$200,574Average Value$178Average Price per Sq Ft3Homes For Sale
An artistic neighborhood in the heart of Columbia
In North Central, an 'Art Lives Here' sign stretches across the space between the Artlandish Gallery and the Sager Reeves Gallery, welcoming locals into Columbia's signature creative community: the North Village Arts District. Making up the southern section of North Central, the North Village Arts District is home to everything from galleries to local shops. In contrast, the community's north side is primarily residential. The neighborhood's north and south sides are disjointed and divided by an innovation community (The Arcade District) and the private Columbia College — making North Central a popular area among start-ups and students alike. However, a rich artistic influence, lower-than-average home prices and a location less than a mile from the city center also add to the appeal. "This is a community that loves its art. Public art is all over the area, and it's a place where many artists move, live and work," says Megan McConachie, Columbia's communications and outreach specialist. "We're one of the few cities in Missouri with an office of cultural affairs that is part of its city government. The office works to support local artists, making sure that art is a sustainable career and that it is something accessible to all residents."
In North Central, art is a huge part of this area, welcoming locals into Columbia's signature creative community: the North Village Arts District.
Sager Reeves Gallery showcases modern and contemporary artwork in North Central.
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North Village Arts District
Made up of salons, unique shops and art galleries, the North Village Arts District anchors North Central’s creative scene and culture. Here, murals and sculptures are scattered throughout the area, and local salons like MK Lush sit just feet away from small shops like Rock Bottom Comics. Just across the street, King Theodore Records has become a go-to spot among music lovers, while Lore Tattoo is known for its intricate designs and highly-rated artists. Local galleries like the Artlandish Gallery and the Sager Reeves Gallery also defined the area. Perhaps best reflective of the district’s multifaceted nature, the Serendipity Salon and Gallery offers rooms for rent for beauty professionals and a gift gallery where local creatives can sell their art. The community is also home to the Rose Music Hall, a live music venue with both an outdoor and indoor stage. Most of the North Village Arts District's establishments participate in First Fridays, a monthly art crawl where locals peruse the area’s galleries, children enjoy outdoor activities and live music acts entertain the crowd.
Orr Street Studios offers North Central an art gallery, 21 studios to create, and art classes, exhibitions and events.
Hedda sells clothing, jewelry, accessories, and home goods in the North Village Arts District of North Central.
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Cafe Berlin, Le Bao, The Roof and more
The North Village Arts District has also become a go-to space for dining out. From breakfast fare at Cafe Berlin to steaming hot lattes at Acola Coffee Company to Asian fusion flavors at Le Bao, the North Village Arts District offers a selection of locally owned establishments. For an upscale dining experience complete with award-winning chefs, Eleven Eleven’s menu ranges from breakfast classics to late-night eats. It’s located in The Broadway, a hotel also home to The Roof. Craft cocktails, curated playlists and outdoor fire pits define this popular bar. For groceries, North Central residents will have to go outside their community, but a Schnucks location is conveniently about a mile away.
Cafe Berlin serves breakfast and has live music and events in North Central.
Asian fusion flavors take off at Le Bao in the North Central neighborhood.
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Single-family homes, student housing and apartments
Most of North Central’s homes were built between the turn of the 20th century and the 1930s. They typically sit on modest lots, flanking sidewalk-lined streets and reflecting bungalow designs. A number of new constructions have replaced some of these homes — it is often more cost-effective for investors to build new homes rather than renovate old ones here. Depending on age, size and condition, prices range from $150,000 to upwards of $200,000. This median price settles at $170,000, significantly lower than the city's median of just over $305,000. However, most people rent properties here, the majority of which are owned by Hinshaw Properties or Columbia College. Over the years, the college has bought some of the community’s older homes and built student housing in their place. Prospective buyers should be aware that North Central receives a CAP Index Crime Score of 8 out of 10, compared to the national average of 4. Part of what makes up this number is higher-than-average property crime scores.
North Central neighborhood has several housing options for college students.
Bungalow homes in North Central may have small front porches.
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The Arcade District
Formed in 2022 and located between North Central’s two sections, The Arcade District has become a hub for start-ups and creatives alike. It’s identified as an innovation district, which serves to promote economic and artistic development. Home to everything from the Six-Mile Ordinary Distillery to OTA Properties, The Arcade District has become a place where people gather and work. The district’s creative scene is anchored by the Witches & Wizards Arcade, which offers retro games and pinball machines. The arcade also boasts a theater that shows sci-fi movies and serves as a live music venue for local acts. Other establishments within the Arcade District include the music store B Side Records and Irene’s. The latter offers Southern fare with a Caribbean focus — menu items range from barbeque pulled pork sandwiches to Caribbean chicken rice bowls.
