Looking for a Place to Thrive? Work Remotely in Columbus, GA

CoWork Columbus

Malorie Fecso works remotely for Indeed, the popular job search engine and hiring platform, from her home office in Columbus, Georgia. Fecso and her husband, both originally from the Columbus area, had previously been living near Austin, Texas, where he was stationed at an Army base. Fecso details the things that influenced their move back and work remotely in Columbus.

Why Work Remotely in Columbus? Ask This Resident

What specific initiatives has the city provided to help accommodate remote workers and did they play a role in your decision to relocate?
We were already looking at coming back home and while doing so, we stumbled upon Columbus’ Remote Worker Talent Incentive Program that gives people $5,000 to help with relocation costs. It definitely supported our decision and gave us a boost, especially with starting a new family.

How has Columbus changed since you lived here last?
The city has definitely grown, and there are a ton of new food options. There are a lot more events in Uptown Columbus and they’ve developed the city east into Midland, which is where we decided to purchase our home. There have been tons of developments and new businesses. 

What currently excites you about living in Columbus?
Honestly, just being able to spend more time with family and friends, especially given the opportunities for new restaurants and outdoor activities. Everything in Columbus is only about 10 minutes away, so it’s easy to just go out for dinner. That’s been fantastic. 

A&E Caro Photography

How have you been networking and socializing while working remotely?
We have lots of friends here, some of whom work for larger companies, like Aflac, so I’ve met lots of people through those friends. The Incentive Program also provides opportunities to meet new people through community events like rafting and ziplining, and membership to things like the Young Professionals program and Fetch Dog Park.

Are there any specific places in Columbus that you’ve found particularly conducive to remote work? 
When I come back from maternity leave in April, I’ll be working at the CoWork Columbus office space, which the Incentive Program offers six months of free membership. There are also plenty of coffee shops I have worked at, like Iron Bank Coffee and Fountain City Coffee. 

How has your work-life balance improved since moving to Columbus? 

I am used to working from home or occasionally going into an office. But in Columbus, because everything is so much closer, I’m also able to get some errands done during the workday. That has been really nice. I can run to the grocery store five minutes down the road and it won’t impact my workday, whereas I had to schedule things for after work hours to get things done before. The proximity of everything has honestly made it a lot easier to maximize my time. 

After work, what are some of your favorite things to do in Columbus? 
We have two dogs that we spend a ton of time with and we get together and hang out with friends two or three nights a week. We go out for dinner at El Carrizo or Golden Chopsticks on Wednesday nights and on Fridays we usually do a game night at a friend’s house. Or we’ll go out to dinner at Nonic or Chili Thai and do some sort of activity downtown. 

What advice would you give to someone considering relocating to Columbus for remote work? 
Columbus is a hidden gem. It’s easy to make friends and connections, the cost of living is great and everything is conveniently located. It’s a city with great opportunities for families and professionals alike. 

Talent Incentive Program in Columbus

Columbus, Georgia, wants to attract remote workers to Columbus. Columbus 2025’s Remote Worker Talent Incentive Program, in partnership with MakeMyMove, offers several incentives to accepted applicants, including six months of office space at CoWork Columbus; an annual outing and mixer with locals; coffee with the mayor; a one-year membership to the Young Professionals Program; memberships to the Greater Columbus Georgia Chamber of Commerce, Columbus Regional Tennis Association, Fetch Dog Park and the Columbus Aquatics Center. It also includes a $5,000 cash incentive.

To qualify, applicants must be 18 or older, employed full-time with a remote position, able to relocate, and earn at least $75,000 from a single source. Applicants also must live 75 miles or more outside of the city limits and must make Muscogee County their primary residence within six months. Click here for more on the program.