What do you know about Columbia... (Kansas City, St. Louis: cul-de-sac, fit in, real estate)

[charswillsmom]

My husband has a job interview in Columbia in a couple of weeks and I'm curious about the town/city. What are the best parts to live in? What are the best subdivisions to live in? Are there any cute little towns around Columbia that we should look in to as far as real estate goes? We're a young family in our early thirties and we have 2 young children. We are looking for a community that we'll fit into that will also fit us. Any suggestions? We're looking to rent for a few months while house shopping...any suggestions on great apartment communities? Thoughts on the school system?
Thank ya'll in advance.

[Carlidin]

I do not live in Columbia but commute to work here every day and have for the past 29 years. I live in one of those "cute" little surrounding towns called New Franklin with has 1,100 people, AAA+ rated schools. Nice very safe, small town. We are considered a "bedroom" community as most of the working class people do commute to Columbia for employment.
There are several other small communities also located close to Columbia that would be fine to live in also. Boonville, which is located 3 miles from New Franklin has around 8,000 people. It is also a nice place to live. Lots of history as there are over 400 homes and building listed on the National Historic Register. Boonville has some industry (for jobs), a small hospital and a casino. There are several different levels of schools, elementary, middle, high school and all are very good. Boonville offers more in the way of sports programs if that is your kids interest. New Franklin has Baseball, softball, track and basketball. Boonville also offers tennis, golf and football. Depends on what your kids interest are. Boonville has several restaurants, some shopping (wal-mart and soon to be a super-walmart).
Since Columbia is such a short commute we will drive there for shopping, dining and other entertainment (movies,theatre, etc). It is just a little over half and hour drive so pretty close.
I am not real familiar with what subdivision in Columbia are better than others. I know my niece lives in the southwest part and there are some very nice subdivisions out that direction. The cul-de-sac that she lives on fairly new and has three vacant new homes. I think she paid around $160,000 for a three bedroom/2 bath home.
If you need any further information PM me and I would be glad to help you out.

[crashcop]

Originally Posted by charswillsmom

My husband has a job interview in Columbia in a couple of weeks and I'm curious about the town/city. What are the best parts to live in? What are the best subdivisions to live in? Are there any cute little towns around Columbia that we should look in to as far as real estate goes? We're a young family in our early thirties and we have 2 young children. We are looking for a community that we'll fit into that will also fit us. Any suggestions? We're looking to rent for a few months while house shopping...any suggestions on great apartment communities? Thoughts on the school system?
Thank ya'll in advance.

Carlidin, is right on the mark. Columbia is a beautiful city, and has been rated as one of the top cities in the US to raise a family. I have a friend that lives in Columbia and commutes to Jefferson City because his family loves the Columbia area. Good luck.....

City of Columbia, Missouri's Official Government Web Site

Columbia Convention and Visitors Bureau

Columbia Missouri information. News weather sports and entertainment. (broken link)

[ajf131]

In St. Louis we think of Columbia as that little town with University of Missouri in it. It's basically the mid-point between St. Louis and Kansas City. That's how I view it. I know, I know...but i've lived in a big city all my life, can you blame me? In fact sometimes I wonder if Columbia should've been made the capital of Missouri instead of Jefferson City. But I guess technically they could be considered the same city since they are very close to each other.

[ptice69]

I hated Columbia. My kids hate Columbia. Most people I know would rather live in a surrounding town and commute to Columbia. More job openings there, crappy town. Columbia school system - I vote no. gocolumbiamo.com

[kareybear]

Originally Posted by ptice69

I hated Columbia. My kids hate Columbia. Most people I know would rather live in a surrounding town and commute to Columbia. More job openings there, crappy town. Columbia school system - I vote no. gocolumbiamo.com

What do you not like about Columbia? Please be more specific. Is it because it is crowded? Can you tell what school are you talking about? Why? again please be more specific.

Karey

[edgeofhell]

Believe me, if your kids hated living in columbia, they would absolutley DESPISE living in one of the little rural satellite towns, kids today are easily bored, believe me my 15 yr old has friends in ashland and moberly that LOVE columbia compared to the mayberry they live in,,,,,,,,,,its all about what you're used to. Coming from chicago, columbia is going to be very laid back and slower paced than you are used to. Its not a big city, but its no one horse town either

[2beamissourian]

Im closer to St. Louis but ... I have been there ..that University is HUGE!!
Took my hubby to see the Beach Boys play there!
town was clean looking .. everything seemed .. "organized" ya know some towns ya go into and they just seem like heres a lot stick a building there ..this town seemed more planned out.

I dont think I was much help but .. good luck

[ptice69]

Which schools in Columbia? Hickman, Jeff. Jr., Oakland Jr., New Haven Elem. These are the ones that I hate. Don't know much about the others. Too much to do in Columbia? Yes, which also increased the risk of more trouble for them to get in. If you are a single parent without supports, this town is bad. My child complains that he is bored now. GOOD. At least he isn't getting into as much trouble. Too old for a babysitter, too young to move out. At least in the small town, my neighbors help look out for him while I'm at work. Never happened in Columbia even when I asked the neighbors. Sorry, my opinion is still the same. Columbia SUX.

[motraveler]

Columbia is a wonderful place to live. The schools overall are great. I know because I put two kids through the school system - and yes, they went to Oakland Jr. High and Hickman. Cannot say enough good about Hickman. In order for kids to stay out of trouble, you have to have an active interest in them and their activities. I won't go into it being a parent's responsibility. I grew up in a small rural area and always thought the best place to live would be Columbia. When I was much older, I finally got to move here and have lived in Columbia for over twenty years. There is so much to get involved with. Of course, a city is what you make of it, whether you want to be a part of things or not.