[colug-432] Looking for info on Columbus

[Chris Clonch]

On Sat, 2011-02-26 at 11:32 -0500, Chris Snyder wrote:
> - Does anybody have any clue what the difference in salary ranges might 
> be for Columbus vs the D.C. area?  From what fuzzy data I've been able 
> to gather so far, it looks like I should be able to expect about a 30% 
> less in general cost of living and salary maybe $10K-20K less than what 
> I'm pulling now. I'm hoping asking for $80K-$95K wouldn't be too out of 
> line for a 15 yr vet of the command line?

Check salary.com, paycheckcity.com, etc.  Several of them had cost of
living calculators.

> - Is it possible to ask what a ball-park price for a 4-bedroom house 
> might go for in the suburbs?  $300K-$400K? More? Less? (Yeah, I know, 
> there's A LOT of variables that effect this.)

Will vary considerably by area.  The upper-end includes Dublin, Upper
Arlington, New Albany, Pickerington just to name a few.  I'd say a good
range would be $150-400K.

> - What's the scoop on local ISPs and DSL, FIOS, etc.?

Timewarner & Insight for cable (Roadrunner).  Some DSL.  No Verizon
FIOS.  AT&T offers FTTC through Uverse but heard they may be going under
IIRC...  I could be totally making that up given the hour, so don't
quote me.

> - What are the 'good' vs 'bad' areas of Columbus to live?  Does any 
> place in particular warrant special attention one way vs the other or is 
> it all one big happy community? Are there any areas overly susceptible 
> to tornadoes, flooding, asteroid hits, flying monkeys, etc.? (Of course 
> there will always specific needs based upon commute and assorted 
> amenities but I don't have all my requirements for those are just yet.)

It is all flat here...  I'm basis towards Pataskala but that may just be
me.

> - What are the current local hot-button political issues right now? 
> (I've found that sometimes these are good indicators for what possible 
> issues might be lying down the road in a few years and could influence 
> where or where not to buy a house.)

Every area has their issues.  State school funding is probably a issue
at large.

> - Any other recommended sources for learning more about Columbus in 
> general or it's tech industry?
> 
> - Anything else you feel I should really know about the area?

I'd always suggest renting vs buying when moving to a new city/state.
That way you're not locked into a mortgage in an area of the city you'd
rather not be in.

> I appreciate your help.

Anytime...

-Chris