Why Live in Bates
Bates, a neighborhood in Sumter, features homes built between the 1940s and 1960s, showcasing bungalow and ranch-style architecture with brick facades. The area has over 200 homes, but property listings are limited. Manning Avenue connects Bates to Downtown Sumter, just 1 mile away, where residents can find local restaurants, shops, and breweries along Main Street. Notable spots include Tuten’s Chicken Coop, known for its Southern cuisine, and nearby Family Dollar and Piggly Wiggly. Additional shopping and dining options are available 2 miles north along Broad Street and Bultman Drive. Bates is zoned for the Sumter County School District, which has mixed ratings. The neighborhood is bordered by U.S. Highway 521 and U.S. Highway 15, providing direct routes to Shaw Air Force Base and connections to U.S. Highway 378, leading to Columbia. The Columbia Metropolitan Airport, offering flights to major U.S. cities, is accessible from these routes. Prisma Health Tuomey Hospital, Sumter’s only full-service medical center, is about a mile north in the downtown district. South Sumter Park, recently renovated with a splash pad, playground, and pickleball courts, is located on the neighborhood's north edge. A new park, South Sumter Art Park, is under construction and will feature colorful basketball courts and art installations.