10 Reasons You Should Retire in Columbus, Ohio
What do you imagine when you picture your ideal retirement? It all depends on what you are looking for—and where. If you’ve ever wondered, “Is Ohio a good place to retire?” then you are in luck. Even though there are a number of great reasons why you should retire in Columbus, Ohio, we’ve narrowed it down to ten.
Retire in Columbus, Ohio if you want it all!
1. Affordability
Is Ohio a good place to retire? You bet, especially if you like the idea of watching your pennies. With an affordable cost of living, lower median housing prices, and tax advantages for retirees including certain tax credits, your retirement dollars stretch further here. In Columbus, you can enjoy a vibrant lifestyle without sacrificing your savings.
2. State-of-the-art healthcare
The city is home to top-tier medical facilities ensuring access to excellent healthcare services. You will be close to local care and support services for treating conditions that could impact older adults, such as falls and memory loss. The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital are both close by as well. If you like the reassurance of outstanding healthcare, you will love calling this city home.
3. Thriving arts and culture scene
Yet another reason to retire in Columbus, Ohio: a vibrant arts and culture scene. In fact, Columbus made U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 Best Places to Retire in the United States. Chief reasons for the ranking are the arts and entertainment with numerous museums, galleries, live music, and theaters to explore. The Columbus Museum of Art, the Short North Arts District and Ohio State University’s Wexner Center for the Arts also make up the city’s creative heartbeat. Enjoy the Columbus Symphony Orchestra, active theater groups, independent galleries, bookstores, movie theaters, and much more. Whether you’re a foodie, culture lover, or music enthusiast, Columbus offers a little bit of everything—and a whole lot to love!
4. Sports!
If you’re a fan of college football or sports of all kinds, then you don’t even have to ask if Ohio is a good place to retire, you already know! Gather with friends and fellow fans to cheer on the Ohio State Buckeyes at the “The Horseshow” or take in a Columbus Blue Jackets hockey game. For baseball aficionados, grab some peanuts and crackerjacks to see the Cleveland Guardians’ AAA-affiliate Columbus Clippers at Huntington Park. If soccer has your heart, you can show your pride for the Columbus Crew when they play at home.
5. Incredible food
Every great city offers great culinary choices, and Columbus is no exception. In fact, Condé Nast Traveler’s 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards named it one of the best food cities in the U.S. If you retire in Columbus, Ohio, you’ll find lots of delightful dishes to choose from. You’ll want to try Columbus-style pizza, a pie with a thinner crust and topping that goes right to the edge and buckeye candy, a sweet bite of peanut butter and chocolate. The city is also home to Cameron Mitchell, a multi-award-winning national restaurateur with a wide variety of restaurants, all considered delicious local favorites. For a more informal vibe, check out the North Market for a full range of tempting fare.
6. Senior-friendly activities and sports
Staying active is so important for senior health. The City of Columbus Recreation and Parks offers a 50+ program that includes moderate to high activity programs as well as active relaxation programs. Members have access to several senior fitness centers and sports programs. Membership is free.
7. Lots of live entertainment
Jazz. Opera. Chamber music. Theatrical productions. The symphony. If you like your entertainment live, you’ll be very busy in Columbus. BalletMet provides world-class performances. The Contemporary Theatre of Ohio is celebrating 40 years of locally produced theatre. In Columbus, there’s always something interesting happening on stage.
8. Places to go and things to see.
Enjoy some of the city’s most beloved neighborhoods with plenty to do, see, and shop! In the Short North Arts District, you’ll find a lively mix of local boutiques, art galleries, cafés, and vibrant nightlife. Or venture south to German Village, known for its brick-lined streets, charming historic homes, and cozy restaurants and shops. These districts are where you will love to wander, window shop, grab a bite, and soak up the city’s unique character.
9. Great vicinity to popular locations.
Sometimes you just get the itch to go somewhere, or the grandkids propose a spontaneous road trip, and of course, you’re in. One of the hidden perks of retiring in Columbus is its prime Midwest location. You’re just a few hours’ drive from exciting cities like Chicago, Pittsburgh, and Detroit, making it easy to plan last-minute adventures, weekend getaways, or visits to family and friends. Whether you’re craving big-city energy, cultural experiences, or a change of scenery, retiring here puts a variety of destinations within easy reach—no airport hustle required.
10. Outstanding senior living at Kensington Place!
If you want to find a lifestyle that offers you fulfillment, purpose, and fellowship, you want to consider Kensington Place. Right in the heart of Columbus, near Bexley and Gahanna, our wonderful community has it all.
A full continuum of care for extra peace of mind. The flexibility of receiving supportive services in your independent living apartment so you never need to move. A range of first-rate amenities and services that make life easier and more enriching. We invite you to learn more about why you should retire in Columbus, Ohio and call Kensington Place home!
Related: What’s Included in Senior Living? Exploring Services and Amenities at Kensington Place.
Senior living, the Lutheran Social Services of Central Ohio way
At LSS Senior Living, our goal is to offer seniors quality care and comfort in a friendly and warm environment that feels like home. We offer a continuum of services to lend a helping hand when you need them. Find out more about our communities by speaking to an advisor today, we’re here to help.
