6 Reasons to Live in Columbia, SC

You’re thinking about making a big change—moving to a new area. For those of you who have just endured one of the coldest winters in your life, you might be looking at a southern locale where the weather is so much milder. Not that we’re biased, but McGuinn Hybrid Homes can offer 6 reasons to live in Columbia, SC!

Reason #1: Go coastal or take to the hillsThe Columbia area is almost the same distance from the beach as it is from the mountains. Head in one direction to bask on a beach along the Atlantic coast, or just stay local and get your water energy from one of the many lakes that are close to Columbia. Lake Murray, for example, spans 48,000 acres and 41 miles, and offers 620 miles of shoreline, and it’s just outside of Columbia. Dreher Shoals Dam lets you walk across Lake Murray. The 1.5 mile dam includes biking and walking paths, a beach, and a picnic area. The 213-foot-high dam is a popular place to get a stunning view.McGuinn Hybrid Homes builds communities—like Harbour Watch—that offer lakeside living and all the recreation and relaxation that goes with it.From your central location in Columbia, you can take a scenic drive to the Blue Ridge Mountains. It’s one of those trips where the journey is just as enjoyable as the destination.

Reason #2: We have really great sports

Do you like to watch great basketball, football, or other sports from the stands instead of a TV? Columbia is home to the University of South Carolina Gamecocks. Many pro players have emerged from USC, including the NFL’s Stephon Gilmore and Alshon Jeffery (both Super Bowl winners), NBA Hall of Famer Alex English, World Series 2018 MVP Steve Pearce and Adam Everett, who played both for the Cleveland Indians and the gold-medal-winning 2000 USA baseball team. Watching the Gamecocks play at the Columbia Area is like getting a sneak preview of future all-stars!

Columbia is also home to the Lexington County Blowfish, a summer collegiate team playing in the Coastal Plain League. Their home is here at Lexington County Baseball Stadium and, like the USC Gamecocks, you can expect to see young talent that’s getting ready for big league careers. Oh, and the team is named after Hootie and the Blowfish, that also happens to be from South Carolina.Over at Spirit Communications Park, you can catch Fireflies. Don’t bring a jar, because you’ll be watching the New York Mets’ Class-A affiliate play top-notch baseball. 

Reason #3: There’s a lot of history here

For you history buffs, you’ll find no shortage of fascinating stories, landmarks, and museums in and around Columbia. The South Carolina State Museum in Columbia presents a wealth of knowledge that comes from more than 70,000 pieces of art, artifacts, fossils, and other treasures that paint the picture of South Carolina’s past. For an even bigger picture, the museum features a planetarium and observatory.

Reason #4: Fun is a Columbia tradition

A good time is just part of our culture here in Columbia, SC. How do you like to spend your free time? Naturally, as a city, Columbia and all of the surrounding areas will treat you to a limitless array of dining and shopping. Whether you want down-home, real Southern cooking or an epicurean experience, you’re never far from great food.

Columbia has more ways to entertain you. The Icehouse Amphitheater is a key part of the city’s revitalization that began in 2012. This outdoor theatre regularly fills its 900-seat capacity for live performances, movies, and more.

The EdVenture Children’s Museum is a family-friendly place that welcomes curious hands and minds to explore learning. Whenever a youngster complains about being bored, head straight for EdVenture. Colonial Life Arena is a busy venue for everything from USC Gamecocks and other sports events to concerts. The upcoming events calendar features an eclectic mix of entertainment, like James Taylor, Bonnie Raitt, Fleetwood Mac, Elton John, and Pink. Then there’s WWE wrestling and Monster Jam. And the kids will love shows like Disney on Ice and Sesame Street Live.

The Riverbanks Zoo & Garden in Columbia gives the whole family a respectful view of our wildlife citizens. The zoo focuses on education and environmental conservation, with plenty of fun that includes getting up close and personal with giraffes and kangaroos, ziplining, and scaling a rock wall.

Reason #5: The great outdoors is really great

With the idyllic South Carolina climate, you’ll probably want to get out and enjoy the sun-drenched days. Columbia is filled with parks where you can hike, bike, wander, picnic, and play. Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park offers a glimpse of Columbia’s history, while also featuring trails, playgrounds, an amphitheater, picnic spots, and fishing. Saluda Shoals Park is a riverfront recreation area, and the splash park there is just the thing for a hot day. Take a hike through the Harbison State Forest or Peachtree Rock Heritage Preserve. Go canoeing or camping at Sesquicentennial State Park. Wander through the many gardens at Virginia Hylton Park. You can also blend the outdoor experience with casual shopping at the Soda City Market. This weekly street market in Downtown Columbia takes place every Saturday, rain or shine. With about 150 vendors, this event blends the best of local purveyors of food, art, crafts, and much, much more.

Reason #6: A good life is affordable

You can live well in this Southern area without spending a fortune, Housing costs are below the national average. See for yourself. McGuinn Hybrid Homes has brand new, single-family homes starting from the mid-$100,000s and townhomes from $133,900. Look at our communities, floor plans, and move-in ready homes. Then, let’s talk about the many reasons to choose a McGuinn Hybrid home.