Columbia

Belmont delivers for homebuyers searching for a proximal location with accessible price points. “It’s one of the more affordable areas compared to others around Columbia,” says Julian Hays, real estate professional with Todd Realty Partners. “You’re still within city limits, so you’re close to downtown and the interstates, which is always an ideal situation for convenience.” Belmont is flanked by several lakes and rural landscapes, yet the neighborhood is very much suburban. This factor plays a key role in the area’s significant growth within the last few years. Rachel Shealy, a Realtor at 803 Realty, speculates that Columbia’s slower-paced lifestyle is partially to blame for attracting many out-of-state newcomers. “Maybe it’s also the property tax exemptions the state makes for veterans and the elderly," Shealey adds. "Or just because everyone is super friendly down here.” Belmont’s CAP Index Crime Score is relatively high when compared to the national average of 4. With a score of 8 out of 10, there are several programs that the Columbia Police Department has put into place. One of them includes Ceasefire Columbia, which aims to reduce gun violence and crime by providing valuable resources to repeat offenders. “There has been the occasional new build in that area, but it’s mostly filled with established ranch homes and bungalows ready to be renovated,” Hays says. Belmont’s established houses, mostly developed in the 1950s and ‘60s on lots below a quarter-acre, often sit in a thicket of trees, creating a sense of separation from neighbors. Prices for homes in this area are typically between $100,000 to $120,000, which is a bit lower when compared to more desirable and historic neighborhoods like Shandon. Affordability plays a key factor in the recent inventory boom in Belmont. “There was an explosion of new homes a few years back,” Shealey adds. “It was such an issue that the city placed a moratorium on building new homes, but that was recently lifted.” Students living in Belmont can attend Arden Elementary School, which is graded with a C on Niche. They later filter into Alcorn Middle School, which earns a C-minus Niche score, and C.A. Johnson High School. The high school maintains a C score on Niche and offers a robust health sciences magnet program to train students for nursing, sports medicine and health administration careers. C.A. Johnson High School is also the only school in the district participating in the Jobs for America’s Graduates program. The student-led organization partners with a national network, allowing them to get hands-on experience at aerospace engineering suppliers or participate in entrepreneurship boot camps. Access to North Main Street makes it convenient to get to the BullStreet District, just 2.5 miles south of Belmont’s residential streets. “You might have to drive a little farther out,” Shealey adds. “Plus, there can be a lot of traffic on North Main Street or any major roadway because the infrastructure here can’t really support our growth right now.” Another highly trafficked interstate is US-277. For immediate medical needs, Richland Memorial Hospital is roughly 3 miles away. Columbia Metropolitan Airport is about 15 miles away. Residents can reach several city parks within a 2-mile drive. When school lets out for the summer, kids flock to the water park in Greenview, where they can dive into pools, go flying down winding tube slides or run around the splash pad. Year-round, both Greenview Park and Meadowlake Park are frequented by locals who gather to play a match on the tennis courts or go for a walk along trails and tracks. The city green spaces are also often used for recreational and youth league baseball and softball games. Carys Lakes, Burnside Lake and Spring Lake are just a few of the lakes residents can enjoy within a 10-mile radius. The Broad River is also a popular spot near the University of South Carolina for kayaking and floating on innertubes, as Riverfront Park North has multiple drop-off points. Running errands can be easily handled by traveling to the Food Lion tucked away in the neighborhood’s southern end. There’s also a Dollar General and Family Dollar nearby. Family-owned Nothin’ But Wings is a local favorite for the food and the service, but the name is a bit deceiving. While the wings tossed in lemon pepper, metro mild or teriyaki sauce are the eatery’s bread and butter, the menu features other Southern comfort food like fried shrimp baskets, chicken livers and burgers. Much of the nearby retail and restaurants can be found along North Main Street. “That road and the businesses on it are going through a revitalization, mostly due to the new Peak Drift Brewery nearby,” Bunge says. The facility that used to house a manufacturing company spans nearly 65,000 square feet. A mile up North Main Street is another local favorite, Zesto. This old-school diner is known for chocolate-dipped ice cream and burgers. Locals can also sit down for a meal on the pet-friendly outdoor patio at Publico Kitchen and Tap. North Main Street is also home to a Piggly Wiggly, making it convenient to grab any last-minute groceries. About 5 miles away is Columbia Place Mall. The expansive shopping center includes several local and chain restaurants. In the mix of all the shopping is Spotlight Cinemas Capital 8, one of the area’s favorite places to catch a movie. At the center of all the action is the baseball stadium, Segra Park, home to the Columbia Fireflies. On the weekends, the stands flood with fans from across the city to catch a minor league game, followed by fireworks. “Soda City is another huge event here,” Shealey adds. “It’s every Saturday, and it’s super dog-friendly. They shut down Main Street and line it with local vendors.” According to Shealey, the University of South Carolina football games are a huge deal, and fans often fill the Williams-Brice Stadium, even though the stadium was built to hold over 50,000 people.

