An Introduction to Columbia
Located almost directly in the middle between St. Louis and Kansas City, Columbia is a beautiful, family-friendly city. It’s packed with interesting things to do and places to see. It’s also home to one of the best universities in the country, the university of Missouri. It won’t take long after moving to Columbia before you will be shouting the battle cry – Go Mizzou!
Columbia is more than just attractions and a great college. It also has a strong housing market, strong schooling system and a beautiful natural landscape. With all of this, it’s the state’s fourth most populous city, and its fastest growing city as well. There’s much to love about Columbia!
Things to Do
Life in Columbia is never boring. Here are some of the ways you will find to keep yourself entertained.
Explore Nature
Outdoor lovers appreciate the many great parks in the area. Rock Bridge Memorial State Park is known for its geological formations, including a natural rock bridge, and 2,273 acres of protected natural land to hike. In the heart of this park is Devil’s Icebox. This unique cave underneath a natural rock bridge that stays 56 degrees all year long, no matter what the temperatures just above the bridge are.
Go Back to School
The University of Missouri is another place to enjoy some entertainment. You can tour the historic campus or catch a sporting event to cheer on your favorite teams. There are even dramatic performances, community lectures and classes for kids to enjoy.
Make a Break for It
If you want to try your hand at a little detective work, check out one of the many escape rooms in Columbia. Breakout COMO and Conari Escape Room are two of the most popular. Here, you can use your deductive reasoning to solve the puzzle and escape in time.
Hit the Lake
While the Lake of the Ozarks may not be in Columbia, it’s a little over an hour’s drive for some summer fun! Many are often seen picnicking on the shores or fishing in the water. However, to really enjoy Lake of the Ozarks, you need to be out on the water. Renting a boat to head out on the water is a great way to explore this natural wonder for yourself.
Schooling System
When making a move to a community, knowing about the schools can help you make the right decision. If you have kids, schools will be vital to their future. If you don’t, schools are important to the value of your home. The Columbia 93 School District has several highly rated schools. GreatSchools gives Russell Boulevard Elementary and John Ridgeway Elementary 7 out of 10, and these schools also receive five stars from satisfied parents. Parents also have choices, because Columbia has a number of private and charter schools. After graduating high school, students have University of Missouri close at hand to start their college education.
The Housing Market
The strong schools and many things to do in Columbia make it an appealing place to live, and on top of these it has a strong housing market. Homeowners find that their investments are valuable as prices continue to grow in the area.
Columbia is a buyer’s market with many available homes on the market. Housing prices continue to hold steady month after month, and 57 different neighborhoods mean buyers have variety to choose from. Some key statistics about the housing market include:
- Median listing price: $210,000
- Median listing price per square foot: $115
- Average days on market: 47
Key Takeaways
If you’re looking for a new place to relocate to, Columbia is a great city with opportunities for work, kids and things to keep you entertained. If you’re considering moving to Columbia, contact Mid America Mortgage to see how we can help you get your dream home. We would be thrilled to answer any questions or concerns you have with the move to this area and making the transition as smooth as possible.
