Columbia
Welcome to College Town, USA. Columbia combines small-town comforts, community spirit and a low cost of living with big-city culture, activities and resources.
There’s No Place Like CoMo
Columbia, Missouri — known to the locals as CoMo — is a vibrant community of about 120,000 people situated midway between St. Louis and Kansas City. Columbia brings together the best of small-town friendliness and big-city vibes. Known for its outdoor recreation areas, bustling downtown district and more than a dozen annual cultural festivals, it’s no surprise Columbia has been named one of the best places to live by Money magazine, Fortune magazine, U.S. News & World Report, Men’s Journal, MSN.com and others. Columbia is also ranked as the No. 3 best city in America for new college grads, offering plenty of opportunity for those Tigers who just don’t want to leave after graduation.
Outdoor Adventures
With more than 70 parks — including three Missouri State Parks — and a 65-mile trail network that connects to campus, there’s no wrong way to explore the great outdoors. Come for the hiking and biking, stay for the stand-up paddleboarding and sunset yoga. Columbia also offers a range of recreational sports leagues, including softball, baseball, kickball, volleyball and tennis.
A Downtown That Delights
Downtown Columbia, often referred to as The District, boasts an eclectic mix of restaurants, coffee houses, shops and galleries packed into a 50-square-block space. Located just north of our historic Francis Quadrangle, the fun is always just a few steps away — day or night.
Culture and Entertainment
From concerts to comedy shows, author signings to art exhibits, there’s always something exciting happening. Columbia is home to several nationally recognized arts events, including the True/False Film Fest and Unbound Book Festival, as well as Mizzou's own University Concert Series.
A Town for Tigers
Mizzou students love where they live and learn, on-campus and off.
With a student body that represents small towns in Missouri, countries overseas and everything in between, Columbia feels like a place for everyone to feel at home."
See for Yourself
No matter the time of year, it’s a great time to visit Mizzou. Tour the campus, get a look inside our residence halls, meet with current students and expert academic advisors, shop at The Mizzou Store — then explore the rest of what Columbia has to offer.