Living in Columbia TN is something you’re going to love! The Cherokee people lived in the area for thousands of years before American settlers arrived. The United States government signed a treaty with the Cherokee in 1805 and acquired the land of present-day Columbia. Columbia developed rapidly due to its lush farmland along the Duck River, received a charter in 1807, and was incorporated as a city in 1817. It served as a hub for businesses, hotels, and colleges until the Civil War, and in the late 19th century it became known for its phosphate supplies.
What is Columbia known for? Columbia, Tennessee, is a thriving city today, best known for its antebellum architecture and nicknamed the “Antebellum Homes Capital of Tennessee.” It’s also called the “Mule Capital of the World” for its Mule Day celebration in April. Its motto is “Something good around every corner.” If you expect a small town with limited offerings, Columbia will pleasantly surprise you; there’s far more culture here than most people anticipate.
Is Columbia TN a good place to live? Yes, living in Columbia Tennessee means settling into a great place to call home with Southern charm, an affordable housing market, and beautiful parks. Here’s what you should know.
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Where Is Columbia?
Columbia is in Maury County and is the county seat, located in the Nashville metro area. Though it is not a suburb of Nashville, it sits 46 miles away. It borders Mount Pleasant and Spring Hill. Duck River is the most prominent geographic feature, snaking through the northern portion of the city.
The City of Columbia doesn’t have its own public transportation system, but the South Central Tennessee Development District provides service to all residents. The Mule Town Trolley runs through Main Street and the broader downtown corridor. Several major roads run through Columbia, including U.S. Route 31, which provides access to downtown Nashville and cities near Nashville.
Columbia Population and Demographics
The Columbia population is 41,708, up 20.2% from 2010 to 2020. The increase comes largely from people moving from other Tennessee cities, as well as newcomers relocating from states like California and Austin, Texas, drawn by lower costs and a slower pace of life. Columbia is the largest city entirely within Maury County and one of the fastest growing in the state, with 24.9% of residents under 18.
Notable people from Columbia include President James K Polk, Shaq Mason, and Lynnette Cole.
Columbia demographics include:
- 53.3% female, 46.7% male
- Median age: 36.2
- Racial and ethnic composition: 73.4% White, 17.1% Black or African American, 9.7% Hispanic or Latino, 7.7% two or more races
- Median household income: $58,110
- Educational attainment: 91.1% high school graduates, 21.4% with a bachelor’s degree
- Foreign-born population: 3.6%
Here are Columbia crime rates from the FBI in 2020:
- Overall crime rate: 3,882 offenses per 100,000 residents (22.6% higher than the Tennessee rate)
- Violent crime rate: 739 offenses per 100,000 people
- Property crime rate: 3,143 offenses per 100,000 people
While Columbia crime rates are higher than state and national averages, many residential blocks report few incidents, and most crimes are non-violent property offenses. The Columbia Police Department employs 83 officers who regularly patrol the streets.
Cost of Living in Columbia
What is the cost of living in Columbia? The Columbia cost of living index is 93.5, meaning items in the city cost 6.5% less than the national average. How much does it cost to live in Columbia? According to the Economic Policy Institute, a family of four would need to earn $91,651 a year ($7,638 a month) to cover the cost of living in Columbia. The average cost of living in Columbia is lower than the cost of living in Nashville and other major cities in Tennessee. Is Columbia expensive? No, Columbia is an affordable place to live, and you won’t have to spend nearly as much as you would in a larger metro area.
Columbia real estate is also affordable, even if you’re buying a large home. According to Redfin, the median price of homes for sale in Columbia TN is $359,175. According to RentCafe, the average rent in Columbia is $1,424 a month. You can find apartments in Columbia TN, throughout the city.
Typical Columbia living expenses
- 1 gallon of regular milk: $3.53
- 1 head of lettuce: $2.24
- 1 pound of oranges: $1.71
- 1 gallon of gasoline: $3.04
- Average Columbia utilities per month: $155.31
- 1 pair of jeans: $40.00
Source: Numbeo
Columbia Neighborhoods | Where to Live in Columbia
Columbia has a few small neighborhoods with a rich history and amenities you can enjoy today, as well as affordable Columbia TN real estate. Here are the best places to live in Columbia.
Downtown Columbia | Vibrant Town Square With Great Columbia Things to Do
Downtown Columbia contains the town square, the most restaurants, and the best walkability in the city. Three-bedroom homes are available for under $500,000, making it ideal for families and first-time buyers. On First Fridays, the area comes alive with local vendors, live music, and community events along Main Street.
