Two Empty Nesters and a Rescue Dog Chose Columbus Over Oahu. Here's Why.
We had 20 places to choose from. We narrowed it to two: Oahu, Hawaii, and Columbus, Georgia.
Everyone assumed we'd pick the beach. We picked the Fountain City. Funny thing is, our rescue dog, who used to be terrified of water, is the one who ended up diving in.
We left Northern California after years in San Francisco and, most recently, the Greater Sacramento area. Making this move has been a mutual win for Columbus and all three of us: me, my husband, and our dog.
Why Columbus, GA
My husband, an interventional pain management physician, was being recruited across the country. As new empty nesters, we were free to go anywhere. For the first time in years, the question wasn't what's best for the kids. It was what's next for us. We both wanted to make a difference wherever we landed, and Make My Move showed us Columbus wanted the same thing. The cash incentive was a welcome bonus, but the program's commitment to integrating newcomers is what sold us.
The interview process proved it. Columbus isn't looking for people who want a new zip code. It's looking for people who want to build something here.
A Win for Me
If you're worried a smaller city will limit your career, it did the opposite for me.
I was accepted into the 2026 cohort as a remote worker, running global conferences for two research centers at a major university, with a consulting firm on the side. Before I'd even announced the move, companies across the Southeast started reaching out. It was time to make a change. I left my remote role and split my firm in two: one focused on conferences and conventions, now opening a second location here, and a new destination and hotel sales coaching company headquartered in Columbus.
In Northern California, I lived my work. In the world of tech, AI, and cutting-edge research, everything is a race, and I was running myself into the ground. Here, I still live my work, but it fuels me instead of draining me. I partner with Visit Columbus GA to bring more conferences and conventions to my new hometown, and I'm mentoring a local graduate entering the industry. It feels like giving back, not just getting ahead. The slower pace has done wonders for my health, and I'm more present than ever. I feel more complete here.
A Win for My Husband
My husband, a UCLA-trained physician, took over an established practice and joined the network of providers caring for the region's residents and military families. Some of the work closest to his heart is helping active duty soldiers recover and return to service. He's also mentoring a local student preparing for the MCAT, with dreams of attending Mercer's medical school here in Columbus.
A Win for Domingo
Our rescue dog, Domingo, is our last kid at home.
In July, he was so scared of the pool that he took his first dock diving lesson wearing a life vest. In just a few months here, he has become an elite athlete, competing in the sport's toughest division in one of the country's most competitive regions. Life vest and all.
This month, he finally learned to jump without it. This weekend, he competes vest-free for the first time.
His sports care team includes canine massages at Ruffined Pet Wellness Club and expert care at Weems Road Animal Hospital. Off the dock, he's pampered with blueberry pie facials at Woof Dog Grooming & Bakery. In late November, he starts physical therapy to prepare for his first major regional competition. His goal: Nationals.
Turns out empty nesters make great sports parents.
Room to Run, Close to Everything
Coming from city living with a 95-pound dog, we wanted the opposite: space, quiet, and room to run. We found it in Upatoi, a rural community in Muscogee County. A tip for future movers: the program covers all of Muscogee County, not just central Columbus, so you can have acreage and still qualify. We may have skipped the beach, but we ended up with a lake in our backyard.
Columbus also makes the world feel closer. I travel for work at least twice a month, and our airport is easy to get in and out of. Through Atlanta, we can fly nonstop to see family and friends in South America in about nine hours instead of 24, and the Caribbean is just two hours away.
What Make My Move Columbus, GA Gets Right
Make My Move's support has been as intentional as its interview process. A big thank-you goes to Kylie Grilla, project manager with the Regional Prosperity Initiative, for building this community of movers. Between work travel and Domingo's competitions, I've only made it to two monthly meetups, yet I still feel connected through our movers' WhatsApp group.
I haven't even used all the incentives yet, and it's great that you have a full year to take advantage of them. Next up: the Chamber of Commerce membership and the arts stipend, which we're putting toward touring Broadway shows at the RiverCenter.
The Real Incentive: The People
We expected a warm welcome. We didn't expect it to start before I'd even arrived.
My Columbus Connector introduced me to the Junior League of Columbus, and I joined a few weeks before the move. We've also joined the Country Club of Columbus, including its dining and wine clubs.
Finding such a vibrant Filipino community here was a wonderful surprise. At our first Bayanihan of Columbus gala, we met Mayor Skip Henderson, who told us his office tries to support every event it's invited to. We've since become members of both Bayanihan and the Filipino American Association.
In my first month here, I casually mentioned to a new friend from Bayanihan how much I missed a Filipino dish my mom used to make. She passed before I ever got the recipe. A few days later, my friend surprised us by showing up at our door with it.
That's Columbus.
Advice for Future Movers
Come ready to show up. Start connecting before you arrive. Say yes to invitations. Lean on your Columbus Connectors, engage with your fellow movers, and use every incentive. And if your plans change after you arrive, like mine did, Columbus makes room for that, too.
Columbus opens its doors wide. Those who walk through them ready to give back will find a city that gives back even more.