Residents in Belvedere fought for years to be annexed into the city of Columbia, finally accomplishing their mission in 1996. Situated just 4 miles from downtown and the University of South Carolina, Mary Lane Sloan, broker and co-owner of ART of Real Estate, who has 16 years of experience in the industry describes this neighborhood as “a small area, but it’s convenient to a lot of amenities in Columbia and is one of the more affordable ones in the city.” However, Belvedere has a more industrial feel, reflected in the shops, warehouses and supply stores surrounding its residential streets. Strolling through Belvedere, quiet residential streets give way to 1950s and ‘60s brick ranch-style homes with spacious yards, with some houses sitting on lots nearing a quarter-acre. “Prices for homes in Belvedere can start in the $100,000s, so it’s a good opportunity for first-time buyers or people looking for an investment property,” Sloan says. Yet prices can reach the mid $200,000s for a recently updated three-bedroom with hardwood floors. Exterior features include paved driveways leading to carports or one-car garages. However, the neighborhood is prone to flooding. Much of the community has struggled since the historic 2015 thousand-year flood. While other areas received help after the flood, Belvedere was overlooked until recently, with state-funded initiatives helping to rebuild homes that have suffered from water damage. Richland School District No. 1 serves the community of Belvedere, with schools scoring average ratings on Niche. Young students may start their educational journey at the C-rated Burton Pack Elementary School before moving on to C-plus-rated schools like W.G. Sanders Middle and W.J. Keenan High. Middle school students who participate in the career exploration magnet program are automatically enrolled in one of the four magnet academies at W.J. Keenan High School. Those academies are also career-focused, with engineering, hospitality and tourism, government and entrepreneurship courses. Although Belvedere boasts backyards big enough for a playground or game of catch, locals can take advantage of the recently revitalized T.S. Martin Park less than 1.5 miles west of the neighborhood. The 8-acre space got a facelift in 2021, converting old, unused tennis courts into a unique playground. Children can climb up and down the ropes on the jungle gym or weave through the bamboo jungle. Other amenities include two baseball diamonds, a walking trail and a unique basketball tree with hoops of all different heights branching out from one center. Shopping and dining options are conveniently located along streets like Two Notch Road and Beltline Boulevard. A small strip mall anchored by Food Lion and Family Dollar sits about a mile away. For a leisurely breakfast, Ray’s Diner is known for their Southern classics, whipping up favorites like creamy grits and country fried steak, while Big Bone Takeout is known for their soul food. The two main thoroughfares are also lined with used car dealers and auto parts and repair shops for more specialty needs. In the spring, locals can catch a Columbia Fireflies baseball game. The minor baseball league team plays at Segra Park, a multi-use sports and entertainment complex 3 miles outside the neighborhood. Open year-round, Segra Park also hosts outdoor concerts with up to 15,000 attendees and private events. The stadium anchors the vibrant and rapidly growing Bull Street District, a mixed-use space housing offices, shops and restaurants. At the neighborhood’s northern end sits Highway 277, providing quick access to amenity-rich areas throughout Columbia. Locals can find bus stops along Two Notch Road to the east and West Beltline Boulevard. Major roads like Interstates 20 and 77 are nearby, while those looking to travel even further can catch a flight at Columbia Metropolitan Airport, about 10 miles away. According to the CAP Index, Belvedere receives a 7 out of 10 crime score. Yet, the area benefits from proximity to essential establishments like surrounding houses of worship and Prisma Health Richland Hospital.

