$511,767Average Value$208Average Price per Sq Ft2Homes For Sale
A tranquil residential enclave minutes from downtown
Less than 1 mile from the University of South Carolina’s main campus and teeming with opulent homes and gardens, Wales Garden packs rich character into less than one square mile. This Columbia neighborhood’s sidewalk-lined streets, named after South Carolina rivers, converge with some of the capital city’s most vibrant districts. “Wales Garden is very attractive to people wanting to be near Five Points and the University of South Carolina,” says Mary Lane Sloan, broker and co-owner of the Art of Real Estate, who has 16 years of experience in the industry. “Professors can walk or bike to class, and many homeowners love that they can easily get to Five Points for a coffee or bite to eat.”
Wales Garden is adjacent to Five Points and 5 minutes from downtown.
Wales Garden neighborhood signs sit on top of each street sign.
Beautiful homes stand proudly on tree-lined streets near the busy Five Points area.
Most of the Wales Garden homes are set back off the street.
Saluda Avenue has a varied selection of home styles.
Maison Centrale is a know monument in Wales Garden.
Local artists fill the space in Five Points with vibrant colors.
Wales Garden has several public tennis and pickleball courts.
Visitors to Five Points are often seen taking pictures of some of the several murals.
Fantastic produce can be found at Food Lion on Harden Street.
Wales Garden is small enough to know your neighbor and convenient to most anything one needs.
There is no shortage of enjoyable places to relax and catch up with friends on the USC campus.
1/12
Tudors, Colonial Revivals and bungalows
Lavish houses are found along Saluda Avenue, split down the middle by a wide grassy median dotted with azaleas and magnolia trees. On either side, Colonials mingle with Tudor Revivals and American Foursquares. “The price point for a home in Wales Garden runs from $500,000 to more than $1 million,” Sloan says. A few Spanish-style houses have been built at the end of the street and stand out from the rest. Side streets are dotted with smaller homes like duplexes, bungalows and ranch-style homes ranging from the $200,000s to the $400,000s. However, due to its low-lying location and the nearby Rocky Branch Creek, neighboring Five Points and portions of the community, like Waccamaw Avenue, are prone to flash flooding.
Several different home styles can be found on the same street in Wales Garden.
Rows of homes can display multiple design styles.
One of Saluda Avenue's grand homes in this Spanish-style masterpiece.
Colonial-inspired homes are commonplace in Wales Garden
There are many Colonial-style homes in Wales Garden.
Saluda Avenue has a variety of home styles.
Tudor-style homes are plentiful in
A local coffee shop, Drip Coffee, provides the locals their daily caffeine fix.
1/8
Highly regarded schools in Wales Garden
The Richland School District No. 1 serves the Wales Garden community, scoring above average ratings on Niche. Students here may attend the B-plus rated A.C. Moore Elementary School, known for integrating art into its primary curriculum and has been recognized by the South Carolina State Department of Education for having a distinguished arts program. Students then move on to the B-minus-rated Hand Middle School and Dreher High School, scoring an outstanding A on Niche. Dreher High offers various extracurriculars, such as the drama department, which won the Chapter Select at the Palmetto Dramatic Association One Act Competition in 2022.
Green escapes in Maxcy Gregg Park
Locals can unwind by walking through the creekside paths of Maxcy Gregg Park. On hot summer days, the park’s pool gets crowded with people trying to cool off by swimming a few laps. The other end of the park is punctuated with fountains and pergolas near the Cancer Survivor’s Garden, scattered with sculptures and bronze plaques that honor the battles many patients and their families face. Wales Garden is also home to the Columbia Tennis Club, where locals can strike up a quick game or opt for private lessons.
Shopping and dining in Five Points
While Wales Garden is primarily residential, residents here have the luxury of quick and easy access to DiPrato’s, one of Columbia’s most beloved lunch spots, famous for its pimento cheese. Even more charming, quirky restaurants and shops are a short walk away in Five Points. “You’ll find the Gourmet Shop, which has a café, and you can pick up a bottle of wine for a picnic,” says Sloan. “Drip is a popular coffee and breakfast spot, while Saluda’s and Mr. Friendly’s are more upscale options.” There is also a Food Lion off Harden Street, offering a spot to pick up weekly groceries, while Publix Super Market at Rosewood Shopping Center is about 1 mile away. About 4 miles away, the Shoppes at Woodhill is the go-to spot for major retailers like Target.
The Gourmet Shop is a favorite destination offering great wine, foods, and atmosphere.
Wine, bread, and chocolates can be found in plentiful supply at The Gourmet Shop.
Artistry on display is found behind the bar at Drip Coffee.
The Gourmet Shop has had the same relaxing vibe for over 30 years.
Fine dining overlooking Five Points makes for a delightful Spring evening.
DiPratos has a loyal local following.
