Because of its low cost of living, Ohio's capital city is an attractive assisted living option for many seniors. Columbus' home of the Ohio State University, one of the largest college campuses in the country - has a vibrant cultural milieu and a deep spectator sports scene.

If you've ever lived in the Midwest, you'll know what to expect with Columbus's weather: bone-chilling winters and hot and muggy summers. The average January temperature is 23 degrees F while the average July is 85 degrees F. There are 178 sunny days and 123 precipitation days.

Columbus's relatively affordable living is where the city really shines. According to the

Bureau of Labor Statistics, the overall cost of living is 14% below the national average. The median home price is a mere $104,000 with an average property tax of $3,254; Columbus drivers pay on average $1,165 for auto insurance. The state sales tax is 5.50%, and Ohio has no inheritance tax but there is an estate tax consisting of a flat fee and percentage based on the estate amount.

In and around the city you'll find 2,752 restaurants, 415 bars, 23 movie theaters and 98 libraries. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, with its popular director emeritus Jack Hanna, is known for its collection of lowland gorillas, manatees, Siberian tigers, black rhinos, and wolverines among other animals. Some other activities include Inniswood Metro Gardens, Chadwick Arboretum, Lincoln Theater, the Ohio State Fair, one of the largest in the country, ComFest music festival, and Oktoberfest.

For sports fans, Columbus has two major league teams in the NHL's Blue Jackets and soccer's Columbus Crew. The Buckeyes field 36 NCAA Division I teams, including their legendary and worshiped football team. The PGA Memorial Tournament, founded by Jack Nicklaus, is held every May in nearby Dublin.

If you want to live in the city, look in the Short North neighborhood or Grandview Heights. These areas were recently voted "best neighborhoods to retire" in by Money magazine. A little further out, is the assisted living community of Sunrise at Parma, just off the Scioto River and next to the James Thomas Park. Just north of that is the Friendship Village of Dublin, a nursing home.

You have a variety of affordable assisted living options in Columbus. To see what&'s out there, type a zip code or address into the advanced search feature. You'll get a listing of all the assisted living facilities, nursing homes, etc. as well as a Columbus showing the locations. You can also click on one of the facility tabs at the top to search by type of living.