Best Indianapolis to Columbus Movers and Practical Moving Guide
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Moving from the bustling energy of Indianapolis, "the Crossroads of America," to Columbus, affectionately known as "the Heart of Ohio," marks an exciting chapter in your life, filled with new opportunities and adventures. While leaving behind Indy's renowned racing heritage and vibrant cultural scene for Columbus's thriving arts, extensive parks, and dynamic food scene may seem daunting, it's also an exhilarating fresh start. Knowing the importance of this transition, ensuring you partner with trusted and reliable professional movers is crucial for a smooth, stress-free move. That's where we come in; at Great Guys Moving, we dedicate ourselves to connecting you with the best movers, using our unbiased ranking algorithm to find the perfect match for your long-distance moving needs.
Best Indianapolis to Columbus Moving Companies
| Company Name | Rating  | BBB Rating | License | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Men Moving LLC | 9.57 | A+ | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
| Manifest Shipping Llc | 9.19 | A+ | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| Bulldogs Moving Co. | 9.12 | NR | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| Soft Touch Moving | 8.86 | A+ | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| You Move Me Indianapolis | 8.75 | NR | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
(800) 787-5428
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Columbus to Indianapolis guide.
5 Best Indianapolis to Columbus Moving Companies
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)
About Blue Men Moving LLC
With locations in Seville and Akron, Blue Men Moving started its operations in 2011 with a mission of providing a superior moving experience...Read More >>
Services
- Local moving services
- Long-distance moving services
- Cross-country moving services
About Manifest Shipping Llc
Manifest Shipping LLC, based in Trenton, Ohio, is a trusted residential and commercial moving company founded in 2017. Serving central and s...Read More >>
Services
- Local Moving
- Commercial Moving
- Long Distance Moving
About Bulldogs Moving Co.
Bulldogs Moving Co., based in Lapel, Indiana, is a local moving company dedicated to providing high-quality services for residential and com...Read More >>
Services
- Full-service Moves
- Packing / Unpacking
- Loading / Unloading
About Soft Touch Moving
Soft Touch Moving has more than 20 years in the moving and relocation industry. It has consistently provided quality full-service moving, pa...Read More >>
Services
- Local Moving
- Long Distance Moving
- Commercial Moving
About You Move Me Indianapolis
You Move Me Indianapolis is a professional moving company founded in September 2012 with the goal of revolutionizing the local moving indust...Read More >>
Services
- Local Moving
- Senior Moving
- Premium Long Distance Moving
Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!
Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:
- No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
- Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.
Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!
Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:
- No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
- Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.
Indianapolis vs. Columbus Neighborhood Comparison
Moving to a new city can be daunting, especially when you're not familiar with the local areas. To ease this transition, we offer a comparison of the local neighborhoods between Indianapolis, IN & Columbus, OH. This guide aims to help you find a neighborhood in Columbus that shares the vibe and charisma of your favorite Indianapolis neighborhood, making your move as seamless as possible.
| Indianapolis | Columbus | How They're Similar |
|---|---|---|
| Broad Ripple | Clintonville | Artsy, vibrant community life |
| Fletcher Place | German Village | Historic homes, local eateries |
| Meridian-Kessler | Bexley | Upscale, historical significance |
| Mass Ave | Short North | Cultural hub, modern living |
| Fall Creek Place | Italian Village | Revitalized, close community |
| Lockerbie Square | Victorian Village | Picturesque, storied past |
| Irvington | Grandview Heights | Family-friendly, historic homes |
| Old Northside | Harrison West | Urban, with green space |
| Cottage Home | Weinland Park | Community revitalization, diversity |
| Wholesale District | Downtown Columbus | Urban core, nightlife |
In moving from Indianapolis to Columbus, you’ll find neighborhoods that resonate with the charm and character of your old haunts. For instance, if you were enamored by the artsy vibe and community-driven spirit of Broad Ripple, you'd feel right at home in Clintonville, where local art and community events shape the neighborhood. Lovers of Fletcher Place's historic homes and charming local eateries will find a similar ambiance in German Village, renowned for its preserved brick houses and quaint coffee shops like Stauf's Coffee Roasters. Meanwhile, Mass Ave enthusiasts will be drawn to the Short North's vibrant arts scene, populated with galleries, boutiques, and venues like Short North Stage, mirroring Mass Ave's eclectic and modern appeal. These comparisons aim to highlight how the unique qualities of neighborhoods in Indianapolis find echoes in the districts of Columbus, making your transition to a new city a journey of familiar discovery.
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Pros and Cons of Moving from Indianapolis to Columbus
Moving from one city to another comes with its shares of ups and downs. This guide aims to provide a balanced view of relocating from Indianapolis, IN to Columbus, OH , giving you a clear perspective on what to expect. Whether you’re drawn by new opportunities or seeking a change of scenery, understanding both the advantages and challenges of this move will help you make an informed decision.
