Livability Score

79
/100
i The AreaVibes Livability Score evaluates 9 different categories and creates an overall score out of 100. The higher the score, the better the area.

amenities A+

There are lots of amenities close to this location.
Coffee (25) A+
Immaculate Consumption
Coffee Shop
Starbucks
Coffee Shop
Drip On Main
Coffee Shop
College Grounds Cafe
Coffee Shop
Cool Beans Coffee Company
Coffee Shop
Sweet Cream Co.
Coffee Shop
No Name Deli
Coffee Shop
Scooby Doo
Coffee Shop
Drip Coffee
Coffee Shop
Starbucks
Coffee Shop
The Local Buzz
Coffee Shop
The Hookah Spot
Coffee Shop
Indah Coffee
Coffee Shop
Starbucks
Coffee Shop
Chocolate Nirvana Bakery & Cafe
Coffee Shop
Starbucks
Coffee Shop
Piecewise Coffee Co
Coffee Shop
BJ's Cafe
Coffee Shop
The Well Cafe
Coffee Shop
China Hut
Coffee Shop
Pearl's Cafe
Coffee Shop
Starbucks
Coffee Shop
Entertainment (51) A+
The Senate
Nightclub
Town Theatre
Theatre Arts
Koger Center for the Arts
Theatre Arts
Columbia Museum of Art
Museum
The Nickelodeon
Cinema
USC Smokestack
Attraction
Longstreet Theatre
Theatre Arts
McKissick Museum
Museum
The Woody On Main
Nightclub
Carolina Coliseum
Stadium
Trustus
Theatre Arts
Woodrow Wilson Museum
Museum
The Grand
Bowling Alley
Hampton-Preston House Museum
Museum
Township Auditorium
Theatre Arts
South Carolina State Museum
Museum
EdVenture
Museum
Speakeasy
Nightclub
Stone Stadium
Stadium
Founders Park
Stadium
West Columbia Riverwalk Ampitheater
Theatre Arts
Riverfront Park Amphitheater
Theatre Arts
Segra Park
Stadium
Capital City Stadium
Stadium
Beckham Field
Stadium
Food and Drink (143) A+
Capital Club
Bar
Marble Slab Creamery
Sweets
Uncle Louie's
Bar
The Oyster Bar Columbia
Bar
Tin Roof
Bar
Panera Bread
Fast Food
Art Bar
Bar
Flying Saucer
Bar
Social Bar and Lounge
Bar
Five Guys
Fast Food
TCBY
Sweets
Zoës Kitchen
Fast Food
Wild Hare Sports Bar
Bar
World of Beer
Bar
Tutti Frutti Frozen Yogurt
Fast Food
Cupcake Down South
Sweets
The Peanut Man
Sweets
Which Wich?
Fast Food
Wet Willie's
Bar
Jimmy John's
Fast Food
Wendy's
Fast Food
Drake's Duck In
Fast Food
Grapes & Gallery
Bar
Chipotle
Fast Food
The Cigar Box Main St
Bar
Fitness (11) A+
Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center
Community Centre
Personally Fit
Gym
Solomon Blatt Physical Education Center
Gym
City Yoga
Gym
Studs and Suds
Gym
Planet Fitness
Gym
Hot Yoga Masala
Gym
Leroy Moss Community Center
Community Centre
Granby Fitness Center
Gym
MĂĽv Fitness
Gym
Groceries (24) A+
Blue Flour on Main
Bakery
Nonnah's
Bakery
Publix
Grocery Store
Food Lion
Grocery Store
The Gourmet Shop
Grocery Store
Sweet Temptations Bakery
Bakery
BI-LO
Grocery Store
Rosewood Market & Deli
Grocery Store
Publix
Grocery Store
El Mariachi
Grocery Store
Odaly's Bakery
Bakery
Walmart Neighborhood Market
Grocery Store
Ole Timey Meats
Butcher
Piggly Wiggly
Grocery Store
Kroger
Grocery Store
Heather's Artisan Bakery
Bakery
Food Lion
Grocery Store
Food Lion
Grocery Store
Whole Foods Market
Grocery Store
Cinnabon
Bakery
Food Lion
Grocery Store
Trader Joe's
Grocery Store
Food Lion
Grocery Store
Halal International
Grocery Store
KJ's Market IGA - West Columbia
Grocery Store
Parks (150) A+
State House Park
Park
The Horseshoe
Park
Memorial Park
Park
Davis Field ll
Park
Davis Field
Park
Gibbes Green
Park
Finlay Park
Park
A.C. Moore Garden
Park
Columbia Historic District I
Park
Columbia Historic District II
Park
Maxcy Gregg Park
Park
Riverfront Park
Park
The Esplanade at CanalSide
Park
Riverfront Park
Park
Elmwood/Roy Lynch Park
Park
Pacific Park
Park
The Fountain at Five Points
Park
Waverly Historic District
Park
Benedict College Historic District
Park
Carraway Community Park
Park
Enabling Playground
Playground
Olympia Park
Park
Martin Luther King Jr. Park
Park
Benedict College Community Park
Park
Page Ellington Park
Park
Shops (210) A+
Ellen Taylor Interiors & Design
Interior Decoration
Uptown On Main
Gift Shop
Carolina Couture
Clothing
Carol Saunders Gallery
Fashion
Whit-Ash Furnishings
Furniture
Urban Outfitters
Clothing
DOUBLEtakes
Clothing
AT&T
Electronics
Studio O2
Beauty
Sylvan's
Fashion
City Market Antiques Mall
Furniture
South Carolina Book Store
Books
Corals Fashion
Clothing
Something Special Florist
Florist
Carolina Hair Studios
Beauty
Carolina Hair Studios
Hairdresser
Metropolis Salon & Dry Bar
Hairdresser
Mast General Store
Clothing
King's Jewelers
Fashion
Jeff Morris Furniture
Furniture
USC Bike Shop
Bicycle
S-Mart
Convenience Store
Boost Mobile
Electronics
Pet Supplies Plus
Pets
Ultra Tan
Beauty
See more Columbia amenity data

