Columbus, Ohio Relocation Guide

Welcome to Columbus, Ohio! Heart of the Buckeye State, this city is bustling with opportunity and ready to welcome you home!

Explore Fischer Homes' guide for all that Columbus has to offer, including attractions and hidden gems for those moving to the growing state's capital. Keep reading to discover why Columbus has become so popular over the years!

1. Fantastic Food 

Columbus is a foodie’s dream come true, offering a diverse and vibrant culinary scene that’s sure to satisfy every craving. Whether you're into fine dining, casual eats, or exploring unique local flavors, the city has it all. From trendy restaurants to classic diners and food trucks, here are some must-try spots and food experiences in Columbus:

north market

For a true taste of Columbus, head to the North Market, a local favorite since 1876. This bustling public market features a wide variety of fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and international food vendors. You’ll find everything from gourmet sandwiches and handmade pasta to fresh sushi and mouth-watering baked goods. It’s the perfect spot to sample local and international flavors, offering a memorable experience all under one roof!

Columbus food trucks

The food truck scene in Columbus has exploded in recent years, offering everything from tacos and BBQ to gourmet grilled cheese and sweet treats. You’ll often find these mobile kitchens gathered at local events, festivals, or popular hubs across the city. Make sure to try some fan favorites like Pitabilites, known for its authentic and delicious mediterranean dishes, or Texas Steele BBQ, serving up comfort food with a twist.

Check out this street food finder tool to help you track down your next stop!

schmidt's Sausage Haus

Located in the historic German Village, Schmidt’s Sausage Haus is an infamous Columbus institution. This traditional German restaurant is famous for its bratwurst, sausages, and schnitzels, along with its famous cream puffs. Whether you're sitting down for a hearty meal or grabbing a quick bite, Schmidt’s delivers a flavorful experience that highlights the city’s rich heritage and culture.

the short north

For a more upscale dining experience, the Short North Arts District is a hotspot for trendy restaurants, chic cafes, and craft cocktail bars. The Pearl offers delicious seafood in a sleek, modern setting, while Lindey’s serves up upscale American classic cuisine in a cozy yet elevated atmosphere. The district is also home to several eateries that specialize in innovative farm-to-table options, making it an ideal area to explore culinary trends.

brewery district

For craft beer lovers, the Brewery District is home to a growing number of local breweries. Pair your beer with delicious food from local spots like The Taproom or Elevator Brewing Company, which serve up hearty pub favorites designed to complement your brew. Columbus’s craft beer scene is thriving, and there’s always something new to try.

jeni's splendid ice creams

No food tour of Columbus is complete without a stop at Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams. This beloved local chain is known for its creative, small-batch flavors made from high-quality ingredients. Try classics like Brambleberry Crisp or seasonal favorites like Salty Caramel. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, Jeni’s is the perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth and discover some of Columbus's deliciously sweet flavors.

2. Amazing Attractions

Columbus is home to a variety of amazing attractions and activities. Residents can discover endless hidden gems and local favorites to stay busy and have fun throughout all seasons. Below are some of our highlights, but keep in mind there's still so much more to discover!

Columbus zoo & aquarium

One of the most renowned zoos in the country, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium offers a fantastic experience for all ages. Home to the infamous Zoologist Jack Hanna, visitors can explore a variety of cultural exhibits, featuring thousands of animals from all around the world. The zoo also has a renowned aquarium, featuring stunning underwater exhibits and interactive displays highlighting visitor favorites, like the manatees. On a summer day, be sure to stop by Zoombezi Bay to cool off, making a day full of fun complete for the whole family.

franklin park conservatory & botanical Garden

If you’re a nature lover, the Franklin Park Conservatory is a must-stop destination. This indoor and outdoor garden features lush tropical plants, seasonal flower displays, and it's iconic beautiful butterfly gardens. It’s a refreshing and peaceful escape right in the heart of the city, and the perfect spot to reconnect with nature, especially during the colder winter months.

Cosi Science Museum

For families and science enthusiasts, COSI (Center of Science and Industry) is an incredible interactive museum. With exhibits covering everything from space exploration to dinosaurs, electricity, and the human body, COSI makes learning fun and engaging for all ages. The museum also hosts a planetarium and regularly features traveling exhibits that keep the experience fresh and exciting for the whole family.

