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Columbia is often dubbed “College Town USA,” but let me tell you, it’s so much more than frat parties and campus quads. Start downtown in The District, the heart of the city. This is where you’ll find local boutiques, lively bars, art galleries, and the iconic Ragtag Cinema—famous for independent films and strong coffee. During the day, the sidewalks fill with students and professionals grabbing lunch. At night, music seeps from venues like The Blue Note, and the energy can feel electric.
Venture a bit north to Benton-Stephens or Arcadia, and you’ll find quieter streets with a mix of bungalows, older apartments, and newly renovated homes. Residents here range from young families to grad students, plus the occasional retiree who wants a front-porch view of tree-lined avenues. Over on the west side, neighborhoods like Old Southwest and Grasslands boast historic homes, many dating back to the early 1900s. Picture brick sidewalks, front porches made for sipping sweet tea, and massive oak trees that have probably seen more than their fair share of tailgate celebrations.
If you’re looking for that brand-new suburban feel, Copperstone or parts of south Columbia near Rock Bridge High School may be more your speed. These areas typically attract families searching for larger homes, well-kept yards, and quick access to top-rated schools. You’ll also find an ever-growing number of restaurants, grocery stores, and community centers that cater to busy parents and professionals.
The population in Columbia runs the gamut. Yes, students at the University of Missouri, Columbia College, and **Stephens College flood in every fall, but there’s also a steady influx of medical professionals (thanks to the University Hospital), state workers from Jefferson City, and remote workers who appreciate the slower pace compared to major metros. That means you get a diverse mix of perspectives, all converging on a city that somehow balances big-city amenities with small-town congeniality.
Transportation is decent, with I-70 cutting across town for east-west travel and Highway 63 for north-south. The city bus system—CoMo Connect—hits main thoroughfares, and while it’s not massive, it’s enough for folks who want to live car-light. Biking is surprisingly popular, too, especially around campus and along the trails that link up to the expansive Katy Trail.
Amenities? You’ve got your chain stores, but Columbia thrives on local businesses. Over the years, it’s fostered an innovative spirit, from farm-to-table restaurants to craft breweries and artisan shops. People here are passionate about “keeping it local,” and it shows in every storefront and city-sponsored festival. Whether you crave nightlife, quiet family life, or easy access to nature, Columbia’s neighborhoods have a little piece of it all.
The Columbia Public School District consistently ranks among the best in Missouri, and it’s easy to see why. Rock Bridge High School is a powerhouse, known for its strong academics and equally competitive sports teams. The Bruins’ football and basketball games can draw a crowd, and the school’s theater productions have garnered statewide recognition. Another standout is Hickman High School, home of the Kewpies (yep, that’s their mascot—and they wear it proudly). Don’t let the quirky name fool you; Hickman boasts robust AP programs, a killer marching band, and tons of extracurricular options for creative and athletic kids alike.
Meanwhile, Battle High School is the new kid on the block compared to the others, but it’s quickly making its mark with modern facilities and a fresh sense of school spirit. Out of these three, you really can’t go wrong, as each has its own vibe but maintains high educational standards across the board.
For the younger set, schools like Mill Creek Elementary or Midway Heights Elementary emphasize personalized learning and community involvement. Parents often rave about the small class sizes and the dedication of teachers who seem to know every student by name. If you’re considering private or alternative education, Columbia has a handful of options: Columbia Independent School draws families looking for a rigorous, college-prep environment, while smaller faith-based schools cater to those wanting a religious curriculum.
Columbia’s thriving college scene also impacts K-12 education—there’s a real emphasis on preparing students for higher ed, whether they plan to attend Mizzou or head off somewhere else. Sports, particularly football, basketball, and baseball, enjoy strong local support. Don’t be surprised if you see half the town decked out in school colors on game day—it’s just how we roll. Overall, Columbia’s schools are a reflection of the city’s broader values: community, academic achievement, and the freedom to explore a wide range of interests.
