/2bath homes for $280K and up depending on other amenities. It's possible to get the same home in an OK family area for under 200K but then you're having to look carefully at neighborhood schools for all grade levels. The suburbs like Upper Arlington, Dublin and Westerville start at 280K for a smaller home and it's EASY to buy a house for 400K, expecially right now while the real estate market is soft. There might even be some great deals out there, I haven't really looked lately. Columbus and surrounds is a friendly place. We have fairly decent access to good flights and we're right on I-70 and I-71 so you can get anywhere easily from here by car. Come on out and take a look. The trees are beginning to bloom and lots of homes are going up for sale.

 

[stitchsfourkids]

Thanks for all of the info. This is sooo overwhelming! I got some more info on where exactly his company is located. His company is based out of Polaris. (Chase)

 

[momto2girls]

Thanks for all of the info. This is sooo overwhelming! I got some more info on where exactly his company is located. His company is based out of Polaris. (Chase)

If he will be working in the Polaris area, you will be on the north side of town. The closest areas (all nice areas) are Westerville, Powell and Lewis Center. You might also consider living in Delaware.