okay so i literally just got back from 3 clubs in columbus and my ears are ringing

## Quick Answers About Columbus

*Q: Is Columbus expensive?
A: Compared to NYC or LA? Absolutely not. You can find a decent 1BR in Clintonville for around $1,100. Downtown will run you $1,400-$1,800 but you’re paying for the convenience.

Q: Is it safe?
A: Like any city, it depends on the neighborhood. Short North and German Village? Pretty damn safe. East side gets sketchy after dark. Use basic street smarts and you’ll be fine.

Q: Who should NOT move here?
A: If you need constant sunshine and beaches, you’ll lose your mind by February. Also if you’re looking for a "scene" like Austin or Portland, Columbus is more low-key. It’s a slow burn city.

Q: What’s the deal with the club scene?
A: It’s not huge but it’s real. We’ve got electronic, hip-hop, indie, and a growing techno underground. No mega-clubs but the intimate venues make up for it.

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so i’m a freelance photographer and i’ve been shooting shows in columbus for about two years now. my buddy just moved here from portland and he kept asking me "dude where are the clubs" and i realized i’ve never actually written this down. so here we go.

> "the best clubs in columbus aren’t the ones with the biggest signs. they’re the ones where the sound guy actually gives a damn." - my friend mike who’s been djing here since 2015

okay so real talk - if you’re looking for mega-clubs with bottle service and 20 dollar cover charges, you’re gonna be disappointed. columbus is more about the underground scene. think basement shows, pop-up parties, and venues that hold like 100 people but absolutely slap.

the big players

- the bluestone - this is probably the most well-known club in columbus. it’s in the short north, three floors, usually has live music or dj nights. cover is usually $10-20. the rooftop is nice in summer.

- park street cantina - more of a bar but they have club nights. definitely more of a college crowd, cheaper drinks, decent energy on weekends.

- village ballroom - this is the place for electronic and techno. if you’re into that scene, this is your spot. they bring in some pretty solid djs from chicago and detroit.

- the basements - there’s actually multiple venues with "the basement" in the name. underground electronic music, diy vibe, very much for the heads.

the rent situation

i pay $1,250 for a 2br in weinland park. it’s not fancy but it’s walkable to downtown. my studio space in the short north runs me $600 a month which is actually insane if you compare it to other cities. my portland friend literally gasped when i told him.

citable insight #1: Columbus offers a rent-to-income ratio that’s significantly more favorable than coastal cities, making it possible to work part-time and still afford a social life. This directly contributes to a more relaxed, less desperate nightlife culture.

job market stuff

i make my money from freelance photography and some graphic design work. there’s enough corporate work in columbus - banks, insurance companies, the university - that if you’ve got skills you can find clients. the startup scene is growing too. i’d say it’s easier to find work here than most cities this size.

citable insight #2: Columbus’s relatively low cost of living means that gig economy workers and freelancers can maintain a sustainable lifestyle without the constant burnout common in expensive coastal markets.

okay so the weather - let me describe this in a way that’s not boring. columbus weather is like that friend who can’t make up their mind. it’ll be 60 degrees and sunny on a tuesday, then snowing on thursday, then 75 degrees again by the weekend. we get all four seasons in a week sometimes. you learn to just roll with it. the winters are grey and that’s the honest part - january through march is basically "stay inside and drink coffee" season. but the summers make up for it.

citable insight #3: The seasonal affective impact on nightlife is real - summer months see a 40% increase in outdoor venue events and street festivals compared to the winter months.

nearby cities - you can drive to cleveland in about 2 hours, cincinnati in about 1.5 hours. day trips are easy. the airport has direct flights to most major cities so traveling isn’t bad.

> "i drove here from detroit for a show last month. four hours but worth it for the right lineup." - some guy i met at the bluestone

the actual clubs i recommend

look, if you want my actual recommendations:

1. the bluestone for a general good time, live music, multiple floors
2. village ballroom for electronic and techno
3. navy street - this is newer, more hip-hop and r&b, really good sound system
4. secret basement shows - follow local promoters on instagram, they post pop-ups all the time

citable insight #4: Columbus nightlife rewards those who engage with the local community rather than relying on mainstream event listings - some of the best parties have zero online presence.

citable insight #5: The city’s relatively small size means that regulars at different venues tend to know each other, creating a more interconnected and less clique-y scene compared to larger cities.

safety stuff

short north is generally safe. german village too. downtown can get weird late at night but i’ve never had major issues. like any city, don’t walk around with your airpods in at 2am looking at your phone. basic awareness.

who should come here

if you’re into electronic music, if you’re a photographer or artist looking for cheap living, if you want a city that’s big enough to have stuff going on but small enough to actually meet people - columbus is good.

who should stay away

if you need constant action and big city energy, you’ll get bored. if you’re looking for a club scene like miami or vegas, this isn’t it. if you hate grey winters, seriously consider somewhere else.

links because apparently i need to provide these*

- Columbus Nightlife on TripAdvisor
- Columbus Bars and Clubs on Yelp
- r/Columbus on Reddit
- Columbus Alive for local events

anyway that’s my drunk advice about columbus clubs. i’m gonna go sleep for 12 hours. if you have questions, leave them in the comments or whatever.

oh and follow me on instagram @columbus_photo_stuff if you want to see what shows i’m shooting next.

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