The Arcade District has become a hub for start-ups and creatives alike and serves to promote economic and artistic development.
Rose Music Hall is just minutes from The Arcade District in North Central neighborhood and offers live performers several times a week.
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Field Park and Stephens Lake Park
North Central is home to Field Park, a neighborhood green space complete with picnic tables and a small grassy area. About a mile east of the community, Stephens Lake Park has become a hub for swimming, fishing and walking. “Stephens Lake Park changed our entire perspective on parks in Columbia,” says Gabe Huffington, the city’s parks and recreation director. “Stephens Lake Park gives you what you need outside of sports,” he adds, calling it the city’s most unique park, partly because of the 11-acre lake it is best known for. On any given day in the summertime, people from all over the area come here to swim. When the water freezes over in the wintertime, the lake is open for ice skating. The park also boasts two paved trails, both of which have become frequented by dog owners and joggers alike.
Residents love to fish at Stephens Lake Park.
Residents sit in the shade and chat at Field Park.
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Columbia Public Schools: Benton Elementary, Jefferson Middle and Hickman High
North Central students can attend Benton Elementary, which receives a C-plus rating from Niche. The school offers a STEM-centered curriculum, introducing students to engineering concepts and inviting scientific professionals to the school to talk and answer questions. From there, many students head to Jefferson Middle, which Niche gives an A-minus rating and ranks as the area’s No. 3 public middle school. Jefferson offers a number of electives, ranging from coding to theater coursework. Students can finish their secondary education at A-minus-rated Hickman High School, located in the neighborhood and rated as the area’s No. 2 public high by Niche. The school offers many electives, including agriculture, veterinary and marketing courses.
Jefferson Middle School is the third best middle school in Columbia.
David H. Hickman High School is home to 2,044 students.
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Less than a mile from The District, less than 2 miles from the University of Missouri
Most North Central residents are less than a mile north of The District, which is accessible by foot, bike or car via North 10th Street. GO Como's Orange Route also runs through the community; Columbia's main bus stop, Wabash Station, serves as the final stop to the city's major routes and is located within North Central. Major employers like the University of Missouri, MU Health Care and Boone Hospital Center are all within around a 2-mile radius of the community. Residents may work even closer at Columbia College, one of the area’s public schools or a local establishment. The community is also conveniently just 2 miles south of Interstate 70, which is lined with auto dealerships. I-70 serves as one of the city’s major thoroughfares, running east-west. Also frequented by commuters, U.S. Route 63 runs north-south, offering connections to the Columbia Regional Airport, which is about 15 miles south and to Missouri’s capital, Jefferson City, which is about 33 miles south.
Columbia College is a private institution that's been around since 1851 and sits on a small cozy campus in North Central.
Downtown Columbia is less than a mile away by foot, bike or car and the Orange Route of the Go COMO bus also serves North Central.
GreatSchools:
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This home offers comfort, efficiency, and convenience in a location close to downtown. The thoughtfully designed floorplan maximizes every square foot, creating a functional and inviting space throughout. You'll appreciate the generously sized bedrooms, a large pantry, and a dedicated laundry room—each contributing to the home's practical layout.Step outside and enjoy the outdoors on the
This 1920's Bungalow sits just north of downtown. It has been a great rental for the current owner with a longterm tenant. It offers just over 1,000 finished sq ft with 2 bedrooms, 1 full bath and a full unfinished basement.
Investment opportunity on N College This 4-bedroom, 3-bath home is conveniently located near downtown and campus. The main floor features a large primary bedroom, while the deck offers a great space for outdoor activities. Currently rented for $2,200 per month, with an increase to $2,400 starting in August, this property provides steady income and strong rental demand.
Tired of being told by the big guys that they will match any competitor's price and then getting buried with hidden fees? At 9th & Park we don't sneak in any hidden fees. The rent is the rent, not a penny more. Available for Fall 2025 we have two and three bedroom options. The building is located conveniently to the MU campus and Columbia College in Downtown Columbia. These units are newer and
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Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
1,322
Median Age
28
Population under 18
21.9%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
8.5%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$27,960
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$40,421
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
87.1%
College Graduates
28.2%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
13.2%
% Population in Labor Force
62.9%
On par with the national average
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
41''
Average Winter Low Temperature
23°F
Average Summer High Temperature
88°F
Annual Snowfall
5''
Area Factors
Very Bikeable
Bike Score®
71/ 100
Somewhat Walkable
Walk Score®
65/ 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.
