Moving Tips5 of the Best Columbia, SC Suburbs
Best Family Neighborhoods in Columbia
- Five Forks
- Irmo
- Seven Oaks
- Forest Acres
- Lexington
Are you thinking about moving to Columbia SC? Known as "Cola" to locals, and home to the GameCocks, this city is filled with tradition, history, and that amazing Southern charm you have heard about. While this is a great community to retire in, it also offers many options for families, college students, and even hipsters who may be searching for a thriving and lively community.
With a median home price of $180,000, most families find this community a great place to live. Keep reading to learn about some specific communities in the area and why you should consider moving in.
1. Five Forks
- Home Value: $282,400
- Crime Rate: 45% lower than the national average
- Perfect For: Families, retirees
Five Forks is considered one of the top places to live in all of South Carolina. It has a total land area of 7.7 square miles and beautiful rolling hills. It's located near shopping and entertainment venues, and one of the charms of this area is the real estate. It has grown significantly in recent years, with several upscale neighborhoods being built. The schools, Monarch, Bells Crossing, and Oakview, have top ratings, and the community itself offers quite a bit to residents.
2. Irmo
- Home Value: $126,300
- Crime Rate: Relatively safe with a crime rate lower than 10% of the state
- Perfect For: Families, college students, retirees
In 2018, Irmo was recognized as one of the safest cities in the state by Money Magazine. It is located off of the shore of Lake Murray and found just 10 miles from Columbia's city center. In the early portion of the 1970s, Irmo was a "sleepy" community with just 500 residents. Today, the population has surpassed 13,000 and this community is thriving today.
3. Seven Oaks
- Home Value: $137,700
- Crime Rate: The crime rate is decreasing in Seven Oaks at a rate of 3% per year
- Perfect For: Families, retirees
Seven Oaks is a comfortable community found just outside of the main part of Columbia. Living here provides you with access to Lake Murray, which is just a few minutes away. You can also visit Yacht Cove and a wide expanse of coastline. The best areas to visit in this community include Riverbanks Zoo and Harbison State Forest. People living here enjoy the inland beauty offered in the state of South Carolina but appreciate the fact that the coast is just a short drive away.
4. Forest Acres
- Home Value: $185,800
- Crime Rate: A safe town according to residents and the local police
- Perfect For: Families, retirees, young professionals
Found on the eastern border of Columbia, Forest Acres is often referred to as a "city within a city." For those who live here, this little town has huge goals and an eclectic and diverse population, from young professionals to retirees and everything in between. This community has some of the top-rated schools in the entire state of South Carolina and offers plenty of things to do. Special events in the area include the summer Farmer's market and Sweet Seasons that occur each December. There are plenty of green spaces and beautiful walking trails that everyone can enjoy.
5. Lexington
- Home Value: $178,300
- Crime Rate: 11% lower than the average for the state of South Carolina
- Perfect For: Entrepreneurs, young professionals, families
Lexington, South Carolina is considered a historic town and a direct descendent of the Saxe-Gotha Royal Township. Today, it is a thriving and growing community, offering top-rated schools, plenty of business opportunities, and a vibrant city dedicated to growth. It is located in the central part of the state, and just 15 miles to the west of Columbia. It is on the southern shores of Lake Murray, making it a popular summer destination for those nearby and far away. Some of the most exciting attractions in this community include the Saluda Shoals Park, Icehouse Amphitheater, and Lexington County Museum.
Plan Your Move to Columbia
If you are planning to move to the Columbia area, then be sure to consider some of the communities and neighborhoods on this list. You will find each of these areas offers something special and unique. One thing you can feel confident about is that you will find your place and your home among the friendly and welcoming residents of the state of South Carolina.
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