Nestled at the confluence of the Saluda River and the Broad River is South Carolina’s capital, Columbia. Often abbreviated as Cola, it features compact, easily navigable streets, Southern charm, and hospitality. Founded in 1786, it lies across 140.7 square miles and has a median age of 28.2 (2022). Its main industries include healthcare, advanced manufacturing, green energy production, and research and development.

Colonial and Southern are the most common house styles in Columbia, where the typical home value is $219,856, up 18.5% over the past year (Zillow, 2022). Adding to its appeal are annual events, such as the Oyster & Pig Roast, the South Carolina Food Truck and Craft Beer Festival, and the Indie Grits Festival, which features independent films, live music, and food trucks.

Highways serving Columbia include I-20, I-26, I-77, and I-126. The walkable neighborhood of Five Points, just off U.S. Route 1, offers historic homes and plenty of rentals, and proximity to the University of South Carolina. Arcadia Lakes, near I-20 and I-77, is a historic area near downtown that has views of nearby Lake Murray, as well as large parks. Houses in this neighborhood are primarily single-family homes. Northeast Columbia, a once-rural area, has been developed into a primarily residential neighborhood with a range of housing, and access to restaurants and shopping centers.

Columbia has really enhanced itself in the last 20 or so years, through downtown revitalization and an uptick of cultural activity.