“City of Live Oaks and Live Folks”
Shaded by centuries-old live oaks, Columbus bills itself as “The City of Live Oaks and Live Folks!” Founded in 1821 along the banks of the Colorado River, Columbus grew from a ferry crossing called Beason’s Crossing into one of the earliest settlements in Texas. Set between Houston and San Antonio, the town’s quiet streets, preserved historic buildings and easy access to riverfront trails offer a slower rhythm compared to the city bustle. "I always tell people - you move out here to escape Houston's cost of living, but you stay for the community," says Frank Hillbolt, a Realtor with Round Top Real Estate. "You're dependent on community when you live somewhere this rural."
Ranch-style homes, bungalows and Cape Cods
Columbus’s housing market features single-family homes priced from about $285,000 to $600,000, with variations based on square footage, lot size and proximity to downtown. Popular styles include single-story ramblers, Cape Cods and open-porch bungalows along grid-patterned suburban streets. Many homes feature spacious lawns and mature trees, while buyers interested in building will find a selection of residential lots available across the city, leaving plenty of room for new construction and growth. Homes in Columbus are generally priced from $285,000 to $600,000, with value determined by lot size, square footage and location. Most listings include single-story ramblers, Cape Cods and bungalows, many with open-air porches lining grid-like suburban blocks.
Strong ratings and diverse learning options in local schools
Students in the area begin their education at Columbus Elementary School, which has received a B-minus rating from Niche. They then progress to Columbus Junior High School, rated B, before attending Columbus High School, which also holds a B rating and offers both bilingual education and English as a Second Language (ESL) programs. Additionally, The Columbus Alternative School provides an individualized, self-paced online learning environment.
Greens, trails and riverfront recreation for all ages
The Columbus Municipal Golf Course spans 53 acres in town, offering nine shaded holes with tree-lined fairways and wildlife sightings. Big Easy Ranch, just north of Columbus, is set on 2,000 acres and features both an 18-hole championship golf course and a nine-hole par three; members can also enjoy fishing lakes, hunting and luxury amenities in a hill country setting. The Columbus Paddling Trail gives paddlers a marked route along the Colorado River, perfect for kayaks and canoes. Downtown, Howells Riverfront creates a spot for river access and gathering along the water, rounding out the local mix of recreation from greens to riverbanks.
Local shops, casual eats and destination dining downtown
Columbus’s historic downtown brings together locally owned shops, casual eateries and destination restaurants. Southern Flair on the Square and Grand Oaks Antiques and Gifts offer specialty shopping. For dining, Magnolia Society stands out for upscale dinners and a curated wine list, while Woods BBQ and Dairy Cone serve fast-casual favorites and barbecue. Grocery needs are met close to home, with both an H-E-B and Brookshire Brothers providing everyday essentials.
Quick I-10 connections, local transit, and major airports within reach
Columbus sits at the intersection of Interstate 10 and Highway 71, making Houston, San Antonio and Austin reachable by car. Colorado Valley Transit runs local and county bus service are available. Columbus Community Hospital serves the area, and both Bush Intercontinental and Hobby airports in Houston—about 85 miles away—provide the nearest flight connections.
