Here in Ohio, we love our state capital—but it looks like the rest of the United States is finally starting to catch on too. Over the past decade or so, Columbus has made some impressive developments that are starting to stand out from the rest of the nation. When it comes to intelligence, education, food, fashion, recreation and career opportunities, we have some of the absolute best in the country. The following are 10 reasons that support why we think the best city in America is actually right here in Ohio.
- Currently, our state capital is the smartest city in the U.S. (and one of the smartest in the world.)
Canadian Pacific/Flickr The Intelligent Community Forum (ICF), a New York-based think tank, named the world’s top 7 most intelligent communities in January of 2015. Columbus was recognized for its 2007-2009 brain gain, economic and employment growth and technological advances. To read more about this recognition, click here.
- When it comes to food, Columbus is “Test City, USA.”
Jerry Huddleston/Flickr Before major fast food chains such as McDonalds, Wendy’s and Chipotle release a new menu item to the world, Columbus has first dibs. NPR, Business Insider and several other news outlets have reported extensively on this throughout the past few years.
- Columbus is an epicenter.
Sam Howzit/Flickr Columbus is the largest city in the state and the 15th largest city in the nation, with a population of approximately 835,957, as of 2014. Half of America’s population lives within 500 miles of Columbus, and Delta Air Lines has the most flights out of Columbus International Airport than any other airport.
- The Columbus Metropolitan Library is one of the best in America.
OZinOH/Flickr Columbus Metropolitan Library won the Gale/Library Journal Library of the Year Award in 2010.
- Columbus has the best hands-on science museum in the U.S.
tlarrow/Flickr In 2008, Parents Magazine named Columbus’ COSI the #1 science museum for families in America.
- Career opportunities abound in Columbus.
Karlis Dambrans/Flickr In 2015, Forbes Magazine ranked Columbus as the 11th best city in America for “Best Places For Business And Careers.”
- Columbus is the third most fashion forward city in the country.
ivabelllini/Flickr In 2013, Fashion Up deemed Columbus the third “Most Fashion Forward City in the United States.” (Just after New York, NY and Los Angeles, CA.)
- Columbus is the third happiest city in the U.S.
Photographer/Flickr In 2013, Business Insider reported that according to Jetpac’s social travel app, which analyzes Instagram photos for each city, Columbus is the third happiest city in America. (Just after Saint Louis, MO and Kansas City, MO.)
- The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is the best in America.
David Ellis/Flickr USA Travel Guide deemed the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium the best zoo in the country in 2009. It is also the 8th largest zoo in the world.
- Columbus offers top-notch higher education.
maraca/Flickr In 2015, U.S. News & World Report named Ohio State the top public university in Ohio. The university also ranked16 among the nation’s best public universities.
What do you think of these reasons? Why else is Columbus the best city in America? Let us know your thoughts!
Canadian Pacific/Flickr
The Intelligent Community Forum (ICF), a New York-based think tank, named the world’s top 7 most intelligent communities in January of 2015. Columbus was recognized for its 2007-2009 brain gain, economic and employment growth and technological advances. To read more about this recognition, click here.
Jerry Huddleston/Flickr
Before major fast food chains such as McDonalds, Wendy’s and Chipotle release a new menu item to the world, Columbus has first dibs. NPR, Business Insider and several other news outlets have reported extensively on this throughout the past few years.
Sam Howzit/Flickr
Columbus is the largest city in the state and the 15th largest city in the nation, with a population of approximately 835,957, as of 2014. Half of America’s population lives within 500 miles of Columbus, and Delta Air Lines has the most flights out of Columbus International Airport than any other airport.
OZinOH/Flickr
Columbus Metropolitan Library won the Gale/Library Journal Library of the Year Award in 2010.
tlarrow/Flickr
In 2008, Parents Magazine named Columbus’ COSI the #1 science museum for families in America.
Karlis Dambrans/Flickr
In 2015, Forbes Magazine ranked Columbus as the 11th best city in America for “Best Places For Business And Careers.”
ivabelllini/Flickr
In 2013, Fashion Up deemed Columbus the third “Most Fashion Forward City in the United States.” (Just after New York, NY and Los Angeles, CA.)
Photographer/Flickr
In 2013, Business Insider reported that according to Jetpac’s social travel app, which analyzes Instagram photos for each city, Columbus is the third happiest city in America. (Just after Saint Louis, MO and Kansas City, MO.)
David Ellis/Flickr
USA Travel Guide deemed the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium the best zoo in the country in 2009. It is also the 8th largest zoo in the world.
maraca/Flickr
In 2015, U.S. News & World Report named Ohio State the top public university in Ohio. The university also ranked16 among the nation’s best public universities.
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