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<p>I’m not sure where you’re getting your information on either count, but it’s incorrect. Columbus has its problems like any other medium or large city in the nation. Relative to the rest of Ohio and much of the surrounding region, it has done very well over the last quarter century precisely because it was a “late bloomer” and didn’t have the large manufacturing base to collapse. By almost any economic or socio-economic indicator (median income, population growth, economic activity, % of population with a college degree) Columbus outpaces the rest of the Ohio cities. Is it on a level with Chicago, NY or San Francisco? No, but to say that “it’s at a very low point” is nonsense.</p>
<p>As for Ohio State’s location, it is not surrounded on all sides by slums. To the east of campus, once you get past the student housing areas, there are admittedly some sketchy neighborhoods. To the north of campus is Clintonville which is a very stable, young middle class neighborhood. To the south of campus is Victorian Village and The Short North neighborhoods, which are two of the nicest gentrified, inner-city neighborhoods in the entire state with numerous dining and nightlife options. To the west of campus, is Upper Arlington which is a very wealthy “old money” suburb.</p>