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When you’re not working or studying, Columbia’s brimming with ways to kick back and enjoy life. For starters, shopping options range from big-box retailers at Columbia Mall to the quirky, artsy stores downtown in The District. Snag a new outfit, pick up some local art, or just window-shop while sipping on a latte from Lakota Coffee.
Foodies, rejoice. We’ve got some true culinary gems here—like the legendary Shakespeare’s Pizza, which, let’s be honest, is basically a rite of passage for anyone new to CoMo. For mouthwatering burgers in a no-frills atmosphere, Booches is a must. Then there’s Sycamore, serving up a refined menu with a farm-to-table vibe that’ll make you forget you’re in mid-Missouri.
If you’re into fitness, there’s no shortage of gyms—Wilson’s Fitness, Planet Fitness, and various CrossFit boxes all compete for your sweat equity. And don’t even get me started on the city’s parks and trails. Between Stephens Lake Park (awesome for family picnics and free outdoor concerts) and the winding MKT Trail that seamlessly connects to the Katy Trail, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to jog, bike, or just soak in nature.
Sports teams? Aside from the local high school rivalries, the Missouri Tigers keep the town buzzing. Whether it’s football at Faurot Field or basketball at Mizzou Arena, collegiate sports bring out an electric energy you’ll feel in every bar and restaurant. Lastly, don’t overlook the cultural side: True/False Film Festival each spring puts Columbia on the global map for indie films, proving small cities can dream big.
Columbia’s community spirit practically spills out onto every street corner. The city loves to celebrate, and it shows in events like the Roots N Blues N BBQ Festival, where local and national musicians share stages, and everyone feasts on smoky brisket that clings to your fingers. Then there’s True/False Film Fest, turning downtown into a cinematic wonderland each spring. Expect creative costumes, packed theaters, and random parties popping up in spots you’d never imagine. It’s chaotic, offbeat, and absolutely perfect if you’re into the artsy vibe.
The population hovers around 126,000 or so, though it can feel larger when college is in session—and smaller in the heat of summer when students split. Either way, that balance means Columbia never fully loses its pulse, but it also doesn’t drown in big-city crowds. Neighbors know each other, baristas remember your usual order, and local business owners greet regulars by name.
Sports culture is massive here—everyone’s got an opinion on the Mizzou Tigers, whether they’ve attended a single class at the university or not. You’ll see black and gold in store windows, on car flags, even in people’s front yards. Football season means traffic jams and tailgates, but also that intangible excitement that only a college town can deliver.
Life in Columbia is a blend of tradition and progressive energy. You’ll pass historic neighborhoods with century-old homes, then look up to see new construction transforming vacant lots. We embrace the messiness: yes, the roads can be under construction forever, and sometimes the city council can’t agree on a new development plan, but there’s a beauty in watching a place evolve in real time. Small-town charm meets a growing skyline, farmland meets bike paths, and folks from all walks of life find their niche here. If that kind of vibe resonates with you, Cheryl Maupin is the real estate agent who can help you call Columbia home—for a year, for life, or any time in between.
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The Milestone Group brokered by Real brings you that local boutique service you have come to know and love backed by a tech powered brokerage.
The Milestone Group has a continuous love for growth. Helping buyers and sellers grow in their knowledge of real estate and making educated financial decisions.
We are dedicated to helping our investors grow their real estate portfolios to financial success, being a small milestone in that journey.
We are a real estate group that continues to help each other grow personally, professionally and financially, so we can all flourish , and provide a real estate experience far above and beyond the average.
The Milestone Group is a team here to grow someone's dream, someone's vision, someone's desire to be and do more through real estate.
Cheryl is the founder of the Milestone Group and has been in the real estate industry for over 12 years. She started in real estate straight out of college and never turned back.
Outside of real estate she is a mom of two children, Ralston and Riley. Wife to Steven Maupin. And dog mom to the cutest little golden doodle, Alfie.
Her favorite hobby is riding and showing horses. She recently accomplished one of her personal milestones and bought her first show horse, Alison.
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