For what it's worth I have lived in Columbus for 7 years now. Great place to live. I grew up in Pennsylvania, graduated from UA in 2000 and my family now lives outside of Montgomery. PA is my home and I love it there, but Columbus is really a growing area and is a great place to raise a family.
Fan wise, Buckeye fans are just like Tide fans. There really is very little difference. There are great fans and there are jerks and you will probably run into both. I run into them here and I'm sure it's the same situation for any Buckeye fan who lives in the Birmingham/Tuscaloosa region.
Also, rural Ohio isn't any different than a trip to Slap Out, AL.
My college roommate was from Slap Out! Not many people know where Slap Out or there is even a town by that name.