About 3 miles from Five Points and the University of South Carolina sits Booker Washington Heights. Often neglected in the past, the neighborhood is finally getting the attention it deserves, with local and city-led initiatives that aim to improve the community. The Katheryn M. Bellfield Booker Washington Heights Cultural Arts Center does just that. Opened in August 2023, the center “Offers a range of resources for the community. We hold youth-centric events, after-school programs and an annual teen camp. Many residents utilize the center, but we are not yet at the numbers we want to see,” says Theresa Geter, a center employee. “In February 2024, we had a health fair. We also held a community baby shower where we gave necessities to expecting mothers.” Apartments and 1950s ranch-style houses and bungalows with petite front patios are a stronghold in the neighborhood and will typically require some repairs and updates. Homes here usually sit on small-scale lots below a quarter acre, many lined with chain link fencing to create separation and a sense of privacy. Properties may also occasionally feature gravel or paved parking pads. Although Booker Washington Heights has a large population of renters, prospective homeowners and investors can expect property prices to range from $40,000s to just over $100,000. “You can find homes under $150,000 – much less than surrounding neighborhoods. It’s also an ideal spot for an investment home,” says Caleb Jones, Realtor with EXIT Realty Solutions. Besides its proximity to higher learning institutions like USC and Benedict College, the Richland School District No. 1 serves the community, known for its magnet programs and average ratings on Niche. Students here attend the C-rated Watkins-Nance Elementary School and C-minus-rated W.A. Perry Middle School. C-rated CA Johnson High School allows students to apply for the health sciences magnet program with biomedical research and sports medicine courses. Two recently revitalized pocket parks let residents enjoy the great outdoors. In the heart of the neighborhood, EB Sessions Park features a playground, picnic areas, and a small pathway for an afternoon stroll. Less than a mile outside the neighborhood, TS Martin Park offers a new playground with rope climbers and a bamboo jungle. The park also boasts walking trails and baseball fields. Golfers can hone their skills at the James E. Clyburn Golf Center, which also holds a golf camp each year for kids. The neighborhood is also home to Katheryn M. Bellfield Booker Washington Heights Cultural Arts Center – which hosts a range of community events- and a resource center for professionals looking to utilize amenities like conference rooms and printers. Locals can access two separate Food Lions two miles north or south of the neighborhood. There is also a Family Dollar along Farrow Road for everyday necessities. Restaurants like Two Notch Restaurant Neighborhood Grill and Bar serve up classic American fare, while Big Bone Takeout is the go-to spot for soul food favorites. Locals can also head to downtown Columbia for a different food scene, like Publico Kitchen and Tap for a mix of Latin-Asian dishes and Iron Hill Brewery for a range of craft beers. The Booker Washington Heights Neighborhood Association and local churches hold numerous community events. Monthly meetings that invoke conversations and community engagement are common, such as the 2024 Empowerment for Peace walk and the Fall Festival, where kids enjoyed trunk-or-treating. The Saint John Baptist Church has hosted events like paint parties, while Bible Way of Piedmont Ministries offers services that range from soup kitchens to coat drives and monthly food banks. Residents have nearby access to bus services along Farrow Road. Major thoroughfares like US Route 1 and US Route 277 surround the community and nearby Interstates 20 and 77. For domestic travel, Columbia Metropolitan Airport is about 10 miles away. Residents can take solace in knowing that Prisma Health Richland Hospital sits just outside the neighborhood’s eastern edge. Several smaller clinics, dentist’s offices and pharmacies also surround the expansive medical center’s campus. According to the CAP Index, Booker Washington Heights receives a 9 out of 10 crime score, well above the national average of 4. However, the community boasts an active neighborhood association full of dedicated residents who aim to improve and uplift the community. “The association also uses the Cultural Arts Center for their monthly meeting to discuss issues and initiatives they want to implement in the community,” Geter says.

