As the sun glares down on the Cedar Lake subdivision, it creates a glittering reflection on the water. This scenic view has attracted many people to the Cedar Lake community, including Realtor Jane Boles with RE/MAX Boone Realty. While the neighborhood's lake contributes to the scenery here, it has also become a hub for year-round recreation. Boles says Cedar Lake provides insight into what people who move here are looking for: a relaxed retreat that feels far from the city center despite the fact that The District—or Columbia’s downtown—is only about 5 miles away. Unlike some of the newer, surrounding subdivisions, development in Cedar Lake started in the 1970s. And as such, Boles describes it as “An established community with larger trees and no busy streets.” Here, residents often walk outside with their families or, in the summertime, head over to Wilson's Beach Club to cool off by the pool. Cedar Lake also offers easy access to a number of green spaces, eateries and shops all within a short walk or car-ride away. The area's highly rated schools only add to the appeal.
Cedar Lake is a tight knit community built around a large, private lake.
Cedar Lake residents take pride in their community, and it shows in the little details.
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Late 20th-century housing market
Split-levels and ranch-styles made up much of the development in the mid-70s, but continued construction into the 80s and 90s also brought some Cape Cods. In general, “On the south side of the lake, is where you'll find the community’s newer homes,” Boles says, adding that the older, or first developments, were built on the north side. Regardless of location, these homes typically sit on a third of an acre of land and flank curving, tree-lined streets that often spread into cul-de-sacs. While recently sold homes have gone for anywhere from $300,000 to upwards of $400,000, Boles says home values range from $250,000 to nearly $600,000, with “Anything backing-up to the lake is typically more expensive.” Buyers should expect a yearly HOA fee of around $95, according to Boles, who says the HOA here is “More involved than most of the ones in surrounding communities.” This is in part because it is resident-run instead of managed by an external company. Cedar Lake is also home to duplexes and apartment options.
Homes in Cedar Lake are often hidden behind large, mature trees.
There are many unique styles of homes throughout Cedar Lake.
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Walking, swimming and caving
"We see a lot of people walking," Boles says. The area south of the lake has sidewalks, but "people walk on the streets, and there's no problem," Boles affirms. As for activities on the lake, people can swim, fish and boat. However, "you can't have motor boats, so you don't see many people on the lake boating," Boles adds. For other options, Boles says many residents check out Cosmo-Bethel Park. Here, joggers can head along a lakefront path while anglers catch catfish. In the summer, many residents purchase swimming memberships to Wilson's Beach Club, which Boles calls "in walking distance to most of Cedar Lake." Those who'd rather spend their days hiking or biking head to the Rock Bridge Memorial State Park, which is less than 5 miles away. The park boasts a number of forested trails, including Devil's Icebox, frequented by those wanting to explore Connor's Cave, which is more than 150 feet long.
Residents of Cedar Lake love the easy access to Wilson's Beach and Tennis Club.
Explore natural phenomenons at Rock Bridge Memorial State Park near Cedar Lake.
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Public schooling options and the University of Missouri
Children can enroll in the Columbia School District, which Niche ranks as the No. 1 district in the area. To start, they can attend Mill Creek Elementary, which receives an A-minus rating from Niche. The school features Partners In Education, a program that connects with businesses like Columbia Insurance and Hawthorn Bank, to support everything from lesson plans to funding for field trips. Then, it's on to B-plus-rated Ann Hawkins Gentry Middle, where students can participate in extracurriculars like robotics, drama and art clubs. From there, students head to A-rated Rock Bridge High. It boasts the Columbia Public Schools Planetarium, which attracts students from all over the area for field trips. For higher learning opportunities, Cedar Lake is just a few miles from the University of Missouri, the state's biggest university.
Ann Hawkins Gentry Middle School has a school garden where students learn about botony.
The Columbia Performing Arts Center is one of many reasons residents love living in Cedar Lake.
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An annual picnic, Missouri football games and other events
As for events, “We have a garage sale and annual picnics with the HOA,” Boles says. The picnic is held right by the lake and “is a smaller event that everyone’s invited to,” Boles adds, mentioning that “the HOA sends flyers out.” For other options, residents are not far from many of the city’s offerings, meaning Missouri University’s football games and events like the June festival Art in the Park are just a short drive away. Some of Columbia’s other events include the North Village Arts District’s First Fridays and the fall Heritage Festival & Craft Show.
