Whether you want to call it by its nickname, “Soda City,” or just by its name, Columbia, SC, is one of the many great destinations to move to in the South. This South Carolina city is known for many things including its Southern charm, riverfront views, museums, and Greek Revival buildings.
And if you’re considering living in Columbia, there’s four things you should know. The housing market is somewhat competitive, the median home sale price is $237,000, the average sale price per square foot is $135, and the average rent price for a two-bedroom apartment in Columbia is $1,249.
If those prices are out of your budget, don’t worry, we’ve got options. We’ve collected the 5 most affordable suburbs of Columbia, SC, to consider living in. And the best part is that they’re all less than 25 minutes away from the city center. You’ll still be close enough to Columbia to explore the city’s great neighborhoods without the price of living there.
#1: Dentsville
Median home price: $158,950
Average sale price per square foot: $101
Driving distance from Columbia: 15 minutes
Dentsville, SC homes for sale
Dentsville, SC apartments for rent
With a median home sale price of $158,950, Dentsville comes in at number one on our list of most affordable suburbs of Columbia, SC. About a 15-minute drive north of downtown Columbia, Dentsville is home to roughly 14,400 residents. If you’re considering moving to this area make sure to explore the nearby Sesquicentennial State Park where you can camp, canoe, bike, or walk on a nature trail.
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#2: Woodfield
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Median home price: $160,000
Average sale price per square foot: $136
Driving distance from Columbia: 20 minutes
Woodfield, SC homes for sale
Woodfield, SC apartments for rent
Columbia’s second most affordable suburb is Woodfield. About a 20-minute drive away from downtown Columbia, you can explore Riverbanks Zoo & Garden, and boat, fish, or relax at Lake Murray in just a quick drive. When living in this suburb of 9,200 people, you can also spend time exploring charming downtown Woodfield.
#3: Seven Oaks
Median home price: $191,000
Average sale price per square foot: $130
Driving distance from Columbia: 15 minutes
Seven Oaks, SC homes for sale
Seven Oaks, SC apartments for rent
15 minutes outside of the city, you’ll find yourself in the suburb of Seven Oaks. Even with a population of about 14,700, there are plenty of fun things to do in Seven Oaks. Make sure to check out one of the many parks like Seven Oaks Park or the Environmental Center at Saluda Shoals Park if you move to the third most affordable suburb.
#4: West Columbia
Median home price: $215,000
Average sale price per square foot: $153
Average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment: $1,225
Driving distance from Columbia: 8 minutes
West Columbia, SC homes for sale
West Columbia, SC apartments for rent
Only slightly more expensive than Seven Oaks is West Columbia, the next suburb on our list. With a population close to 17,400, there’s still plenty to do in this suburb of Columbia, SC. Plan to spend the day taking in the riverfront views at West Columbia Riverwalk Park and Amphitheater, exploring the Riverbanks Botanical Garden, and grabbing a meal at one of the many local spots.
#5: Red Bank
Median home price: $239,750
Average sale price per square foot: $155
Driving distance from Columbia: 25 minutes
Red Bank, SC homes for sale
Red Bank, SC apartments for rent
Drive 25 minutes outside of Columbia and you’ll find the suburb of Red Bank, the final city on our list. With 10,900 people living in this affordable town, Red Bank is a great option to consider when looking to stay close to Columbia without paying the premium for a home in the city. In Red Bank, there’s plenty to explore throughout the year.
Methodology: Affordability is based on whether a suburb’s median home sale price or average sale price per square foot is less than Columbia and under a 25-minute drive from downtown Columbia. Median home sale price data from the Redfin Data Center during March 2023. Average rental data from Rent.com March 2023. Population data sourced from the United States Census Bureau.
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