First, http://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/morning_call/2013/01/columbus-hangs-on-to-no-4-spot-in.html
In this ranking, Columbus was 4th behind OKC, Austin and Houston on the overal “Economic Vitality Index”, a measure that uses 18 catergories to determine the strength of an economy.

Second is this: http://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2013/01/15/columbus-only-midwest-city-to-regain.html
This link shows that the Columbus metro is one of only 14 major metros nationally (out of 102) that had gained more jobs through November 2012 than it lost during the Great Recession, meaning it has exceeded a 100% recovery from the downturn. It was also the only Midwestern metro to have achieved this feat.

Stories and rankings like this prove that Columbus has little or nothing in common with its nearby Rust Belt neighbors. It has long had a steady, growing economy that has been able to recover quickly from economic downturns. Say what you will about weather or other factors, but the #1 reason for people to move somewhere has to do with economics. So long as there are jobs available and a decent cost of living, people should continue to flock to that place. In that regard, Columbus definitely seems to have a bright future.