Best Neighborhoods in Columbia, South Carolina: Top Neighborhoods & Suburbs in Columbia
The best neighborhoods in Columbia, SC, are found throughout this vibrant city. From bustling and unique downtown districts to quiet and quaint suburbs, a new home and friendly community await in these Columbia, South Carolina, suburbs and neighborhoods. Summary: Best Neighborhoods in Columbia, SC Best Suburbs in Columbia for New Construction Homes Which Columbia Neighborhood Is Right for You? New Construction Homes in Columbia Suburbs Best Columbia Neighborhoods Conclusion Like any city, Columbia, SC, neighborhoods have unique personalities, nicknames, and local favorites. These are a few of the best neighborhoods in Columbia, SC. According to Columbia’s tourism website, the lively Main Street neighborhood has experienced a revitalization over the last several years. It’s home to the South Carolina State House and close to the University of South Carolina, making Main Street a dynamic hub of activity where locals, students, and legislators mix and mingle. Strolling Main Street is a popular way to take in the sights of downtown Columbia. Pros Serene greenery throughout the historic Horseshoe and Gibbes Green areas on the university campus Year-round exhibits and entertainment at the Columbia Museum of Art and Nickelodeon Theatre A robust neighborhood events calendar featuring the weekly Soda City Market with local vendors Cons Housing limited to apartments and condos Somewhat hard-to-find parking, especially during the workweek While the Rosewood neighborhood was once primarily residential, it’s since become a popular place for locals to get together. This neighborhood has abundant parks, grocery stores, well-known chain stores, and a 15,000-square-foot skate park. Pros City Roots, an organic farm growing and supplying microgreens to grocery stores, restaurants, and food distributors in the region Proximity to the Williams-Brice Stadium, home to the University of South Carolina Gamecocks and the annual South Carolina State Fair Cons A mixture of commercial properties, older homes, and apartments, with no new construction homes Potential for traffic congestion and noise from trains traveling through the neighborhood Out of all the neighborhoods of Columbia, SC, Five Points is considered the city’s original one. It’s been a popular spot for residents to gather and socialize for over a century. This neighborhood is a great go-to spot for outdoor brunch, vintage shopping, and indulging in gelato, among other fun, quirky local shops and restaurants. Pros Known for quirky shops and boutiques, from vintage vinyl records at Papa Jazz to handmade clothing at Swiff Excellent food scene, from BBQ and artisan coffee to wine, cheese, and pastries Cons A heavily commercial area with older homes or places to rent, with no new construction homes Popular among the college-aged crowd, a potential drawback for some West Columbia, or WeCo to the locals, is one of the best neighborhoods in Columbia, South Carolina, simply because there’s no shortage of fun activities and things to do. If you enjoy shopping for one-of-a-kind items, then WeCo may be among the best Columbia, SC, neighborhoods for you. Between State Street and Meeting Street are dozens of boutiques, an entire mall dedicated to antiques, and a store filled with items by local artisans called State Street Trading Co. Residents also love perusing the seemingly endless array of books at Ed’s Editions. West Columbia is also the perfect neighborhood for spending time with friends, from brunch at local favorite Cafe Strudel to sampling local brews at WECO Bottle Shop and Biergarten or Savage Craft. Pros Abundant opportunities for outdoor fun at several small city parks like Guignard Park and the West Columbia Riverwalk Park The Riverbanks Zoo & Garden, a favorite attraction for South Carolina and Georgia residents Cons Some noise due to proximity to nearby airports Potential for traffic congestion around the local chicken processing plant Sitting on the other side of the Congaree River, next to West Columbia, is Cayce. One of the new neighborhoods in Columbia, SC, Cayce’s popularity is on the rise. The cost of living in Cayce is 10% less than the national average, and the housing costs are a staggering 44% less, according to February 2024 data from Payscale®. The neighborhood is ideal for spending time outside, where you can paddleboard and kayak the Congaree River or stroll the Cayce Riverwalk, which spans 12 miles along the river. Locals also enjoy exploring the Timmerman Trail and the Three Rivers Greenway. Pros Proximity to the Columbia Metropolitan Airport for more convenient travel The burgeoning food scene, including Steel Hands Brewing, The Kingsman, and Duke’s A robust collection of Native American, colonial, and Revolutionary and Civil War artifacts alongside a series of trails at the Cayce Historical Museum, with free admission on Thursdays Cons No new construction homes in the neighborhood Potential for noise due to the proximity of the nearby airport
Best Neighborhoods in Columbia, SC
Main Street
Rosewood
Five Points
West Columbia
Cayce
