Your Guide to Buying a Home in Columbus, GA

Buying a Home in Columbus, Georgia

(The Springer Opera House is one of many artifacts of Columbus' history that has been preserved)

Columbus is located in Muscogee County

The historical richness of Columbus rivals that of any town in the country. One of the last planned cities in the original 13 colonies, Columbus grew up on the banks of the Chattahoochee River. The town quickly became a major industrial area and was actually the southernmost manufacturing town in America for nearly 50 years, known mostly for its textile mills, and its munitions factories during the Civil War. Today, surviving hydropower facilities and a large number of historic industrial structures are constant reminders of this city's origins on the banks of the Chattahoochee. In an effort to celebrate this important heritage, the National Park Service in 1978 declared the Columbus Historic Riverfront Industrial District to be a National Historic Landmark. This is the most prestigious designation that an historic site can receive. Columbus has truly remained a "Rivertown".

The early economic strengths of Columbus continue today. As the major part of the Valley Partnership Joint Development Authority, the city is an urban center of commerce for a 6-county area, catering to nearly 600,000 consumers and $7 billion in potential buying income. The city is currently home to the corporate headquarters of AFLAC Insurance, Carmike Cinemas, Char-Broil, Total System Services, and Tom's Snack Foods. Columbus has access to a continual stream of skilled workers through many nearby colleges, universities, and technical schools, along with various workforce development programs. The city's strategic location at the intersection of five major interstates, in addition to excellent rail and air transportation, provides quick and convenient access to resources in surrounding communities, and also allows for prosperous development to continue in and around the city.

Columbus has many unique attractions, some of which include the city's rich heritage, others of which express its eclectic and enriching character. Many people don't know that the formula for Coca-Cola was discovered here, or that the largest producer of denim in the nation (Swift Denim) resides here. The Chattahoochee Riverwalk, which extends 12 miles from the downtown area to Fort Benning and the National Infantry Museum, combines a scenic setting with a glimpse into area history. An authentic 1880's-era paddlewheel riverboat known as the Chattahoochee Princess Riverboat, sits proudly upon the river's waters. Visitors will also be interested in visiting the Coca Cola Space Science Center, an education facility inspired by the families of the astronauts lost in the Challenger Disaster, and the Rivercenter for the Performing Arts, home of the Columbus Symphony Orchestra.

People always hear about a little something called "southern hospitality". This concept has had a major part in forming the character of Columbus. The city is proud of having one of the lowest crime rates in the southeast, and this is quite an accomplishment for a town of nearly 200,000 people. In addition to having courteous residents and safe streets, Columbus also possesses a strong school system, several area parks, and plenty of opportunities for shopping and dining.

Columbus is located in east-central Georgia, across the river from Alabama. Atlanta is about 100 miles to the north. As mentioned above, several major transportation routes intersect in Columbus, including US 80, I-185 and US 27.