Indianapolis, IN- Higher crime rates
- Less diverse economy
- Smaller cultural scene
- Less green space
Columbus, OH- Lower crime rates
- More job opportunities
- Larger cultural experiences
- More parks and trails
Columbus, OH- Higher living costs
- Busy city vibe
- More traffic
- Fewer food options
Indianapolis, IN- Affordable housing
- Friendly community
- Convenient location
- Great local cuisine
Delving deeper into these comparisons, Columbus, OH, stands out for its burgeoning job market, particularly in technology and education sectors, hosting companies and institutions like Ohio State University. The city’s vibrant cultural scene is anchored by events at the Ohio Theatre and exhibitions at the Columbus Museum of Art. For outdoors enthusiasts, Columbus offers an abundance of parks and trails, such as the Scioto Mile, providing not just recreation but also picturesque views right in the heart of the city. Meanwhile, Indianapolis, known for its renowned events like the Indianapolis 500, boasts a rich local cuisine scene, with establishments like St. Elmo Steak House offering a taste of the city's culinary expertise. The balance between these two cities reflects a move from a comfortable and familiar environment to one with expanded opportunities for both professional growth and personal exploration.
Indianapolis vs. Columbus Food Guide
Finding a new favorite restaurant or street food can be as exciting as exploring your new neighborhood. Understanding how food captures the essence of where you're living is crucial. That's why we've created a comparison of the local cuisine between Indianapolis & Columbus, offering insights into what awaits your palate in these vibrant cities.
| Indianapolis | Columbus | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Pork Tenderloin Sandwich | Buckeye Candy |
| Most popular meat dish | Beef Manhattans | Bratwurst |
| Most popular street food item | Tacos | Food Truck Fusions |
| Most popular vegan food | Vegan BBQ | Vegan Pizza |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
|
|
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
Indianapolis and Columbus offer distinctly different flavors reflective of their cultural and regional differences. In Indianapolis, the love for hearty meals is evident in local favorites like the Pork Tenderloin Sandwich and Beef Manhattans, often enjoyed in historic eateries such as St. Elmo Steak House. Alternatively, Columbus offers a unique blend of traditional and inventive foods. The city's affinity for Buckeye Candy, along with a burgeoning food truck scene, showcases Columbus's innovative culinary spirit. Notably, the Short North and German Village areas are hubs for foodies, offering everything from gourmet vegan dishes at places like Eden Burger to classic meats at the renowned Schmidt's Sausage Haus. Whether you're in the mood for vegan cuisine or looking to indulge in local tradition, both cities promise to treat your taste buds.
Indianapolis vs. Columbus Restaurant Comparison
Finding the right spot to dine can truly make a new city feel like home. This restaurant comparison between Indianapolis and Columbus aims to ease your transition by guiding you towards new favorite eateries. Let's dive into how the culinary scene in each city can offer you the comfort of familiar flavors and dining experiences.
| Indianapolis | Columbus | What You'll Love |
|---|---|---|
| St. Elmo Steak House | The Top Steakhouse | Classic steakhouse experience with a similar historic vibe |
| Bluebeard | Veritas | Both offer creative, upscale menus with a focus on local ingredients |
| Shapiro's Delicatessen | Katzinger's Delicatessen | Authentic deli experience, renowned for sandwiches |
| Sun King Brewery | Wolf's Ridge Brewing | Both have a focus on craft beers paired with delicious, casual dining |
| Milktooth | Fox in the Snow Café | Both beloved for their brunch menus and unique, cozy atmospheres |
| The Eagle | The Pearl | Gastropub fare with an emphasis on quality ingredients and comfort food |
| Bazbeaux Pizza | Harvest Pizzeria | Both specialize in gourmet pizzas with innovative toppings |
| Market Table | Northstar Café | Both focus on healthy, farm-to-table dining options |
| Livery | Barcelona | Similar in their offering of Spanish-inspired dishes in a vibrant setting |
| Iozzo's Garden of Italy | Martini Modern Italian | Both blend traditional Italian cuisine with a modern dining experience |
As you transition from Indianapolis to Columbus, you'll discover new dining spots that echo the character and quality of your old favorites. The Pearl in Columbus mirrors The Eagle's commitment to redefining the classic American gastropub experience with its inventive menu and emphasis on high-quality, comfort dishes. Similarly, Veritas takes a page from Bluebeard's book, emphasizing a connection to local producers and presenting a menu that's as much an ode to creativity as it is to flavor. For those brunch weekends where the vibe is just as important as the menu, Fox in the Snow Café offers an ambiance and culinary excellence reminiscent of Milktooth. Each of these Columbus establishments aims to provide a seamless transition in your culinary journey, ensuring that no matter where you are, you'll always have a taste of home.
Ready to start your move?
Indianapolis vs. Columbus Real Estate & Living Facts
When considering a move, one of the key aspects to explore is real estate. Understanding how Indianapolis and Columbus compare in terms of housing costs, architecture, walkability, and other factors can help you make an informed decision. This comparison aims to shed light on these crucial elements.
| Comparison | Indianapolis | Columbus |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Colonial, Craftsman | Colonial, Modern |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Green spaces, Family-friendly | Accessibility, Tech-friendly |
When delving deeper into the housing aspects, it’s clear that Columbus, OH, presents a slightly higher cost of living in terms of median home prices and monthly rent compared to Indianapolis, IN. However, this cost comes with benefits such as better walkability and bikeability, which contribute to a dynamic urban lifestyle. Columbus's emphasis on modern architecture and a tech-friendly environment may appeal to professionals looking for an urban setting, enhanced by its accessibility to various amenities. Whereas, Indianapolis, with its colonial and craftsman-style homes, may attract those seeking a more traditional feel in their living spaces, alluding to its rich history and offering green spaces making it more family-friendly.
