Columbus is a rural city with easy access to the Joplin area
Columbus is a small city with a rich agricultural history in the southeast corner of Kansas. “People here can live more rural lives and still be close to amenities,” says Shelly Hildebrandt, a Realtor with Cobb Realty who has sold a handful of homes in the area. “Columbus is about 20 or 25 minutes from Joplin, a larger metropolitan area where Columbus residents can go for shopping without feeling like they’re in a crowded city.” Just under 3,000 people call the city home, many of them working in agribusiness, construction and health care. Farming has long played a central role in the city’s economy. “Columbus has a huge farmers’ co-op where they have a lot of grain-handling facilities,” Hildebrandt says.
Columbus offers a peaceful rural lifestyle with convenient access to the amenities of nearby Joplin.
Major highways link Columbus to regional hubs like Joplin and Pittsburg, enhancing access to jobs and services.
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Vintage and midcentury homes share Columbus' grid-patterned streets
Columbus’ grid-patterned streets are home to a mixture of homes built throughout the 20th century, plus a few homes that date to the 1870s. Small cottages, most built in the first few decades of the 20th century, sell for $40,000 to $160,000. Larger, newer ranch-style homes from the 1970s to 2010s go for $160,000 to $420,000. “Columbus isn’t growing too fast, but there’s been a little bit of new homebuilding,” Hildebrandt says. Newer homes tend to be located in the outskirts, while the city interior includes tree-shaded residential lanes with a sidewalk. Columbus’ median home sale price of $131,000 is well below the Joplin median of $190,400 and the Pittsburg median of $150,000.
Columbus grows slowly, preserving its quiet character and tree‑lined residential lanes.
Tree‑lined streets showcase cottages, ranch homes and a few 1870s originals.
Most new builds in Columbus are on the outskirts, with mature, sidewalk‑lined streets.
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Western-style shopping streets include diverse food options
The intersection of Pennsylvania Avenue and Maple Street is full of vintage false-front buildings that now house banks, laundromats and other businesses. Norma’s Diner serves classic diner fare like biscuits and gravy inside a building from 1889. Next door, Los Luna’s Mexican Restaurant immerses customers in Mexican culture through its colorful walls, its photographs and paintings and its extensive menu. A block away, Brea’s Bakery Nook sells fresh food like jalapeno popper bagels and scones. At the city’s eastern edge, U.S. Route 69 is home to the local Apple Market grocery store and several chain restaurants.
Historic charm meets hearty fare at Norma’s Diner, a Columbus favorite since 1889.
Los Luna’s Mexican Restaurant surrounds guests with vibrant colors, cultural artwork and an extensive menu of authentic flavors.
Apple Market sits next to several chain eateries along U.S. 69.
Columbus' western-style shopping district offers a variety of retail options in historic storefronts.
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Columbus' parks offer playground recreation with a twist
At the city’s southern edge, Columbus City Park includes a playground, basketball and tennis courts and a swimming pool, and Columbus Day sees this park host a Hot Air Balloon Regatta. On Columbus’ eastern border, Reeves City Park offers a unique take on a playground, including both a typical play area as well as a xylophone station and bicycle ramps conducive to bike stunts. Eddington Park at the city’s northwest corner consists entirely of open fields, and portable soccer goals are available for setup.
Columbus City Park also offers a swimming pool to cool off at during the hot summer months.
Reeves City Park brings music and motion together with a xylophone station and bike ramps.
Soccer enthusiast can enjoy the multiple fields at Eddington Park.
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Columbus Senior High encourages community involvement
Students can start their education at Park Elementary School followed by Highland Elementary School for grades 2 to 3; both schools receive a B-minus rating from Niche. Central Elementary School receives a C-plus, and Columbus Junior/Senior High School receives a B-minus. The high school helps students build a stronger community by issuing “Titan tickets” to students who display compassion or perform good deeds; students can use the tickets to stock up on snacks or pay for library fees.
Highland Elementary serves second and third grades and earns a B-minus rating by Niche.
With room to grow, Central Elementary School receives a C-plus by Niche.
Students at Columbus Junior/Senior High School can earn “Titan tickets” for good deeds, redeemable for snacks and library fees.
Park Elementary earns a B-minus rating from Niche.
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Nearby highways connect Columbus to Joplin and Pittsburg
Columbus’ location along U.S. Routes 69 and 160 puts it within a 25-mile drive from both Pittsburg, Kansas and Joplin, Missouri, two regional employment and shopping hubs. Residents have access to local health care at Mercy Hospital Columbus, which has served the community for over a century.
