$414,733Average Value$267Average Price per Sq Ft5Homes For Sale
A warm embrace to a campus lifestyle near the University of South Carolina
Adjacent to the University of South Carolina in downtown Columbia, University Hill benefits from the campus glow. “The nice thing about University Hill is that you’ve got students living near professors or living near family, so it’s a real eclectic mix of people there,” says Mary Lane Sloan, a Realtor with The Art of Real Estate and lifelong resident of the Columbia area. “You’ll have to like living near students, but there are some beautiful historic homes and multifamily properties over there. People that are drawn to that area really want to be close to the university.” University Hill is a hot spot for those looking to stay close to USC, and the neighborhood's walkability to nearby districts and main thoroughfares are also big draws.
Historic University of South Carolina and Richland County schools
The University of South Carolina, or USC, is the centerpiece of the neighborhood and the main reason why many people rent or buy homes in the area. Founded in 1801, the university is the largest in South Carolina, offering over 350 bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees for a student body of 54,000. “A lot of professors like to live in University Hill because if they want, they can just walk to class,” Sloan adds. Before potentially attending the city’s flagship university, kids in the area are zoned to Richland County School District One. Students might start at A.C. Moore Elementary School, which received a B-minus overall grade on Niche. After fifth grade, kids will attend B-rated Hand Middle School, which was awarded one of Time magazine’s Schools of the Year in 2000. A-minus-rated Dreher High School is the third oldest high school in the state and one of the first to offer the AP Capstone Diploma.
Columbia's University Hill mixes USC history with a highly walkable downtown.
Barefoot Campus Outfitter keeps University Hill’s college fashion lively and trendy.
1/2
Local boutiques and eateries in Five Points
University Hill is within walking distance of the rest of downtown Columbia, which includes the Vista neighborhood and the bustling Five Points district. Five Points serves as a nightlife district as well as a home for dozens of local boutiques and restaurants. Most days, Columbians stroll through the five major thoroughfares that make up the district for a bite to eat at barbecue spots like Home Team or a deli sandwich at Groucho’s. Boutique shops are the main shopping options around Five Points. Loose Lucy’s has a broad selection of clothes, jewelry and gifts, while Sunrise has an array of handcrafted soaps and lotions. Bang Back Pinball Lounge is a welcome spot for residents to grab a craft beer and try to beat the high score on one of the pinball games. For a sweet treat, The Baked Bear is popular for its ice cream sandwiches made from freshly baked cookies. There are many more options along Gervais Street, one of the major thoroughfares in the Downtown Columbia area.
Groucho’s Deli is a Columbia favorite, nestled near historic University Hill streets.
Home Team BBQ serves smoky goodness minutes from Columbia's University Hill.
1/2
Five Points is painted green for St. Patrick's Day
Holidays like St. Patrick’s Day and Halloween are huge in the University Hill and Five Points areas. St. Patrick’s Day is kicked off with 5k, 10k races and a family fun run, culminating with a parade and a lineup of live acts performing on multiple stages. “They do it big for St. Patrick’s Day,” Sloan says. “They’ll have about 3-4 stages with live bands, and they even turn the fountain green.” The Five Points Fountain usually serves as a place to sit when in the district, but during the holiday, the water turns a festive green. University Hill is also close to the Soda City Market on Main Street. Multiple blocks of Main Street are lined with local vendors selling everything from fresh produce and vegetables to vintage clothing and antique furniture. Of course, gamedays are a huge part of the area. Many houses in the area adorn USC signs and flags, and front yard tailgates are common before the Gamecocks play at Williams-Brice Stadium, which is about 3 miles away.
Centuries-old single-family homes mixed with high rise condo buildings
University Hill has a wide range of housing options. The area is noted for its historic , bungalows, and Foursquare homes among other styles. Many houses were built in the early 1900s and have undergone interior renovations while maintaining a great curb appeal. These historic homes blend with condos, townhomes, and high-rise apartments. “The closer you get to the university there are more high rises. Toward Five Points there are more historic homes and townhomes,” Sloan says. The neighborhood has a blend of students, faculty and folks looking to enjoy being near the campus lifestyle. Single-family homes often start at $360,000 and round out at about $600,000. However, some historic homes on oversized lots can range between $800,000 and $1.2 million.
