Columbus is the county seat of Bartholomew County, Indiana. It is located approximately 40 miles south o Indianapolis, on the east fork of theWhite River. It is the state's 20th largest city. It is also the principal city of the Columbus, Indiana, metropolitan statistical area which encompasses all of Bartholomew County.

The city of Columbus, Indiana doesn't take its architecture lightly. This town, with a 2003 population of only 39,000 has one of the most significant collections of "brand name architecture" of any city in the United States or Canada. Thanks to design conscious citizens and the generosity of Cummins Corporation, Columbus is a living museum of architecture.

The bridges that form both the entrances and gateways to their community are no exception. The suspension bridge that leads from the Interstate highway into the main downtown area is a suspension bridge, designed by J. Meuller International. The tour guides boast that the City chose to build this steel bridge, at a cost of $U.S. 8 million, rather than build an uninteresting concrete bridge that would have cost the taxpayers only $ U.S. 2 million.

Columbus, Indiana is a unique place. It contains works from some of the greatest architects in the world. It is a good example of how the quality of life can be improved by excellence in design. Columbus, Indiana is one of the few cities where the architecture can actually improve the human condition.  In fact, because of its architectural excellence and stewardship of its historical assets, the National Geographic Traveler ranked Columbus 11th of 109 historic destinations worldwide by National Geographic Society's Center for Sustainable Destinations.  This ranking is higher than any other U.S. destination. The magazine called Columbus, Indiana a Jewel in the Region.

Columbus has a small-town setting with excellent schools many churches, a large number of businesses, and a plethora of cultural opportunities. In the downtown area you will find The Commons Mall, an enclosed shopping mall and community center. The mall has an indoor playground and many productions, exhibitions and community activities. Plus, the construction of the new Columbus Riverfront District will bring regional appeal by encouraging the
location and operation of a diverse mix of family- oriented restaurants in the District.

Columbus also offers a variety of recreation. The city's parks total 537 acres and offer activities include swimming, ice skating, and hockey. Nearby lakes and rivers provide water sports for all ages. Founded in 1947, the City of Columbus Parks and Recreation Department provides the highest
quality park and recreation services for the citizens of Columbus. Responsible for the maintenance and improvement of nearly 700 acres of park land, the Department has completed more than $20 million in development projects, including the nationally-recognized $8 million Mill Race Park.

Columbus's National Historic Landmarks are one of the top Columbus Indiana attractions. Many of the city's school buildings and churches are on the register of National Historic Landmarks, all of which are worthy of being visited by the city's many tourists. Such buildings include North Christian Church and the Irwin Union Bank, each of which serve as a window into Indiana history.

If spending time in the great outdoors is preferred, checking out Columbus is a must. Hiking, canoeing, and bird watching are popular hobbies in and around Columbus. The city offers are large number of gardens that are great for strolling through. Camping, fishing, and horseback riding are also popular activities in this area. Many of the areas parks accommodate such activities.

Columbus offers a large handful of Indiana golf courses for those who wish to golf on vacation. These courses include 9-hole, 18-hole, and even a 27-hole golf course, which is rated one of the nation's top courses. Columbus is a must for those who wish to experience this area's golf offerings.

Housing Cost

Estimated median house or condo value in 2007: $135,001

Demographics

Population in July 2007: 39,817. Columbus covers 25.9 square miles. It sits at an elevation of 640 feet above sea level.

Zip codes: 47201, 47202, 47203 - Area code: 812

Weather

Columbus, IN climate is warm during summer when temperatures tend to be in the 70's and very cold during winter when temperatures tend to be in the 30's.

The warmest month of the year is July with an average maximum temperature of 86.40 degrees Fahrenheit, while the coldest month of the year is January with an average minimum temperature of 19.10 degrees Fahrenheit.

Temperature variations between night and day tend to be moderate during summer with a difference that can reach 22 degrees Fahrenheit, and fairly limited during winter with an average difference of 19 degrees Fahrenheit.

The annual average precipitation at Columbus is 41.94 Inches. Rainfall in is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year. The wettest month of the year is May with an average rainfall of 4.63 Inches.

Information provided by idcide.com and city data.com