Columbia, MO is know for having an excellent school system, state-of-the-art health care facilities, entertainment opportunities galore, a low cost of living, a clean environment and much, much more. The book 50 Fabulous Places to Raise Your Family has this to say: "Columbia is a fast-growing city, valued for its highly educated work force, low cost of living, favorable government attitude toward business, award-winning schools and nationally recognized quality of life."