Cayce

Springdale residents have got some flighty neighbors. The South Carolina town is situated next to the Columbia Metropolitan Airport, granting locals easy access to some of the country’s largest and most popular cities. One of the Midlands’ youngest towns, Springdale was established in 1955. Before the airport’s development, it was primarily a farming community largely populated by crops and livestock. Today, the 2,700 residents here enjoy the small-town vibe and the convenience that comes with living just 5 miles from downtown Columbia. “Springdale is up-and-coming,” says Angela Peterson, a Realtor with RE/MAX Southern Collection, who’s been selling homes in the area for nine years. “Neighborhoods are going through a revitalization, and it’s for buyers who want something that will get them close to the center of all the activity the Midlands has to offer.” The creation of Platt Springs Road was a huge reason for Springdale’s economic and residential expansion, and the main drag is now flanked by some popular retail shops and restaurants, such as Carolina Buffet. Locals say the wait for a seat at one of the checkerboard tables inside may be long, but the Southern-style fried chicken, lima beans and banana pudding are well worth it. A night out could be spent along the same stretch of road enjoying craft beer and live music with friends at The Dales. For cooking at home, a grocery run can easily be handled at the Food Lion or Walmart Neighborhood Market, just two miles east in the city of Cayce. Every June the town celebrates summer with the Springdale Summerfest and Golf Cart Parade. In addition to the parade, the event features live music, free food and fireworks at Felton C. Benton Park on Platt Springs Road. While Springdale’s growth has led to some new construction, the community is predominately made up of brick ranch-style and split-level homes, many dating back 50 years. “The area offers a lot of in-demand smaller floorplans for both first-time buyers and buyers looking to downsize,” Peterson says. Lots commonly offer spacious yards, adorned with mature oaks, magnolias and well-manicured bushes. The newer subdivisions are marked by contemporary homes with two-car garages that rest on compact lots and feature sidewalk-lined streets. The average sale price in Springdale hovers around $325,000. A three-bedroom could be found for $225,000, while a five-bedroom new build might fetch $375,000. “There are great housing opportunities for people wanting access to downtown Columbia without having to live in the middle of the action,” Peterson says. Public school students start off at Springdale Elementary before moving on to R.H. Fulmer Middle and Airport High. Part of Lexington County School District Two, the schools score B-plus, B and B-minus Niche grades. R.H. Fulmer Middle offers a wealth of clubs, which they refer to as advisories, including cornhole, a social media team and a Harry Potter club. Airport High School gets its name because of its location next to Columbia Metropolitan Airport. The school is known for its drill team, which consistently finishes as the top team in South Carolina and the top 10 in the nation. At Felton C. Benton Park, kids can romp around the playground and cool off on the splash pad during the warmer months. Additional outdoor fun can be found in the surrounding West Columbia and Cayce areas. Drive five miles east to stroll along the Congaree River at the Cayce Riverwalk. The greenway and boardwalks are dotted with public art and offer 12 miles of hiking and biking trails and peaceful views of the river. It’s also a popular spot for kayaking and canoeing. Taking to the skies is a breeze in Springdale, with the Columbia Metropolitan Airport just off Platt Springs Road. It’s among the biggest draws to the area for homebuyers who are also frequent travelers. When residents are ready for vacation, they can catch a nonstop flight to cities like New York, Chicago and Miami. Interstate 26, the longest stretch of highway in South Carolina, traces Springdale’s eastern edge. It runs from Charleston to Kingston, Tennessee, allowing residents to easily navigate the state and beyond. And downtown Columbia can be reached with a quick 5-mile trip northeast via Platt Springs Road.

