Some say West Columbia is the best-kept secret in the Midlands.

“You are in the middle of everything and you have easy access to just about anywhere you want to go,” said West Columbia Mayor Bobby Horton. “It’s why we have such a wide variety of citizens. It’s a good place to live for just about anyone.”

On the banks of a beautiful river, West Columbia has all of the benefits of metropolitan life, while maintaining its close-knit feel.  And with its appeal, the city attracts many types of residents. From young families and retirees, to students and those seeking luxury, there is something for you in West Columbia.

Wade McGuinn has constructed homes from Lower Richland County to Lake Murray. He has recently built and sold dozens of homes in West Columbia, in the Harvest Glen community, off of Leaphart Road. While building booms may come and go, McGuinn said there is something constant about West Columbia.

“People want to get back to their roots,” McGuinn said. And West Columbia is one of the places they want to get back to. He should know. McGuinn is a product of Lexington Two schools. And he said he knows why West Columbia is attractive.

“It’s proximity,” he said. McGuinn said many new home buyers are young professionals. They want to be close to jobs, restaurants and entertainment. They want to be close to the center of town. He said West Columbia is close to everything.
McGuinn said his idea was to create a community near everything, from I-26, good Lexington Two schools and Lexington Medical Center to I-20 and downtown Columbia. And West Columbia affords that opportunity.

“In addition to the great location, the residents feel safe,” McGuinn said.
He also said builders are offering a neighborhood with new homes, and you don’t even have to leave West Columbia to live in one.

The multi-million-dollar Brookland development being built at State and Meeting streets will offer unique living experience.

But West Columbia also has neighborhoods that are seasoned. From the Avenues and Saluda Terrace to the New Brookland Mill Village and Westover Acres, there are many established areas in which to live.

Suzanne Terry and her husband Mark Terry live in Westover Acres, a West Columbia neighborhood that was established more than 50 years ago.

“I would not want to live anywhere else,” Suzanne said. “Our daughter Chloe goes to Lexington Two Schools and we live around the best neighbors in the world. It’s so convenient. There are so many restaurants close by and places to shop,” said Terry. “And West Columbia has a small-town feel with the convenience of the city. It’s low crime and people care about their community.”

While the Terrys have a child in school, older buyer like West Columbia too.

“Half of our buyers are lateral-move, empty-nesters,” McGuinn said. “They may want a maintenance-free house. Many are selling their homes that are too big now, and buying one of ours for the same amount or less.” And they get to stay in West Columbia, which is where they want to be.”
While smaller easy-to-take care of houses are a fit for some, West Columbia is home to some of the top retirement living in the area. Still Hopes has long been a draw for families of a certain age, as is Laurel Crest, on the banks of the Saluda River.

Students who want to live off-campus, but close to the University of South Carolina also find West Columbia appealing

Students are drawn to apartments, like Redtail on the River on Alexander Road in the West Columbia River District. The complex is only a short distance from USC. It features shuttles to USC. And the complex is designed to help Gamecock students succeed while making them feel at home.

West Columbia also has its share of elegant housing. Bill Mooneyhan lives in the River’s Edge development. Larger homes with the scenic Saluda River in the background.

“I love my neighborhood,” said Mooneyhan. “It’s like living in a mountain resort.”

Mooneyhan said he loves the private river access at River’s Edge and the walking paths by the Saluda River. He said he is seeing more and more river enthusiasts moving in. “We love the river. It’s a beautiful place to live.”

If you want to be closer to the action, Congaree Park looks back from the banks of the Congaree River, onto the Columbia skyline. It’s an exclusive residential community also off of Alexander Road. It’s billed as a unique riverfront development along the banks of the river.

West Columbia is a unique urban village, nestled on the riverside, with a diverse range in housing. And regardless of the style of living you seek, there is the chance you will find it in West Columbia.