commute A+

Of all people who commute, 1.7% take public transportation in Columbia.
Public Transit Stops (7)
Stops & Stations
A+
Columbia
Transit Station
Devine Woodrow EB
Bus Stop
Workers Taking Public Transit
1.7%
F
See more Columbia commute data

cost of living B

The cost of living in Columbia is 100/100 - which is 7% higher than South Carolina.
Cost of Living
Goods & Services, Housing, etc.
C
Tax Rates
Income & Sales Tax
D-
See more Columbia cost of living data

crime F

Columbia crime rates are 3,454 per 100k, which is 23% higher than South Carolina
Property Crime
2,856 crimes per 100k
F
Violent Crime
599 crimes per 100k
F
See more Columbia crime data

employment D

The median income in Columbia is $47,416 - which is 1% higher than South Carolina.
Med. Household Income
$47,416
F
Unemployment Rate
3.9%
C-
See more Columbia employment data

health A+

There are many hospitals, police and fire stations.
Health & Safety (67)
Dentist, Doctor, Hospital, etc.
A+
CVS Pharmacy
Pharmacy
Doctor's Care on Main
Doctor
ContinueCARE Hospital at Palmetto Health Baptist
Hospital
Prisma Health Baptist Hospital
Hospital
Agapé Pharmacy
Pharmacy
Thomson Student Health Center
Doctor
Columbia Fire Dept. Station 1
Fire Station
Richland County Fire Marshall
Fire Station
Dentix
Dentist
Irmo Primary Care
Doctor
Associates in Internal Medicine
Doctor
Harden Street Fire Station
Fire Station
Garris Spine Center
Doctor
The Eye Center, P.A.
Hospital
Capitol Dental Group
Dentist
MUSC Health Columbia Medical Center Downtown
Hospital
CM Tucker Jr. Nurse Care Center
Doctor
CVS Pharmacy
Pharmacy
Brookland Cayce Medical Practice
Doctor
CVS Pharmacy
Pharmacy
University Specialty Clinics- Neuropsychiatry and Behavioral Science
Doctor
Medical Park 2
Doctor
SC ENT Allergy & Sleep Medicine
Doctor
Doctors Care - Shandon
Clinic
Prisma Health Richland Hospital
Hospital
Air Quality
Median Air Quality
B-
See more Columbia health & safety data

housing A+

Columbia home prices are $186,000 - which is 30% higher than South Carolina
Home Price
$186,000
B
Home Appreciation Rate
12%
A-
Home Affordability
3.9x (home price to income ratio)
C-
See more Columbia housing data