The BullStreet District is a 181-acre, mixed-use community growing on the former campus of the South Carolina State Hospital. While remnants of the historic architecture have been preserved, developers of the urban BullStreet District have enhanced the area by adding a park, restaurants and shops beside the residential housing. “It’s the perfect location for being in the center of everything,” says Chaka Sellers, an eight-year resident of Columbia and Realtor with Slate Realty. “You’re right beside Fireflies baseball games and a short distance from Soda City Market. The area is really starting to bloom.” As part of the neighborhood plan, restaurants and retail surround housing. Currently, locals can walk to Starbucks, Publico Kitchen and Tap and REI but more retail space is being developed. Construction is also underway on Iron Hill Brewery and The Sanctuary Food Hall, which is expected to hold more than a dozen restaurants for residents to enjoy. Other nearby dining includes Express China, offering standard American-Chinese takeout, and No Name Deli, a 30-year area staple known for its salads and toasted sandwiches. “On Saturdays, the Soda City Market has pretty much everything. There are food trucks and live performers; you can buy knick-knacks and fresh produce,” Sellers says. “I went last weekend and got some barbecue seasoning.” For groceries, BullStreet residents can drive to Publix or Food Lion, both around 2 miles away. The majority of housing in the BullStreet District is comprised of apartments, which come with amenities such as saltwater pools and yoga studios. There is also a senior living apartment complex. Those looking to buy townhouses can find two- and four-bedroom units with rooftop patios and private garages. The two-bedroom townhouses are listed in the $400,000s, and the four-bedroom ones often sell between $700,000 and $750,000. BullStreet residents have access to Page Ellington Park, a 20-acre park with a fenced-in doggie play area. The park follows Smith Branch Creek and encompasses a 2-acre pond, which has been planted with cattails and other water-loving greenery. Earlewood Park is just over 1 mile away; it has trails and a playground for children. From the neighborhood, all of downtown Columbia’s offerings are within a short drive, including the Columbia Museum of Art, the Township Auditorium and the Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park. Sports fans can enjoy Columbia Fireflies games at Segra Park, which is just steps away. The University of South Carolina has several sports venues throughout downtown as well. “I stay away from downtown during USC events,” Sellers says. “It gets pretty crowded, especially when they play against Georgia.” In November and December, Segra Park is covered in thousands of multi-colored lights, and locals can come to meet Santa, enjoy the beautiful lights and purchase a Christmas tree. Public school options for BullStreet children include Carver-Lyon Elementary School, which earns a C-plus on Niche and has a magnet dual language immersion program with partial instruction in Spanish, Chinese or French. They later filter into C-minus-rated W.A. Perry Middle School — a STEM-focused school with a medical magnet program. That focus can continue at C.A. Johnson High School, which gets a C Niche score and also offers a health science magnet program. Nearby private school options include Saint Joseph Catholic School; it gets an A on Niche and serves students from kindergarten through sixth grade. The Central Midlands Transit (The Comet) buses stop along Bull Street every day — they run to and from the transit center, allowing locals to make connections around the city of Columbia. Those who commute by car will find several major roads nearby. “It’s easy to get to the highway from BullStreet,” Sellers says. About 9 miles west is the Columbia Metropolitan Airport, which offers direct flights to 10 major airports, including LaGuardia International Airport and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. Those in need of medical services can find a Level I Adult Trauma Center and a Level II Trauma Pediatric Trauma Center just over a mile away at the Prisma Health Richland Hospital. The BullStreet District is a new development in a historically high-crime area. The Babcock, which offers luxury apartments, was formerly an abandoned mental health facility. As more residents move into the area, additional foot traffic may lead to decreased crime levels. Richland County residents are considered to be at high risk of ice storms, per the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Cornerstoned by the private Columbia College, the aptly named College Place is a community that bloomed in the early 20th century. "There aren't a million businesses moving in, as you'll see in other areas close to the city center," says Chris Bunge, Realtor and broker with Coldwell Banker Realty. "It's a stable, quiet community but also extremely convenient. You have easy access to the BullStreet District and the Vista downtown, and you're within minutes of Interstates 20 and 77 to reach other areas around the city." Between the proximity to downtown Columbia and the entry-level price points for vintage homes, College Place is drawing attention, especially from first-time homebuyers. Cutting through the center of College Place is Colonial Drive, which was once used for trolleys traveling through the city. The wide, four-lane street is flanked by sidewalks, large mature trees and homes dating back to the early 1900s. Along the thoroughfare are various architectural styles, including bungalows, Colonial Revivals and American Foursquares on well-maintained quarter-acre lots. Branching off onto the neighborhood's side streets, the roadways narrow, and the yard space is also more limited. "You can buy a renovated house for $175,000 to $275,000 that you can't find anywhere else in the city and still be within five minutes of anything you might need," Bunge says. "It's also ideal for first-time buyers, and because of the price point, many homes sell within a day or two. So it's pretty competitive." The residential streets are tucked off North Main Street, giving residents access to a host of restaurants, bars and other vibrant districts surrounding Columbia. A standout is Zesto, an old-school diner that earned its claim to fame for classic burgers and milkshakes. Then, of course, there's the new development cropping up along North Main. "That road and the businesses on it are going through a revitalization, mostly due to the new Peak Drift Brewery nearby," Bunge says. "It's one of the largest breweries in the state." After opening in 2023, Peak Drift brought new eyes to the area, and it doesn't stop at just brewing – they're running a restaurant and entertainment space as well. A Piggly Wiggly, Food Lion and CVS are within a mile's drive, giving multiple options for errand runs. It's easy to get outdoors with several small community parks nearby. In 2021, E.B. Sessions was revitalized with a new playground and picnic areas so you can keep an eye on the kids as they play. The park is also circled by a concrete pathway, providing a spot to walk or run. Hyatt Park's basketball court also recently got a facelift through a partnership with South Carolina women's basketball legend A'ja Wilson. The park also features two playgrounds for older and younger children, which sit amid tall pine trees near a small creek. Lorick Park offers two playgrounds and a splash pad for the sweltering South Carolina summers. Public schools are served by Richland School District No. 1, and students can attend Arden Elementary School, which sits in the heart of the neighborhood. Arden Elementary receives a C on Niche, and students move on to Alcorn Middle, rated with a C-minus. The final step in basic education goes to C-rated C.A. Johnson High. The high school offers a medical magnet program that provides five pathways, including biomedical research, sports medicine and food science. A section of the neighborhood is taken by Columbia College, a private liberal arts college that went co-ed in 2020. North Main Street connects to Interstate 20 in the north and downtown Columbia in the south. College Place is just 2 miles from Prisma Health Richland Hospital, while downtown is 4 miles away, and the Columbia Metropolitan Airport is 14 miles away. Bus stops are scattered along North Main Street, and the area is considered somewhat walkable and bikeable, but most residents elect to drive or use public transportation. The CAP index gives College Place a 9 for overall crime, with 4 being the national average and 10 being the highest. According to FBI data, crime in Columbia is higher than the average in the United States, regardless. Crime data for College Place is most likely influenced by its proximity to downtown and the smaller population.

