At the confluence of the Saluda and Congaree rivers, West Columbia and its waterfront parks offer a quieter contrast to the bustling rooftop bars and restaurants across the bridge in the South Carolina capital of Columbia. “We’re on an absolutely beautiful riverfront spot right across the bridge from the state capital, so you get all the benefits of activity in the capital with a small-town feel,” says Temus “Tem” Miles Jr., mayor of West Columbia. “This place has that classic Lowcountry look, with Spanish moss hanging from the age-old oak trees and calm waterfront that makes life feel a little more relaxed here.” Meeting and State streets are also bumping with restaurants and breweries, adding extra liveliness to the peaceful river town of 18,000 residents.
Historic mill homes in West Columbia offer character and charm by the river.
Nerd Bear Soap creates vibrant, themed soaps that delight West Columbia shoppers.
The Gervais Street Bridge symbolizes the enduring connection between two cities.
Serving locals since the 1940s, Zesto is a must-visit in West Columbia.
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West Columbia Riverwalk and Riverbanks Botanical Garden
West Columbia takes great pride in being a riverfront town, a status best displayed on the West Columbia Riverwalk. A short walk or drive from most homes, the Riverwalk gives locals a chance to stroll with the flow of the Congaree River in the shade of oaks and pines. The park is a part of the Three Rivers Greenway, stretching about 4 miles from West Columbia to neighboring Cayce. On the north side of town near the Saluda River, the Riverbanks Botanical Garden is known for its spring tulip blooms. Folks can walk through the woods and over the Saluda River Bridge to the Riverbanks Zoo.
Kayaking the Congaree River is popular for residents of Columbia and West Columbia.
The Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park in Congaree Vista is close to West Columbia
Columbia's Riverbanks Zoo has been bringing joy to residents for 40 years.
The Aquarium and Reptile exhibit at Riverbanks Zoo in Columbia has many exotic reptiles.
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Breweries and live music on Meeting and State streets
There are tons of bars and restaurants across the bridge in the capital, but West Columbia has its own dining and live music scene growing on Meeting and State streets. The Interactive Art Park is the heart of the revamped commercial area, with sculptures and murals decorating the sides of breweries and restaurants. “As a town, we’ve done a lot to embrace our history, but we’ve done just as much to revitalize for the future,” says Miles. “For instance, our live arts scene is thriving, and there are always musicians at the breweries in town.” Local music lovers flock to the Riverwalk Amphitheater for concerts with a waterfront backdrop or to Savage Craft Ale Works for live music and craft beers. “What’s awesome about West Columbia is they’re really trying to promote businesses to move here, so there’s a lot of grants available,” says Rachel Shealey, a Realtor with Century 21 803 Realty who has lived in the area her entire life. “They’re really putting a lot of money in to make people want to invest and live here.”
Savage Craft Brew House pairs creative beers with a welcoming West Columbia vibe.
West Columbia’s D's Wings blends great food and a nostalgic dining experience.
Families enjoy time outside at the West Columbia Interactive Art Park.
Columbia, SC’s Rhythm on the River draws diverse crowds with its local music lineup.
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More yard space than across the bridge
On the tree-lined streets of West Columbia, it can be easy to forget a large city of about 140,000 sits right across the water. Small ranch-style houses with spacious lawns usually start at $100,000 and can be priced up to $250,000. On the city’s north side, near the Saluda River, there are a few small suburban communities with midsize to large homes for about $500,000. Those looking for more privacy can find riverfront estates with a few acres of wooded space backing up to the Saluda or Congaree for about $1.5 million. “It’s still affordable, compared to like Greenville or Charleston” Shealey says. “South Carolina’s been kind of behind the curve in terms of pricing, but it’s nice because you can still afford to live and buy a house. There are people wanting to move here from up north because of the affordable housing.”
These classic ranch homes define West Columbia’s mid-20th-century neighborhoods.
Brick ranch homes offer West Columbia residents’ classic style and warm appeal.
Riverfront homes on Blackhawk Trail showcase West Columbia’s stunning scenery.
Blackhawk Trail’s homes highlight West Columbia’s blend of nature and comfort.
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Local music and vendors at the Fall Back Fest
“People that move in from out of town really get connected with the community and all of the events,” Shealey says. “There’s really a lot to do here.” Residents enjoy local vendors and live music at the annual Fall Back Fest, which takes place on State Street, and the city celebrates the holidays with the annual Christmas Tree Lighting in front of City Hall. For more festivals and annual events, West Columbia is a few minutes from the state capital. Folks drive about 1 to 3 miles across the Gervais Bridge to the heart of Columbia, where they may work at one of the city’s large employers or enjoy barhopping. Residents also have a 6-mile drive to the Columbia Metropolitan Airport, which offers flights to most of the country’s major cities. “I love that it feels like a small town, but you can still drive down the street and get all that you need without having to drive an hour away,” Shealey says. “You don’t have to sit in 3-hour traffic in places like Atlanta or some of these big cities, but you’re not in the middle of nowhere.”
