Ohio State is in the process of revising websites and program materials to accurately reflect compliance with the law. While this work occurs, language referencing protected class status or other activities prohibited by Ohio Senate Bill 1 may still appear in some places. However, all programs and activities are being administered in compliance with federal and state law.

Living in Columbus

Columbus, Ohio

Ohio State students have the chance to live and study in the heart of Columbus, a vibrant world-class city. As the state's capital and largest city, Columbus is one of the fastest growing metropolitan areas in the nation, with a population of nearly two million people. 

Photo of the Columbus skyline

Columbus offers all the opportunities you would expect from a major metropolitan area: an array of ethnic restaurants; symphony, ballet, and opera companies; world-class theaters and museums and a lively local music and arts scene. It also boasts major-league teams in soccer and hockey, the Yankees' top farm team (the Clippers), and, of course, the Ohio State Buckeyes.

Called a “Midwestern style capital” by the New York Times and one of the top-ten “Best Places to Live” by Money Magazine, Columbus is second only to Boston for the number of college students. Nearly half the population falls within the 18-44 age group, making Columbus a great city for students and young professionals. As Ohio’s capital city, Columbus’ ties to government, business, and industry provide a wide array of career and research opportunities for Ohio State students both before and after graduation. In fact, Gallup rates Columbus the No. 2 metropolitan area for jobs, and we enjoy the second-highest employment rate in the country for young adults.

Photo of the Gateway district in Columbus

Columbus has been named:

  • No.1 up-and-coming high-tech city (Forbes)
  • Top ten most livable city (CNN/Money Magazine)
  • Top 25 LGBT-friendly campus (Campus Pride)
  • No.1 best place to live, work and raise a family for African Americans (BET Networks)
  • The most intelligent city in the United States (Intelligent Community Forum)
  • One of the best U.S. cities for Millennial college students (USA Today)
  • Top-20 best U.S. city for young professionals (Forbes)

For a closer look at daily life in Columbus, visit Experience Columbus on Instagram

Check out Columbus Underground's list of the Top 20 Things to do in Columbus