Local care is not far from home at Mercy Hospital Columbus.
The closest emergency care center can be found at Mercy Hospital Columbus.
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Written By
Jacob Adelhoch
Photography Contributed By
Emily McNamara
Video By
Mallory Nolte
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Teresa Wallen,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Columbus, KS sell after 49 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 days. The median sale price for homes in Columbus, KS over the last 12 months is $94,250, up 8% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome Home!! Your peaceful 8-acre homestead retreat is waiting for you. This charming 3-bedroom, 2-bath home offers the perfect blend of comfort and country living. Fantastic layout with plenty of room and storage. Offering a truly amazing master suite oasis, including dual sink areas with dual closets. The property is fully equipped for hobby farming or equestrian use, featuring two five-stall
Imagine stepping into this century-old home, where every corner exudes charm and a warm, inviting atmosphere. Nestled on a spacious tree-shaded corner lot just off the city square, this home offers the perfect blend of location plus convenience.With an impressive 1700 square feet of living space, this four-bedroom home provides ample room for entertaining and creating a comfortable living
Are you looking for a place outside of town? This may be exactly what you are looking for. This home sits on top of the hill and has one of the best views of the Kansas Sunset around. Featuring 5 bedrooms (one on the main level), a large living room, and a formal dining room that can also be use as flex space. The country kitchen has ample cabinets and storage, and a beautiful, covered porch
A cute ranch style house with a full unfinished basement. The house needs updating but has a cute floorplan with over 1300 square feet with a lot of wooden floors under carpet or showing. The kitchen and dining area are at one end of the house and the bedrooms on the other end. The utility room is oversized. The property sits on over 1/2 an acre with a 32x40 shop. The house has a garage and
What an amazing property with almost an acre, 3 bedrooms and 2 baths. The ranch style house is a very solid house with a very large living room for entertaining. The house has been taken care of and it shows. The kitchen/dining room are right off the living room. The kitchen has a lot of cabinets. The bedrooms are at the opposite end of the house. The backyard has many flowers and a lot of space
Are you looking for a home with character and charm? This cute 2 story Victorian style house still has a butler pantry, built ins, an old fireplace that is for decor. A large foyer that can be used for a 2nd living room space or a bonus room. The house has 3 bedrooms upstairs but you could create the dining room into the primary with a bathroom on each floor. The 1 car attached garage can be
Welcome to this great Family home. Located at the end of a dead-end street with pastureland to the south of this property it feels like living in the country. This 1967 Sq FT home has a large living area with a ranch style floor plan. A Nice patio area for enjoying the outdoors and a large yard and a place for a large garden makes this property unique. The house features a Generac Natural Gas
Spacious 3-bedroom, 2-bath home offering over 2,200 sq ft in Columbus! Situated on a 0.35-acre lot, this property gives you the space—inside and out—that’s hard to find at this price point.Inside, you’ll find two living areas, giving you flexibility for entertaining, relaxing, or creating a separate family space. There’s also an additional room perfect for a home office, hobby space, or even
Once in a lifetime opportunity to own a wonderful property with 5.9 acres inside city limit. The house needs to be updated but the space is abundant and it is a total of 5340 square feet with 3677 sq ft livable . It is an all brick house witch features 3 bedrooms and 2.5 baths. A large kitchen and a partial basement. The oversized garage with a workshop area is perfect. The family room has a wet
Here is a great opportunity to purchase an established and well maintained duplex in Columbus, KS. This duplex has 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms on each side. Each unit has a great open layout with a large kitchen an living space. The bedrooms are directly adjacent and at the end of the hallway sits a large master suite. The master has a walk in closet and nice bathroom. Each unit has a garage with
Welcome to this two-story home on a spacious corner lot. Offering 3 spacious bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms, this home provides the perfect blend of comfort and style. Step inside to discover an open-concept layout with ample living space for both everyday living and entertaining. The main level features a formal living and dining area, a cozy family room, a half bathroom, a well-appointed kitchen,
