Columbia Named A Top U.S. College Town: 16 Reasons Why Mizzou's Home Is The Greatest

Aug 7, 2013 at 7:00 am

Columbia, Missouri is one of the best college towns in America! So says Livability.com, which has released its top ten list for college towns in the country -- ones that, the site says, appeal not only to potential students but also residents and businesses. After all, "a university's off-campus impact can also shape a town's character and keep people there for a lifetime," the ranking says.

Columbia got the No. 4, but we know that there are many reasons CoMo really could be No. 1 (and should Boulder really be considered a "college" town?!). The site mentions Mizzou's booming enrollment, some great restaurants and the heterogenous local community, which "retains an artsy vibe that is equal parts to college quirk, Midwestern culture and progressive innovation."

Here are RFT's top sixteen reasons why Columbia really is the best college town...compiled with the help of the many Mizzou grads on staff. Let us know your favorites we missed in the comments, y'all!

16. Shakespeare's Pizza

15. The Blue Note

14. True/False Film Festival

Continue for more reasons why Columbia is the best college town.