be_ixf;ym_202403 d_18; ct_150 YES! I want to make a difference TODAY!

Welcome to Columbus

A growing city with a neighborhood feel, Columbus is home to a smart, diverse community of young professionals. Here in the capital of Ohio, AmeriCorps members are supporting students while expanding their own possibilities.

Welcome to Columbus!

Home to the largest university in the U.S and a thriving arts scene, Columbus is an ideal place to spend a year impacting more than 3,800 students in seven Columbus City Schools.

About Columbus

Columbus, Ohio is the 14th largest city in the United States, but with its variety of neighborhoods and large geographic area, it’s easy to feel at home here. Columbus has a low cost of living and is within 500 miles of half the U.S. population. Easy to navigate and close to other major cities including Detroit, Cleveland and Pittsburgh, Columbus is a perfect central location for anyone wants to experience the Midwest.

The Ohio State University brings young adults from all over the world to Columbus, but the booming economy and thriving arts scene are what keeps them here. From Fortune 500 companies to social enterprises, Columbus is a place where business meets community and where everyone works together to move our city forward. As the capital of Ohio, Columbus also offers a variety of opportunities for civic engagement, from touring the statehouse to volunteering with local leaders and more.

In addition to Columbus’s urban opportunities, Columbus has 19 metroparks all across the city, complete with walking trails, waterfalls and picnic areas perfect for a day away from the hustle and bustle.

Columbus is home to a diverse community of people and strives to be a place that is welcoming to all. Columbus has a large refugee population and has welcomed thousands of individuals from countries all over the world including Syria, Somalia and Nepal. Columbus also has a strong LGBTQ+ community, as evidenced by the city’s annual Pride celebration that has grown to over 500,000 attendees.

No matter who you are or what you love, Columbus is the place for you! Join us in a city that’s full of people working together to make a difference in students’ lives and beyond.

Living in Columbus

To get to and from service, AmeriCorps members receive a free Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) bus pass for the year. COTA is one of City Year Columbus’ strongest local partners, ensuring that our AmeriCorps members get to their school every day to serve students. Columbus is easily navigable with public transportation and shareable bikes.

Average rental cost for a two- to five-bedroom apartment ranges from $400–700/month. AmeriCorps members typically live in the Ohio State University campus area, Old Towne East, Weinland Park, Victorian Village, Merion Village and Linden. We recommend checking out Apartments.com and Apartment Finder to help locate your new home. One unique thing about living in Columbus is that in addition to apartment buildings, there are many old houses and duplexes for rent, so make sure to check out Off-Campus Housing and HotPads as well.

For more local tips on living in Columbus, check out this page!

City Year San Antonio's Circle of Champions
Our impact

This year, 62 City Year AmeriCorps members will support over 3,800 students in 7 Columbus schools.

Explore our impact

City Year AmeriCorps members
Serving in Columbus

Learn more about what a year of service in Columbus could look like for you.

Learn more

City Year AmeriCorps member tutoring student at desk
Our stories

Read what our AmeriCorps members have to say about living and serving in Columbus.

Read more on the blog

Connect with us

Learn more or apply today

Start application Connect with a recruiter
National Strategic Partners
National Partners