Columbia ranked as a top 10 college town

A new list ranks Columbia as one of the top 10 college towns in the country to live in.

The Livability.com listranks Columbia as the fourth most livable college town in the U.S. based on numerous factors, including cost of living, walkability and pollution levels. The site also took into consideration student-to-resident ratios, educational attachment, college-sponsored community outreach programs and the number of young adults living in the city.

Livability.com cited the combination of three colleges with the city’s artsy vibe, “college quirk, Midwestern culture and progressive innovation” as reasons for its ranking.

The website also pointed out The District — containing more than 100 shops, 70 restaurant and bars, and at least 45 live performances a week — Columbia’s fitness trails, and MU’s community outreach programs.

The Top 10 Best College Towns:

1. Boulder, Colo.
2. Ann Arbor, Mich.
3. Gainesville, Fla.
4. Columbia, Mo.
5. Lexington, Ky.
6. Iowa City, Iowa
7. Missoula, Mont.
8. Madison, Wis.
9. Fayetteville, Ark.
10. College Station, Texas