schools D+

The Columbia graduation rate is 84% - which is 3% higher than South Carolina
School Test Scores
41%
F
High School Grad. Rates
84%
C
Elementary Schools (91) F
St Peters Catholic School
Daniels Christian Schools
Clear Dot Charter School
South Carolina Science Academy
St Martin De Porres School
Bethel Learning Center
Hand Middle
Carver-Lyon Elementary
A. C. Moore Elementary
Montessori School Of Columbia
Sc Virtual Charter School
South Carolina Virtual Charter School
Logan Elementary
Colonial Christian Academy
Watkins-Nance Elementary
St John Preschool
Rosewood Elementary
Shandon United Methodist Preschool & Kindergarten
W. A. Perry Middle
Imagine Columbia Leadership Academy Charter
Midlands Arts Conservatory
Edward E. Taylor Elementary
St Joseph School
Center For Learning Inc
East Point Academy
High Schools (37) F
Daniels Christian Schools
South Carolina Science Academy
Brookland-Cayce Senior High
C. A. Johnson High
Sc Virtual Charter School
South Carolina Virtual Charter School
Colonial Christian Academy
Dreher High
Sc Connections Academy
The Barday School
Covenant Classical Christian School
A. C. Flora High
Richland One Charter Middle College
Eau Claire High
Lexington Two Innovation Center
Heathwood Hall Episcopal School
Sonlight Heritage Academy
Cardinal Newman School
See more Columbia education data

ratings D

Columbia has an overall rating of 54% from 29 reviews.
User Reviews (4)
From AreaVibes
D
User Surveys (25)
From AreaVibes
D
See more Columbia user rating data
Amenities Commute Cost of Living Crime Employment Health & Safety Housing Schools User Ratings
Photo of Columbia, SC
( 29 Ratings )

Living in Columbia, SC

Columbia Area Facts

  • Columbia has a Livability Score of 79/100, which is considered exceptional
  • Columbia crime rates are 23% higher than the South Carolina average
  • Cost of living in Columbia is 7% higher than the South Carolina average
New Real Estate Listings in Columbia Area
Search Homes for Sale in Columbia, SC

Columbia Reviews

Write a review about Columbia Tell people what you like or don't like about Columbia…
Pot hole city 3 rating By Marty29203 ( Jul 22, 2017) Ever since Gov. Pothole Nikki was elected the city streets have deteriorated. They are just now being repaired. The lights are timed horribly and it took me 15 minutes to go 2 blocks. Some are forced to run them. Nightlife is good for a city this size. Some want to turn the state ...Read More house into a playground. Homeless roam the streets. Overall I would enjoy living here more if we had intelligent leadership. Read Less
Worst Place Ever 0.5 rating By Anonymous ( Jun 01, 2017) Columbia, South Carolina is ghetto and crime invested everywhere. The government officials have no respect for good people. There is no help. They will try to arrest you. The only people seem to get respect here are drug users, prostitutes, and those willing to sell out anyon ...Read More e and everyone to get what they want. There are no emergency shelters. This is really not a good place to raise children. Please don't have to go to court for criminal or civil because they don't care. Businesses and their employees are stealing from people. So much violence. People move here to get away well wrong answer. This place lacks any ambiance, the streets and highways are bad, you don't know who is out to get you. They steal so much. It's boring. I'm glad my family and I left an will never return. Seems like the walking dead. The same people get in trouble over and over again and get away with it, how is this. The agencies are so flawed and poorly ran its crazy. It's like the blind leading the blind. Hardly no assistance for women and children. The school buses drive like race cars. What is there to do for families? This place is country and stupid. Be ware! Read Less
Setting the Record Straight 4 rating By albsure ( May 05, 2012) I lived in Columbia for 15 years. Despite what the last reviewer saw while passing through Columbia has a number of family oriented attractions. There's a really great zoo, a few great museums including a children's museum, a railroad museum and an art museum. Then there's the st ...Read More ate museum that always has fun exhibits. There's an inexpensive water park on Ft Jackson. If you like outdoor type stuff you can kayak and canoe down the Broad, Bush and Saluda Rivers. There are a few boats that offer tours and cruises around Lake Murray. There's the Congaree National Park that is absolutely breathtaking. Harbison State Forest is great for hiking and Sesqui State Park is great for picnics. And Saluda Shoals park offers a lot of great events for everyone including kids.

There are two fairly large shopping areas on opposite ends of the city...Harbison and Sandhill. Chances are the previous reviewer stopped in a really old dilapidated Columbia Mall that's over run by teens and young people. If you're looking for high end Fifth Avenue type of shopping you are certainly not going to find it in Columbia but there are great shops and boutiques all over the city including the downtown area, 5 points and the Vista. The same is true for restaurants. The Devine St area has great food...including a number of "international type cuisines".

