If you are not from Columbia, S.C. you might be interested in knowing what neighborhoods are in the area. It can be said that there are 6 main areas that people refer to in general when speaking about the East side of the river: Downtown Columbia, Forest Acres, Arcadia Lakes, Garners Ferry Area, Fort Jackson, and Northeast Columbia. When referring to the West side of the river, there are 6 areas that are commonly referred to: Cayce, West Columbia, Springdale, Irmo, Lake Murray, and Chapin.
Downtown Columbia is definately growing. Having grown up here and lived here for 40 years, I have seen Columbia go from a non growing, more traditional area to a more progressive area interested in new building endeavors, new parks (we have a new baseball stadium for Gamecock Baseball), and new ways of life. The Vista is the hot spot downtown. This is where all the popular night life is located; where all the interesing clubs, bars, etc are within walking distance of each other. As far as living quarters downtown, there are these new, trendy loft apartments everywhere. Many of these loft apartments are new, but some of them are built in remodeled, historic buildings. Some cool downtown neighborhoods in my opinion are Governor's Hill, Laurel Hill, Shandon, and Melrose Heights.
Going East and away from the bustle a bit, you come into Forest Acres. This is where I grew up. Forest Acres is kindof a bubble in which everything you need in life just about is contained in that area. You can ride for hours on the wooded, windy, well planned roads and never leave "acres". The police are known to do a really good job, it is secure and relatively low in crime. There are older houses there, newly remodeled houses of all sizes, and new homes to choose from. There is a "Fresh Market", a Publix, a really good Pancake house, great schools (for kids, Satchel Ford Elementary is wonderful), and great people.
Right on the edge of Forest Acres is the separate Township of Arcadia Lakes. As the name implies, this area has a few lake properties...small lakes. This is also a wonderful area to live and raise kids.
Northeast Columbia, S.C. is a booming area and is home of the original (in my opinion) upscale neighborhoods. Spring Valley High School and the Spring Valley Country Club Area are the center of the Northeast Area. Stretching out towards Elgin, you have a huge new growth area comprised of The Summit, Lake Carolina, and many other subdivisions which, in my memory used to be woods and fields. All of these areas are about a 20-25 minute hop on I-20 or I-77 to the Downtown Columbia Area.
West Columbia refers to the areas west of the river. Right next ON the river you have several options for real estate - new houses for sale, great apartment living (Granby Crossing is on the river, Granby Oaks is off the river), and a small town environment right on the cusp of Downtown Columbia...close enough, but far enough away to not be in the middle of the downtown bustle. Stretching out towards the lake, West Columbia has a few great neighborhoods, but my favorite are Westover Acres and Saluda Chase. West Columbia is also a great place to live, work, and raise kids. Some of the schools are Pine Ridge, Saluda River Academy for the Arts, Providence Presbyterian Child Development Center, and many more. In the past, this area has been known to be more of a "middle working class" area. It has developed into more of a "blue collar business owner" area and the home to many of Greater Columbia Area Contractors as many of those workers became business owners.
Heading out West up highway 378, you come into the Lexington Area. Lexington has many newer neighborhoods including Whiteford and dozens more. In the Lexington, S.C. Area you can enjoy everthing from Country Club living at Golden Hills to Lake living at Lake Murray. The schools in this area are known to be the best in the South.
Irmo, S.C. is another pocket of goodness. Being right next to the lake, you can enjoy access to the lake without the high cost. Irmo is famous for the "Okra Strut", which is a festival that they have every year. Irmo High School is one of the best in the area. Although not technically an Irmo Address, one of the hot spots in the Irmo Area is the Columbiana Mall Strip - including the largest shopping areas in Greater Columbia. Lawn Services in Irmo, S.C. are always a pleasure because of the high level of attention people give to their yards.
We look forward to having you as a new neighbor or visitor! If I can be of assistance in any way, just visit my business website and find my contact information: I am Ashley Brooks, Busy Bee Lawn Care
