Columbus Metropolitan Area
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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[[Image:{{{map}}}|200px|center|Map of the Columbus Metro Area]] |
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| Largest city Other cities |
Columbus - Delaware - Newark - Lancaster |
| Population | Ranked 31st in the U.S. |
| - Total | 1,708,625 [1] |
| - Density | 490.3/sq. mi. 189.3/km² |
| Area | 3169.2 sq. mi. 8207.7 km² |
| State(s) | Ohio |
| Elevation | |
| - Highest point | 1480 feet (450 m) |
| - Lowest point | 630 feet (192 m) |
The Columbus Metropolitan Area is the metropolitan area centered on American city of Columbus, Ohio. Definitions of what is commonly referred to as the "Columbus Area" vary. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the metropolitan area includes the counties of Delaware, Fairfield, Franklin, Licking, Madison, Morrow, Pickaway, and Union. The larger Combined Statistical Area adds the Micropolitan Statistical Areas of Chillicothe, Marion, Mount Vernon, and Washington Court House. The population of the CSA is 1,936,351 according to the 2005 census estimates.
The Columbus area also has a larger area that has strong communication with the city including Marion and Chillicothe, this area is called the Columbus-Marion-Chillicothe Metropolitan Consolidated Area.
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[edit] Economy
- See also: List of Largest Central Ohio Employers
There are numerous large multinationals in the area, which provide a significant source of employment. In the Marysville area, Honda Motor Co., Ltd. operates their largest manufacturing complex in North America. Employing over 16,000 it includes assembly, testing, and research & development operations. The Honda Civic, Accord, Element, CR-V, Acura TL, and RDX are assembled at the two plants. Also in Marysville is Scotts Miracle-Gro Co., the maker's of Miracle Gro and various other soil and potting fertilizers. The clothing company Abercrombie & Fitch is located in New Albany. Under the corporate umbrella of Abercrombie & Fitch are Hollister Co., RUEHL No.925, and CONCEPT 5.
Cardinal Health, the highest ranked company in Ohio on the Fortune 500 list has its headquarters along I-270 in Dublin. Online Computer Library Center (owner of the Dewey Decimal System) is found just across the interstate. Wendy's has its corporate headquarters near Old Dublin along State Route 161. Other companies in the city include Ashland Inc., Nationwide, and Qwest. Microcenter, a retailer of computers and other electronic equipment, was started in Upper Arlington and is now based in Hilliard.
[edit] Education
Numerous K-12 school districts are found in the area. There are wide differences in setup, with some districts being mostly rural and having a small enrollment, while others are urban and have large enrollments.
Dozens of institutions of higher education can be found in the area, the largest of which is The Ohio State University in Columbus. Three of the prestigious Five Colleges of Ohio are located in the metro. They include Ohio Wesleyan University, located in Delaware, Denison University, in Granville (near Newark) and Kenyon College in Gambier. Other schools include Otterbein College in Westerville, OSU Newark (a branch campus of The Ohio State University, Central Ohio Technical College (also in Newark), OU Lancaster (a branch campus of Ohio University), Capital University in Bexley, the Methodist Theological School in Delaware, and Mount Vernon Nazarene University.
[edit] Culture
[edit] Museums
Numerous museums are located throughout the metropolis. Stargazers will enjoy Perkins Observatory, located just south of Delaware. The observatory hosts public programs, and serves as the home for the Columbus Astronomical Society. The Ohio Railway Museum, located in Worthington, features a large collection of both static and operational railway equipment. In Hilliard, a unique museum exists in the form of the Early Television Museum. This attraction features a large collection of TV's from the 1920's, 30's and 40's. Fans of Bruce Lee will find the Bruce Lee Legends of Martial Art Hall of Fame Museum located in Reynoldsburg particularly interesting. Nearby in Pickerington, the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum draws those interested in classic cycles as well as its surronding culture. Also in the area is the Mid-Ohio Historical Museum, located in Canal Winchester. Collections found here include thousands of antique and modern children's toys, a train display, and a miniature circus. Historical memorabilia of an entirely different kind can be found at the Motts Military Museum, located in Groveport.
[edit] Sports
Although a majority of the sporting attractions take place in the city proper, there are a few better known events in the area. Since 1976, Dublin has been the site of the PGA Tour's Memorial Tournament at the Muirfield Village golf course, designed by Jack Nicklaus. In 1987, the course hosted the Ryder Cup and in 1998 it hosted the Solheim Cup.
Two semi-professional football teams compete locally: the Columbus Comets of the Women's Professional Football League and the Ohio Swarm of the Mid Continental Football League. Both teams play in Dublin at Coffman High School. Columbus is also the home of the Columbus Lady Shooting Stars soccer team, who have their home field in Delaware at Roy Rike Field.
Rahal Letterman Racing has a home in Hilliard and races in the Indy Racing League. Intersport Racing is located in Dublin and races in the American Le Mans Series. TruSports, owners of the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, is found in Dublin as well. Kilisport has a home in the north suburb of Powell and competes in the Champ Car Atlantic Series.
[edit] Performing Arts
joyUNSPEAKABLE Productions, located in Hillard, provides various live entertainment for special events, including Mimes, Living Statues, and live theatre. The city of Dublin hosts an especially active cultural scene. The Abbey Theatre, (not to be confused with the venue of the same name in Dublin, Ireland) hosts a number of amateur and semi-professional theatre and music events.
[edit] Fairs and Festivals
Events taking place within the Greater Columbus area include the Little Brown Jug, a world-famous harness racing even taking place in Delaware. Each year, Dublin hosts the Dublin Irish Festival, which attracts tens of thousands of people for a weekend of Irish food, music, and dance. Upper Arlington hosts its own arts festival annually, taking up a large portion of Northam Park. The Franklin County Fair is held annually in Hilliard.
[edit] Parks and recreation
In addition to numerous city parks, the Columbus Metro Parks operate 14 large parks mostly focused on preserving and protecting the natural environment. In addition, there are many State Parks with unique natural features, including Blackhand Gorge, Clifton Gorge, Alum Creek, Hocking Hills State Park, and Rockbridge State Nature Preserve. The Hocking Hills region also includes parts of the Wayne National Forest, which makes for good Leaf peeping in the autumn.
[edit] All cities, villages, townships, and communities
[edit] Delaware County
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[edit] Fairfield County
[edit] Franklin County
[edit] Licking County
[edit] Madison County
- Georgesville
- London
- West Jefferson
- Plain City
[edit] Morrow County
[edit] Pickaway County
[edit] Union County
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