Columbus is a bedroom community with privacy and plenty of nature
Columbus offers room to breathe within 40 minutes of the Twin Cities metro area. The rural area formerly known as Columbus Township was incorporated as a city in 2006 and now has a population of about 4,000. “They move out there more for privacy and wooded surroundings. It’s always been a bedroom community to the metro,” says Cyndy Tubbs, broker and co-owner of Tubbs Realty Inc. with more than 30 years of experience. “It's more natural and it’s got lots of ponds, wetlands and untapped woodlands.”
Homes on multiple acres above the Forest Lake median price
The majority of homes in Columbus sit on lots measuring at least 2 acres. “People move out there mostly for a natural setting away from, say, tract housing, where everyone is on a 50-foot lot,” Tubbs says. “Columbus lacks a sewer system, so homes are mostly on private wells and private septic systems.” The median price is about $500,000, which is higher than the Forest Lake median of roughly $400,000. Most homes cost between $400,000 and $600,000, but buyers can find smaller houses and fixer-uppers between $250,000 and $400,000. Meanwhile, custom homes with 5 acres or more can range from $800,000 to nearly $2 million.
Carlos Avery Wildlife Management Area preserves natural habitats
The Carlos Avery Wildlife Management Area sprawls across 24,000 acres and serves as a popular bird-watching area and hunting ground. “Protecting the natural wetlands and wildlife is important and part of the mindset of that area,” Tubbs says. “For instance, the Department of Natural Resources did a large repopulation of the trumpeter swan to keep them from going extinct.” Columbus City Park is the main locale for youth sports, with more than 20 acres of ballfields and tennis courts. A walking path meanders through the park, which also features a playground and a wooded picnic area. The town is also a few miles from Running Aces Casino, Hotel and Racetrack, a 24-hour facility known for table games and live entertainment. “The horse racing track has been a boon to the Columbus economy,” Tubbs says.
Forest Lake schools offer college credit and CTE programs
Kids may attend Columbus Elementary School, which receives a B-plus from Niche, before heading to Forest Lake Area Middle School, rated B-minus. Students at B-rated Forest Lake Area High School can earn college credit through the Ranger U dual-credit program, which offers 35 advanced classes. Students can also choose from six career and technical education pathways, such as agriculture, health science and the arts.
Shopping and dining in Forest Lake
Columbus lacks a town center, so residents drive to Forest Lake for shops, restaurants and services. About 5 miles from the Columbus town hall, Forest Lake has grocery stores like Aldi and Walmart Supercenter as well as regional chain restaurants like Famous Dave’s B-B-Que and Keys Café and Bakery. Locals on the south side of town also head toward Lino Lakes for shopping and dining.
Within a 40-minute drive of the Twin Cities
Interstate 35 connects to the Twin Cities, both less than 30 miles away. Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport is about 35 miles south. The closest emergency room is at M Health Fairview Lakes Medical Center, about 10 miles away.
Columbus Fall Fest is an annual tradition
Every September, Fall Fest brings together the community with a car show, beer garden, kids activities, vendors and more. The weekendlong event wraps up with a pancake breakfast, courtesy of the Columbus Lions Club, and group worship in City Park.
Written By
Leslie Klosterman