If you're a history buff go on a couple tours of the historic homes in the downtown area and tour the State House.
There are "gay friendly" spots in the Vista, as well as dance clubs that appeal to the old and young.

In the warmer months there are quite a few pop up markets, bazaars and farmers markets. And lots of free live music!
Lately the city is attracting large musical acts at the various theaters and centers. USC often has free theatrical and music performances. There's also a children's theater. The Town Theatre and the Trustus put on good shows. The Koger Center is is where various ballets, operas and performing arts shows are put on.
The Free Times paper has the best info on the happenings around town!

There is plenty to do in Columbia if you care enough to look! Read Less
Columbia, SC - Modest At Best 3.5 rating By Anonymous ( May 20, 2010) I passed through the city of Columbia, SC a few months ago on vacation with my wife. This was not our first experience in SC and I was expecting a great experience similar to our last visit to SC however I was very disappointed with Columbia.

Columbia is not a bad place but its
...Read More very modest and we could not find many attractions or things to do. There is very little shopping in Columbia with one below standard mall in the City. The nightlife primarily consists of drunken southern folk which hardly makes it enjoyable nor a family place! The majority of the "night life" is small, poorly maintained bars and the chain restaurants which have ample bars.

While Columbia does have some great historic southern architecture, that is hardly enough to make it a worthy visit! The restaurants and dining in Columbia was above average assuming you enjoy southern cuisine. I do not particularly enjoy southern cuisine therefore that was also not enough for me! There is lack of any real entertainment or family oriented events in Columbia.

My overall impression is that Columbia, SC is a very small college city. If you are looking for a family oriented location, night life or extra impressive dining you may want to cross Columbia off your list. There are far better places to visit in SC than Columbia. Read Less
Show All Reviews
Setting the Record Straight 4 rating By albsure ( May 05, 2012) I lived in Columbia for 15 years. Despite what the last reviewer saw while passing through Columbia has a number of family oriented attractions. There's a really great zoo, a few great museums including a children's museum, a railroad museum and an art museum. Then there's the st ...Read More ate museum that always has fun exhibits. There's an inexpensive water park on Ft Jackson. If you like outdoor type stuff you can kayak and canoe down the Broad, Bush and Saluda Rivers. There are a few boats that offer tours and cruises around Lake Murray. There's the Congaree National Park that is absolutely breathtaking. Harbison State Forest is great for hiking and Sesqui State Park is great for picnics. And Saluda Shoals park offers a lot of great events for everyone including kids.

There are two fairly large shopping areas on opposite ends of the city...Harbison and Sandhill. Chances are the previous reviewer stopped in a really old dilapidated Columbia Mall that's over run by teens and young people. If you're looking for high end Fifth Avenue type of shopping you are certainly not going to find it in Columbia but there are great shops and boutiques all over the city including the downtown area, 5 points and the Vista. The same is true for restaurants. The Devine St area has great food...including a number of "international type cuisines".

If you're a history buff go on a couple tours of the historic homes in the downtown area and tour the State House.
There are "gay friendly" spots in the Vista, as well as dance clubs that appeal to the old and young.

In the warmer months there are quite a few pop up markets, bazaars and farmers markets. And lots of free live music!
Lately the city is attracting large musical acts at the various theaters and centers. USC often has free theatrical and music performances. There's also a children's theater. The Town Theatre and the Trustus put on good shows. The Koger Center is is where various ballets, operas and performing arts shows are put on.
The Free Times paper has the best info on the happenings around town!

There is plenty to do in Columbia if you care enough to look! Read Less
Columbia, SC - Modest At Best 3.5 rating By Anonymous ( May 20, 2010) I passed through the city of Columbia, SC a few months ago on vacation with my wife. This was not our first experience in SC and I was expecting a great experience similar to our last visit to SC however I was very disappointed with Columbia.

Columbia is not a bad place but its
...Read More very modest and we could not find many attractions or things to do. There is very little shopping in Columbia with one below standard mall in the City. The nightlife primarily consists of drunken southern folk which hardly makes it enjoyable nor a family place! The majority of the "night life" is small, poorly maintained bars and the chain restaurants which have ample bars.

While Columbia does have some great historic southern architecture, that is hardly enough to make it a worthy visit! The restaurants and dining in Columbia was above average assuming you enjoy southern cuisine. I do not particularly enjoy southern cuisine therefore that was also not enough for me! There is lack of any real entertainment or family oriented events in Columbia.

