When a region's cost of living is relatively low, the ability to own a home is high, and that's certainly the case in Columbus. Nearly 70% of all Columbus Region residents earning the median income can afford to buy here—an incredible number compared to Chicago's 47% or New York's 5.7%. Of course, just because you can afford to buy here doesn't mean you have to. Every community offers a wide range of rental properties.

If you do decide to buy here, you can rest easy about your investment. Property values continue to appreciate steadily, without the extreme fluctuations seen in other big cities. With so many housing choices and such great property values, it's easy to understand why Money Magazine has singled out a number of our communities as "Best Places to Live" in the U.S.