Moving to Columbus, Ohio from Honolulu, Hawaii?

Question

I am going to be moving to Columbus from Honolulu sometime next summer. Honolulu has a great transportation system that can go practically anywhere (ferry and bus). My main concern is that I will not have a car. So what options do I have? Is there a bus system that travels on practically every road? Is there a train/subway system? Also, how is the job market? Any information that you may think I will find useful please feel free to add.

Thank you!

Answer 1

Sunspot,  I lived in Columbus for 12 years.  The bus system is COTA and serves much of the metro Columbus area well, especially downtown.  Typical of a newer city, Columbus is spread out and there will certainly be spots that aren't easily accessible by bus, but if you're careful about picking your location, you should have no trouble managing.  COTA is bus only, no subway or light rail.

The job market isn't quite recovered from the recent downturn.  Ohio has lost a number of jobs and is struggling to re-employ those displaced workers.  There are certainly jobs to be had, but not knowing your line of work, it's hard to say how that will impact you.  There are several large companies headquartered in metro Columbus.  Cardinal Health, The Limited, Wendy's, Worthington Industries, Lieberman, Huntington Bank, Nationwide Insurance are some of the area's largest employers.

This has affected the real estate market as well.  Homes that sold in days are taking months.  I've sold two homes in NW Columbus and both sold in less than 3 weeks.  I currently have a condo on the market that's been for sale for 6 months.  I've lowered the price to less than I paid and still can't get an offer.

The Ohio State University is based in Columbus and is a highly regarded university.  It also employs a lot of people between the university and adjoining hospital.

Weatherwise, Columbus will be a kick in the teeth for you.  Winters are fairly cold, though they don't get a lot of snow.  Most days don't get below 25 degrees and in the summer, expect most days in the 80's to low 90's.  Overcast days tend to be the norm, but it's the price you pay for having some of the richest soil in the US.  There are plenty of days when it's just glorious, though, so don't let the weather be an issue.

Hope this info helps.

Answer 2

Columbus has COTA buses, but not a "cover all" system.  You will need a car here.

And a coat by the Fall, especially if you are used to Hawaii's weather.

Answer 3

what a culture shock that will be!

Answer 4

How was that helpful? Im sure they already knew that...LOL

We have the public bus system in Columbus, which goes about everywhere, In Cincinnati and NKY its called TANK, im not sure what it is called in Columbus (100 miles further East) or about 2 hour drive)

Also have plenty of taxis. I have never had that problem, so Im not sure. No we do not have trains or subways. The job market in USA and in OH is pretty steady right now. I have a friend in Columbus, I can have them contac you if you like? Good Luck!

Answer 5

Why move!!???

Anyway...Google "Columbus,Ohio" + "public transportation"

Good luck.

Answer 6

I live in Ohio yet not in Columbus. I have to say there are no subways, trains like there is in area's we visited this summer like Pennsylvania.  There are buses. The one that I know of is COTA (website: http://www.cota.com/welcome.asp) I have not used this system so I cannot share any information.  

In fact in Ohio public transportation really isn't that common. At least in my area. You either have a car or walk. We do have taxi's but those are expensive. In my family alone we own 3 cars. In my area we do not even have buses.

I have lived in large area's like Cincinnati and now in West Central Ohio and can say for certain public transportation is a little used system. They have it but I know very few who use it. Most have cars. We are also lazy. I can see the McDonald's Restaurant from my back yard but will hop in my car to get there. LOL

Are you going to go to College here?  The fact that Columbus is a large college town public transportation I would think it would have to be more available than other towns. Job Market? Try Monster.com and see what is available to you.

Answer 7

CONTACT YOUR LOCAL DMV OFFICE, THEY WILL BE ABLE TO ANSWER ANY AND ALL OF YOUR QUESTIONS AND AT THE SAME TIME YOU WILL BE GETTING THE CORRECT ANSWER TO YOUR QUESTION.

Answer 8

you're gonna have to have a car....period.....you're also gonna need an anti-depressant!  Columbus is one of the most uninteresting, non-scenic, ho hum places on earth!  I'd reconsider my plans if I were you.  You're trading in  a beautiful, bright, great fitting outfit for a potato sack!

Answer 9

Here is the transit site for Columbus. I wouldn't worry too much about it. These bus systems are all pretty much the same. They all suck, but if you got to use them. They will get you where you are going.

Answer 10

are you leaving me? where did i go wrong?

Answer 11

Welcome to Columbus.  I was in Hawaii last year and can say that it is one of the most beutiful places I have ever visited.  

I always tell people that Columbus is a terrible place to visit, but a great place to live.  You will be surprised at how much further your dollar goes here than back in HI.  You asked about the job market.  All of Ohio is struggling, but Columbus by far has the best prospects in the state and is one of the tops in the region.  It really depends on what you do for a living and what area of town you want to work.

That being said, we have an absolutely terrible public transportation system.  We do have bus service (COTA) but is cumbersome to use and unless you live downtown, really pretty worthless.  Very few people use COTA.  Taxis are expensive and difficult to find on the streets, unless you are at the airport.  It is easy to call ahead (614-444-4444) for one, however.

Most of the population lives in the suburbs.  I will say our freeway system is second to none.  It is logical, easy to use, and very efficient when compared to similar sized cities.  

We have no train, reail or subway system, although there is talk of implementing a trolly system downtown.  I wouldn't bet on it though.

All that leads me to conclude that you really will need to have a car here, even if it's just a cheap beater car.  I know it will be an added expense, but coming from your state where things are outrageously priced to Columbus, it may not be that big of a deal.  It will make your life a whole lot easier.  

Hopefully that's helpful.  Feel free to contact me if there is any other info you need.