Population: 822,553Median home sales price (Q1 2014): $99,900Unemployment: 4.8%Unemployment change July 2013-June 2014: -26.2%Population growth 2008-2012: 9.4%Pop. Age 25-39 (2012): 26.7%Change in Pop. 25-39, 2010-2012: 1.3%Violent crime (annual, per 100,000 people): 608.3FORBES' Business and Careers Rank: 30"There are a number of things that we have to offer," says Steven Schoney, director for the dept. of development for the City of Columbus. "No. 1 is that mix between employment opportunity, cost of living, and all the amenities of a big city. And so that means having a very vibrant cultural scene, and having a very young city. And part of that really is driven by having one of the largest universities in the country located right in the middle of the city."FORBES/Sperling’s BestPlaces