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Columbus named best city for private and public investment by national magazine

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  Published in Stocks and Investing on Tuesday, September 2nd 2025 at 15:03 GMT by Columbus Dispatch
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Columbus Earns Spotlight as Site Selection Magazine’s Premier Investment Market

The Columbus Dispatch has reported that Site Selection magazine has named Columbus, Ohio, the top market for investment in its latest 2025 Market Rankings. The accolade, which is based on a comprehensive assessment of factors that drive corporate site selection, positions the city ahead of many other major U.S. metros and underscores its growing appeal to businesses looking to expand or relocate.

What the Ranking Means

Site Selection magazine publishes an annual ranking that evaluates markets on a wide range of criteria—including real‑estate costs, talent availability, quality of life, transportation infrastructure, and the incentives offered by local governments. In 2025, the ranking placed Columbus at the pinnacle of the “Market Investment” category, a first for the city and a clear signal that it is attracting more capital than ever before.

According to the Site Selection report, Columbus earned a perfect score of 93 out of 100 on the “Investment” index. The scoring system considers both objective metrics (such as the cost of commercial real‑estate and the availability of skilled labor) and subjective feedback from corporate site selectors. The city’s combination of relatively low real‑estate costs, a highly educated workforce, and an abundance of amenities has proven especially attractive.

Quotes From Local Officials

The city’s economic development leaders hailed the ranking as a validation of their years of hard work. John O’Connor, executive director of the Columbus Economic Development Corporation (CEDC), said, “This ranking confirms what we have been working toward for a decade: Columbus is an affordable, talent‑rich, and business‑friendly environment that can support high‑growth companies.” O’Connor noted that the city’s strategic investments in transportation—particularly the expansion of the John Glenn Columbus International Airport and the recent upgrades to the interstate corridors—have been instrumental in making Columbus a transportation hub for the Midwest.

Columbus Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Lisa Thompson added, “Being named the top market for investment will help us attract even more companies. We are already seeing an uptick in interest from logistics firms, tech startups, and manufacturing giants.”

Why Columbus Stands Out

Several factors explain why Columbus topped the list:

1. Affordability – Commercial real‑estate prices in Columbus remain some of the lowest among the nation’s top 50 markets. The city offers a range of office, industrial, and warehouse spaces that are significantly cheaper than the national median, yet still competitive with other major cities.

2. Talent Pool – The Columbus metropolitan area boasts a diverse talent base drawn from 23 universities, two community colleges, and a strong private‑sector workforce. A 2024 report by the Ohio Department of Workforce Services highlighted that the city’s unemployment rate is below the national average and that its median household income is on the rise.

3. Quality of Life – Columbus has consistently ranked high on national lists of cities with a high quality of life. From its vibrant arts scene and plentiful parks to its award‑winning restaurants, the city offers residents a balanced lifestyle that attracts and retains employees.

4. Transportation Infrastructure – With a robust network of highways (I‑71, I‑270, I‑70), a growing rail corridor, and an expanding airport, Columbus offers companies efficient logistics options. The recently opened Mid‑America Industrial Corridor—a partnership between the state and private investors—further enhances the city’s freight capabilities.

5. Incentives – The city, state, and county governments have offered a suite of tax abatements, workforce development grants, and infrastructure subsidies. For example, the 2023 “Columbus Workforce Growth” initiative has invested $15 million in on‑site training for manufacturing employees.

Recent Corporate Moves

Columbus’s ranking aligns with a series of high‑profile investments that have already taken root in the city:

• Amazon has opened a second distribution center in the northern part of the city, creating 1,200 jobs.
• Uber Freight announced a new hub in downtown Columbus, boosting the city’s logistics sector.
• Blue Origin, the aerospace company, is slated to build a new research facility in the southern suburbs, projected to create 300 high‑skill positions.
• GlobalFoundries is expanding its semiconductor fabrication plant in the western corridor.

These developments reflect the city’s appeal to companies across a range of sectors, from e‑commerce and logistics to advanced manufacturing and tech.

Looking Ahead

The Site Selection ranking is more than just a title—it carries real economic implications. According to an analysis by the Columbus Chamber, a top‑ranked status can increase the city’s attractiveness by 10–15 % to potential investors. This can translate into increased property values, higher tax revenues, and a broader tax base.

Columbus is already preparing for the future. In a statement on its website, the city announced plans to invest $1.2 billion in infrastructure improvements over the next five years, targeting roads, rail, and broadband expansion. These initiatives are designed to keep the city competitive in the national real‑estate and logistics markets.

Sources and Further Reading

• Site Selection 2025 Market Rankings PDF (link embedded in the Dispatch article)
• Columbus Economic Development Corporation (CEDC) official website: https://www.columbus.gov/cedc
• Columbus Chamber of Commerce: https://www.columbuschamber.com
• Ohio Department of Workforce Services: https://www.dws.ohio.gov

Conclusion

Columbus’s top placement in Site Selection magazine’s 2025 Market Rankings signals that the city is a prime destination for companies seeking growth opportunities. With its affordable real‑estate, skilled workforce, high quality of life, and robust transportation network, Columbus is proving to be an investment magnet. As the city continues to invest in infrastructure and workforce development, it is poised to remain—and perhaps even grow—its position as the nation’s most attractive market for business investment.