Drive through this Cayce, South Carolina neighborhood on a Saturday and you’ll see University of South Carolina fans tailgating around nearly every corner. Home to Williams-Brice Stadium, Arthurtown still shows signs of its industrial roots, but Mary Lane Sloan, broker and co-owner of the Art of Real Estate says, “it’s definitely growing because of its proximity to the University and downtown Columbia.”<br><br>Single-family homes are scattered across the neighborhood. The median home price in Arthurtown is around $165,000, making it relatively more affordable than surrounding areas in Columbia. “Some of the older houses in Arthurtown are being redone and modernized by homebuyers,” Sloan says. You’ll notice a range of styles sitting side-by-side on small lots, including mobile homes, bungalows with small, screened-in patios and ranchers with vinyl siding. <br><br>Students here funnel into Richland County District One. “They’ll typically attend South Kilbourne Elementary School, Hand Middle School and Dreher High School, some of the best schools in the area,” says Cynthia J. Smith, owner and broker-in-charge at Century Carolina Realty. Hand Middle School recently started a garden and greenhouse project that donates the harvested crops to local shelters and food banks. It's also known for its dance and orchestra programs. Those students later feed into Dreher High School, where they can continue to refine their creative and artistic skills or join one of the many athletic teams that have won multiple state titles. <br><br>Granby Park sits less than 4 miles outside the center of the neighborhood. It’s the southernmost part of the Three Rivers Greenway, which connects the cities of Columbia, West Columbia and Cayce. The 24-acre park is made up of several hiking and biking trails, and is dog friendly. Relax on the benches and swings that overlook the Congaree River or cast a line into the water in hopes of catching a fish or two.<br><br>Named after the rivers that run through Columbia and Cayce, River Rat Brewery has become a favorite spot among locals. Try one of their seasonal beers like the twisted lemon wheat ale or grab the pimento brisket Philly and head up to the rooftop patio to catch a game. You can also take in the views of Williams-Brice Stadium. Another neighborhood staple is Bernie’s Chicken, loved by people across the state for its comfort food. Walk up to the counter to order Bernie’s special that comes with fried chicken, french fries, coleslaw and an ice-cold sweet tea. For dessert, customers rave about the banana pudding. <br><br>Take a step back in time at the South Carolina Military Museum that now calls Arthurtown home. It was originally in Sumter but made the move closer to the capital city. The museum has two exhibits full of artifacts detailing the history of the state’s military operations dating back to the late 17th century. <br><br>The neighborhood’s industrial history reveals itself along the two main thoroughfares in Arthurtown – Bluff Road and Shop Road – flanked by car repair shops, warehouses and supply stores. Shop Road gives residents easy access to downtown Columbia where there are plenty of grocery and retail options. This affordable community offers convenience to the hustle and bustle of the university's football stadium and the heart of the city that sits just 4 miles north.

The town of Pine Ridge is located about 10 miles south of the Columbia metro area’s main city and is even closer to a number of other suburban communities. Although it fits the description of a suburb, it has rural traits, too. Lori Carnes, the broker in charge at Keller Williams Palmetto, says the town’s location is key for folks who typically seek it out. “It’s kind of centrally located for a lot of people,” says Carnes, who has done well over a dozen sales in Pine Ridge and the greater Columbia metro. The community is located right off interstates 26 and 77, which facilitate fast travel to other parts of the region. With downtown Columbia being a roughly 15- to 20-minute drive away, it’s not uncommon for those working in the city to settle in the town. For instance, some of the faculty at the University of South Carolina in Columbia have sought housing in the town. Military personnel from the Columbia-based Fort Jackson also regularly seek out homes just outside of Columbia, with Pine Ridge being a common destination. Like throughout much of the region, brick ranch-style homes are common here. Tall pine trees overlook many homes and other plantings like palms sometimes adorn the front yards. Homebuyers here can find generous acreage and homes that often date back to the mid-20th century, even if some of them have been reworked. Many price points range from just under $100,000 to around $400,000. One three-bedroom ranch-style house with fastened metal roofing and mixed siding that includes stone veneer can go for $425,000. The home was built in the 1950s, but has gone through some significant updates and sits on just 3 acres of land and includes a studio apartment in the back. The architecture, however, has been changing and there is new stock available. “It’s all over the place, my friend,” Carnes says. The Courtyard at Rockford Place includes houses like a modern two-story Craftsman where the two-car garage is in a gabled roof wing made partly out of stone veneer siding. In the Drayton Hall community, a traditional two-story and four-bedroom home with both craftsman and colonial revival influences can go for just under $270,000. Parents looking to sign up their children for some youth sports will find some quality facilities at the Midlands Sports Complex off Fish Hatchery Road and Pine Ridge Drive. The venue’s newer complex includes fields for youth baseball and football, while the older complex just down the road provides playing space for youth softball. Golfers can get some rounds in at the Charwood Golf Club, while those looking to work on their swing can go to the Par Tee Golf Center, which also includes a recently renovated mini-course for putt-putt style games. For a more scenic getaway, the Peachtree Rock Heritage Preserve sits about 10 miles south of Pine Ridge. Visitors there can explore the woodlands, where they’ll find layered sandstone formations containing fossils of ancient marine creatures. The community is home to the South Carolina State Farmers Market located just off U.S. Highway 321. The year-round market is open seven days a week, although vendor hours may vary. The market operates under an expansive barn-like pavilion and its visitors can find a variety of fresh produce, specialty products and artisan items. Among the items they’ll find are honey from regional beekeepers and a variety of color plantings to decorate either homes or gardens. The institutions that serve Pine Ridge include Herbert A. Wood Elementary School, Pine Ridge Middle School and Airport High School, all of which received grades of C-plus or higher from ratings site Niche. The Cyril B. Busbee Creative Arts Academy is also located just north of the town. The school, which received a C-plus grade from Niche, serves sixth to eighth graders and aims to provide more diverse programs in areas like arts, technology and athletics. Pine Ridge sits just within reach of interstates 26 and 77, which provide directions connections to other parts of the Columbia metro and even other cities like Charlotte, North Carolina. Those looking to travel by plane can go to the Columbia Metropolitan Airport, which is practically in the town’s backyard.