Live music like a cellist brings vibrant energy to Soda City Market near West Columbia.
These talented drummers draw an audience at Soda City Market near West Columbia.
Columbia’s Greek Festival is cultural immersion, featuring authentic Greek food and music.
Brookland-Cayce High School's ROTC proudly marched in the Columbia Veterans Day Parade.
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Lexington County School District No. 2
Students in West Columbia are a part of Lexington County School District No. 2, graded B-minus by Niche. The schools boast a low student-teacher ratio of 14-to-1, compared to the national average of 17-to-1. West Columbia is also a few miles from the University of South Carolina, the capital city’s flagship university, which was founded in 1801 and offers over 300 bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
Columbia's University Hill mixes USC history with a highly walkable downtown.
Brookland-Cayce High School has been at the heart of the city since 1932.
Riverbank Elementary puts students on the path of academic success.
R.H. Fulmer Middle School prepares its' students for the rigors of high school.
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Less crime than Columbia
Less activity and a slower pace of life than Columbia also come with lower crime. The city is served by the West Columbia Police Department, which reported a total of 971 property crimes and 129 violent crimes in 2022. West Columbia is a smaller city that has seen a decrease in crime in recent years. From 2020 to 2022, West Columbia saw a 33% decrease in property crimes.
Flood risk along the Congaree River
With its waterfront location, West Columbia sometimes deals with moderate flooding from the Congaree River. During heavy rains, it's common for water levels to rise high enough to close the Riverwalk, and severe storms can cause more extensive flooding. Otherwise, West Columbia enjoys a moderate climate. “When people come from up north, they love that we hardly ever have snow,” says Leah Grebe, a sales associate with Coldwell Banker Realty who has lived in South Carolina for over 20 years. “We have the kind of weather where you can be outside doing things even in December.”
Blackhawk Trail’s homes highlight West Columbia’s blend of nature and comfort.
Riverfront homes on Blackhawk Trail showcase West Columbia’s stunning scenery.
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Written By
Robert Breckenridge
Photography Contributed By
David Robinson
Video By
Kyle Keyes
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Timothy Couch,
an experienced agent in this area.
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.
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On average, homes in West Columbia, SC sell after 42 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in West Columbia, SC over the last 12 months is $255,000, up 6% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
3 bedroom 2 bath home on .46 acres with great location. Home is conveniently located close to I-20 or I-26. Home has been recently painted thru out. This home offers split floor plan with large master bedroom and spacious walk in closet. A flex area is also offered in this home. Flex area may be used for formal dining, children's gaming area, or home office. A screened back porch is also
Welcome to your new home in one of the most vibrant 55+ gated communities behind Lexington Medical Hospital. This beautifully designed, newer-built home offers the perfect blend of comfort and convenience, all within walking distance to essential healthcare services. It features two spacious bedrooms and two modern bathrooms, with one bedroom and bath disabled accessible. The large sunroom has
Nestled in the heart of ''The Aves,'' this charming cottage-style home offers the perfect blend of classic appeal and everyday comfort. Step inside to discover gleaming hardwood floors that stretch through most of the home, setting the tone for its warm, welcoming feel. The cozy family room, complete with a fireplace, invites you to relax and stay a while, while the formal dining room creates the
*Home is under construction. Estimated completion mid August. The Anderson is a two-story floor plan designed for modern living. Upon entering, you’re greeted by a versatile small office space that offers the perfect spot for remote work or study. The home features a one-car garage with an adjacent mudroom and coat closet, perfect for keeping things organized. The open-concept layout seamlessly
Located in West Columbia, this low maintenance home is convenient to I-26, Lexington Medical Center and just a short drive to Lexington or Downtown Columbia. Home is has new fixtures and updated hardware throughout. Bathrooms are updated w/ new vanities and toilets. Plenty of off street parking available. external storage available upon request. Landscaping included. NO PETS PLEASE. Rent with us
Abberly Village offers luxurious apartments that are minutes from downtown West Columbia, SC. Our one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments feature diverse floor plans and luxury amenities. Enjoy our gated community with a fitness center, clubhouse, business center, pet play park, zero-entry pool and outdoor grilling area. Located near central Columbia, we're close to the University of South
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