In Valley View Gardens, red maples grow along quiet streets, offering hues of orange and yellow in the fall. These mature trees hint at the neighborhood's midcentury origins and add to the peaceful nature of this Midwestern suburban community. Here, residents maintain small front gardens with decorative flowers, and it's not uncommon to see folks out on afternoon walks with their neighbors, according to local Realtor Morgan Hulen with Iron Gate Real Estate. Hulen goes on to add that while some streets don't have sidewalks here, the area has limited traffic, so residents feel comfortable walking along the roadways. The neighborhood's pocket-park, nearby shopping corridors and proximity to downtown Columbia, also add to the community's desirability. Hulen reiterates that it's these amenities, coupled with the area's serene vibes, that appeal to long-term residents, some of whom have been here since the neighborhood's origin.
A Columbia neighborhood with just over 350 homes
A Columbia neighborhood with just over 350 homes
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Midcentury homes
Valley View Gardens' homes flank tree-lined streets that often end in cul-de-sacs. Most sit on modest lots and were built between the late 1950s into the 70s. As such, the community is known for its midcentury designs, including ranch-styles, bi-levels and split-level homes. Most of these properties feature red brick facades with vinyl accents and offer attached garages and concrete driveways. However, despite the driveways, many residents still park on the streets. Price points here range from $200,000 to nearly $300,000, depending on the property's size and condition. "Some homes have had extensive updates, and some haven't had any," Hulen says. Inferring that those with the most updates will often have the highest price tags.
Midcentury homes
Midcentury homes
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Valley View Park and Cosmo Park
The community's Valleyview Park features a paved walking trail and playground. Just east of the neighborhood, Cosmo Park spans nearly 550 acres, making it the city's largest park. Here, dog owners head to the leash-free Bear Creek Nature Area, where trails wind through woods and waterways, and its not uncommon to spot wildlife like beavers. The park also boasts several sports amenities, including football and baseball fields. On the park's west side, there's the L. A. Nickell Golf Course, a public-use 18-hole option. The golf course hosts events, including summertime Family Nights, where "People get free hot dogs, drinks and ice cream. There are also little games on the putting greens for kids, including Golfzilla," says Dan Frost, the course's recreation supervisor. "Golfzilla is a 15-foot blow-up of a Godzilla-type dinosaur that has holes in his belly and his mouth for kids to try to hit golf balls at," Frost says.
Valley View Park and Cosmo Park
Valley View Park and Cosmo Park
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Competitively rated Columbia Public Schools: David H. Hickman High and more
Most children start school at Paxton Keely Elementary, which receives a B-plus rating from Niche and was named after the first woman to graduate from the Missouri School of Journalism. In the fall, the school's PTA hosts the annual Comet Carnival, which offers opportunities to 'pie-a-teacher' and enjoy mini-golfing. Students continue on to Smithton Middle, which also receives a B-plus rating from Niche. The school offers theater, music and industrial technology electives. From there, it's on to David H. Hickman High, which has had the most Presidential Scholars of any school throughout the state. Niche ranks it in the state's top 3% of public schools for college prep.
Competitively rated Columbia Public Schools: David H. Hickman High and more
Competitively rated Columbia Public Schools: David H. Hickman High and more
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Downtown Columbia is an 8-minute ride away on Go COMO's Gold Route or just under a 2-mile drive.
Drives to The District, Jefferson City and more
The nearest bus stop is at Fairview Market Place, which is over 2 miles away. From there, Go COMO's Red Route offers 20-minute rides to The District. However, most residents drive to the city center, which is 5 miles southeast via Interstate 70. Major employers are also nearby. The University of Missouri is about 5 miles away via I-70 and state Route 163, while MU Health Care is about 6 miles away via North Stadium Boulevard. The state capital, Jefferson City, is 35 miles south via U.S. Route 63. Residents can take this same route to the Columbia Regional Airport, which is 18 miles away.
Nearby stores, restaurants and more
The Columbia Mall is less than 2 miles south, offering a diverse selection of chain eateries and retailers. While the nearby Hy-Vee and Walmart locations make for quick grocery trips. Local eateries like the long-running Shakespeare's Pizza are staples for take-out and dine-in alike. The shopping corridor is also home to The Pasta Factory, one of Columbia's highest-rated Italian eateries on Yelp. For other options, downtown Columbia, or The District, offers everything from pub fare at the Barred Owl Butcher & Table to lattes at Acola Coffee Company to Mexican classics at Las Margaritas. For local produce, the Columbia Farmers Market is just under 3 miles away. It runs throughout the year, with a summer season going from April through October on Saturday mornings.
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 area?
Reach out to
Carl Plummer,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Clary-Shy Community Park
Valleyview Park
Picnic Area
Trails
Playground
Columbia Cosmopolitan Rec Area
Transit
Airport
Columbia Regional
24 min drive
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Valley View Gardens
US
Homicide
3
4
Sexual Assault
3
4
Assault with Weapon
3
4
Robbery
2
4
Burglary
2
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
2
4
Larceny
2
4
Crime Score
3
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Valley View Gardens Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Valley View Gardens, Columbia sell after 32 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Valley View Gardens, Columbia over the last 12 months is $265,000, up 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Move-In Ready Duplex Available August 1, 2025Spacious and well-maintained 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom duplex offering 1,644 sq ft of comfortable living space. This clean, move-in ready home features a one-car garage and a practical layout perfect for modern living.Enjoy the convenience of the main-level master suite, along with the kitchen, laundry room, and living area all on the same floor. The lower
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Carl Plummer,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
1,286
Median Age
35
Population under 18
28.1%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
12.9%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$81,746
Above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$96,761
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
99.8%
Above the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
37.5%
Advanced Degrees
21.7%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
67.7%
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®
21/ 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.
