Columbia, Missouri, is a vibrant college town located halfway between Kansas City and St. Louis.
The city has an excellent public school system, state-of-the-art health care facilities, entertainment opportunities galore, low cost of living, a clean environment and much more.
Columbia’s central location offers quick access to St. Louis and Kansas City, as well as to the State Capitol of Jefferson City and the vacation destination of Lake Ozarks. Columbia also is close to several historic towns and state parks featuring boating, fishing, hiking, biking and more.
In Columbia, you are never more than a few minutes away from one of the 13 major shopping areas including the region’s largest mall and a Downtown area featuring restaurants and unique shopping experiences highlighted several times in Southern Living Magazine.
Read some of the highlights of Columbia,about what it's like to live and work here. Want to talk to someone? The Connection Exchange is a welcoming service that brings a gift to new residents. We connect you to all our community has to offer! This is a free service for all new residents of Columbia.
Midwestern College Town
Columbia is No. 6 in the 2019 Top 100 Best Places to Live, according to Livability.
Columbia, also, ranks No. 5 in the 2019 College Football's Greatest College Towns list, according to Sports Illustrated.
Cost of Living
Columbia consistently ranks below the national average for cost of living. Columbia also enjoys an abundance of affordable housing in safe, friendly neighborhoods. For additional information about the Cost of Living Index, contact the Columbia Chamber of Commerce at 573-874-1132 or visit columbiamochamber.com/columbia/relocating.
Housing
Abundant and affordable housing is also available in Columbia. The city has strong neighborhoods with city-recognized neighborhood associations. Columbia has housing to fit both your lifestyle and your pocketbook. Realtor.com
MIZZOU
The University of Missouri, home to MU Health Care, was founded in 1839 as the first public university west of the Mississippi River.
Tiger Athletics
From baseball to basketball and soccer to softball … there’s always an opportunity to cheer the Mizzou Tigers on to victory.
The District
Home to a long and diverse list of restaurants, shops, museums, and galleries, downtown Columbia is fun for everyone in the family.
Fun and Entertainment
The entertainment never ends in Columbia, with more than 45 live shows performed weekly in an eclectic mix of local venues.
Dining
Columbia has a delicious selection of dining options available to please every appetite in town.
Art and Culture
Artists from across the state can showcase their art, films, and music at one of the many festivals held throughout the year in Columbia.
The Show-Me State
With its beautiful lakes, towering bluffs, rolling hills, and abundant wildlife, Missouri offers stimulating experiences for every outdoor enthusiast.
Health and Fitness
Joggers, walkers, and bikers can enjoy many trails in town, including the MKT Trail, a 4.7 mile walkway through Columbia’s greenbelt.
MizzouRec
The University of Missouri Student Recreation Complex was voted the top recreation center in the country by Sports Illustrated on Campus.
Recreation
Columbians can walk, play, or picnic in any of the 2,800 acres of park land and 72 parks maintained by the city.
