7 minute read
Neighborhoods & Communities
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BY KATRINA TAUCHEN
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44% Owned
49% Rental With 90+ neighborhoods in Columbia that vary by location, walkability, schools and more, there’s a lot more that goes into finding a place to call home than choosing the perfect house. From historic charm to trail access to modern and unique amenities, Columbia neighborhoods have a lot to offer, all over the map.
In search of the perfect neighborhood? Here are some basics — beyond bedrooms and square footage — to keep in mind:
New Construction Construction in Columbia is booming all around the city. The Brookside Square, Monterey Hills and Willow Falls neighborhoods in northwest Columbia; Bay Hills, Bristol Lake, Old Hawthorne and Vineyards in the southeast; and Barcus Ridge, Deerfield, The Gates, Oak Park, Parkside Estates and Thornbrook in the southwest all have lots available, many with neighborhood amenities such as pools, clubhouses and access to nearby recreation.
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2019 COLUMBIA HOME SALES
SOLD: 2,201
MEDIAN HOUSE PRICE: $230,214
AVERAGE DAYS ON THE MARKET: 57 Boone County population: 180,005
It’s a Seller’s Market in Columbia
“Homes currently on the market are inundated with showings and offers,” says Realtor Denise Payne. “And many people are building because they can’t find something they like.” Prices for rentals are also up, making purchasing a home often more attractive than renting.
So if you don’t miss out on the property you want, Payne recommends being prepared to make a decision quickly. Have your loan approval letter in hand, and be ready to pull the trigger.
For remote buyers, that can mean committing to buying a home before seeing it in person. Payne says she has used FaceTime to show houses to remote buyers. “I had one couple who lived three hours away. The first time they saw their new house in person was at the inspection,” she says.
Choosing new construction means finding the right spot and having the opportunity to tailor the home to your needs. When Realtor Denise Payne saw a new construction come on the market in Steeplechase Estates, located within the Thornbrook community, in December, she reached out to her clients Marilyn and Wesley May right away. The Mays have been considering a move to Columbia from their home in Moline, Illinois, for several years now, in order to be closer to their son, daughter and grandchildren. The house that Payne found for them features no stairs, good accessibility (such as walk-in shower) and relatively low maintenance. “It’s a slab home but looks out over the neighborhood lake, great for an outdoor enthusiast like Wesley,” Payne says. “With an absolute zero-entry shower and extra grab bars installed by the builder (Dynamic Builders), it meets their accessibility needs. It covers a lot of the bases.” CONTINUED
RELOCATING CAN BE A PA I N WITHOUT DENISE PAYNE!
Discover all that CoMo has to offer from a resident & real estate relocation expert.
30 years ago Denise moved to Columbia and fell in love with the town. Denise is a Certified Relocation Professional, for over 16 years she has been helping others buy, sell and relocate to Columbia. When you’re ready to move call Denise, you’ll be glad you did.
Location, Location, Location
COLUMBIA REALTOR DENISE PAYNE SHARES HER APPROACH TO HELPING BUYERS FIND THE RIGHT NEIGHBORHOOD
How do you help newcomers know where to start in finding a home in the right location?
We really take it on a case-by-case basis according to what’s best for the individual. Sometimes it will be based on where their job is and how long of a commute they want to have. If they have children, it might be based on what school they’d like their kids to attend. Maybe they’re avid bicyclists, and they’d like to be near a trailhead. We like to sit down and have those conversations ahead of time, whether in person or by phone, to see what part of the area is best for them. Then we try to limit the homes based on the area of town that will make them happy, so it’s customized to their needs.
What should newcomers know about finding a home in Columbia?
I always like to start by telling them about the different features
Columbia has to offer. I give them a community tour where we go downtown, to Cosmo Park, to
Stephens Lake to help them see all the different aspects of the city. It The Mays plan to move into their new Columbia home in April, and they look forward to Columbia’s strong health care options and being close to family. They have also invested in two rental properties in Columbia, taking advantage of Columbia’s high demand for rental property and the opportunity to diversify their wealth. A Piece of History If it’s charm and history you’re looking for, Columbia has plenty to fit the bill. In fact, four of the city’s neighborhoods are recognized as Historic Districts on the National Register of Historic Places. Perhaps not surprisingly, these neighborhoods are all concentrated near downtown and the University of Missouri: Downtown Columbia, East Campus Neighborhood, Francis Quadrangle and the North Ninth Street Historic District. Although many of only takes about an hour and half to go through the whole town, but it’s so helpful for getting a feel for what appeals to them, what they like to do in their spare time and how that will affect their home search.
What are the most popular new neighborhoods in Columbia?
The Brooks, out on the east side of town, is very popular right now. Golfers like the close proximity to Old Hawthorne. Three newer condo developments to keep your eyes on are Vintage Falls (they’ve got a new plat opening up); Bristol Lake Villas, a brand new development; and Smithton Crossing, which has built more condos recently because of the great demand. Nursery Heights, in the southwest part of town, is another new subdivision that’s really popular right now. They’ve kept the homes there at starter-home prices (low $200,000s), so young families can get into the schools that funnel in the southwest but won’t have to pay $300,000 for a house. There are also a couple of great newer ones up north. Summerset Village, near Battle High School, is right next to Lake of the Woods Golf Course and the city swimming pool, so you get those amenities. Also up north, Tuscany Ridge and Arbor Pointe, both near the newer elementary school, are popular and affordable. That said, as a Realtor, we can’t tell buyers what neighborhood to move to or not move to, so it’s important to do your research.
What is one thing you wish all those in the market for a new
A lot of people don’t understand that the listing agent works for the seller. When you call that listing agent thinking they should show you the house, you’re actually doing yourself a disservice. If you have your own agent, you’ll probably have a happier outcome. It’s not war, but it is negotiations, and you might in hindsight wish you had your own representation. As an agent, we can show buyers any house, whether or not it’s listed with our company. What’s important is that they have their own advocate.
home knew?
RELOCATING? CALL DENISE! 573-777-7274
the homes in these neighborhoods have already undergone extensive renovations, there are a number of fixer uppers, along with rentals at various price points.
Wide-open Spaces Although large lots aren’t the norm within the city limits, there are a few Columbia neighborhoods that offer a bit more room to spread out. The Country Meadows neighborhood, established in 1988 in southwest Columbia, offers large lots, at a median home price of $323,000. Homes in Harpers Pointe, also in the southwest, are built on three
to five-acre lots, with a median home price of $438,000.
Trail Access With the Cosmo Nature Trail, Hinkson Creek Trail, MKT Nature and Fitness Trail and many more spread throughout the city, you’re never far from an opportunity to exercise or explore. The city’s trails are open to everyone, but some neighborhoods boast direct trail access. For instance, in the southwest, the Cascades neighborhood has its own lake and walking trail, and Chapel Hill Estates is located near Twin Lakes parks and trails.
Walkability/Bikeability Depending on your place of employment, many Columbia neighborhoods will likely require a car for the morning commute. But thanks to the city’s extensive network of bike trails and bike lanes, taking two wheels to work is a viable option from many of the city’s neighborhoods. The Grasslands, one of the oldest neighborhoods in Columbia, is sought after for its central location and easy access to downtown and the university. See pednet.org for more on the city’s most walkable, bikeable and accessible areas. l
