An architectural conservation district with an artistic edge
Resting between the Congaree River and Columbia’s central business district, Congaree Vista — better known as “The Vista” — is an 800-acre architectural conservation district protected by the city of Columbia. Here, brick textile mills date back to the latter half of the 19th century, and since revitalization efforts began in the 1970s, the neighborhood has blossomed into a cultural hub, complete with over 45 restaurants and bars and 60 galleries and boutique shops. Vista residents, along with visitors from neighboring communities like Elmwood Park and Earlewood, walk alongside the canal in Riverfront Park, watch touring Broadway shows at Koger Center for the Arts and admire the neighborhood’s colorful murals. “Most of the buildings in The Vista are post-Civil War because Columbia was burned by Sherman,” explains Phillip Jenkins, who’s worked in real estate for over 15 years and lived in the Columbia area for over 40. “There are a lot of 1900 buildings, a lot of which have been preserved and renovated,” he adds.
Town houses and condo units dominate the market
In The Vista, buyers will find mostly town houses and condo options. Two-bedroom units in Renaissance Plaza, for instance, can sell for upwards of $300,000, and Condos and Townhomes in The City Club sell for anywhere between $380,00 and $580,000 for two and three-bedroom options. Both communities are within walking distance of local bars, restaurants and entertainment. In Arsenal Hill to the north, single-family bungalows built within the last decade, many of which feature two-car garages, can sell for close to $600,000.
Congaree Vista has luxury living at the The City Club Condos.
Single-level homes in the Elmwood Park neighborhood in Congaree Vista.
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Fine dining and art galleries
To secure a table, make reservations at Cola’s Restaurant on Assembly Street, which serves up everything from southern shrimp and grits to filet mignon. Jenkins also recommends Blue Marlin, which blends African, West Indian and Caribbean flavors into dishes like Salmon Pontchartrain. The Vista is also home to the largest museum gift shop in the Southeast, The Cotton Mill Exchange, located in the South Carolina State Museum. Or visit one of the neighborhood’s many art galleries like Lewis + Clark or Mike Brown Contemporary. Groceries are within walking distance at the Publix Super Market at Gervais Place.
Visit the top art galleries, stores, and restaurants in Congaree River.
Enjoy outdoor dining at the Blue Marlin restaurant in Congaree Vista.
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Streets are blocked off for annual arts festivals
The Vista has a regular calendar of events like the annual Artista Vista, a weekend in April that includes an art gallery crawl, an art mart and a light and lantern parade. Or buy tickets for Live on Lincoln — the cobblestone street is roped off, Blue Marlin serves dinner and attendees can listen to live performances by local Midlands artists. In November, the “Vista Lights” celebration kicks off the holiday season with a tree lighting, music and after-dark shopping on Gervais Street. Locals can also watch the University of South Carolina’s men’s and women’s basketball teams play at Colonial Life Arena or buy tickets to see the touring bands and comedians at the venue.
Relax by the Congaree River at the Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park in Congaree Vista.
Walking and cycling trails with views of the Columbia Canal
Once the site of the world’s first electronic textile mill, Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park has a popular jogging trail, a brick amphitheater on the stretch of land dividing the Columbia Canal and the Congaree River and an outdoor gym. The Vista Greenway, a paved walking and cycling trail that connects The Vista to surrounding neighborhoods along an abandoned railroad bed, spans nearly a mile and runs through an old tunnel beneath Lincoln Street. In the coming years, the trail will be expanded by several miles. Farther west, the Saluda River is popular for rafting, fishing and tubing; visitors to Riverbanks Zoo will also find a zipline over the rapids.
Specialized STEM coursework at Columbia High School
Students in The Vista are incorporated into the Richland School District 1 where they can attend H.B. Rhame Elementary, St. Andrews Middle and Columbia High School, all of which received a C-minus or higher from the educational review site, Niche. Richland School District 1 is known for its magnet programs, and through Columbia High School’s BLAST Academy (Building Lasting Aerospace and Stem Trajectories), students can take classes in aerospace engineering, digital electronics, environmental sustainability and more.
Congaree Vista has many transportation options.
The Soda Cap Connector, Amtrak and a nearby airport
Through COMET, Columbia’s public bus system, Vista residents can take the Soda Cap Connector to destinations like Main Street, the South Carolina State House and Segra Park for $1 each way. The bus line runs every 30 minutes. Amtrak’s Silver Star Line stops in downtown Columbia and runs up and down the East Coast from New York to Miami. Or 7 miles from The Vista along South Carolina Highway 602 is the Columbia Metropolitan Airport, which offers nonstop flights to 9 major U.S. cities.
Medical care at Prisma Health Richland Hospital
Three miles north of Congaree Vista up Bull Street is Prisma Health Richland Hospital, recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a “High Performing Hospital” in heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It’s also known for specializing in behavioral care, cancer, heart, obstetrics, orthopedics, neonatology, stroke and trauma.
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Amazing opportunity for a single family home or investment property in downtown Columbia! Currently being used as an AirBNB, this unique property provides a comfortable space for a weekly office stay or a single family home in the heart of downtown. Minutes away from the Vista with shopping and dining, Colonial Life Arena and Founders Park, Riverbanks Zoo and so much more! Don't miss out on
Convenient, contemporary, and exceptional! Vista Commons is located in the Vista, a historic area of downtown Columbia just east of the Congaree River. We are within walking distance of all the Vista has to offer - culture, entertainment, shopping, dining, parks and nightlife. We offer one, two and three bedroom apartments within our recently renovated gated community. Amenities include a
Find your new home along the canal, at Canalside Lofts. Named "Columbia's Best" multiple years in a row, it's all here - skyline views, inspired design, flexible, open floor plans, high ceilings, hardwood floors, premium finishes, exposed ductwork, sleek black appliances in a contemporary kitchen, Juliet balconies, business center, courtyard pool, amenities and more. Explore our floor plans today
Walk2Campus is now leasing for 2022-2023. All located within walking distance to campus, our apartments, houses, and townhomes are convenient and popular for University of South Carolina students. With access to the pool, business center, and amenities at Pulaski Square, our residents have a peaceful retreat to escape the hustle and bustle of Columbia.Some of our properties are located
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Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
4,108
Median Age
24
Population Density
6 ppl/acre
Population under 18
27.5%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
2.5%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$67,870
Below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$86,437
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
99.3%
College Graduates
86%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
50.3%
Significantly above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
52.5%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
43''
Average Winter Low Temperature
38°F
Average Summer High Temperature
93°F
Annual Snowfall
1''
Area Factors
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
29/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
42/ 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.
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.