This 3-bedroom home sits on a large corner lot, offering space both inside and out. The fenced yard provides privacy and room for pets, play, or outdoor entertaining. Inside, you'll find a comfortable layout with central heat and air for year-round comfort. A partial basement adds extra storage or hobby space, while the one-car garage offers convenience and protection from the elements. This
Handyman Special, this house has almost 2000 square feet. The house has some projects completed and others that need to be finished. The kitchen is in the center of the house and it is almost completed. There are so many options with this house. The house needs flooring in some areas including the bedrooms. This house has an upstairs and a 2 car garage. A diamond in the rough. Cash or
Newly renovated 1-bedroom private suite with allutilities included — 900+ sq ft, private entrance,and every bill covered in one flat monthly rate.Columbus, KS. Available April 3rd.Private Suite | 1 Bed / 1 Bath | 900+ sq ft401 N East Ave | Columbus, KS 66725Rent: $900/month | 12-Month LeaseDeposit: $450 | Move-In Fee: $450 (non-refundable)Application Fee:
$770 per month
All-Inclusive Studio | 375 Sq Ft | Electric, Water, WiFi & Cable Included | Columbus KS
Renovated all-inclusive studio — 375 sq ft of open,efficient living with every utility covered in oneflat monthly rate. Columbus, KS.Studio | 375 sq ft | Columbus, KS 66725Rent: $770/month | 12-Month LeaseDeposit: $150 | Move-In Fee: $150Application Fee: $35/adult 18+Available: Coming SoonWHAT'S INCLUDED IN RENTElectric, water, trash, high-speed WiFi,
Renovated studio with all utilities included — one flatmonthly rate covers electric, water, trash, WiFi, andcable TV. Columbus, KS.Studio | 401 N East Ave | Columbus, KS 66725Rent: $725/month | 12-Month LeaseDeposit: $150 | Move-In Fee: $150Application Fee: $35/adult 18+Available: April 1stWHAT'S INCLUDED IN RENTElectric, water, trash, high-speed WiFi,
$725 per month
1 Bed/1 Bath Micro Unit - Accepting HUD/Section 8 Vouchers!
Rental FAQ Sheet — Columbus Microsuites401 N East Ave, Columbus KS**Unit pictured or displayed may not be identical to the selected unit**Address: Columbus Microsuites – 401 N East Ave, Columbus KSBedrooms: 1Bathrooms: 1Square Footage: Varies by unitRent Options:$725/month$770/month (Upgraded or larger unit options)Security Deposit: $300Move-In
$725 per month
Studio Apartment | All Utilities Included | One Flat Rate | Columbus KS
Renovated studio with all utilities included — electric,water, trash, WiFi, and cable TV — one flat monthly rate.Studio | Under 400 sq ft | Columbus, KS 66725Rent: $725/month | 12-Month LeaseDeposit: $150 | Move-In Fee: $150Application Fee: $35/adult 18+Available: Coming SoonWHAT'S INCLUDED IN RENTElectric, water, trash, high-speed WiFi, and cable TV
$850 per month
All Bills Paid Studio | Furnished Option Available | Ideal for Traveling Workers
In town for a project? On contract? Working a turnaround, pipeline, plant outage, or short-term assignment?This all-inclusive studio was designed for traveling professionals who need clean, reliable, no-stress housing.Move in. Plug in. Get to work.Virtual Tour: Text 'MICRO' to for your in person tour today! What’s Included:? Electric?
$500 per month
Renovated 1BR | Dogs & Cats Welcome | Water & Trash Included | Columbus KS
Freshly renovated 1-bedroom in the heart of Columbus —dogs and cats welcome, water and trash included.1 Bed / 1 Bath | 550 sq ft | Columbus, KSRent: $500/month | 12-Month LeaseDeposit: $325 | Move-In Fee: $325 (non-refundable)Application: $35/per adult 18+Available: April 1 (possibly sooner)UTILITIESLandlord pays: water; lawn care maintained.Tenant
$650 per month
$650/mo | 1BR Renovated Home | Pets Welcome | Walk to Downtown Columbus
Freshly renovated 1-bedroom in the heart of Columbus —dogs and cats welcome, water and trash included.1 Bed / 1 Bath | 550 sq ft | Columbus, KSRent: $650/month | 12-Month LeaseDeposit: $325 | Move-In Fee: $325 (non-refundable)Application: $35/per adult 18+Available: April 1 (possibly sooner)UTILITIESLandlord pays: water; lawn care maintained.Tenant
$725 per month
$725/mo All-In | Renovated Studio | Every Utility Included | Columbus KS
Renovated studio with all utilities included — electric,water, trash, WiFi, and cable TV — one flat monthly rate.Studio | Under 400 sq ft | Columbus, KS 66725Rent: $725/month | 12-Month LeaseDeposit: $150 | Move-In Fee: $150Application Fee: $35/adult 18+Available: Coming SoonWHAT'S INCLUDED IN RENTElectric, water, trash, high-speed WiFi, and cable TV
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