National publication names Columbus as the most welcoming city in the US
Last year, Columbus embarked on a mission with the MakeMyMove program to incentivize people to move here, and as a result, Travel +Leisure Magazine published the MakeMyMove report, announcing Columbus as “The Most Welcoming Community in the U.S.”
This award notes what makes Columbus so special, saying “strategic planning, a commitment to personalized engagement, and a focus on long-term integration” is what makes residents feel so at home here.
The Columbus 2025 initiative is not just trying to get folks to move here; they’re making sure they stay, find their people, and build real lives. The collaboration between all these entities is making hospitality the plan for Columbus, so it makes sense we’d be voted “most welcoming.”
What makes the new residents feel so at home in Columbus?
To make sure the newcomers have all the tools they need, the program connects them with what MakeMyMove calls “Columbus Connectors.” These are locals who know the ins and outs of this town and are ready to show newcomers the ropes, introduce them to folks, and make sure they’ve got someone to call if they need a lunch buddy or a realtor.
With a goal of growing the population by 4% by 2026, Columbus is taking a personal, hands-on approach. The coordinators at MakeMyMove employ a “matchmaking approach” to select movers who are likely to stay long-term, emphasizing a personal, hands-on method to ensure retention and integration.
Some of our newcomers already have bought homes, joined the arts community, and even started families. One of them even called their baby the first official “mover baby. To make the new residents feel as welcome as possible, the program connects them directly to the industries, nonprofits, and community groups that match their skills and passions.
What other cities were named ‘most welcoming?’
Coming in second is Eastern Kentucky which is distinguished by, according to Travel + Leisure, as “A deeply rooted culture of hospitality, where residents personally welcome newcomers — sometimes with home-cooked meals, assistance with moving or even a ride to town.”
Taking third place is Noblesville, Indiana, which is known for its “hands-on approach [that] ensures that newcomers feel like part of the community from day one.”
Part of what makes Columbus feel like such a hospitable place is the effort to make people feel at home. We may not have the bustle of Atlanta or the eclectic lore of Savannah, but we can make folks feel welcome.
Share some of your favorite things about our hometown. Email me at srose@ledger-enquirer.com or find me on social media.
