Looking for a new home in Columbia SC? Here is a list that I compiled of some great neighborhoods in the Columbia SC. Most of them are in the urban areas but a few are outside the City of Columbia. (Also, this Columbia Neighborhood Guide may also help. It's an ongoing project for us.)
Urban Neighborhoods
Melrose Heights – Located downtown between Millwood and Gervais. These homes are mostly bungalows that were built in the mid 20th century.
Cottontown- a neighborhood in the heart of downtown Columbia with some historic homes, bungalows and traditional homes. Cottontown is flanked by Bull Street, N. Main, and Elmwood Avenue. It’s close to just about everything and is located seconds from Palmetto Health Richland Hospital.
Shandon – By far one of the most sought after communities in Columbia. It’s located between Blossom Street, Rosewood Drive and Harden Street. Its close to 5 points and is a great location for people that like a high-end neighborhood with all of the perks of urban living.
Forest Acres – Located within Trenholm Road, Forest Drive, Two Notch Road and Beltline Blvd. This is an excellent neighborhood with an environment more of a true southern neighborhood. Mature hardwoods are scattered throughout this area and you will find many styles of homes from split levels, bungalows, colonial and southern architecture. It is close to Fort Jackson and is ideal for military personnel.
Arcadia Lakes- This area adjoins Forest Acres. The homes here are a little more distinctive and many offer waterfront lots.
Forest Hills – This is a hidden gem located off of Glenwood Avenue, Gervais Street and Forest Drive. This is a compact neighborhood with mostly larger lots and early to mid 20th century homes. This is one of my favorite neighborhoods in Columbia.
Heathwood - Heathwood is in the center of most of these urban neighborhoods. Its a hotspot for buyers that want to stay a while in Columbia. Although there is always a few homes for sale in Heathwood, the majority of the people that I know that live in this area are happy and don't intend on moving for a while.
Rosewood- This is an ideal location for students of all ages. It is close to USC, Midlands Tech and Fort Jackson. It neighbors Shandon and for years people have been claiming that it’s the next Shandon. However, its Rosewood and will most likely always be a step down from Shandon. This is an affordable neighborhood for buyers that don’t want to pay Shandon prices.
Olde Woodlands – This is another one of my favorite neighborhoods. I didn’t discover it until about 5 years ago. Its ideal for employees at the VA Hospital, the University, or Ft. Jackson Personnel. Its similar to both Shandon and Forest Hills.
Wales Garden – I’ve always considered this to be Shandon but after brokering real estate for a few years I realized that it is an entity of its own. It is on the Williams-Brice side of Harden Street.
Lake Kathrine – This area is also a great location for FT. Jackson and medical personnel. Its located just off of Trenholm Road and offers plenty of waterfront homes for sale.
The Burbs
If you want to be in the Columbia Northeast area, you may like our best neighborhoods in Blythewood list
Wildewood – Ok, I’m getting a little further from the city now but this neighborhood is definitely on the list for quality and desirability. If you’re a pro athlete or a doctor you’ve probably considered Wildewood in your real estate search. Did I mention there’s a Golf Course?
Spring Valley – Waterfront homes and golf course homes in a gated community. This neighborhood is comparable to Wildewood with location and amenities but with a little more wisdom. Lots sizes are typically larger and manicured.
Lake Carolina – This very well could be the new Wildewood or Spring Valley. Lots of nice homes in this community with a 200-acre lake. However, no golf course within the neighborhood but there are plenty surrounding. This neighborhood is a little more high density than I’m used to but it’s the most talked-about neighborhoods of the NorthEast Columbia region. There are many styles of homes here including the use of green building products.
Longcreek Plantation – This neighborhood has just about everything from swimming, tennis, horseback riding, and 36 holes of golf divided between The Columbia Country Club and The Windermere Club. Longcreek is a stretch into Blythewood but it has to be mentioned. There is too much info to summarize.
The University Club of South Carolina at Cobblestone Park- Slowly transitioning the name “The University Club” to “Cobblestone Park". I honestly haven’t seen a more spectacular development than this one. Attention to detail is an understatement. There are 27 holes of golf, swimming, tennis, and so on. This is a gated community has a lot to offer but be prepared to pay resort prices for resort living.
Woodcreek Farms- Since we’re talking about high-end golf neighborhoods…you should take a peek out here. In Woodcreek you will find large high-end homes incorporating energy efficiency and a country club lifestyle.