Affordable Columbia Storage Units

Moving and storage go hand in hand. Whether you are traveling across town or across the country, moving is an exciting and fresh start. While Storage Rentals of America is here to help you with all your storage needs, we also want to help you get familiar with Columbia dn the nearby area. That is why we put together this resource guide for Columbia.

About Columbia, South Carolina

Located in the geographic center of South Carolina, the state capital is also a commercial hub with a small town vibe. It is a vibrant college town and cultural center. It is a city with deep roots and a modern, eclectic downtown. In short, Columbia, South Carolina is a great place to be.

The city of 136,000+ residents was incorporated in 1786. What is now the University of South Carolina was founded in Columbia in 1801. Columbia became a textile manufacturing hub by the early 20th Century. Recent history has included strong public/private partnerships to ensure the economic vitality of the city and region.

Most South Carolina cities and big towns have cute nicknames and Columbia is no exception. The name is sometimes shortened to "Cola," and some clever residents even refer to it as "Soda Town" despite having no connection to the carbonated beverage industry.

Fun Activities in Columbia, SC

There is no reason to be bored in Columbia. From museums to sports, music, and a full calendar of annual events, there really is something for everyone to enjoy. Here are a few highlights:

Riverbanks Zoo The 170-acre oasis for animals, plants and visitors alike is nestled along the banks of the Lower Saluda River and home to 2,000 animals in habitat as well as an ever-growing State Botanical Garden. The zoo is ideally mapped out in eight landscaped districts: the African Savanna, the Aquarium Reptile Complex, the Birdhouse, the Farm, Gorilla Base Camp, Koala Knockabout, the Ndoki Forest and the Saluda Factory Interpretive Center.

Shopping: From Devine Street, to Main Street, Five Points or Cottontown, there are plenty of shopping destinations to suit any taste.

If you are visiting or making Columbia your home, consider a CulturePASS. The PASS gains you access to three of Columbia's most prominent cultural institutions: Columbia Museum of Art, South Carolina State Museum, and Historic Columbia Foundation.

Annual Events in Columbia, SC

• Soda City Suds Week - Popular craft beer festival
• Rosewood Crawfish Festival - A real taste of the coastal south, make sure you are here in May for this food and music extravaganza
• Jam Room Music Festival - October brings one of the region's premier music festivals

Working in Columbia, SC

One big strength of Columbia is its economic diversity. The most prevalent industries include: manufacturing, healthcare, information technology (especially for the insurance industry) Green Energy, and Logistics. It is also a great place for the future of work - with infrastructure and amenities that make working from home - as more and more people are doing - an easy choice.

Nearby Columbia, SC Neighborhoods

• University Hill: A neighborhood around the University of South Carolina, Established between 1885 and 1950, the University Hill neighborhood is listed as a Historic District in the National Register of Historic Places and is protected as an architectural conservation district by the City of Columbia. Bounded by Sumter Street, Gervais Street, Laurens Street, and Blossom Street, University Hill features homes with a mix of architectural styles and designs from prominent regional and local architects.
• Elmwood Park: Known as Columbia's Front Porch, Elmwood Park combines the charm of an early 20th-century neighborhood with the convenience and excitement of downtown living. Enjoy tree-lined streets as you stroll past beautifully restored homes and gardens.
• Arsenal Hill: One of the first residential neighborhoods in the city of Columbia and the site of an arsenal during the Civil War. Back in the 1800's, the Arsenal Hill area was known as home to many prominent citizens of Columbia. The South Carolina Governor's Mansion is located in Arsenal Hill.
• Cottontown/Bellevue: Becoming a real hipster hub of coffee shops, breweries, restaurants and boutique shopping.

Columbia, SC Schools

The University of South Carolina is a big contributor to the vibrancy of the city. On many of the borders of USC's sprawling campus, it's not always clear where the university ends and the rest of the metro area begins. The Gamecocks are the University football team and clear hometown favorites. In addition to the sports pride, the University is a hub of cultural activity.

Richland County School District One and Richland Two are the public school systems serving greater Columbia. With virtual and charter options, the school systems provide a strong asset to the community.

Moving to Columbia, SC Resource Guide

Here's what you need to know to connect with utilities, navigate local government, and settle into this beautiful southern town.

• Columbia Water is the one water utility available in Columbia.
• For electric service, there are choices including SCE&G & Columbia Electric Service
• To learn more about local government, visit the Columbia, SC city web site.
• Columbia wants to foster your entrepreneurial spirit. If you are looking to move and locate a business here, check out this Starting a Business resource.

Columbia, SC Housing

This is a southern town, with magnolia, pecan and oak-lined streets, and architecture dating back centuries blending with ultra-modern wood, steel and glass structures.

The cost of living in South Carolina is generally lower than the national average, and Columbia is no different. Columbia residents do not have to spend as much as the average American to buy a home. However, groceries and utilities tend to cost more here than in other major metro areas. Median home price right now in Columbia is right around $129,000 - compare that with US median of $216,000. Rental in Columbia is affordable as well. A studio apartment might rent in the $500 range, and 4 bedroom apartment/homes are available for under $1,500 a month.