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Arsenal Hill

Arsenal Hill

$404,993 Average Value
$836 Average Price per Sq Ft
1 Home For Sale

Downtown neighborhood anchored by historic park

Arsenal Hill’s standing in Columbia is as poetic as it is literal. Named after a military academy established there in 1842, the historic downtown Columbia neighborhood occupies the highest point in the state capital. The neighborhood sits about a mile north of the University of South Carolina and its blocks are close to numerous downtown shops, restaurants and artistic and cultural institutions located on roadways like Lady and Main Streets. With some a little less noticeable than others, a number of historical sites exist throughout this neighborhood. One of them is the Governor’s Mansion, which occupies the heart of Arsenal Hill. During the afternoons, long-time resident Reggie Scott often entertains his block as he plays tunes on his jazz clarinet from his front porch. Scott lives in an old white four square home that once belonged to his aunt, Harriet Scott. Better known as the Harriet Cornwell Tourist Home, the property was among the places listed in the historic Green-book, an annual guidebook for African-American travelers during the era of Jim Crow laws. This part of the city is also home to Finlay Park, an approximately 18-acre recreational space that was originally established in the late 1850s. The park was once considered by many in Columbia as its crown jewel. The park is currently closed as part of a more than $20 million revitalization project that local leaders say will aim to bring it back to its former glory. “What was a jewel will be re-enforced,” says Payton Lang, the policy and program advisor to the mayor of Columbia and a resident of Arsenal Hill herself. The ongoing project is among the reasons given for some of the current interest in Arsenal Hill. “Well currently, they’re about to renovate the Finlay Park, which is a really large park in downtown Columbia. So, sales I’ve made recently are because it’s a great investment for when that park is renovated,” says Meghan Hesley, an agent with Coldwell Banker and who has sold some condo units in the neighborhood. “Arsenal Hill is right downtown, close to a bunch of businesses. It’s convenient, not only for the university students, but also the professionals in general who work downtown.”

Arsenal Hill borders downtown Columbia.
Arsenal Hill borders downtown Columbia.
Friendly locals in Arsenal Hill greet you as you walk along Main Street.
Friendly locals in Arsenal Hill greet you as you walk along Main Street.
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Charleston style homes and condos

A common build around Arsenal Hill is the Charleston style, which is typically a multi-story building topped by a front-gabled roof. Other details include multiple rows of front windows, each spruced up with decorative shutters, and occasionally balconies on the upper stories. Homes with these features in Arsenal Hill can from the lower $500,000s to around $800,000, depending on factors like overall size. There are some even larger and more elaborately built ones that can cross the $1 million mark. There are, however, some more affordable options. Some single- and two-story homes with bungalow features that can run between $300,000 and $350,000. And two-bedroom condominiums in contemporary multi-story buildings can range from just over $200,000 to around $390,000, depending on overall unit size.

Beautiful Charleston style homes are located in Arsenal Hill.
Beautiful Charleston style homes are located in Arsenal Hill.
Smaller craftsman homes are also available in Arsenal Hill.
Smaller craftsman homes are also available in Arsenal Hill.
Stately Charleston-style homes in Arsenal Hill often have several porches. for relaxing outdoors.
Stately Charleston-style homes in Arsenal Hill often have several porches. for relaxing outdoors.
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Shop and dine along Lady and Main

Clusters of eateries and shops that line Lady and Main streets are within convenient walking distance of the core of Arsenal Hill. Main, in particular, is populated by some fining dining establishments like Bourbon, a stylish whiskey bar and restaurant specializing in Cajun-Creole dishes. Smoked can be found farther up Main and just a block over from Finlay Park. Patrons of this award-winning upscale bar and restaurant will find a variety of farm-to-table dishes ranging from fresh seafood to house-smoked prime meals. Then along Lady Street, artisan foods and fresh and natural groceries can be found at the recently launched Farmers Market Xchange.

Sweet Cream Handcrafted Ice Cream provides a delicious family outing,
Sweet Cream Handcrafted Ice Cream provides a delicious family outing,
Friends gather for a fun night at Bourbon, a Cajun-Creole restaurant in Arsenal Hill.
Friends gather for a fun night at Bourbon, a Cajun-Creole restaurant in Arsenal Hill.
Smoked is a popular restaurant located along Main Street.
Smoked is a popular restaurant located along Main Street.
Main and Taylor Alterations can help you get that perfect look.
Main and Taylor Alterations can help you get that perfect look.
King's Jewelers has been known as
King's Jewelers has been known as "The Diamond Store of Columbia" since 1946.
The BBQ chicken and pork is popular at Smoked restaurant on Main Street, in Arsenal Hill.
The BBQ chicken and pork is popular at Smoked restaurant on Main Street, in Arsenal Hill.
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Memorial Park and the future of Finlay Park