Just around 4 miles from downtown Columbia is Burton Heights, an area consisting of modest ranch-style and bungalow properties. JT Livingston, a real estate agent with Keller Williams who has sold a couple of houses in the area, says, "People move here for convenience to Columbia and better price points compared to other nearby areas." Many locals will frequent downtown Columbia for work or various shopping and dining opportunities, but residents also have their pick of the area's local establishments like Greene’s Bar-BQ. For a change of pace, residents can explore the walking trail at Lorick Park or sign their children up for one of the park's youth outreach programs. The Congaree National Park is just a 30-mile drive away, and it offers locals a selection of hiking trails and access to activities on the Congaree River. Bungalows and ranch-style properties line Burton Heights’ narrow streets that often spread into cul-de-sacs, but two-story properties like Cape Cods sit scattered throughout the area. Properties here range from under $100,000 to just upwards of $200,000, depending on the property’s age, size and condition. A 2-bedroom ranch-style house with a porch can go for $86,000, while a 3-bedroom colonial-inspired property will go for around $220,000. Burton Heights has lots for sale ranging from under an acre to over two. Houses often have smaller, fenced-in front yards, with neighboring properties close together. Sidewalks are narrow in some areas or nonexistent in others. Some residents have attached garages or driveways, but many do not, so they park their cars on the streets, often partly in the grass. Locals can head to Lorick Park to play a game of basketball or explore the walking trail. Kids will enjoy the splash pad, and those interested in gardening can take advantage of one of the park’s many youth outreach programs. Just 1.5 miles from Lorick Park is the Busby Street Complex, which houses a community center. Around 30 miles away is South Carolina’s only state park, Congaree National Park. Park visitors can head on one of the park’s many trails to enjoy hiking under mature oak trees or try to spot the synchronized firefly show in the late spring. Kayaking and canoeing on the Congaree River are other favorites among visitors. Trails frequently flood, so those interested in the park should check the weather before heading there. Locals can grab groceries at Piggly Wiggly or one of the Food Lion grocery stores nearby. Uncle Buck’s Kitchen is a great option for those craving burgers and fries with an Indian twist. Housed in a food truck, this restaurant offers items like allo tikki burgers and chicken tikka fries. The truck is currently undergoing maintenance, but the restaurant is still available for catering orders. For a night out, locals can grab a drink and enjoy dancing the night away at Greene’s Bar-BQ. The bar also serves up classics like chicken wings and ribs. Students can enroll in Richland One School District schools, like Arden Elementary, Alcorn Middle and W.J. Keenan High. All three schools offer gifted programs and received a C-minus rating or higher from Niche. The high school is a STEM school offering project-based instruction in areas like engineering, and it also features entrepreneurship and hospitality programs. There are also several private and religious schools that students in the area can attend. Those traveling around the Columbia area can head to Burton Heights Circle to catch the bus. Most destinations require at least one bus transfer, so Burton Heights is a primarily car-dependent area. Locals can take the 4-mile drive via South Carolina 277 to downtown Columbia. The area is near some of the area’s largest employers, like South Carolina University and the South Carolina State House. The Lexington Medical Center is a 9-mile drive away, and the Columbia Metropolitan Airport is nearly 15 miles away via Interstate 26.