Senate Plaza's condos offer stunning Columbia skyline views near University Hill.
University Hill preserves Columbia’s rich legacy with landmarks like The Capstone.
1/2
Easily walkability around Downtown Columbia
Though some residents may own cars to get around, University Hill is one of the more walkable parts of Columbia. “It’s a very walkable area. There’s a few restaurants close by, and there’s a theater if you want to catch a show,” Sloan says. In addition to being a few blocks from USC, the neighborhood is within walking distance of the Vista, Five Points and the Congaree River. The Central Midlands Regional Transit Authority, more commonly known as The Comet bus, also has several routes in and around the neighborhood. Commuters can use Gervais Street to reach neighboring West Columbia or take Interstate 126 to get around the metro area. The neighborhood is 8 miles from the Columbia Metropolitan Airport, which flies commercial service around the country. Prisma Health Richland Hospital has a 24-hour trauma center and is about 3 miles away. Members of the armed forces are about 7 miles from Fort Jackson. The Trinity Episcopal Cathedral is a Gothic Revival church built in the 1840s that belongs to The National Register of Historic Places. The attached churchyard serves as the burial site for several South Carolina governors.
Explore the beautiful gardens in University Hill.
The Pendleton Street Pedestrian Bridge is a notable landmark in the heart of Columbia.
1/2
Relaxing on campus at Gibbes Green
When the weather’s nice, students hang out around Gibbes Green Park on the USC campus. Towering trees provide shade for people walking along the paved walking paths, and students often read or study on the park benches. Maxcy Gregg Park is less than a mile away on Blossom Street. During the summertime, residents come here to take a dip in the pool, but the paved walking trails and pavilion area bring in residents year-round. Martin Luther King Jr. Park hosts community events throughout the year and is also home to a community center that has a game room and an indoor basketball court. The park notably has the Stone of Hope, a tribute to Martin Luther King Jr.
Columbia's University Hill combines green spaces like Gibbes Green with urban flair.
Columbia's University Hill combines green spaces like Gibbes Green with urban flair.
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
Welcome to Senate Plaza! One of Downtown Columbia's most sought-after addresses. This fully renovated 2-bedroom, 1.5 bath condos combines modern updates with unbeatable conveniences, just steps away from the University of South Carolina Campus, and directly across the street from USC Law School. Inside, you'll find granite countertops, new cabinetry, LVP flooring throughout, all designed with
Experience downtown living at 601 Main Street in the heart of Columbia! This beautifully maintained 2-bedroom, 2-bath condo offers an open-concept floor plan with a seamless flow between the kitchen, dining, and living areas—perfect for entertaining. The kitchen is outfitted with granite countertops and stainless steel appliances. The spacious primary suite features a large walk-in closet and a
This charming 2-bedroom, 1.5-bathroom condo offers the perfect blend of location, style, and comfort—just steps from USC, Five Points, and all the excitement of downtown Columbia. Move-in ready, this home features a bright and modern interior with a cozy den, an inviting dining area, a tiled kitchen, and a half bath on the main level. This unit features hardwood floors throughout with tile in the
Welcome to USC Campus - Hampton House and this newly remodeled one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment located in the vibrant city of Columbia, SC. This apartment boasts a galley kitchen equipped with a dishwasher, disposal, stove, and refrigerator. The living space is enhanced with LVP and tile flooring, providing a modern and sleek touch. Enjoy the convenience of central heating and air, ensuring
POWER, WATER & SEWER, & HIGH-SPEED INTERNET – ALL INCLUDED IN UTILITY PACKAGE.Within the shadow of the historic University of South Carolina Horseshoe and State Capital complex, stands Cornell Arms Apartments. When completed in 1949, Cornell Arms was the tallest building between Richmond and Miami. The 18 story building is a steel frame structure with a handsome red brick veneer
The Wilshire House at Union Station is one of Columbia’s most unique condominium towers. With its dramatic styling, The Wilshire House looms over the Columbia skyline as an accomplishment of architectural excellence. Strict attention has been paid to every detail including an amenities package you will appreciate. Lifestyle, quality and convenience is what The Wilshire House is all about.
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.
