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| Living in Columbia : |
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| Columbia
is a growing city with a population of roughly 90,000 people. It maintains
a Midwest small town feel, however it still offers an exciting “big
city” mix of unique restaurants, specialty stores, art galleries,
music and coffee shops. Columbia is located in central Missouri, about 120
miles from both Kansas City and St. Louis and within a short drive of the
Lake of the Ozarks. Columbia has consistently ranked among the top 20 U.S.
cities to live in several national rankings, based on a low cost of living,
a stable economy, and low crime rate. |
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| Entertainment
opportunities abound with events such as the Twilight Festival, Blind Boone
Ragtime and Early Jazz Festival, Heritage Festival, Art in the Park, Fall
Festival of the Arts, and First Night New Year Celebration. These festivals
bring thousands of visitors to the city to share in the entertainment or
view the work of local, regional and national artists. Art lovers can also
visit galleries on the MU and Stephens College campuses and at the Columbia
Art League. Museums include the Archaeology and Anthropology museums at
the University, the State Historical Society of Missouri, and the Boone
County Historical Museum. |
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| The
sports fan will find many fun activities and events since Columbia is home
to the Big XII Conference Mizzou Tigers athletic teams. Whether you prefer
swimming, golf, bowling, roller-skating, tennis, baseball, soccer, football,
or any other sport, Columbia has a recreation area for you. For biking,
hiking, running, or walking, Columbia features the beautiful MKT trail,
which connects to the state’s 225-mile long Katy Trail State Park.
The Rock Bridge State Park also serves to provide a picturesque getaway
opportunity for those seeking to bask in the lush fall foliage or explore
any of the endless caves that are scattered throughout the area. There is
also an additional 1,400 acres of parks, nature areas, and recreational
facilities within the Columbia vicinity for residents to enjoy. |
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| For
leisure activities, Columbia has it all. Columbia has a great appreciation
for the arts ranging from opera and ballet to modern music and movies. Indie
films can be found at the Ragtag
Cinema Café, classic movies at the Missouri Theater. Popular performers
can be found playing at the Mizzou Arena. Mizzou Amphitheater on campus
also hosts summer concerts. The
Blue Note, Mojo's brings many popular and underground musicians to Columbia’s
downtown area. Mizzou campus also offers a wide range clubs and organzations
available faculty and staff members. See
what Mizzou Campus have to offer this week. |
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| In
terms of education, there are few places that can compare to Columbia. The
U.S. Department of Education reported that Columbia has "more exemplary
public schools per capita than any other city in the nation” and our
school district has been selected as a model district by a National Governors
Conference panel, an honor bestowed on only sixteen districts in the nation.
Our public schools continue to have national reputations for excellence.
They have earned the highest possible rating in Missouri and continue to
receive national honors from both students and teachers alike. The school
district graduates one of the highest percentages of National Merit Scholars
in the country. Columbia also prides itself on having two private colleges
and one university to provide extended educational opportunities. |
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| For
more info about the City of Columbia: |
| http://www.gocolumbiamo.com/
or http://www.visitcolumbiamo.com/ |
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