Ohio Theatre

For lovers of history, culture, and live performance, the Ohio Theatre is a must-visit attraction located in downtown Columbus. This stunning 1928 Beaux-Arts theater, often referred to as the "Palace of the Midwest," offers an unforgettable experience with its stunning architectural details and rich history. Whether you're attending a Broadway show, a concert, or a classic film screening, the Ohio Theatre provides a unique and elegant setting for a day trip with friends or a date night out.

Scioto mile

The Scioto Mile is a scenic riverfront area, stretching throughout the vibrant Arena District, offering walking and biking trails, fountains, and green spaces for picnics and relaxation. This revitalized area is a common host for outdoor activities and community happenings, as it connects you to several other downtown attractions, including Leveque Tower and Smale Riverfront Park. The Scioto Mile is especially breathtaking at night when the lights from the riverwalk and downtown skyline reflect on the water.

Short North Arts district

For a mix of culture, shopping, and dining, the Short North Arts District is a must-visit. This vibrant area is filled with galleries, charming boutiques, unique cafes, and trendy restaurants. The district hosts regular community events, making it an ideal place for a daytime adventure or an evening out. Don’t miss the famous Short North arches, which beautifully light up the street at night.

german village

Step back in time with a visit to German Village, a charming neighborhood with cobblestone streets, beautifully historic homes, and beloved local boutiques. The area is home to several fantastic restaurants, including the iconic Schmidt’s Sausage Haus mentioned above and The Old Mohawk. Be sure to check out the Book Loft, a 32-room independent bookstore that’s a hidden gem and local favorite in the village!

3. Spectacular Sports

Columbus is a sports lover’s paradise, offering a wide range of professional and collegiate teams that provide exciting entertainment year-round. Whether you're a fan of soccer, hockey, football, or baseball, the city has something for everyone to enjoy!

• Columbus Crew SC (MLS)

  Home to the Columbus Crew SC, one of the Major League Soccer's original teams, sports fans in Columbus agree that catching a game at Lower.com Field is a must. With a passionate fan base and a state-of-the-art stadium, the Columbus, Crew matches are an unforgettable experience. Whether you're a lifelong soccer fan or new to the sport, the energy at a Crew game is contagious and sure to be a blast for the whole family!

• Columbus Blue Jackets (NHL)

  Hockey fans will love the Columbus Blue Jackets, the city's NHL team. The Blue Jackets play at the Nationwide Arena in the Arena District, where fans can enjoy high-speed action on the ice. The team has built a dedicated following, and game nights are always filled with excitement and camaraderie for fans of all ages.

• The Ohio State Buckeyes (College Sports)

  No discussion of sports in Columbus would be complete without mentioning the Ohio State Buckeyes. As home to one of the most successful athletic programs in the country, Ohio State’s football, basketball, and other sports teams are a source of immense pride for the city. 

• Columbus Clippers (Minor League Baseball)

  For baseball fans, the Columbus Clippers, the Triple-A affiliate of the Cleveland Guardians, offer affordable, family-friendly fun. Catching a game at Huntington Park, one of the top minor league stadiums in the country, is the perfect way to spend a summer evening!

Columbus is undoubtedly a sports hub, offering a range of entertainment options for fans of all kinds. Whether you’re cheering for the Crew, rooting for the Buckeyes, or enjoying a day at Huntington ballpark, sports are woven into the fabric of the city's vibrant culture.

4. shopping and dining

Columbus isn’t just known for its cultural attractions and sports teams—it’s also a shopping and dining destination with something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for something specific or just looking to window shop, the city has a variety of districts and venue options to explore, designed to cater to all tastes and styles, including: 

• Easton Town Center
• Polaris Fashion Place
• Short North Arts District
• German Village
• North Market
• and more!

From high-end shopping centers to unique local boutiques, Columbus truly offers a diverse and exciting shopping and dining scene. Whether you’re indulging in luxury, exploring local goods, or enjoying a delightful meal, the city’s vibrant neighborhoods serve host to trendy hotspots all across the city!

