Columbia

Cedar Lake, Columbia Neighborhood

Cedar Lake offers a tranquil and peaceful environment with low noise levels throughout its streets. The neighborhood primarily features single detached homes with spacious layouts, including many four and three-bedroom options built around the early 1990s. Residents benefit from proximity to both primary and high schools, making education easily accessible. Parking is especially convenient, enhancing the overall ease of commuting by vehicle. Although the terrain includes several hills, the neighborhood retains its calm character and slower pace, providing a welcoming atmosphere. For grocery shopping and daily errands, driving offers straightforward access to nearby stores, combining convenience with a quiet community setting.

Cedar Lake is a great neighborhood to buy a house in for those who prefer a calm environment. Cedar Lake is very quiet, as noise from the streets and other parts of the city is rarely an issue.

Highlights of Cedar Lake

Parks, schools, dining, and what makes this neighborhood special

🌊 Cedar Lake (private neighborhood lake)

This 19‑acre spring‑fed lake sits at the heart of the Cedar Lake neighborhood, offering residents opportunities to swim, fish, canoe, and enjoy tranquil waterscapes in a peaceful, low‑motor environment that's central to the community’s tight‑knit character.

🏫 Mill Creek Elementary / Gentry Middle / Rock Bridge High

Serving Cedar Lake residents, Mill Creek Elementary, Gentry (Ann Hawkins) Middle, and Rock Bridge High form the local school pathway, offering well‑regarded public education with access to amenities like the school district planetarium and community learning partnerships.

🍽️ Murry's (local restaurant)

A cozy, upscale eatery popular with Cedar Lake residents, Murry's features elevated American fare and live jazz in a dimly lit, intimate setting just minutes from the neighborhood, making it a favored dining destination nearby.

🍸 Las Margaritas Mexican Bar & Grill

Located right by the lake’s edge, this relaxed Mexican restaurant offers lakeside views and casual favorites like tacos and chimichangas, providing a convenient, well‑loved spot for Cedar Lake residents looking for a laid‑back meal near home.

🚶 Cedar Lake sidewalks & walking paths

With sidewalks throughout much of the neighborhood and the lakefront path itself, Cedar Lake encourages frequent outdoor strolls among neighbors, promoting walkability and a relaxed retreat just 5 miles from downtown Columbia.

Cedar Lake

This August in Cedar Lake

Things to do, events, and what's happening this month

August 22, 2026

Kaleidospoke

Flat Branch Park to Twin Lakes Rec Area • 7:00 PM–10:30 PM

A unique illuminated bike ride that starts at Flat Branch Park and winds to Twin Lakes—perfect for active Cedar Lake-area residents seeking a fun, visually stunning community night out close by.

August 14, 2026

Movies in the Park: Ratatouille

Cosmo Park • 8:30 PM

An outdoor screening of the beloved film Ratatouille at Cosmo Park makes for a family‑friendly evening—ideal for Cedar Lake locals looking for relaxed, free summer entertainment just across town.

August 8, 2026

Food Forest Tour at Columbia's Agriculture Park

Columbia's Agriculture Park • 10:00 AM–11:00 AM

A guided tour through edible plantings like fruit and nut trees—great for Cedar Lake gardeners or families interested in learning about local foodscaping in a nearby community venue.

August 27, 2026

2026 Tomato Festival

Jefferson Farm Extension and Engagement Center • 4:00 PM–7:00 PM

A celebration of summer harvest featuring 235 tomato varieties, cooking demos, and tomato lemonade—perfect for Cedar Lake food‑enthusiasts and gardening fans eager for a flavorful, educational outing.

August 31, 2026

Farm to Pavilion Dinner

MU Health Care Pavilion (Columbia Farmers Market) • 6:00 PM–8:00 PM

An annual fundraiser dinner celebrating local food with proceeds supporting vendor fees and children’s programming—appealing to Cedar Lake-area residents who value local agriculture and community support.

From the Neighborhood

Stories, updates, and things to know in Cedar Lake

Know Your Neighborhood

Local characteristics and demographics for Cedar Lake

Neighborhood Characteristics

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Demographics

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