7 Reasons to Move to Columbus, GA, Right Now

Nathan Lambrecht

For Harris County native Quentin DeLoach, big-city life after graduating from college at Columbus State University had little appeal, despite his passion for the Atlanta Braves. Instead, he charted a different path in Columbus, where he saw affordability, a comfortable pace of life and career opportunity – topped off with a little urban sizzle. DeLoach decided to move to Columbus in 2012.

Now 36, the former teacher is a K-5 mathematics content specialist for the Muscogee County School District, where he manages curriculum and professional development for district math teachers. He is also an ardent supporter of the city he has made his own, serving on numerous boards with a keen interest in helping Columbus grow and diversify. 

“Some people who are new to Columbus in their mid to early 20s have shared how much they like about Columbus, some from more rural areas and some from bigger cities,” DeLoach says. “They say it has a big-city feel but also like it is still a small town. There is a lot going on here.” 

Here’s a sampling of the many reasons people and companies choose to move to Columbus.

1. Score a Great Job in Columbus

Columbus offers young professionals a range of possibilities at large employers such as Synovus, Aflac, Pratt & Whitney, TSYS and Fort Moore (formerly Fort Benning). Institutions like health care provider Piedmont Columbus Regional, Columbus Consolidated Government and the county’s excellent school system also employ thousands of residents. 

Also, Columbus is a vibrant small-business community and a place where creatives and entrepreneurs thrive and grow. “There are a lot of opportunities here, depending on your aspirations and the sector, of course,” DeLoach says. “The school district has room to grow, and my role here has provided me the opportunity to become a better school administrator.”

2. You Can Afford to Live Here

DeLoach rents an apartment in Old Town, a multiuse community in north Columbus, an area attractive to young professionals.

“Compared to cities like Atlanta, rents are fantastic. Housing is manageable and there are plenty of options, from condos downtown to apartments like the one I am in to houses and apartments in the heart of the city,” DeLoach says. “There are plenty of choices for young professionals, and it seems every time you turn around something new is being built.”

Apartments.com put the average rent in Columbus at $1,052 per month in September 2024, 33% lower than the national average. In Atlanta, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment was $1,600.

Prefer a house? Choose from historic homes to new construction at prices that come in well below the national average. According to Zillow, the average home value in Columbus was around $168,000 in November 2024, less than half the average value in Georgia.

3. Fall in Love With Uptown

Uptown Columbus is where much of the city’s social, dining and entertainment scene is found. Young professionals like DeLoach flock to the area for music, cool shopping, both four-star and down-home eateries, and the easy, fun atmosphere.

“I like the vibe down there,” DeLoach says. “Lots of cool things to do, and the area is growing with new places like Highside Market. There are restaurants, from chain places to local places, different from what you can get in the mall. It’s just a very different vibe.” 

4. Many Serve, Then Stay in Columbus

For service members from Fort Moore (formerly known as Fort Benning), Columbus offers the perfect setting for a smooth transition into civilian life. This thriving region in West Georgia is committed to supporting veterans and ensuring their successful integration into the local workforce and community. Beyond the friendly and welcoming atmosphere, there’s also a multitude of career opportunities available. Combined with the affordable cost of living and the outstanding quality of life around the region, it’s a perfect place to land for those who are looking to start a new chapter of their lives after serving in the military.

Nathan Lambrecht

5. Enjoy the Great Outdoors

This is increasingly an outdoor city, says DeLoach, who is an avid cyclist. RushSouth Whitewater Park, the world’s longest urban whitewater rafting course, runs down the Chattahoochee River through Uptown. Columbus boasts more than 50 parks, 40-plus miles of trails and access to many natural areas. For fun, try mountain biking at Standing Boy Creek State Park or walking, running or cycling on the expansive Dragonfly Trail.

“We have rafting, running clubs here in town, places to fish and we are within driving distance of the Little Grand Canyon,” DeLoach says. 

6. Get Your Sports Fix in Columbus

DeLoach is also a devoted Atlanta Braves baseball fan, so the spring 2025 arrival of the new Columbus Clingstones Double-A affiliate of the Braves is welcome indeed. The team will play at the renovated Synovus Park.

“I am excited about being able to have a baseball team here in Columbus again, and to see our historic baseball park get some updating and improvement,” says DeLoach, who also enjoys watching the Columbus River Dragons pro hockey team. 

The sports scene in town also includes the Columbus United Football Club, the Fountain City soccer team and the Columbus Lions arena football team. Columbus State University Cougars teams compete in NCAA Division II sports, with a large local following. And recreational sports options are widely available.

JPyle

7. Your Pets Will Love it Here

For those who cherish the companionship of pets, the region offers many amazing options that cater to our furry friends. Throughout the city, you’ll find plenty of well-maintained dog parks, including the newly established Fetch Park, which charges a cover fee for dogs and features a signature BARk with beverages for humans to enjoy. These welcoming spaces provide a haven for dogs and their owners to socialize, play and enjoy the outdoors together. 

– Val Hunt Beerbower and Kelly Rogers contributed to this article.