raising family in columbia (Kansas City, St. Louis: crime, safe neighborhood, public schools)

[centfla]

what's it like raising a family in columbia ? hello, am interviewing for a job and would like to know if columbia is a good place to raise children. we have 2 small boys. looking for safe neighborhood, good school system, how is the parochial school ? do people like living in columbia ? like raising their family there ? and how bad are the winters to drive in are the roads very icy, ? cold does not bother us, but am worried about ice, coming from fl. don't have that driving condition.? i know it everyone's individual taste on where to live, but have read lots of good things about columbia it sounds like a nice place to live and then an occasional post from someone who can't wait to leave and wouldn't recommend it. am leaving current location due to job. thanks

[aragx6]

For the progressive family-oriented person who likes outdoor activities and a small-town vibe coupled with the cultural amenities contributed by the university, I don't think you can go wrong with Columbia.

I went to college there and after four years was ready for a new adventure, but I can see all its good and can see how there's a lot of people who would be quite content there.

Snow is more common than ice, and the local guys do a pretty rotten job of clearing the streets unlike some other cold climate places I've lived, so that's certainly something to consider, but you could live closer to the city center and that would help with those types of problems.

[RjRobb2]

You risk them growing up as MU fans and that is a huge problem in my book!

[EmoryBound]

Columbia is a great place to raise children. There are many young families here and the ones we know have been more than happy with their choice to live here. It's a safe city with good public schools. It has a LOT of parks with playgrounds. Winters are mild compared to other places. But like aragx6 said, the streets don't get cleared as quickly as other places. This has improved over the past couple of years though. On the downside, there are only a couple of small museums. If you value those types of attractions (museums, aquariums, etc.) for your children, you will have to drive 2 hours to either St. Louis or Kansas City.

[Aglady2]

We relocated here 3 years ago for Graduate school. Have 2 kids at Shepard school. It's been wonderful the kids are always safe and the teachers are great. I would recommend housing in that neighborhood as well. It's an older 70's ish development with beautiful tree lined streets. Stay away from Parkade and Grant Elem. they scored lower on the MOStep test. go to Columbia Public Schools to find out more about each of the schools....there are about 20 elementary, 3 middle and 2 high schools. Columbia Catholic (I've heard) is also very good. Great community, I wish we could stay....but we're moving too.

[Aglady2]

There seems to be a lot of crime on the North/ North East side of town as well. Great parks, swimming pools, MU offers lots of fun things for kids. I recommend Columbia!!

[centfla]

thank you all for the info