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Best American Cities to Retire: A Pleasant, but not Surprising Find
WHAT!!! There are parks galore in the Columbus MetroPark system that rings the city. Because of its proximity to I-70, I-71, I-670 and 315, The Short North is about a 20 minutes drive from at least four of them. Most of the parks have programs every week and there are biking, hiking and picnic area shelters at each. At least three of them have nature centers. A few weeks ago we went on a 3 1/2 mile hike called Howl at the Moon at one of them. This was a dog and kid friendly event that took us through woods and around fields bursting with fall wildflowers. The park system if fabulous and it's FREE.
Then there is the mention that downtown has nothing to do. WHAT!!!
Last night I had a double header, both events spur of the moment. The first was a FREE happy hour at the Southern Theatre, the oldest theater in Ohio. It opened 1896 and was restored in the late 1990s making it one of Columbus's best architectural gems. This event included wine, beer, food and a ProMusica concert. ProMusica is Columbus's chamber orchestra. The event was a kick-off to entice subscribers. There was a buy one get one free deal. I'm now a subscriber. On the way home, I asked my husband to swing by the Palace Theatre, another downtown architectural delight, so I could see if there was at least one David Sedaris tickets left. Eureka! A man who was waiting by the box-office to get rid of a ticket, sold me one for $10. After dropping my husband off at home, I drove back, parked for $5 and ended up sitting 8 rows back from the stage in the center of the row. After it was over, I chatted with David (as did all the other people waiting in line) and was back home 10 minutes after David said, "Nice to see you again." I saw him last year as well.
On Thursday night, I had a conflict so I wasn't able to go to the opening of the Monet exhibit at the Columbus Museum of Art. Also FREE for members. I'm a member. Oh, and where is the art museum? DOWNTOWN. The thing about Columbus is that there are so many things to do that it's hard to choose. Today I'm going to the opening of Paul Busse's train exhibit at the Franklin Park Conservatory which is close to DOWNTOWN. It's not free but I have a buy one get one free admission, and tonight may head to a movie. One of the theaters I like to go to is DOWNTOWN. Still, if I was retiring, I'd pick the Short North and get out more.
Filed under: Arts and Culture, Hiking, History, Learning, Festivals and Events, Food and Drink, United States
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
jeff Oct 13th 2007 3:38PM
So where are the rest of the cities on the list????
marti adams Nov 27th 2007 10:44PM
I live here and it's the most boring city I've ever lived in.
The majority of males are unbelievable crude and discourteous. On wheels they amp that behavior up.
The city schools are rated poorly. Burbs better but taxes are very high.
No one pays retail for anything here.
It's cheap to live but one of the fourth highest taxed states in the US.
I'll trade you if you want to move! Personally, I'd pick Cincy over Columbus any day. Cincy is more alive if you insist on Ohio and it's not flat.
Jamie Rhein Oct 13th 2007 10:12PM
Here's a post on the others. http://www.gadling.com/2007/10/13/best-city-neighborhoods-for-retirement-the-rest-of-the-list/
I like Cincinnati too. But Columbus has good points. My kids go to Columbus Public schools. There are some wonderful ones in the system. There is a donut effect at work here, though.
Walker Evans Oct 14th 2007 12:17AM
Generally when I hear people complain that Columbus is boring, it's because they pretty boring people, and would probably wind up being bored no matter where they live. That's just generally speaking.
Columbus is filled with things to do, and it's a very affordable city. This is a great article that proves just that. Nice!
Richard Formo Oct 17th 2007 1:53AM
I don't know how anyone could live in Ohio. It's "Nowheresville" ! Too far from the ocean !