Indianapolis vs. Columbus Weather Considerations
When planning a move, it's crucial to consider how your lifestyle might change with the weather. This comparison will help you understand the climate differences between Indianapolis, IN and Columbus, OH , focusing on key aspects such as temperature, humidity, and precipitation. Knowing this can aid in your adaptation process to your new home.
Indianapolis, IN
Columbus, OH
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Indianapolis, IN
Columbus, OH
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Indianapolis, IN
Columbus, OH
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Indianapolis, IN
Columbus, OH
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | Indianapolis | Columbus |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Moderate | Moderate |
| Natural Disasters | Tornadoes, Floods | Tornadoes, Floods |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
While both Indianapolis and Columbus experience a range of weather phenomena, notable differences can affect your daily life. For instance, Columbus tends to have slightly more snowfall annually, which could impact your winter commute or leisure activities. Additionally, although both cities enjoy a fair number of sunny days, Indianapolis slightly edges out Columbus, potentially offering more opportunities for outdoor activities. Understanding these nuances can help you make a smoother transition and plan adequately for seasonal changes.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Indianapolis to Columbus
When planning a move from Indianapolis, IN to Columbus, OH, understanding the financial landscape is imperative. This comparison will highlight how the cost of living, taxes, income, and economic health between Indianapolis and Columbus will affect your budget. Making an informed decision can help you adjust your financial plan for a smoother transition.
| Comparison | Indianapolis | Columbus |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $58,479 | $58,202 |
| Cost of Living Index | 87.2 | 92 |
| State Income Tax | 3.23 | 4.797 |
| Avg. Property Tax | 0.87 | 1.56 |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 7.00 | 7.50 |
| Top 3 Industries | Manufacturing, Health Care, Retail | Education, Government, Healthcare |
| Affluence | moderate | moderately high |
| Poverty | noticeable | less noticeable |
| Homelessness | moderate | lower |
While both cities offer a range of economic opportunities, Columbus shows a slightly higher average household income and cost of living index than Indianapolis. However, moving to Columbus might mean facing higher state income and property taxes, reflecting in the cost of homeownership and overall taxation. The difference in the major industries between the two cities suggests a diverse economic environment, which may influence job opportunities based on your profession. The affluence and poverty descriptions indicate a generally healthier economic status in Columbus, with lower levels of homelessness, which might appeal to those looking for a stable and thriving community.
Indianapolis vs. Columbus Political & Religious Comparison
In this guide, we offer a quick, at-a-glance snapshot focusing on the comparison of the politics and religious makeup between Indianapolis & Columbus. This comparison aims to provide you with an understanding of the key differences and similarities in the social and cultural fabric of the city you are moving from to the city you are moving to.
| Indianapolis | Columbus | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Moderately conservative | Liberal-leaning |
| Local Politics | Democratic mayor since 2016 | Long history of Democratic leadership |
| Religion | Christian-dominated, with a mix of other faiths | Religiously diverse, strong Christian presence but more secular overall |
Indianapolis and Columbus provide unique living experiences significantly influenced by their political and religious climates. While Indianapolis displays a moderately conservative stance on the political spectrum, Columbus leans more towards liberal ideologies, evident in its vibrantly diverse and inclusive communities. The governance in both cities has been under Democratic leadership for years, although Indianapolis has seen a more recent shift compared to Columbus's longstanding Democratic tradition. When it comes to religious makeup, both cities host a Christian majority; however, Columbus is known for its slightly more secular approach, embracing a broader spectrum of beliefs and fostering an environment of religious diversity. This divergence in political and religious environments could impact your social interactions and community involvement, offering a fresh perspective as you make your new city home.
Indianapolis vs. Columbus Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
Understanding the daily commute and traffic is crucial when moving, so we've put together a comparison of the traffic and transportation options between Indianapolis & Columbus to help you prepare for your relocation. This guide will give you a glimpse into what getting around in your new city could look like and assist in making your transition smoother.
| Comparison | Indianapolis | Columbus |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 25 | 23 |
| Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
| Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
| Can you get by without car? | Difficult | Moderately Easy |
While both Indianapolis and Columbus offer their unique challenges and conveniences in terms of commuting, subtle differences may influence your daily life post-move. For instance, Columbus slightly edges out in terms of public transit efficiency and walkability, suggesting it might be easier to get by without a car compared to Indianapolis. Additionally, both cities have relatively mild traffic congestion levels, but Columbus has a marginally better situation likely due to its transport infrastructure and planning. It's these nuances that could impact your commuting experience, emphasizing the importance of understanding the local transit landscape before making a move.
Popular Indianapolis, IN to Ohio Moving Routes
