Here’s What You Need to Know Before You Move
If you’re considering moving to Columbia, Missouri, there’s a good chance something specific is bringing you here. Maybe it’s a new job, the University of Missouri or one of our major healthcare systems. Maybe you’re ready to live closer to family and be there for more of the everyday moments, or you’ve simply discovered that Columbia offers a lot for a city its size. But once Columbia makes your short list, the questions usually get much more specific. Which part of town should I live in? What’s the housing market like? How long does it actually take to get around? How much does Mizzou affect everyday life? And what is it really like to live in Columbia, Missouri?
Our team has a pretty unique perspective on that. Emily and Taylor were both born right here in Columbia at Boone Hospital (although a couple of decades apart), and Ariel has called Columbia home for more than a decade. Between living here, raising families here, and helping hundreds of clients buy and sell homes in the area, we know Columbia pretty well.
So rather than give you another list of statistics you can find anywhere, here’s what we’d actually want you to know before moving to Columbia.
Columbia is more than a college town
There’s no pretending Mizzou isn’t a big part of Columbia’s personality. Fall Saturdays bring football traffic and plenty of black and gold, move-in weekend is noticeable, and downtown gets a little quieter when students leave for the summer.
But Columbia is much more than a college town. It’s also a regional hub for healthcare, education and business, and its location right between Kansas City and St. Louis makes it an easy jumping-off point for either city.
And while Columbia is a college town, it’s certainly not a town just for college students. One of the things we love about Columbia is how much it has to offer people at very different points in life. Whether you’re single, a couple, raising a family, an empty nester or enjoying retirement, there’s a lot to appreciate about living here.
It’s big enough to have great restaurants, shopping, healthcare, entertainment and plenty to do, but small enough that getting across town usually doesn’t require planning your entire day around it.
There isn’t one “best” part of Columbia
One of the first questions we hear from people relocating here is some version of, “What’s the best part of town?”
Our answer is usually another question: What matters most to you?
You’ll sometimes hear people describe one side of Columbia as the place you “should” live, but we don’t think that’s an accurate picture of our hometown at all. There are great neighborhoods throughout Columbia, and each offers something a little different.
Housing styles, ages and lot sizes vary throughout the city. Central Columbia and the Old Southwest are especially known for interesting architecture, older homes and neighborhoods with plenty of character. But established neighborhoods with mature trees can be found all over Columbia, just as newer developments and new construction aren’t limited to one particular part of town.
You’ll find everything from condos and townhomes to classic ranches, larger two-story homes, newer subdivisions, luxury properties and homes on larger lots. Even within the same general area, one neighborhood can feel completely different from the next.
The same goes for shopping and restaurants. Downtown is home to a large concentration of locally owned restaurants, shops, entertainment and nightlife. The west side has long been one of Columbia’s primary shopping areas, with plenty of restaurants as well. But good restaurants, grocery stores, coffee shops, local businesses and services aren’t confined to either one. They’re spread throughout Columbia.
That’s why choosing where to live shouldn’t start with deciding which “side” of town is best.
Instead, think about what matters to you. Do you prefer an older home with character or something newer? A larger lot or less maintenance? Do you want to be close to downtown, your workplace, shopping, a particular trail, or somewhere you visit regularly?
Those answers will tell you a lot more than someone else’s list of the “best neighborhoods in Columbia.”
Getting around Columbia is pretty easy…with a few exceptions
Highway 63 runs north and south along the east side of town, while Interstate 70 runs east and west through Columbia. A handful of major roads connect the rest, and for most people, getting from home to work, shopping or dinner doesn’t require an epic commute.
Of course, locals know there are exceptions.
Providence Road at 5:00 p.m. can test your patience. Mizzou home games change traffic around campus. And ongoing improvements to Interstate 70 mean your favorite route may occasionally decide it has other plans for you.
Still, if you’re relocating from a major metropolitan area, our definition of “traffic” may make you laugh.
Columbia takes its parks and trails seriously
The city has been intentional about creating parks, trails and green spaces throughout Columbia, so outdoor recreation isn’t limited to one part of town.
The MKT Trail runs from downtown Columbia to the Katy Trail, Bear Creek Trail stretches across the north side, and you’ll find larger destinations like Cosmo Park, Stephens Lake Park, Grindstone Nature Area and Twin Lakes in different parts of the city. Rock Bridge Memorial State Park is also just south of town.
Whether you like to walk, run, bike, hike, play sports or just spend some time outside, there’s probably something close by.
There’s more going on here than you might expect
For a mid-sized city in the middle of Missouri, Columbia stays busy.
Mizzou athletics are a big draw, particularly during football and basketball seasons, and downtown is packed with locally owned restaurants, bars, shops and entertainment venues.
True/False Film Fest brings filmmakers and visitors from around the country each year.
First Fridays fill the North Village Arts District with art, food and live entertainment. The Columbia Farmers Market is a favorite weekend stop, and throughout the year you’ll find live music, theatre, festivals, youth sports, community events and a local restaurant scene that punches well above what you might expect for a city this size.
There are definitely weekends when the problem isn’t finding something to do. It’s deciding which thing you’re willing to miss.
Yes, we have four seasons. Sometimes in the same week.
If you’re moving from another part of the country, let’s talk about Missouri weather.
Summers can be hot and humid. Winters bring some snow and ice. Spring can be beautiful but stormy, and fall in Mid-Missouri is hard to beat.
We also get days when you leave the house in a coat in the morning and regret every clothing decision you’ve made by 3:00 p.m. The real trick is learning not to put away your seasonal clothes too early.
Missouri will notice.
Columbia isn’t your only option
If you’re relocating to the area, it’s also worth looking beyond the Columbia city limits.
Boone County is home to several smaller communities, including Ashland, Hallsville, Centralia, Harrisburg and Sturgeon, along with plenty of rural areas and properties outside city limits. There are also great communities in the surrounding counties that can still keep you within a reasonable drive of Columbia.
Depending on whether you’re looking for more land, a smaller community or simply different housing options, expanding your search beyond Columbia may open up some great possibilities.
What we’d tell you before you start looking at houses
Don’t choose a neighborhood because someone online told you it’s the “best place to live in Columbia.”
Start by figuring out how you want to live:
Do you want an established neighborhood or newer construction?
A large yard or less maintenance?
Do you want to be close to downtown, work, trails or shopping?
Would you rather live in a neighborhood, or are you dreaming about a little land outside of town?
And if you don’t know yet, that’s okay.
One of our favorite parts of working with people who are relocating to Columbia is helping them get to know the area before they choose a house. We can help you explore different neighborhoods and surrounding communities, understand what your budget buys in each area, and narrow down the options based on what actually matters to you.
Because finding the right home in Columbia isn’t just about finding a house you like. It’s about finding the place that makes sense for the life you’re planning here.
Considering a move to Columbia or anywhere in Mid-Missouri? We’d love to help you get to know the area and start exploring your options.
Want to see what’s available right now?
