Despite the continuing economic challenges, attachment to the Columbus area remains basically flat in 2010.

Social offerings (entertainment infrastructure, places to meet people), openness (how welcoming a place is) and aesthetics (an area’s physical beauty and green spaces) are the most important factors emotionally connecting residents to where they live.

Aesthetics, particularly parks, playgrounds and trails, continue to be seen by residents as a community strength. Additionally, residents perceive the area to be most welcoming to families with children.

Opportunities to increase resident connection to place include improving resident perception of social offerings, particularly residents caring for each other, and openness, particularly to young talent. 

Older residents 55 and older are most attached and the youngest resident surveyed 18-34 years old are least attached to the Columbus area. African-Americans are more attached to the Columbus area than other racial/ethnic groups.

Ratings of the local economy and social capital increased significantly in 2010; however, the economy is still not a key factor emotionally connecting residents to their community.