Columbus OH Metro 55+ Active Adult Retirement Communities

Columbus is Ohio’s state capital and the largest metro area in the state. Located in Central Ohio the Columbus metro area is many things; a vibrant cosmopolitan city, a college town, and cultural scene all in one metro area. Columbus is a walkable city, perfect for afternoon strolls along the Scioto mile or exploring the attractions downtown. Retirees have a variety of neighborhoods to choose from ranging from downtown urban living to more distant suburbs. Many neighborhoods still retain their small town feeling and provide unique shopping, dining and annual festivals. Small towns and villages outside of the city are popular with retirees who want to enjoy the quiet, relaxed feel and lower costs of rural living.

Cost of Living

In general Ohio has a lower cost of living than many states and the Columbus metro area is no exception making it a great place for budget conscious 55+ living. Columbus overall cost of living is about 14 percent lower than the national average primarily due to lower housing costs. The average home cost in the U.S. is $338,100 vs. $197,000 and $278,700 for the Columbus metro area. Other costs such as groceries, healthcare, utilities and transportation are very close to the national average.

Ohio residents pay an income tax ranging from 2.76 to 3.99 percent and Social Security is not taxed. According to Kiplinger retirees with higher incomes will not receive tax credits on other types of retirement income. Some local areas and schools may add additional income taxes for their residents.

Active adult retirement community prices generally range from the mid to high 100s to the mid 600s. This will depend on location, areas such as Dublin are more expensive.

Climate and Geography

Like much of Ohio Columbus is mostly flat although there is some elevation change between the north and south ends of the metro area. Columbus was built just south of the confluence of the Scioto and Olentangy rivers and several of their tributaries run through the metro area. The Scioto River runs through downtown Columbus and is the home of the Scioto Mile, a string of interconnected parks and attractions on both sides of the river.

The Columbus area is cold during the winter, with temperatures generally in the low 30s, the record low temperature was -22F in 1994.  Columbus is too far south to be subject to the lake effect and too far east to be in the path of Nor’easters so it has less snowfall than other parts of Ohio. Like much of the midwest Columbus area sees volatile weather, especially in the spring and fall. Lightening, heavy rain and hail are typical although tornadoes striking the city are thankfully uncommon. Summers are hot and humid, with average high temperatures in the mid to high 80s, although 90+ degree days are common.

Recreation, Culture, and Entertainment

While central Ohio is not known for grand mountain ranges or ocean views it has its own quiet beauty. Active adults can enjoy hiking through fragrant brightly hued oak trees in the fall or canoeing on a mist-covered lake on warm summer mornings. You can easily go fishing in the morning, play a round of golf in the afternoon and see a Broadway show in the evening without leaving the metro area.

Golf courses:

• Safari Golf Club in Powell
• Gahanna Golf Course in Gahanna
• Golf Club of Dublin
• Raymond Memorial Golf Course in Columbus
• Westerville Golf Center in Westerville
• Eagle Eye Golf Course in Columbus
• Turnberry Golf Course in Pickerington
• Hidden Valley Golf Course in Delaware
• Broadview Golf Course in Pataskala
• New Albany Links Golf Club

Performing arts:

• Ohio Theatre in Columbus
• Wexner Center for the Arts in Columbus
• Southern Theatre in Columbus
• Palace Theatre in Columbus

Museums & historical sites:

• Chief Leatherlips Monument in Powell
• Center of Science and Industry in Columbus
• Columbus Museum of Art
• National Veterans Memorial and Museum in Columbus
• Ohio History Center in Columbus
• Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum in Columbus
• Orton Geological Museum in Columbus

Hiking, boating, fishing & gardens:

• Hayden Falls Park in Dublin
• Stratford Ecological Center in Delaware
• Alum Creek State Park in Delaware
• Shale Hollow Park in Lewis Center
• Inniswood Metro Gardens in Westerville
• Hoover Reservoir Park in Westerville
• Sharon Woods in Westerville
• Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens in Columbus
• Columbus Park of Roses in Columbus
• Scioto Audubon Metro Park in Columbus

Other activities:

• Olentangy Caverns in Delaware
• Blend of Seven Winery in Delaware
• Perkins Observatory in Delaware
• Good Vibes Winery in Westerville
• Columbus Zoo and Aquarium in Shawnee Hills
• Hollywood Casino Columbus

Healthcare

• Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center is a 2,260 bed Level I trauma center located on the main campus of The Ohio State University in Columbus.
• OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital is a 1,059 Level II trauma center in Columbus’ Brentwood Park neighborhood.
• Mount Carmel St. Ann’s Hospital is a 233 bed Level II trauma center in Westerville.
• OhioHealth Grady Memorial Hospital is a 989 bed medical center in Delaware.
• OhioHealth Dublin Methodist Hospital is a 107 bed Level II trauma center in Dublin.