Firstly why Columbia, South-Carolina?

I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:

• City: Columbia
• State: South-Carolina
• Population: 137,766 people
• Columbia’s quick summary would be Known for the University of South Carolina and the beautiful Riverbanks Zoo & Garden.

Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:

• How many people move-in: 18,000 annually
• While this many move-out: 16,000 annually
• Net Migration: 2000 more people in (net) annual change
• Non-Citizen Move-in: 2,500
• Number of Homeless people: 1,500

You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it as the state capital offers job opportunities and cultural institutions attracting professionals

Perk #1: Columbia Demographic Mix & Lifestyle

• The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 33%
• Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 58%
• Largest Local Ethnic Group is Black
• The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly White
• The median income is (and growing)  $47,000
• Income Required to Live Comfortably in Columbia is $54,000
• Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $7000 in positive cash flow

This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?

Perk #2: Housing & Columbia’s Cost of Living

• Cost of Living Index: 90 (100 is the US average)
• Annual Property Tax Per House: $2,726
• Property Tax %: 0.86%
• Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $1,250
• Rent for an average house: $1,600
• Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: Forest Acres
• Top 5 Growing Areas: Columbia, Irmo, Blythewood, Forest Acres, and probably could include Springdale
• Avg. Age of Homes in Columbia: 67 years
• The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 1.7%

If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.

Perk #3: Job Market & Columbia’s Economy

• 3 Industries gaining traction in Columbia are  Healthcare, Education, and Retail
• Columbia Job Scene: strong job market in education and healthcare
• The General Tech Scene: major tech hub centered on education, government, and healthcare sectors
• Columbia Resident’s pay $1,200 in City Tax alone!
• Local Sales Tax in Columbia: 7%
• No. of Independent Businesses: 180 (excluding chains and corporates)
• Number of Local Branch Banks: 9

Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.

Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in Columbia

• Monthly Transportation Costs: $95 on average per person
• Freeway Access: I-20 runs through Columbia linking it with various regions
• Commute Time: 22 minutes (public & private)
• Main Evening Traffic Area: bottlenecks on the Gervais Street Bridge
• Transportation Score: 38 out of 100 described as Some Transit
• No. of Vehicles Registered in Columbia: 150,000
• Cars registered per Person: 1.1
• No. of Car Washes: 8 in and around the city
• DMV Website for Columbia: scdmvonline.com
• The Bike-Friendly Score: 62 of 100
• Local Airport: Columbia Metropolitan

Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.

Perk #5: Columbia’s Weather & Natural Factors

• The Most Common Natural Disaster is Tornadoes
• General Weather in Columbia is best described as features hot humid summers and mild winters with substantial annual rainfall
• Winter Weather in Columbia i’d describe as mild with wet conditions
• Spring Weather in Columbia can be described as warm with rain potential
• Summer’s in Columbia are mostly hot and humid
• Fall ( the nicest time) in Columbia is usually mild with pleasant weather
• How many days in a row over 90°F: 49 days in summer
• Days in a row in Columbia below Freezing: 4
• Average Annual Rainfall: 48 inches
• Summer Air Quality is usually moderate air quality influenced by urban activities
• Columbia Winter Air average air quality affected by urban pollution sources

Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.

Perk #6: Columbia Education & Schools

• The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
• Number of Colleges and Universities in Columbia 5
• While the number of trade schools inside Columbias’s city limits are 3
• Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Richland Library

If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.

Perk #7: Healthcare & Columbia Stats

• Typical EMS Response Time: 6 minutes
• Registered Full-Time Columbia only Doctors is about 100
• Local Hospitals here is  5
• Full-time Columbia only Police Officers is about 360
• Crime Rate Index: 65/100

Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.

Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality

• Columbia’s Monthly utility bill average is $95
• Columbia’s Monthly Gym Membership: $42
• Columbia’s Water Quality Score: 70

Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.

Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in Columbia

• Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 6 annually
• The General Local City Vibe: state capital with a rich history and university presence
• You might enjoy concerts at the Colonial Life Arena
• Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Columbia  features a vibrant mix of bars clubs restaurants and entertainment reflecting the artistic community

If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.

Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of Columbia

• The Objective Restaurant Scene Features a diverse restaurant scene with many casual options
• The Number of Independent Restaurants are 80 scattered around Columbia
• The Popular Sports Team is South Carolina Gamecocks
• Top Level Political Climate in Columbia can be described as state capital with a politically diverse climate
• Columbia’s Longer standing religious establishment is Columbia First United Methodist Church

Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.

Perk #11: Columbia Parks & Green Spaces

• Did you know Columbia has 60 Parks?
• Gervais Street Bridge Park is Columbia’s Green Space Center
• The local favorite Farmers Market is Columbia Farmers Market normally open Saturday 8am-1pm
• Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Hiking, biking, and river activities

Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.

Perk #12: Columbia Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity

• The Pace of Life in Columbia can be described as active urban life driven by education and diverse culture
• 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Columbia visiting local festivals exploring parks picnics at lakes
• The Cities people commute to from Columbia are Fort-Mill 7 miles away York 10 miles away Charlotte 21 miles away

Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.

8 Drawbacks about Columbia or are they?

No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.

1. Traffic/Commute Issues
   Maybe you read: bottlenecks on the Gervais Street Bridge. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts.
2. Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
   Columbia’s Tornadoes risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up.
3. Pricey Neighborhoods
   If Forest Acres is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Columbia are Fort-Mill 7 miles away York 10 miles away Charlotte 21 miles away.
4. Crime Rate Concerns
   With a 65 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this.
5. Harsh Climate Contrasts
   Columbia has 4 days in a row below freezing and 49 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it.
6. Limited Extra Funds
   After general costs of living here in Columbia people have an average (positive or negative) $7000 in positive cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here.
7. Homelessness or Social Challenges
   1,500 homeless people living in Columbia. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions.
8. Cultural/Political Mismatch
   The general state capital with a politically diverse climate could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to Columbia.

Retiree & Senior Life in Columbia

• Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can may qualify for property tax credits improving affordability
• The most established Senior Citizen Community is The Clare Bridge
• Columbia Senior Center provides diverse programs meal services and community resources for older adults

If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.

Moving to Columbia, South-Carolina?

If Columbia, South-Carolina ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help

As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.

A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around Columbia, South-Carolina, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!