West Haven | Quiet Columbia Neighborhood With Affordable Homes for Sale
West Haven is a quieter, more affordable neighborhood in western Columbia, offering three-bedroom homes around $300,000. Many homes are newly built with modern features, so you won’t need renovations after moving in.
Ready to start living in Columbia TN? Contact 6th Man Movers, and start a stress-free moving journey today!
Columbia TN Weather and Climate
What is the weather like in Columbia? Columbia has a humid subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and cold, wet winters. July is the hottest month, averaging 79 degrees with highs of 89. January is the coldest, averaging 38 degrees with lows of 32. The city receives 45.3 inches of rain annually and about 5.3 inches of snow. October is the best time to visit, with comfortable temperatures around 60 degrees.
Things to Do in Columbia
You can enjoy a range of Columbia attractions while living in Columbia TN, including top indoor and outdoor points of interest. You can also enjoy shopping at several shopping malls. Campbell Plaza contains several shops and restaurants, including a Kroger grocery store. Shadybrook Plaza contains bargain-priced stores like Ollies Bargain Outlet and Hibbett Sports. If you want to support local farmers, you can shop at the Columbia Farmers Market.
The Columbia Farmers Market is open year-round and sells local produce and meat. You’ll also find food trucks parked near the square and at local events throughout the year, serving everything from smoked BBQ to international street food, a reflection of the city’s growing culinary culture.
Riverwalk Park
Riverwalk Park is one of the top parks in Columbia, containing pet-friendly greenways, paved walking trails, and pavilions you can rent for special events. Riverwalk Park is the best point of interest in Columbia, Tennessee, for live music performances, and you can attend fairs and festivals when the Columbia weather is nice.
102 Riverside Drive, Columbia, TN, 38401 931-388-8119
EdVenture
EdVenture is the best kid-friendly attraction in Columbia, Tennessee. The museum contains over 15 interactive exhibits for young children, including a model ice cream shop and grocery store. The museum also hosts special events where children can make art, hear live music performances, perform science experiments, and tell stories.
123 West 7th Street #3213, Columbia, TN 38401, 931-223-6337
President James K Polk Home and Museum
The James K Polk Home is a historic home in downtown Columbia dedicated to James K Polk, the 11th President. You and your kids can examine various exhibits, including furniture and paintings that Polk owned, and tour the manicured outside gardens.
301 West 7th Street, Columbia, TN, 38401, 931-505-8019
Additional Fun Things to Do in Columbia TN
The City of Columbia Parks and Recreation Department maintains Columbia parks and plans special events throughout the year at various locations in the city. You can use the City of Columbia calendar to find out when the next festivals, parties, and other events will occur while you’re living in Columbia.
Call 615-434-8272 to receive a free and personalized estimate for moving to Columbia TN now!
Columbia Restaurants
Columbia is well-known for authentic barbecue and Southern cuisine. Don’t expect a limited dining scene. The city has developed a rich food culture, and food trucks at weekend markets add even more variety.
La Hacienda
La Hacienda is a kid-friendly Mexican restaurant that serves staples like burritos, quesadillas, and tacos at affordable prices. La Hacienda offers a full bar, serving margaritas, mixed drinks, and Mexican beer at night.
1903 Shady Brook Street, Columbia, TN, 38401, 931-840-5955
Legends Restaurant
Legends Restaurant is a casual steakhouse known for its ribeye and sirloin steaks. It’s also one of the best Columbia restaurants for lunch, serving country meats like chicken-fried steak and pot roast with vegetables for less than $10.
2401 Pulaski Highway, Columbia, TN, 38401, 931-380-1888
Pucketts
Pucketts is one of the best restaurants in Columbia TN for breakfast, including on weekdays. You can enjoy omelets, cinnamon rolls, and pancakes for less than $15. You can order barbecue, salads, and burgers for lunch and dinner, making it a good place to bring kids, friends, and out-of-town visitors.
15 Public Square, Columbia, TN, 38401, 931-490-4550
Columbia Jobs
20,129 people have jobs in Columbia TN, up from 18,790 people in 2020. Manufacturing, health care, and retail trade are the three biggest sectors for Columbia jobs, and each sector has median earnings of at least $55,000 a year. Columbia is the economic heart of Maury County, accounting for nearly three-quarters of the county’s retail sales and over half of the county’s food services sales.
The average salary in Columbia is $38,000, while the average hourly rate is $18.27. Major employers in Columbia include KFC, Timco, and Maury Regional Health. You can research and apply for jobs in Columbia TN using Indeed, and you can apply for City of Columbia jobs on the city government’s website.
