With its striking and eclectic collection of modern architecture, it's easy to forget Columbus’ origins date back to a small log cabin overlooking the region's forested plains. Adding to the city’s visual appeal are seven National Historic Landmarks, including the North Christian Church and Irwin Conference Center, which have helped foster a community centered around the arts. “There is a big arts presence and culture here,” says Jessica Risacher, owner and broker of FC Tucker Real Estate Experts. Beyond its appreciation for design, the Bartholomew County seat provides residents with a historic downtown district and a growing residential landscape. “It’s a family-oriented city with the feel of a small town but there’s still a very forward, progressive way of thinking here,” Risacher says. “It’s also a very diverse city, which has a lot to do with companies like Cummins recruiting people from around the world.” Other manufacturing companies like Toyota Material Handling and NTN Driveshafts are some of the city’s largest employers.
One of the seven National Historic Landmarks, North Christian Church was founded in 1955.
Cummins, one of Columbus largest employers, recruits people from around the world to work.
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Exhibit Columbus, cultural events and the new NexusPark
“Columbus does an excellent job putting on cultural and art events, which brings a lot of people downtown,” Risacher says. “The Ethnic Expo is probably the largest event here.” The weekend-long fall event has brought out local food vendors selling dishes from around the world since 1984. Each year, Landmark Columbus Foundation hosts Exhibit Columbus. The program celebrates architecture and art through presentations, symposiums and public art installations that the public can explore. Residents can also attend Indianapolis Diesels basketball games at team at NexusPark, the city’s recently opened multi-use campus that also features healthcare facilities, “They recently turned the old mall there into the complex, which is going to bring a lot of people into the area.”
The Limestone Pillars at veterans memorial features inscribed pillars with letters between soldiers and loved ones.
Columbus residents can attend Indianapolis Diesels basketball games at NexusPark.
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From 1800s homes to 21st-century subdivisions
The median home price in Columbus is $265,000, which falls below the national average. The community’s oldest homes line the grid-like streets surrounding downtown, where architectural styles vary and build dates stretch from the mid-1800s to the early 1900s. Mid-20th-century suburbs fill out the remainder of the city’s eastern side, alongside a handful of subdivisions built over the last 25 years. These new developments also appear on the city’s northern portion and west of the river, with communities like Deep Park and Stonehaven featuring properties that exceed $700,000. In 2022, Columbus experienced the highest population increase of any metropolitan area in the state. The city continues to supplement its growing numbers by expanding its suburban sprawl and constructing multi-family complexes.
The Columbus’s oldest homes line the grid-like streets surrounding downtown, where architectural styles vary and build dates stretch from the mid-1800s to the early 1900s.
Mid-20th-century suburbs fill out the remainder of the Columbus’s eastern side, alongside a handful of subdivisions built over the last 25 years.
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Columbus Historic District's local establishments
“Downtown is the hub for local establishments and thrives without support from a Main Street America Program,” Risacher says. A part of the historic district, those heading downtown can stop by longstanding businesses like Zaharakos Ice Cream Parlor and Museum, which has served the community since 1900. Neighboring eateries serve various cuisines, from Japanese to Mexican and Thai. “State Road 46 on the west side has more of the franchise restaurants and big-box stores sit along North National Road toward the east.
Part of the historic district, those heading downtown Columbus can stop by longstanding businesses like Zaharakos Ice Cream Parlor and Museum.
State Road 46 on the west side has more of the franchise restaurants and big-box stores like Sam's Club that sit along North National Road toward the east.
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Recreating along Flatrock River
Flatrock River winds past several community green spaces like Mill Race Park, which Risacher notes as a frequented spot amongst locals. The Columbus People Trail also winds through the park and up to the northeastern side of the city. “It’s a very busy trail and a big selling point for people wanting to move to the area,” Risacher says. Clifty Park on the city's southeastern side caters to youth athletic sports leagues and Hamilton Community & Ice Center offers a spot to recreate indoors during the winter.
Flatrock River winds past several community green spaces like Mill Race Park.
Clifty Park on the city's southeastern side caters to youth athletic sports leagues and Hamilton Community & Ice Center offers a spot to recreate indoors during the winter.
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Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation holds a high rating on Niche
Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation enrolls just over 11,000 students across the city. Niche gives the district an A-minus rating and ranks it the ninth-best school district in the state for athletes. Those seeking private education have several options, like St. Peters Lutheran School and Columbus Christian School. Graduates seeking further schooling can attend Indiana University Columbus or Purdue Polytechnics Institute’s Columbus campus on the city’s north side.
Those seeking private education have several options, like St. Peters Lutheran School and Columbus Christian School.
Graduates seeking further schooling can attend Indiana University Columbus or Purdue Polytechnics Institute’s Columbus campus on the city’s north side.
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Getting around with ColumBUS Transit
Interstate 65 cuts through Columbus, connecting the city to Indianapolis and the Indianapolis International Airport 46 miles north. Those traveling to Cincinnati can reach The Queen City along a 90-mile trip east via State Route 46 and Interstate 74. ColumBUS Transit offers five bus routes across the city, with stops at Columbus Regional Health and Indiana University Columbus. The city continues to improve its pedestrian appeal through redevelopment plans like the 2nd Street Thoroughfare Project, which will see the addition of crosswalks, new landscaping and safety buffers.
Columbus' crime statistics and climate
According to FBI data, Columbus’ crime rates fall below the national and state averages. More specifically, Columbus Police Department’s 2023 annual report revealed the lowest levels of property crimes in five years.
The FEMA National Risk Index is relatively low for the city, which experiences hot, humid summers and cold winters. “2024 was the first in recent years where we’ve had a bit of heavier snow,” Risacher says.
Written By
Matthew Simmons
Photography Contributed By
Sam Blythe
Video By
Jonathan Bradley
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
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On average, homes in Columbus, IN sell after 49 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Columbus, IN over the last 12 months is $333,201, up 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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