Are you thinking about moving to Columbia? The capital of South Carolina has one of America’s hottest real estate markets and offers a warm climate and charming Southern hospitality. If you’re considering living in the Columbia area, here are five safe and affordable suburbs to consider!
Blythewood
Photo via @ashtherealestatediva
- Home Price: $265,100 median purchase price; $1,256 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 98% of South Carolina cities
- Perfect for: Families, retirees
If you’re looking for a safe Columbia suburb, you’re not going to find many better options than Blythewood! About 20 minutes north of the South Carolina capital, this quaint community offers large plots of land and plenty of new construction. And with great local schools like Blythewood High School and Bethel-Hanberry Elementary School, Blythewood is easily one of the best places for families in Columbia!
Things to Do in Blythewood
Gather for community events like the Doko Film Fest and Doko Ribfest in the Park at Doko Meadows Park. Tee off at one of the area’s best golf courses, Cobblestone Park Golf Club. Play baseball, hang with the kids on the jungle gym, or work on your tennis serve at Blythewood Park. See the pros compete in barrel racing, bull riding, and more at the Blythewood Doko Rodeo. Pick up an artisan loaf of Challah or Rosemary Cheddar Sourdough bread at Henry’s Bread Kitchen. Feast on a Rib Sandwich or a Chicken Plate at Doko Smoke Barbeque. Tackle your hunger with The Monster Burger or Big Daddy Spaghetti from Scottie’s Cafe & Grill. Or cool off with a Banana Split or a Brownie Sundae from Sweet Pea’s Ice Cream & Cafe.
Forest Acres
Photo via @workwithwalsh
- Home Price: $186,900 median purchase price; $858 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 40% of South Carolina cities
- Perfect for: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
Forest Acres is one of the best places to live in the Columbia metro because it offers a little something for everyone! Singles and young professionals will appreciate the area’s affordable housing and quick ten-minute commute into Downtown Columbia, while families will love the abundance of green space and exceptional local schools like A.C. Flora High School and Crayton Middle School. Forest Acres is also a popular spot for military families in Columbia, as Fort Jackson is just on the other side of I-77 from the suburb.
Things to Do in Forest Acres
Shop for fresh produce, local artwork, and more at Forest Acres Farmers’ Market. Experience some of the best concerts in Columbia at Rooftop Rhythms, a bi-annual free event with musical acts, magic shows, photo booths, and more. Find new crafts, toys, and LEGO sets for the kids at BeBeep Toys. Play tennis, go for a dip in the pool, or enjoy the game room at Trenholm Park. Take everything from kickboxing to Judo classes at Warrior Warehouse. Order a hearty entree like the Meatloaf or Grilled Pork Chop at Tombo Grille. Dig into Italian dishes like Loaded Spaghetti, Chicken & Spinach Lasagna, or Seafood Gorgonzola at family-owned Pasta Fresca. Savor Mexican favorites like a Carnitas Torta or Huarache at Taco Nayarit. Or get some friends together for a round of Goose Island IPAs during a big game at Baker’s Sports Bar & Grill.
Irmo
Photo via @crosby_roofing
- Home Price: $123,600 median purchase price; $1,036 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 49% of South Carolina cities
- Perfect for: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
Looking for affordable homes surrounded by green space? Irmo might just be the Columbia suburb for you! Situated alongside Lake Murray about 15 minutes away from the city center, this beautiful area offers new construction, as well as budget-friendly apartments and condos. Whether you’re a homebuyer looking for a spacious property close to the lake or a family searching for a suburb with good schools and kid-friendly activities, Irmo is one of the top places to live in the Columbia area!
Things to Do in Irmo
Participate in the community dance night, hop on amusement rides, and cheer at the state’s largest parade during the neighborhood’s annual The Irmo Okra Strut. Challenge friends to a round of mini golf or outscore them on the interactive Dark Ride at Frankie’s Fun Park. Fire up the grills for a barbecue or walk the trails at the Community Park of Irmo. Test your bowling skills by joining the Anchor Shoot Out League at Anchor Lanes. See the newest blockbusters on a giant IMAX screen at Regal Columbiana Grande. Grab some Mongolian Beef or Pork Lo Mein at Sun Ming Chinese Restaurant. Pick up a Tailgate Special pack of Chicken Wings and Fried Chicken from Mathias Sandwich Shop. Make your child’s next birthday one to remember with a sculpted cake from Sweet Paradise. Or enjoy happy hour with a Columbia Craft Mojito Sour or River Rat IPA at Craft & Draft.
Lexington
Photo via @patrick.russell.oconnor
- Home Price: $174,900 median purchase price; $972 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 61% of South Carolina cities
- Perfect for: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
Not only does Lexington have budget-friendly homes, but it’s also one of the safest cities in South Carolina! Its spacious single-family houses, great local parks, and proximity to Lake Murray have made this Columbia suburb a popular setting for families and retirees, but Lexington is also an attractive place for singles and young professionals who want affordable housing within 20 minutes of everything Columbia has to offer!
Things to Do in Lexington
Get out to see a concert with friends or family at the Icehouse Amphitheater. Connect with nature by visiting the koi pond, butterfly garden, and creekside walking trails at Virginia Hylton Park. Listen to live music while you stock up on local produce, cheeses, and more at The Market at Icehouse. Get lost in a good book while you sip on a Cafe Americano from Second Wave Coffee & Books. Experience why Carolina BBQ is some of the best barbecue in the South with a rack of Signature Ribs or a Brisket Melt from Hudson’s Smokehouse. Try flight-inspired entrees like the Thunderbolt-BLT or the Wing and a Prayer Sandwich from Flight Deck Restaurant. Wash down a Beer-B-Q Sandwich or a Mac Attack Burger with a Belgian Witbier at Old Mill BrewPub. Or fill your glass with a Savannah River Blanc-y Kong or a Columbia Craft Hop Acid at The Casual Pint.
Seven Oaks
Photo via @mkwood5719
- Home Price: $136,100 median purchase price: $860 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 54% of South Carolina cities
- Perfect for: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
Searching for a safe, affordable suburb? Look into Seven Oaks! Situated near Lake Murray about 15 minutes outside of Columbia, this area is perfect for residents of all ages and lifestyles. With its quaint ranch-style houses, availability of green space, quick commutes into the city, and great schools like Seven Oaks Elementary School and Leaphart Elementary School, Seven Oaks is a great place to live in the Columbia area!
Things to Do in Seven Oaks
Host a picnic, join a health or wellness group, and sign the kids up for baseball, softball, and soccer leagues at Seven Oaks Park. Spice up your family’s game night with a purchase from Firefly Toys & Games. Get outside and exercise with biking, canoeing, and kayaking at Saluda Shores Park. Thrill your family’s superhero fans with new comic books and action figures from Heroes & Dragons. Chow down on Barbacoa Beef Tacos or a Diablo Shrimp Burrito at Real Mexico Restaurant. Try some of the best sushi Columbia has to offer with an Omakase Sushi Boat at Inakaya Watanabe. Enjoy Italian classics like Lasagna Florentine and Chicken Parmigiana Pasta at The Villa. Finish off your Big Classic Burger with a Brownie Sundae from Steve’s Classic Burgers. Or meet up with friends for live bluegrass music and pints at The British Bulldog Pub.
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Moving to Columbia? Extra Space Storage has self storage facilities throughout the Columbia metro, including Blythewood, Forest Acres, Irmo, Lexington, and Seven Oaks. Find cheap storage near you!
Suburb statistics from AreaVibes
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