While the city has several lovely suburbs, these are the best places to live in Columbia, South Carolina, if you’re looking for a beautiful new construction home. Approximately 19 miles north of Columbia, the suburb of Blythewood (formerly called Doko) has long been known for its equestrian roots. It’s home to the University of South Carolina’s equestrian center and served as the training space for the U.S. Olympic equestrian team. For horseback riders, Blythewood is among the best Columbia, SC, suburbs, with more than 50 equestrian facilities and stables. Pros Annual events like the Doko Ribfest, Doko Film Fest, and the J. Gordon Coogler Poetry Festival. Doko Meadows Park, where locals gather for a weekly farmer’s market, six miles of hiking trails, an amphitheater, a lake, playgrounds, skating areas, soccer fields, and ropes courses The beautiful course at the Cobblestone Park Golf Club Cons Limited amenities as a small town, requiring a drive to Columbia for more well-known brands, grocery stores, and shops Some traffic congestion during peak commuter hours Twelve miles west of Columbia is the up-and-coming suburb of Lexington. With a thriving food scene, you can sip coffee at O’Hara’s Bakery Cafe, see what’s on tap at Keg Cowboy or Old Mill Brew Pub, or satisfy your taste buds at Bodhi Thai Dining. Another way to spend the weekend is to catch a Lexington County Blowfish baseball game or shop at a local boutique like Blush. Lexington is an increasingly popular place to live, with loads of things to do, places to shop, and spots to enjoy good food. Pros A jam-packed events calendar at the Icehouse Amphitheater, including chili cook-offs, festivals, and concerts Outdoor recreation opportunities at Virginia Hylton Park, with several paths, a special-needs playground, a flower garden, and a koi pond, plus other attractions Boating, paddle boarding, or fishing on Lake Murray, roughly five miles from Lexington Cons Limited nightlife Requires a car to get around Potential for traffic congestion due to road-widening construction Approximately 25 miles northeast of Columbia is the suburb of Elgin. For a small-town atmosphere, Elgin is the place to be. This suburb, founded in 1908, covers slightly over one square mile of land and has a population of just over 1,300 people, according to the town’s website as of February 2024. Pros Events at Potter Community Park, including summer movie nights and the annual Catfish Stomp Quality schools and a community-oriented atmosphere Less than four miles from the Midlands Regional Rehabilitation Hospital Cons Limited amenities due to the area’s size and more remote location Potentially longer commutes and traffic congestion due to distance from Columbia Whether you enjoy the bustling lifestyle of living downtown and easy access to shops, restaurants, and a dynamic nightlife scene or the slow, serene pace of the suburbs, here are some of the best places to live in Columbia, SC, to suit your lifestyle. Many people often look for a neighborhood conveniently located near their job, with homes that fit comfortably within their budget and have a healthy dose of fun things to do. Columbia, SC, has an ideal mixture of all these attributes, including proximity to major employers: Cayce: Less than five miles from downtown Columbia, Cayce is a great neighborhood for those who want an easy commute to work. Columbia only spans 6.5 square miles, so you can drive to work or hop on the city bus. Main Street: If you work in the greater downtown area, an apartment in Main Street offers convenient access to work and recreation. Elgin: For those seeking to buy their first home while enjoying easy access to Columbia, consider the suburb of Elgin. Browse new construction homes in Elgin, SC, from Pulte®, less than four miles from Interstate 20, which connects to the Columbia metropolitan area. These Columbia, SC, suburbs offer a quiet, laid-back lifestyle that appeals to everyone: Blythewood: The suburb of Blythewood is a great place to live in Columbia, SC. The area is quiet and offers a quality school system. Explore our new construction homes in Blythewood, SC. Lexington: Lexington has a highly rated public school system, according to Niche® in February 2024, plus an abundance of amenities, activities, and attractions. Check out the new construction homes in Lexington, SC, from Pulte, which offer convenient access to public docks on Lake Murray, just two miles away.Best Suburbs in Columbia for New Construction Homes
Blythewood
Lexington
Elgin
Which Columbia Neighborhood Is Right for You?
Best Neighborhoods in Columbia for Young Professionals
Best Neighborhoods in Columbia for Families
New Construction Homes in Columbia Suburbs
For homebuyers ready to settle down in the Palmetto State, consider the new construction homes in these beautiful places to live in Columbia, SC:
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Grand Arbor: This quiet community features a pond, creek, and wooded views, offering residents a charming and peaceful neighborhood. The homes here span up to 2,800 square feet, and prices start in the high $200Ks. Residents also enjoy a 12-acre lake surrounded by trails, a pool, a pavilion, pickleball and basketball courts, a youth soccer field, and a playground.
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Pecan Orchard: This gated golf community has homes starting in the low $400Ks. Future residents can choose from five home design options.
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Carriage Estates: This community in Lexington features gorgeous homes that start in the high $300Ks. Within this tranquil setting, residents enjoy a community swimming pool, shared pavilion, and easy access to nearby public docks and boat ramps.
Best Columbia Neighborhoods Conclusion
If you’re considering a move to South Carolina’s state capital, you’re likely to find an ideal home among the best neighborhoods in Columbia, SC. With several communities located near the city and a handful of lovely suburbs, each with its distinct attractions and atmosphere, Columbia has a place for the next chapter in your life.
Explore new construction homes in Columbia, SC, today, or browse more Pulte blogs.
Written By: Alexandra Shimalla, Freelance Journalist
Last Updated: November 19, 2024