Homes in Cedar Lake consist primarily of ranch homes made of varying materials.
Residents of Cedar Lake love going to Glenn's Cafe in downtown.
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Major employers and commutes
While public buses are available through Go COMO's Black Route, Cedar Lake is a car-dependent area. State Route 163 connects the community to the Columbia Regional Airport, which is about 12 miles away, and to The District, which is approximately 5 miles away. State Route 163 can also get people here to two of the city’s largest employers: the University of Missouri and MU Health Care, both of which are about 4 miles away. To get to Jefferson City — the state’s capital — residents can take U.S. Route 63 south for about 30 miles. St. Louis is around 130 miles east via Interstates 70 and 64, while Kansas City is about 130 miles west via I-70.
Lake communities often host an unique makeup of home styles, and Cedar Lake is no different.
The Go CoMo bus system has multiple stops near Cedar Lake.
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Nearby restaurants, Columbia Mall and more
Cedar Lake is conveniently near the establishments along and off the streets of state Route 163. Boles recommends The Grind Coffee House, which offers sandwiches, lattes and smoothies, among other cafe classics. Across the street at Las Margaritas Mexican Bar and Grill, patrons enjoy tacos and chimichangas with a lakefront view. For other options, Boles says she often makes a reservation at Murry's. Here, a dimly lit interior, elevated American fare and live music hint at why Boles says it's one of the most popular spots in the city. As for groceries, many residents swing by the nearby Aldi, while those wanting to get their retail shopping in can head to the Columbia Mall, which is less than 7 miles away.
Sophia's near Cedar Lake is a local favorite and the premiere spot for Italian cuisine.
Stop by Makes Scents candle shop near Cedar Lake for custom homemade candles.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Interested in learning more about homes in this neighborhood?
Reach out to
Beth Steele,
an experienced agent in this area.
Parks in this Area
Cosmo-Bethel Park
Rock Bridge Memorial State Park
Transit
Airport
Columbia Regional
19 min drive
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Cedar Lake
US
Homicide
3
4
Sexual Assault
5
4
Assault with Weapon
3
4
Robbery
3
4
Burglary
5
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
4
4
Larceny
7
4
Crime Score
5
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Cedar Lake Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Cedar Lake, Columbia sell after 97 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Cedar Lake, Columbia over the last 12 months is $330,250, down 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to Clear Creek Estates! Columbia's newest, most exclusive estate community. Situated on 153 acres of gently rolling land Clear Creek Estates features breathtaking, wooded estate lots ranging from 2.5 to 5.14 acres. Located in the southwest of Columbia off MO-163 and bordering Rock Bridge State Park residents will have quick access to the park for hiking, biking and cave exploring. This
Welcome to Clear Creek Estates! Columbia's newest, most exclusive estate community. Situated on 153 acres of gently rolling land Clear Creek Estates features breathtaking, wooded estate lots ranging from 2.5 to 5.14 acres. Located in the southwest of Columbia off MO-163 and bordering Rock Bridge State Park residents will have quick access to the park for hiking, biking and cave exploring. This
2 bedroom 1 bath apartment on the southside of town minutes from restaurants and shops. Oven/range, dishwasher, refridgerator, Central Air. NO SMOKERS, NO UNDERGRADUATES Must have good references and acceptable credit. nonrefundable
Fully furnished rental. Available 7/1/25. Lease term to be +/-12 months. Great Southwest Columbia location, close to schools, parks, shopping and employment. Lawn care and Washer/ dryer included. Tenant will be responsible for utilities. No pets. $35 application fee.
Fully furnished rental. Available 7/1/25. Lease term to be +/-12 months. Great Southwest Columbia location, close to schools, parks, shopping and employment. Lawn care and Washer/ dryer included. Tenant will be responsible for utilities. No pets. $35 application fee.
Interested in learning more about homes in this neighborhood?
Reach out to
Beth Steele,
an experienced agent in this area.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
1,081
Median Age
37
Population under 18
24.4%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
20.4%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$54,761
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$98,650
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
91.1%
College Graduates
58.5%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
27.4%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
76.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
41''
Average Winter Low Temperature
23°F
Average Summer High Temperature
88°F
Annual Snowfall
5''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
17/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
7/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