5. Wonderful Weather

In Columbus, you're sure to experience all mother nature has to offer through each of the 4 seasons - Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall! The variation in seasons gives you the chance to experience gorgeous foliage as it changes colors throughout the year and is an excellent spot for someone with a green thumb! Check out these resources on gardening below to learn more about the impacts of seasonal changes in Columbus.

• Farmer's Almanac Planting Calendar
• Columbus Garden School - Classes & Workshops 
• Growing to Green - Franklin Park Conservatory Guide

6. convenient Cities

There are a variety of incredible cities and suburbs located within Columbus, each offering easy access to major roads and highways to get you to each of these destinations we've mentioned above. Check out some of these great cities below that help make Columbus such a highly desired city to live in!

Delaware

Located just 30 minutes north of Columbus, Delaware is known for its small-town charm and family-friendly atmosphere. With a historic downtown district, top-rated schools, and ample green space, Delaware provides a quiet retreat while still being close to all the action in Columbus. It's ideal for families who want a slower pace of life but still need to commute to the city for work or entertainment.

Interested in moving to Delaware? Check out new homes here! 

grove city

Just south of Columbus, Grove City is a growing community that combines suburban comfort with easy access to the city. With excellent public schools, a variety of parks and recreational options, and a revitalized downtown area, Grove City offers a thriving community that appeals to all ages. This highly desirable city is conveniently located near major highways like I-71, making it the ideal choice for those who need to commute to Columbus but still want to enjoy the perks of suburban living.

Interested in moving to Grove City? Check out new homes here! 

Hilliard

Known for its award winning schools, Hilliard is a favorite among families and professionals alike. Located to the northwest of Columbus, Hilliard is just a short drive from downtown, offering the perfect mix of suburban tranquility and urban convenience. The city boasts an active downtown area with shops, restaurants, and recreational activities, and its central location makes it an ideal spot for those looking to commute into the city while enjoying a quieter lifestyle at home.

Interested in moving to Hilliard? Check out new homes here! 

Marysville

Located to the northwest of Columbus, Marysville offers residents the perfect balance of rural and suburban living. Thanks to its close proximity to major highways like US-33 and I-270, Marysville has quickly rose to one of the most desired cities within the Columbus Metropolitan Area. Just 30 miles from downtown Columbus, Marysville is the ideal family-friendly environment offering residents great schools, a strong sense of community, and a taste of rural tranquility. If you’re seeking a peaceful suburban setting with convenient access to Columbus, Marysville is an excellent choice.

Interested in moving to Marysville? Check out new homes here! 

Pickerington

Just 15 miles east of downtown Columbus, Pickerington offers the ideal blend of suburban tranquility with convenient access to the city. Known for its outstanding schools, beautiful green spaces, and strong sense of community, Pickerington is the perfect city for families and professionals alike. The city’s convenient location near major highways like I-70 makes commuting to Columbus simple, while its charming downtown area provides a variety of activities for residents to look forward to throughout the year.

Interested in moving to Pickerington? Check out new homes here!

Powell

Just 20 miles north of downtown Columbus, Powell adds the perfect blend of suburban charm to central convenience. Known for its top-rated school and beautiful parks, like Village Green Park, Powell is the perfect place for families and young professionals. The city’s prime location along major roadways like Route 315 make Powell the highly desired area it is. Residents can also enjoy its charming downtown area, which boasts a variety of local shops, restaurants, and year-round community events.

Interested in moving to Pickerington? Check out new homes here!

Want to Make Columbus, Ohio Home?

As one of the fastest-growing metro areas, Columbus has quickly become one of the most highly desired places to call home. Does Columbus sound like the perfect city for you? If so, Fischer Homes is calling your name! Fischer Home offers new construction in growing cities like Circleville, Delaware, Etna, Grove City, Heath, Hilliard, Marysville, Pataskala, Pickerington, Plain City, South Bloomfield, Sunbury, and more! Come visit one of our Model Homes or connect with us virtually to begin building your dream home with Fischer Homes!

Offering a variety of communities across Columbus from the $300's to the $1.0 M+ with a variety of floorplans including low-maintenance, ranch style, two-story, five-level, and more, you're sure to find a home that fits your lifestyle perfectly! 

Start Your Home Building Journey

Interested in building a home in the Columbus, Ohio area? Visit our website or call us at 614.610.4201 to talk with one of our New Home Advisors today!