Columbus, IN


16 Reviews



BestPlaces offers the best, most comprehensive city reports,
with insight into cost of living, crime, climate, and more.
Columbus, IN

About Columbus, IN

Columbus, IN is an exciting city located in Bartholomew County near Seymour. Home toparks such as Mill Race CenterFountain Plaza Gardenand Haw Creek Nature Preserve ; Columbus offersitsresidents plentyof outdoorsourcesperfectforactivitieslike kayakingat Clifty CreekPark orexploring MillRacePark naturetrails .Theareaalsofeaturesseveralrestaurantsanduniqueshopsaswellasotheramenitiesthatmakelivingheresoenjoyable .Whetheryou’relookingforgreatculturalattractionsorjustwantanerescapedallthehustleandbustle—Columbushasitall ! Small metro area set in the rolling hills and woodlands of the Great Lakes region. Primary industries include manufacturing and education. - Located in south Indiana, 45 miles south of Indianapolis and 65 miles north of Louisville, Kentucky..

Location Details

State: Indiana
County: Bartholomew County
Metro Area: Columbus Metro Area
City: Columbus
Zip Codes: 47203
Cost of Living: -16.9% lower
Time zone: Eastern Standard Time (EST)
Elevation: 630 ft above sea level
Buying or selling a home?
Find top real estate agents in Columbus.
Find A Top Agent

Dig Deeper on Columbus

Columbus, IN, is a small town with a unique charm, located about 50 miles south of Indianapolis. Its history is marked by architecture, with many buildings in the downtown area designed by renowned architects in the 1950s. This gives Columbus a distinct look and feel, blending modern design with older, restored structures.

The geography around Columbus is mostly flat, transitioning to gently rolling hills to the west. The area enjoys a typical Midwest climate, with warm, humid summers and variable winters that can range from mild to cold. Precipitation is spread throughout the year, including some snow in the winter and occasional strong thunderstorms in spring and early summer.

Economically, Columbus is primarily supported by the Cummins Engine Company, its largest employer. While the economy has seen some diversification with the arrival of smaller businesses, employment opportunities can be limited compared to larger cities. However, the cost of living and housing remains reasonable, making it an accessible place for many.

As for voting patterns, specific details for Columbus, IN, were not provided, but like many towns in Indiana, it could reflect a blend of political views given Indiana's mix of urban and rural populations, leading to varied political leanings across the state.

Residents and visitors can enjoy several activities, particularly those who appreciate architecture and outdoor recreation. Nearby Bloomington offers additional cultural and entertainment options, and natural attractions like Lake Monroe and Brown County State Park provide beautiful settings for hiking, boating, and exploring. The enclosed downtown Commons Mall is a local destination for shopping and dining.

Living in Columbus, IN, offers a small-town atmosphere with the unique appeal of its architectural heritage. It has a strong educational base, thanks in part to the proximity of Indiana University in Bloomington. The affordable cost of living and opportunities for enjoying nature make it an attractive option for individuals and families looking for a quieter lifestyle outside of the big city.

New residents should be prepared for the town's economic landscape, which is not as robust as larger cities, potentially requiring travel to nearby areas for certain amenities and entertainment options. They should also be ready for the Midwest climate, with its hot summers and cold winters, ensuring they have appropriate clothing and gear for all seasons. Lastly, embracing the town's architectural significance and engaging with the community can greatly enhance one's experience of living in Columbus, IN.

Columbus Cost of Living
$$$$

Affordable home prices, 40 mins to indianapolis, and low personal crime make Columbus a great place to live.

$230,100
-46.9% lower than avg
$72,380
+4.6% higher than avg
$1,070 /mo
Monthly rent (2br)
-33.6% lower than avg
Columbus Crime
60.6 / 100
Crime is ranked on a scale of 1 (low) to 100 (high). US average: 35.4
Minimum annual income
To live comfortably in Columbus, Indiana
$43,920
for a family
$37,600
for a single person
Pros & Cons of Columbus
   Affordable home prices
Gets muggy and sticky
   40 Mins to Indianapolis
Flooding
   Low personal crime
Uninteresting landscape
Reviews for Columbus
    See all (16)

Over 2 years ago

I grew up in Columbus Indiana and returned 38 years later after retiring. Columbus has always been a unique place to live and well above average for Indiana. However,  More

   |    Reply

Columbus is a beautiful town for young families or up and coming professionals. It has great restaurants, parks, architecture, and diverse recreation.   More

   |    Reply

Columbus is a friendly town that is welcoming to people from all backgrounds. It provides lots of amenities for young families with very close proximity to big cities  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Columbus

Cost of Living
Compare Columbus, IN
cost of living
Compare food, housing, utilities, and more in Columbus, Indiana to any other city in the US.


The premier source for comprehensive city data for over 30 years.

© Best Places. All rights reserved.