Columbia is a city in central Missouri, founded in 1819 upon forested hills and rolling prairies. Today, it covers 67.4 square miles, and is known as the “Athens of Missouri” for its classic beauty and emphasis on education. Its more common nickname, however, is “CoMo.” Education, healthcare, and insurance are among the main drivers of the economy in Columbia, where the median age is 28.8 (2022).

Houses in several architectural styles adorn the city’s neighborhoods, where residents can enjoy a variety of annual events, including a documentary film festival, the Roots N Blues Festival, and the Earth Day Festival. The average price of a home in the city is $270,253, which is up 14.0% over the past year (Zillow, 2022).

The east-west I-70 and U.S. Route 63 are two main highways that serve Columbia. U.S. Route 63 provides access to the neighborhood of Old Hawthorne, which has some of the city’s most beautiful homes, including houses in Modern Lodge and Modern Mediterranean styles. On Columbia’s west side lies the popular neighborhood of Smithton Ridge. This area is made up of medium to large-size homes, as well as growing businesses.

Overall, Columbia provides a great quality of life for residents of all ages and interests by combining small-town friendliness with large-city amenities.