Although Finlay Park is currently closed, it isn’t the only recreational destination in and around Arsenal Hill. Located just south is Memorial Park, home to a number of veterans of foreign wars monuments. Visitors to this 7-acre space can take the winding paths to look at fixtures like the Vietnam Memorial Monument and other sites dedicated to World War II-era veterans. The installations include two freestanding granite walls inscribed with the names of South Carolinians either killed or lost in action in Vietnam and sculptures like one of a kneeling soldier holding his German Shepherd with a leash. The Vietnam monument is the largest of its type outside of Washington D.C., and there are plans to eventually add a Korean War memorial. Otherwise, the improvements to Finlay Park will include the repair of its iconic spiral fountain, which flowed into a waterfall that passed both over and under slabs of rocks. The waterfall then streamed into a pond. Other amenities to be added include strolling gardens, an overlook plaza and multi-use structures with a new band stage.

Arsenal Hill residents can stroll or run along the trails surrounding the lake at Finlay Park.
Arsenal Hill residents can stroll or run along the trails surrounding the lake at Finlay Park.
The South Carolina Vietnam Memorial was dedicated back in 1986 in the Arsenal Hill neighborhood.
The South Carolina Vietnam Memorial was dedicated back in 1986 in the Arsenal Hill neighborhood.
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Cheering on the Gamecocks

Due to its location downtown, Arsenal Hill residents are within reasonable distance of a number of major Columbia venues. Among them is Williams-Brice Stadium, where they can catch South Carolina Gamecocks football games. Then, there’s the nearby Colonial Life Arena, where they can watch South Carolina native and Hootie and the Blowfish lead vocalist Darius Rucker whenever he’s in town.

Williams–Brice Stadium, popularly known as
Williams–Brice Stadium, popularly known as "Willy B", is a football stadium in Columbia.
Arsenal Hill residents are in close proximity to major Columbia venues.
Arsenal Hill residents are in close proximity to major Columbia venues.
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Private option and music partnership with South Carolina

Schools Arsenal Hill homes are zoned for include H.B. Rhame Elementary School, St. Andrews Middle School and Columbia High School, all of which received grades of C-minus or higher from ratings site Niche. There’s also a pre-kindergarten to sixth grade option in St. Peter’s Catholic School just south of Finlay Park. The private school, which accepts students from all faiths, has a music program partnership with the University of South Carolina.

The St. Peter's Catholic School serves kids as young as two and up until grade 6.
The St. Peter's Catholic School serves kids as young as two and up until grade 6.
Columbia High Schools has a Niche rating of C-.
Columbia High Schools has a Niche rating of C-.
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Hop on the Amtrak

An Amtrak station is located about a mile south of Arsenal Hill. The neighborhood is otherwise close to Interstate 126, which turns into Interstate 26 and provides direct connections to Greenville area to the north and the coastal Charleston area to the south. Medical facilities close to the neighborhood include the Prisma Health Baptist Hospital on Sumter Street.

Yann Ranaivo
Written By
Yann Ranaivo
David Robinson
Photography Contributed By
David Robinson
Samantha Houtchens
Video By
Samantha Houtchens

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Michelle Chin, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Columbia Metro

21 min drive

Bus

Gervais Pulaski Wb

Bus

Assembly & Gervais Sb

Bus

Assembly Washington Sb

Bus

Taylor Huger Wb

Bus

Gervais Lincoln Wb

Bus

Hampton Huger Eb

Bus

Elmwood Park Eb

Arsenal Hill Demographics and Home Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$8,200,000
Median Sale Price
$275,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$275,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
8%
Last 12 months Home Sales
3
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-74%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$836

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
227
Number of Homes for Sale
1
Median Year Built
1994
Months of Supply
4.00
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,186
Above the national average
1,924
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,199
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,019
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
689
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
4,356

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Michelle Chin, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
928
Median Age
30
Population Density
3 ppl/acre
Population under 18
15.3%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
6%
Below the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$67,983
Below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$90,279

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
98.1%
College Graduates
86.5%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
43.3%
Significantly above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
74.4%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
43''
Average Winter Low Temperature
38°F
Average Summer High Temperature
93°F
Annual Snowfall
1''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®

35 / 100

Somewhat Walkable

Walk Score®

63 / 100

Good Transit

Transit Score®

52 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Arsenal Hill
Michelle Chin
The Trinity Realty Group LLC
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