Not sure why you'd consider it...
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11/4/2007
I want to preface this by saying I grew up about 60 miles from Columbus...
I moved to Columbus when I moved back east, as a stop looking for a job in Atlanta. (I had friends here = cheap rent). I ended up getting a great job in town, and it kept me here.
Like most other companies, they re-organized and relocated. We opted to stay...big mistake! All that exists in this town are service jobs and data entry type jobs. (Do you like cubicle gray, and having 3 tiers of managers above you?) The big names in town keep wages ridiculously low - I'm talking 50% of market rate 90 miles north in Atlanta.
Of course, there is an excess of lawyers in this town...so if you do that, you'll fit in. Litigation is big business.
The summers are intolerably hot. The winters can be either bitter or mild. I've heard about Fall, but I've yet to see one.
Race relations are horrible. Caucasians are the minority. The city creeps north as it rots from the south. Locals call the current no-cross line the "Macon-Dixon Line," referring to Macon Road being the divider between white and black areas.
Recreation is essentially non-existent. The Riverwalk is unfit to venture out on alone. Public facilities are built in minority areas, so don't plan on going if you aren't of the same color. Callaway Gardens is close by, but how often can you do that? Minor league sports teams come and go, and again... they are located across the street from the largest housing projects in town. Don't leave valuables in your car...or in your pocket, as you are likely to be robbed.
Did I mention the crime? I've lived in Atlanta, Seattle and 3 other cities and never once was a victim of crime. The first day I was in Columbus, my bicycle was stolen off my locked bike rack. My apartment was burglarized. I've had power tools, gas and other things stolen from me. My wife's car was vandalized. Friends have been robbed at gunpoint. Most people I know, including me, carry protection.
The drivers here are morons. I've been involved in 3 no-fault accidents on my part, after being accident free for 15 years prior to that. Cell phones seem to be mandatory while driving, and don't expect anyone to understand Yield signs or 4-way stops.
The lakes here are crowded, beach-less and not easily accessible. You need to drive an hour or two away to reach a decent body of water.
Retail and restaurants are cookie cutter. You'll recognize everything, but won't find anything unique. We will officially have 5 Wal-Marts and maybe another... for a city of under 300k. Add 4 K-Marts, a Target and dozens of dollar stores and you are in retail hell.
Most people that are here have been here for life, and will never leave. The term "clique" was invented here. Don't expect to make many close friends with the locals if you are new to town.
For all of this, housing is expensive. Expect to pay a minimum of $110/sf to live in a safe area, and $128/sf to be comfortable. With average salaries in the 30-40k range, plan on having a two income household.
I wouldn't recommend moving to Columbus for any reason.
Wilbret | Columbus, GA