Columbia has a close-knit, small-town vibe
Known as the “City of Charm on the River Pearl,” Columbia is a close-knit community of less than 6,000 and the seat of Marion County. “One of my favorite parts of growing up here was that you pretty much know everybody,” says Realtor David Sartin of Ascension Realty, who has nearly five years of real estate experience. “I could be anywhere in town, and nine times out of 10, I’d know someone I could be with. Columbia is a nice place for people who want a community-oriented, family-oriented, faith-oriented place.” He says traffic is heavy on Sundays – there are more than a dozen churches in town representing various Christian denominations, including Baptist, Catholic, and Presbyterian.
Cottages, Craftsmans and more for under $400,000
Cottages, Craftsmans and ranch-style homes are common close to the center of Columbia. Colonial Revivals and New Traditionals are prevalent in subdivisions on the outskirts, like Bellewood. The median single-family home price is just over $126,000, which is more than $120,000 below the state median, according to the National Association of Realtors. But prices can run anywhere from under $100,000 to about $380,000.
Summers here are hot and humid, while winters are typically mild. The Pearl River is prone to flooding; the risk of high water and wind damage is significant during hurricane season. Columbia is also vulnerable to tornadoes.
Highly rated Columbia School District
The Columbia School District, which earns an A-minus grade from Niche, serves over 1,600 students across four schools: Columbia Primary, Columbia Elementary, Jefferson Middle and Columbia High. The primary school earns a B from Niche, while the elementary and middle schools score A-minuses. Columbia High, which gets a B-plus, offers dual enrollment classes at the Marion County Carl Loftin Career & Technology Center and the University of Southern Mississippi. “Columbia folks like to be involved in stuff. The Columbia Schools sports get a lot of sponsors, and a lot of people come out and support all the teams on game days,” Sartin says.
Private schools in the area include Columbia Presbyterian Preschool and Columbia Academy, which is a B-plus-rated, nondenominational Christian school for prekindergarten through 12th grade.
Outdoor and indoor recreation options in and around Columbia
Friendship Park, in central Columbia, has a big, newly renovated playground. The $1.2 million park opened in early 2025 following a construction period of just five days, made possible by over 2,000 community volunteers. Columbia Water Park, near the Pearl River to the north, has a playground and shady picnic areas. The Columbia Golf & Country Club, nearby, has a public, nine-hole course. Lake Columbia and Lake Bill Waller, less than 10 miles from most homes, are popular fishing spots. Hunting is permitted around the lakes, too. “You can find a sense of peace, going out in the woods to hunt and fish. We love deer meat here,” Sartin says.
Downtown Columbia has indoor recreation options, including the Southern Museum of Natural History, the Marion County Historical Museum and Marion Theater, which screens new-release and flashback films.
Columbia’s downtown shopping and dining scene
Small businesses and boutiques, like Ann’s Embroidery & Sublimation, Hill Hardware and Moree’s Florist & Gifts, fill Main Street, close to the Pearl River. Dining options include Mardi Grub, a Southern Cajun take-out eatery, and Joe Rocco’s, a Brooklyn-style pizza place. “Debbie’s Sandwich Shop is a real pillar in Columbia. It’s one of the best burgers you’ll ever have,” Sartin says. Debbie’s is about a mile south of Main Street, close to commercial corridors with retailers like Tractor Supply and Ramey’s, a regional chain grocery store. “Columbia is close enough to Hattiesburg, too, that a lot of people go there for shopping and dining. It’s a college town, so there’s a lot more going on there,” Sartin says.
Quick access to Marion General Hospital and U.S. Route 98
Marion General Hospital, a top local employer, is on the northeast side of Columbia, within about 5 miles of most homes. U.S. Route 98 runs about 35 miles east to Hattiesburg; the Hattiesburg-Laurel Regional Airport is just over 40 miles away. Southern Connect, a Mississippi Department of Transportation regional coordination transportation group, provides public transit services to Marion County.