Five Points gets its' name from the street layout of five intersections.
1/7
Hollywood Park is in Wales Garden and offers a view of colorful blossoms.
Community events in Hollywood Park
Hollywood Park sits a half-mile south of the neighborhood, and Sloan says, “It’s a hub for all kinds of events. There are Easter egg hunts, Halloween parades and fall festivals when neighbors who are musicians will bring their instruments to play in the park.” Enter through the west or east end to be greeted by brick archways covered with ivy or lilies. Shaded benches sit near the playground. An open grassy area offers space for tossing a frisbee or baseball or laying out on a picnic blanket. Thanks to its strong community involvement, Wales Garden earns a 4 out of 10 crime score, according to the CAP Index.
Wales Garden homes feel private and suburban but are very close to the city.
Bike rides and strolls to downtown Columbia
Its proximity to downtown and ample sidewalks allows locals to walk or bike to various amenities. Wales Garden is also near major roads like Gervais Street, which runs through downtown, and Harden Street. Pickens Street offers public transit options, while US Route 378 is nearby for commuters heading out of town. Locals also enjoy nearby access to amenities such as the Columbia Metropolitan Airport 8 miles away, and the Prisma Health Baptist Hospital, about 2 miles away.
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
Scarlett Herbkersman,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
M L King Park
Edisto Discovery Park
Basketball
Pool
Playground
Emily Douglas Park
Dog Park
Playground
Multi-Purpose Field
Maxcy Gregg Park
Hollywood Park
A.C. Moore Garden
Picnic Area
Trails
Transit
Airport
Columbia Metro
26 min drive
Bus
Blossom Laurens Eb
Bus
Pickens Enoree Nb
Bus
Harden Wheat Sb
Bus
Pickens Rice Nb
Bus
Blossom Harden Eb
Bus
Pickens Blossom Nb
Bus
Harden Duncan Sb
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Wales Garden
US
Homicide
3
4
Sexual Assault
6
4
Assault with Weapon
3
4
Robbery
4
4
Burglary
5
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
4
4
Larceny
5
4
Crime Score
4
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Wales Garden Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Wales Garden, Columbia sell after 87 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Wales Garden, Columbia over the last 12 months is $398,900, up 1% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Located in the heart of downtown Columbia in the sought after neighborhood of Wheeler Hill and Wales Garden, this home offers unbeatable walkability to the University of South Carolina, 5-points and The Vista dining, Devine Street shopping and Soda City Main Street entertainment. It’s not just a house—it’s a lifestyle and a valuable long-term investment. Inside you'll find elegant touches
Here's your unique opportunity to create your dream home in the highly sought-after Wales Garden Historic District. Known for it's beautiful tree-lined streets, historic architecture and strong sense of community, this home provides endless potential in one of Columbia's most desirable neighborhoods. Enjoy a short bike ride to downtown Columbia or discover the charm of Five Points, Columbia’s
Beautifully situated 2 bedroom, 2 1/2 bath townhome in desirable Wheeler Hill.Absolutely wonderful location that is within walking distance to wonderful shops, dining and more! This is very close to the University as well. This townhome shows very well--Come check it out! Disclaimer: CMLS has not reviewed and, therefore, does not endorse vendors who may appear in listings.
The duplex features two-bedroom, two full bathroom; one bedroom and bathroom is located upstairs. Large living area and kitchen which opens to a large deck which has recently been replaced. Each unit has its own fenced in backyard with places to hang hammocks. Off street designated parking for two cars for each unit. Rent includes landscaping and pest control. No pets. Convenient to USC, Five
A cozy condo in prime location for students. On USC campus and two blocks from five points. The kitchen has a refrigerator, stove/oven, dishwasher and garbage disposal. There is also a washer and dryer in unit. The water, sewer and trash are included in the rent. Disclaimer: CMLS has not reviewed and, therefore, does not endorse vendors who may appear in listings.
Balcony Unit facing Maxcy Gregg Park in walking distance to USC campus, downtown, shopping and dining. This unit has 1 bd/ 1 ba, all major kitchen appliances, and washer/dryer. Carpet and vinyl flooring and ceiling fans. Water/Sewer/Trash included in rent. Disclaimer: CMLS has not reviewed and, therefore, does not endorse vendors who may appear in listings.
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Scarlett Herbkersman,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
2,816
Median Age
31
Population Density
9 ppl/acre
Population under 18
17.9%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
15.1%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$53,218
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$85,976
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
97.8%
College Graduates
76.8%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
49%
Significantly above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
66.6%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
43''
Average Winter Low Temperature
38°F
Average Summer High Temperature
93°F
Annual Snowfall
1''
Area Factors
Bikeable
Bike Score®
57/ 100
Somewhat Walkable
Walk Score®
61/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
39/ 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.
