Columbus : Indiana

What Columbus is like for active adults
Columbus only has 36,000 people, but it has the distinction of being one of America's top cities for architecture. It has six buildings designated as National Historic Landmarks, and 60 other distinguished buildings keep its reputation as a showcase of modern architecture.

The reason for this architectural oasis in the center of Indiana is owed to one man - J.Erwin Miller, owner of the Cummins Engine Company. Mr. Miller had the ingenious idea that he would pay the architectural fees on any building - IF the organization chose one of the firms on his list. And what a list - IM Pei, Cesar Pelli, Richard Meier, Eero Saarinen - just to name a few. As all types of buildings from schools to churches took him up on his offer, Columbus cemented its future and became a must destination for lovers of architecture.

Columbus has won a number of awards including "America in Bloom" as well as being named one of "The Ten Most Playful Towns". There are 4 shopping centers listed in Columbus.

Real estate prices in Columbus have been very stable for the past several years. According to Zillow.com the median listing price of Columbus homes was in the $140's at the end of 2009.
Edit  |  History
What is special about this retirement community
Arguably the greatest concentration of modern architecture in the world: * First Christian Church by Eliel Saarinen * Irwin Union Bank by Eero Saarinen -landscape by Dan Kiley, addition by Kevin Roche * Residence of J. Irwin Miller by Eero Saarinen( landscape by Dan Kiley) * Mabel McDowell School by John Carl Warnecke * North Christian Church - Eero Saarinen * First Baptist Church by Harry Wees
Edit  |  History
What is not special about this retirement community
Lack of diversity. Small towns aren't for everybody.
Edit  |  History
What kinds of people like retiring here
Architecture fans and people who prefer small mid-western towns.
Edit  |  History
Local economy is driven by
Cummins Engines, Honda Motors, and tourism.
Edit  |  History
Climate and Physical Environment
THe terrain is mostly flat with rolling hills. The Flat Rock and Driftwood Rivers are here. It is mostly agricultural. Lake Monroe and Brown County State Park are local attractions.
Edit  |  History
Cultural environment
In addition to architecture there important sculptures by Henry Moore and Jean Tinguely The Columbus Indiana Philharmonic enjoys a solid reputation and has been broadcast nationwide multiple times. The orchestra has teamed with the Indianapolis Children's Choir to form the Columbus Indiana Children's Choir. There are 3 movie theaters and several museums, whereas the downtown landmark Crump Theater holds occasional live performances. The cultural attractions of Indianapolis are about 45 miles away, while Bloomington, home to the huge Indiana University, is within driving range.
Edit  |  History
Medical facilities
Columbus Regional is the local hospital, there are others within 20 miles.
Edit  |  History
Transportation
Columbus Municipal Airport is 4 miles away, Indianapolis International is 44 miles.
Edit  |  History
Valuable Links
Wikipedia on Columbus
Columbus City-Data
More community reviews at Topretirements
Columbus Craigslist
Columbus Chamber of Commerce
State mini-guides to retirement
Edit  |  History
 
Was this review helpful? Yes No

Please share your opinions on this community in the Forum
Register
to become a Site Guide to Edit these sections or Add a Community If you have suggestions on how Topretirements.com could improve these reviews, contact us.
Suggest a community we want to know about your top retirement spots

Please note that all contributions to Topretirements may be edited, altered, or removed by other contributors. If you don't want your writing to be edited mercilessly, then don't submit it here. By submitting content and/or photographs here you agree to give Topretirements.com the rights to use them in any manner without cost or attribution.You are also promising us that you wrote this yourself, or copied it from a public domain or similar free resource (see Project:Copyrights for details). DO NOT SUBMIT COPYRIGHTED WORK WITHOUT PERMISSION!
Forward to a Friend | print
Bookmark and Share
Facts about COLUMBUS
  • State: IN
  • Environment: Small Town,
  • City Population: 25,001-50,000
  • Median age of Population: 25-44
  • Avg Jan Temperature: 21-40
  • Median HH Income: 41,001-60,000
  • Average Home Price (MLS): $100,000-$200,000
  • Annual Property Tax on a $200,000 house: Less than 2000
  • Total Crime Index: 91-100 (slightly below average)
  • Cost of Living Index:
  • Culture Index: 111-120 (high)
  • State Sales Tax:
  • State Income Tax:
  • Name of the Guide: Boomer1

Can you add to or correct these Facts? Or do you have a photo of this community we could use? If so, please click on Edit these facts

Vote on the Ratings for Columbus
Update Your Ratings
1. Overall Retirement Ratings Discuss

1. Rating: 3.5/5 ( 4 votes cast)

2. Expense:
Inexpensive to Luxury Discuss

2. Rating: 1.0/5 ( 2 votes cast)

3. Taxes:
Inexpensive to Expensive Discuss

3. Rating: 1.0/5 ( 1 vote cast)

4. Culture:
None to Cosmopolitan Discuss

4. Rating: 4.0/5 ( 1 vote cast)

5.Recreation:
None to Summer camp Discuss

5. Rating: 3.0/5 ( 1 vote cast)

6. Transportation:
Boondocks to World Hub Discuss

6. Rating: 3.0/5 ( 2 votes cast)

7. Security:
Dangerous to Ft. Knox Discuss

7. Rating: 3.5/5 ( 2 votes cast)

8. Medical Facilities:
None to Excellent Discuss

8. Rating: 3.0/5 ( 1 vote cast)

9. Political Situation:
Conservative to Liberal Discuss

9. Rating: 2.0/5 ( 1 vote cast)

10. Environmental:
Oblivious to Ultra-Green Discuss

10. Rating: 3.0/5 ( 1 vote cast)