Where opportunity meets lifestyle
From career opportunities to quality of life, Columbia delivers. It’s a dynamic college town with cultural energy, outdoor access and everyday convenience—without the stress of big-city living—offering abundant, affordable housing, excellent schools, easy access to St. Louis and Kansas City, a lower cost of living and a vibrant mix of shopping, dining, arts and entertainment.
Housing and cost of living
Columbia is rapidly expanding, and whether you’re looking for a starter property, something historic, or a custom-built home, you can find most anything without venturing too far from the centrally-located University. The average commute time in Columbia is just over 15 minutes, far below the U.S. average.
Additionally, despite its proximity to larger metropolitan areas, Columbia consistently ranks below the national average cost of living, as measured by housing, grocery, healthcare and utility costs.
Columbia home values, Nationwide home values
Schools
Higher Education
Mizzou might be the largest university in Columbia, but there are two more colleges in the downtown area. That’s not the only reason Columbia is called College Town U.S.A, though — over half of adults in Columbia have at least a bachelors degree, well over the national average of 31%.
Stephens College, founded in 1833, is the second-oldest women’s college in the country. Their theatre program is ranked 9th in the country by the Princeton Review, and in 2017 the college launched the first all-women varsity e-sports team.
Columbia College boasts 34 nationwide campuses in addition to their main campus in downtown Columbia. With an emphasis on small classes, evening programs and online learning, they offer a variety of flexible options for undergraduate and graduate studies.
K-12 education
Responsible for nearly 19,000 students, the Columbia Public Schools system features a comprehensive curriculum for preschoolers through adult learners. The district includes 21 elementary schools, seven middle schools, four high schools and other supplemental programs.
With a 19:1 pupil-teacher ratio district-wide, teachers are set up for success. The average CPS teacher holds a master’s degree with 12 years of professional experience.
Other Local Schools: Columbia Independent School, Christian Fellowship School, Fr. Tolton Catholic High School
Recreation
You don’t have to go far to find incredible entertainment. Some of Columbia’s largest venues are right on campus.
MIZZOU ARENA
Home of the Mizzou men’s and women’s basketball teams, this 15,000-seat indoor venue has hosted concerts by The Eagles, Luke Bryan and Rascal Flatts, just to name a few.
FAUROT FIELD/MEMORIAL STADIUM
There’s no better place to be for football season. Mizzou fans are loud, proud and passionate, and game day energy is infectious.
Don’t have tickets for the game? Tailgating is just as time-honored a tradition, and you’ll find Tigers grilling and chilling, rain or shine.
JESSE AUDITORIUM
The university’s flagship building is also Columbia’s largest performance venue. This historic building hosts more than 200 events a year, and attracts first-class performers like Jerry Seinfeld, Ray Charles and Maya Angelou, in addition to hosting the University Concert Series.
Festivals
Columbia is home to an exceptionally eclectic mix of festivals and celebrations.
From True/False Film Fest, lauded by The New Yorker and LA Times, to the Hartsburg Pumpkin Festival, a sleepy town of 105 that hosts thousands of visitors one weekend a year, there’s something for everyone all year round.
Other Highlights: Art in the Park, Unbound Book Festival
Parks
With over 70 parks and gardens to choose from, it’d be a challenge to visit them all!
Stephens Lake Park features 116 acres of playgrounds, spray grounds and beachfront, plus reservable shelters and picnic areas all across the sizable property.
For those wanting a more leisurely stroll, try the award-winning Shelter Gardens, with its immaculate rose garden and waterfall walking path.
Other highlights: Rock Quarry Park, Twin Lakes Recreation Area, Cosmo Park
Trails and nature
Columbia’s trail system encompasses the whole city, and is both bike and stroller friendly. The 10-foot wide MKT Trail, built using the former Missouri-Kansas-Texas railroad, is one of the city’s largest, and connects with the 240-mile Katy Trail, which spans the entire state.
Jog or bike your way to one of Columbia’s many caves or state parks, like the Devils Icebox Cave — famous for its year-round chilly temperatures — or make a day trip to nearby Boonville or Rocheport, without ever leaving the trail system.
Other Highlights: Rock Bridge Memorial State Park, Capen Park, Pedaler’s Jamboree
Shopping and dining
Columbia offers a unique mix of national retailers and independently-owned, local shops, as well as multiple farmer’s markets and antique malls. No matter your tastes, there’s a little something for everyone.
Columbia Mall is the largest shopping center in the mid-Missouri area, and features special events throughout the year. With an indoor carousel, playground, and multiple arcades, it can be a full day of fun no matter the weather.
The District, Columbia’s downtown shopping area, is just north of Mizzou’s campus, and features over 50 blocks of unique and eclectic stores, from vintage retailers to handmade confectionaries (and a whole lot more).
Other resources: FEAST Magazine, Shopping Guide, Restaurant Guide
Other information
- Columbia Convention & Visitors Bureau – Plan a visit, or see the latest upcoming events in town.
- Chamber of Commerce – Relocating Resources – Real estate, utility and moving/storage contacts.
- Columbia Welcome – Complimentary service for new residents. Includes welcome basket with maps, gifts and coupons, plus a sit-down visit with a local volunteer.