Why People Are Moving to Columbia, SC
A combination of affordable housing, job growth, mild winters, and genuine Southern charm is attracting transplants from the Northeast, Midwest, and West Coast. Here's what you need to know before you make the move.
Cost of Living
Housing is the biggest variable. Prices and rents differ a lot between downtown, the suburbs and the lake, and between Richland and Lexington counties, whose property taxes also differ. For current figures, compare listings on the major property sites for the exact areas you are considering, and see the U.S. Census Bureau's QuickFacts for income and housing data by town.
Job Market
Large employers in the area include the University of South Carolina, the state government (Columbia is the capital), health systems such as Prisma Health and Lexington Medical Center, Fort Jackson, and BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina.
Best Neighborhoods for Newcomers
If You Want Walkability
The Vista, Five Points and Shandon put you near downtown, USC and restaurants.
If You Want a Suburban Lot
Irmo, Chapin, Lexington, Blythewood and Forest Acres offer more single-family homes; check the school district for any address.
If You Want Quick Access Across the River
West Columbia and Cayce are minutes from downtown over the Congaree bridges.
Read our detailed Columbia neighborhood guide and our suburbs of Columbia guide for more info.
Schools
The area has several school districts — Richland One, Richland Two, Lexington-Richland Five, Lexington One and Lexington Two among them — and your address decides which one serves you. See our schools guide and compare schools on the state's official report cards.
Weather
- Summers: Hot and humid, with many days in the 90s°F from June to September. Budget for air conditioning.
- Winters: Mild, with occasional freezes; snow is uncommon.
- Spring/Fall: Gorgeous. March-May and October-November are peak comfort months.
- Tropical storms: Columbia is well inland, but the remnants of tropical systems can bring heavy rain and flooding — check flood maps for any home near a river or creek.
Things Newcomers Should Know
- People are genuinely friendly — Southern hospitality is real in Columbia
- USC football is a religion — Gameday Saturdays shut down parts of the city
- The food is incredible — Especially BBQ, Southern comfort food, and the growing international scene
- Traffic is manageable — Nothing like Atlanta or Charlotte, but I-26/I-77 interchange can back up
- Bugs are real — Invest in good pest control (see our pest control guide)
- Lake Murray is a lifestyle — If you're near Irmo/Lexington/Chapin, get a boat or kayak
- The arts scene is growing — Main Street revitalization has brought galleries, theaters, and music venues
Moving Checklist for Columbia
- Research neighborhoods using our neighborhood guide
- Get a South Carolina driver's licence and register your vehicle with the SC DMV
- Set up utilities — the electric and water provider depends on your address, so ask the seller or landlord
- Find a doctor — browse healthcare providers
- Register to vote at your new address
- Update your address with USPS
- Compare movers in Columbia
Find Everything You Need
Browse our directory for local plumbers, electricians, dentists, movers and more — and check licences with the official lookups linked on each category page.
The full list, by category: things to do in Columbia, SC.