Interesting post over at Indie Columbus regarding what attracts people. I think it’s an interesting, realistic look at the reason people move. Economic opportunity is definitely important. It is certainly what brought me to Columbus. However, I think it’s the culture, charm, etc that makes someone stay. You can’t replace those intangibles about a city. Those factors may not work on everyone, but I think they are certainly vital for the ” young professional, urbanite crowd” that downtown Columbus desires.
When I was living in London, my friend and then-flatmate Manic, who works in IT, once complained that Bristol had far better opportunities than London did for someone in his field. We asked him why he didn’t just move there. He talked about all the arts, culture and entertainment available in London that he wouldn’t be able to find in Bristol. In response, we pointed out to him that most of his leisure time comprised the same few pubs and Indian curry houses and playing Xbox, not London’s great museums or nightclubs. Upon further thought, he corrected himself: “all my family and friends are in London.”
