The desire for housing in West Columbia is high for many reasons.

“I’ve lived in West Columbia all my life,” said Curtis Loftis. He’s the Treasurer for the State of South Carolina and he owns commercial property in West Columbia, too. “There are a whole lot of good things happening in West Columbia.”

Loftis said West Columbia offers convenience. His office is on the grounds at the State House and he says he can be there in 10 minutes.

“We’re in a great location,” said Loftis. “We’re at the junction of three interstates, with an international airport less than 10 minutes away. Lexington Medical Center and its vast network of practices are in the heart of West Columbia. “It’s a great place for business offices and families.

Loftis, who lives on the banks of the scenic Lower Saluda River, called West Columbia unique in all that it has to offer.

In addition to proximity, West Columbia is affordable. It has the lowest water-sewer rates in the state and annual tax increases are all-but non-existent in the City of West Columbia.

Because of the appeal, there is a housing boom. More than 120 new homes are being built off of US 1, on Dreher Road and 34 new homes are being built off of State Street, at St. Ann’s Alley.

Besides those houses, a development with up-to 400 homes is being planned off of Methodist Park Road.

RE/MAX agents Terence and Emily P. Smith have 20 years of experience in residential real estate in central South Carolina. They specialize in buying and listing properties everywhere from Leesville to Camden. The couple is tops in residential sales for the Lexington and Lake Murray areas.

The Smiths have leased the 2,400-sq.-ft. office suite at The Clark Building,130 State Street, in West Columbia’s River District for their RE/MAX Southern Collection office.

The building, for many years, was known as Clark’s Beauty Shop. It is an eclectic location in the heart of West Columbia, that showcases an exposed brick interior, with a glass storefront. Retailers, offices and restaurants surround The Clark Building.

The River District, which just added the multi-million-dollar Brookland development, is experiencing a boom. There are new parks, more free parking and tremendous growth potential in the Congaree River vista.

The restaurants in The River District offer views of Columbia. The area where the State and Meeting streets intersect is also the venue for West Columbia’s Kinetic Derby Day. The annual festival draws thousands to soap box racing, a vendors gallery and a parade made of pedal-powered, handmade contraptions.

There are also music events that include the Rhythm on the River Concert Series. The concerts are held in the spring and fall at West Columbia’s Riverwalk Amphitheater.

Because West Columbia is so attractive, more people are choosing to live and do business here.