Desirable Destinations
Since January, Columbus has been included on two lists of best cities for college graduates and also was named by Forbes as the No. 9 ‘brain magnet’ in the nation for attracting college graduates. (Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons)
It’s easy to brag about Ohio Wesleyan University with its recent recognitions from U.S. News & World Report, The Princeton Review, PayScale Inc. (for graduate salary potential), and more. But OWU isn’t the only one earning accolades.
Columbus and Delaware also are receiving recognition for the opportunities and quality of life they provide. Here is a quick list of some of the important honors claimed by these communities:
COLUMBUS
In February 2011, Forbes listed Columbus as the No. 9 “brain magnet” in the country for its ability to attract college graduates. Forbes also named the Columbus metropolitan area—home to 1.8 million residents—one of America’s best housing markets, as well as one of the best places for businesses and careers. In January 2011, Bloomberg Businessweek named Columbus No. 9 on its list of best cities for new college grads. In May 2011, Fox News ranked Columbus No. 3 in its list of Seven Great Cities for College Grads, stating, “Columbus’ low unemployment rate of 7.6 percent combined with a relatively low cost of living makes it a good place for recent college graduates.” In July 2011, Bloomberg Businessweek listed Columbus among the 20 strongest economies coming out of the recession. Based on information from the Brookings Institution, the article states: “Not only has Columbus emerged as one of the country’s strongest performing economies since the downturn—with gross metro product 5.6 percent above the prerecession peak—its recovery has also been better than most.” In July 2011, Forbes ranked Columbus No. 13 on its list of the “next big boom towns in the U.S.” In June 2011, NewGeography.com ranked Columbus as the best large city in the Midwest for job growth. Columbus, ranked No. 19 overall, making it the only Midwestern city in the Top 20. In July 2011, Creative Cities International ranked Columbus No. 8 in its Vitality Index, behind Chicago, New York, Seattle, San Francisco, Boston, Atlanta and Minneapolis. The index is “a cultural impact study that models the human experience of the city at its heart.” In June 2011, Forbes listed Columbus as the No. 4 best city for renters because of its low rental vacancy rate, behind Tucson, Jacksonville, and Phoenix. In March 2011, Kiplinger’s Personal Finance Magazine named Columbus No. 2 among its top city for commuters, stating, “What else can you expect from a city whose mayor, Michael B. Coleman, is nicknamed ‘Bikin’ Mike’? Columbus supports a bicycle-friendly commuter culture while pouring money into its roadways.” In January 2011, Mainstreet.com listed Columbus among “15 Immigrant Friendly Cities” in the Unites States. The article states, “It’s not surprising that Columbus, named for the explorer who first made Europeans aware of the continent on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean, would be a pioneer in immigrant assimilation.” In September 2011, USA Today ranked Columbus No. 2 on its list of the nation’s five best cities for children’s playgrounds. “In the past 10 years, more than $2 million in grants, capital investments, sponsorships and private donations have come in through the city’s Safe Playgrounds Initiative.” In August 2011, National Geographic announced its Top 10 fall vacation destinations, listing Columbus fourth, behind only Switzerland’s Lavaux Vineyard Terraces, Germany’s Cannstatter Volkfest, and Florida’s Emerald Coast.DELAWARE:
In February 2010, Forbes named Delaware as the second best place in the nation to get ahead. According to the article: “Living in Delaware County is, in some ways, a smarter career move than packing up and heading for Wall Street or Silicon Valley.” In 2010 and 2011, County Health Rankings named Delaware County as the healthiest county in Ohio. In 2010, Official Best Of recognized Delaware County as Ohio’s “Best Year-Round Vacation Destination,” noting its “big-time attractions and small-town charm,” including the world-renowned Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. In 2010, U.S. News & World Report named Delaware as one of Ohio’s “best places to retire.” In June 2008, Forbes named Delaware as one of the best places in the nation to raise a family. In November 2007, Ohio Magazine named Delaware as one of Ohio’s 2008 best hometowns.Congratulations to our neighbors and friends! Their success helps to make Ohio Wesleyan an even more special place to study, work, live, or visit.