My overall impression is that Columbia, SC is a very small college city. If you are looking for a family oriented location, night life or extra impressive dining you may want to cross Columbia off your list. There are far better places to visit in SC than Columbia. Read Less

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Compare Columbia, SC Livability

      vs

      Columbia, SC

      Columbia is a city in South Carolina with friendly people, numerous businesses, and southern flair at every turn. When you walk throughout the downtown area, you'll see a variety of trees including maples and oaks, small shops, and plenty of people waiting to say hello. Even though this is a large city, there isn't a lot of traffic. The traffic that does flow through the city tends to stay on the mild side. The University of South Carolina is located in Columbia, which means that you'll likely see several college students frequenting the shops during the day and on the weekends.

      This is one of the top affordable places to live in the southern area of the country. Prices for renting and buying a home, purchasing a car, and the basic necessities that are needed for your family are lower than what you'll find in other states. One way that you can pay your bills and splurge on a few treats in Columbia is by working at one of the top businesses in the city, such as AT&T, BlueCross Blue Shield, and Prisma Health.

      Even though there are quite a few colleges in Columbia, the University of South Carolina is the most popular. It's in the top 50 colleges in the country and features at least 300 graduate and undergraduate programs. Columbia College is an option to consider as well. The school caters to veterans and is ideal for someone who wants to further their education on a budget.

      Columbia's weather is usually warm and sunny. There are a few times during the winter months that storm systems cross at the right time to deliver a few inches of snow. Overall, you're going to be able to enjoy comfortable temperatures during most of the year. The summer months are often hot and humid, but the coastline is only a few hours away.

      If you enjoy outdoor activities, then you'll find that Columbia has a lot to offer. There are trails in parks to explore including the Boardwalk Loop Trail. You can set up a tent in many of the parks, and there are campgrounds in the rural areas of the city where you can enjoy organized camping. Lake Murray is also an option if you like boating, swimming, or fishing. This is the largest manmade lake in the city.

      When you're in Columbia, you'll be treated to numerous events during the year. There are 4th of July celebrations with food and fireworks, seafood at the Rosewood Crawfish Festival, and a variety of book readings at the Deckle Edge Literary Festival. As you enjoy the beauty outside, you'll see that Columbia offers even more beauty when you turn the key to your new home or explore the indoor attractions and activities that are available.

      A+ Amenities

      Are there many local amenities in Columbia? Yes, there are lots of amenities close to this location.

      Parks

      State House Park
      The Horseshoe
      Memorial Park
      Davis Field ll
      Davis Field
      Gibbes Green
      Finlay Park
      A.C. Moore Garden

      Entertainment

      The Senate
      Town Theatre
      Koger Center for the Arts
      Columbia Museum of Art
      The Nickelodeon
      USC Smokestack
      Longstreet Theatre
      McKissick Museum

      Food & Drink

      Capital Club
      Marble Slab Creamery
      Uncle Louie's
      The Oyster Bar Columbia
      Tin Roof
      Panera Bread
      Art Bar
      Flying Saucer

      F Commute

      Is public transit available in Columbia? Of all people who commute, 1.7% take public transportation in Columbia.
      Drive to Work
      63%

      13% lower than the US average

      Take Public Transit
      2%

      3% lower than the US average

      Walk to Work
      22%

      19% higher than the US average

      B- Health & Safety

      Is Columbia a healthy and safe place to live? Yes, there are some hospitals, police and fire stations.

      Hospitals

      The Eye Center, P.A.
      ContinueCARE Hospital at Palmetto Health Baptist
      Prisma Health Richland Hospital
      HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Columbia
      MUSC Health Columbia Medical Center Downtown
      Prisma Health Baptist Hospital
      Palmetto Health Baptist Parkridge
      Wm. Jennings Bryan Dorn VA Medical Center

      Pharmacies

      Walgreens
      CVS Pharmacy
      CVS Pharmacy
      Agapé Pharmacy
      Publix
      Rite Aid
      Publix
      Rite Aid

      Doctors

      Garris Spine Center
      Doctor's Care on Main
      Irmo Primary Care
      SC ENT Allergy & Sleep Medicine
      University Specialty Clinics- Neuropsychiatry and Behavioral Science
      Thomson Student Health Center
      Berkeley Endoscopy Center
      CM Tucker Jr. Nurse Care Center