Columbia Schools
Maury County Schools is the main Columbia school district. The district contains 10 elementary schools, 5 middle schools, and 3 Columbia high schools. You can use the Maury County Schools master street list to see which schools your home is zoned for.
US News considers J.E. Woodard Elementary to be the best elementary school in the school district. It also ranks Woodard in the top 200 elementary schools in the state. Woodard employs 34 full-time teachers, all of whom are professionally certified and nearly all of whom have at least three years of experience.
Columbia Central High School is the only high school within the boundaries of Columbia, Tennessee. US News ranks it in the top 200 high schools in Tennessee. Columbia Central is best known for its athletic programs, including top football and basketball programs.
Columbia State Community College is in Columbia, Tennessee. Columbia State Community College offers over 70 programs of study, including associate degree and certificate programs.
There are a few options for private schools in Columbia, including The Kings’ Daughters’ School, a top school in the Nashville metro area for students with learning differences. Students between the ages of 7 and 40 can take classes with a student-to-teacher ratio of 3:1.
The Maury County Public Library is in downtown Columbia. You can attend various events at the Maury County Public Library, including arts-and-crafts classes and story readings. The library also serves as a hopeful resource for newcomers looking to connect with the community and learn more about the city’s history and programs.
Columbia Statistics and Information
- County: Maury County
- Columbia area: 33.79 square miles
- Columbia zip code: 38401 and 38402
- Columbia area code: 931
- Columbia elevation: 643 feet
- Columbia time zone: Central Time Zone (UTC-5 and -6)
- Closest airport to Columbia: Nashville International Airport (BNA), 48.1 miles from Columbia
Columbia Map
You can use this map of Columbia to find the best places to live in Columbia, as well as the best restaurants in Columbia and top things to do in Columbia.
FAQ
What Is Columbia, Tennessee Known for?
Columbia, Tennessee is best known as the Antebellum Homes Capital of Tennessee, recognized for its historic pre-Civil War architecture. The city is also nicknamed the Mule Capital of the World and hosts the annual Mule Day celebration every April. Columbia is the county seat of Maury County, sits about 46 miles south of Nashville, and is one of the fastest-growing cities in the state, with its population rising 20.2% between 2010 and 2020.
Is Columbia, TN a Good Place to Live?
Columbia, Tennessee is considered a good place to live for families and those seeking affordable Southern living. The city has a cost of living index of 93.5, meaning it costs about 6.5% less than the national average. It offers a humid subtropical climate, historic neighborhoods, and abundant parks like Riverwalk Park. The population is notably young, with a median age of 36.2 and nearly 25% of residents under 18, making it especially family-friendly. For those moving from larger cities like Austin or California metros, Columbia represents a new place full of hope for a more balanced, affordable lifestyle.
Where Is Columbia, TN Located?
Columbia, Tennessee is located in Maury County, of which it is the county seat, approximately 46 miles south of Nashville in the Nashville metropolitan area. The Duck River runs through the northern portion of the city. Major roads, including U.S. Route 31, connect Columbia to downtown Nashville and nearby cities. The closest major airport is Nashville International Airport (BNA), about 48 miles away. Columbia borders the cities of Mount Pleasant and Spring Hill.
What Is the Cost of Living in Columbia, TN?
Columbia, Tennessee has a cost of living index of 93.5, making everyday expenses about 6.5% below the national average. A family of four needs approximately $91,651 per year to cover typical living costs, according to the Economic Policy Institute. The median home price is around $359,175, and the average rent runs about $1,424 per month. Utilities average $155 per month. Columbia is more affordable than Nashville and most other major Tennessee cities, so you won’t have to spend as much to enjoy a high quality of life.
What Is the Average Home Price in Columbia, TN?
The median price for homes for sale in Columbia, Tennessee is approximately $359,175, according to Redfin data. Buyers can find three-bedroom homes in Downtown Columbia for under $500,000, while the West Haven neighborhood offers three-bedroom homes around $300,000. Many newer homes in West Haven include modern features like ceiling fans and spacious patios. Average monthly rent in Columbia is $1,424, making it one of the more affordable housing markets in Middle Tennessee.
Ready to Make Living in Columbia a Reality?
You’re going to love living in Columbia TN! Your children’s education will be comprehensive, and your children can enjoy great kid-friendly attractions. You can enjoy spacious, affordable homes and Southern hospitality at a number of restaurants.
You can also enjoy assistance from professional and friendly Columbia TN movers. 6th Man Movers performs over 2,500 moves each year with a team of more than 30 employees. Call 615-434-8272 today for a free estimate from Columbia, Tennessee movers.
