Just north of the South Carolina state capital, the suburb of Blythewood hasn’t lost its rural roots. The town was initially called Doko, a name still taken by a few businesses and a park. Accounts differ as to whether it was an African or Native American word; either way, the name Blythewood eventually took over, coming from a local private school in the 1870s. The community was primarily agricultural in its early days, and a Columbia-Charlotte rail line stopped in town, affording the town easier transportation for farm produce and mail. While no longer central to the town, the train sparked much of its early economic growth. Today, Blythewood maintains a mostly rural atmosphere even as quickly developing subdivisions and a central shopping area allow for modern amenities. The population of 4,700 is sure to rise as Scout Motors, a subsidiary of Volkswagen Group, builds a new car manufacturing plant in town, set to open in 2026. Blythewood is also popular among horse owners, and its large lots and wooded areas provide a bit more privacy compared to other Columbia suburbs. “It has nice open spaces and beautiful homes,“ says Renee Friar, a Realtor with Home Advantage Realty. "And now that the plant is under construction, it’s going to explode. It’s going to bring thousands of jobs to the area.”
The historic Clara's Sandwich Shop is part of the museum located on Main street in the town of Blythewood.
Doko Meadows' Christmas Tree Lighting is a beloved Blythewood holiday tradition.
Blythewood Road’s small businesses reflect the town’s warm and welcoming vibe.
City Hall plays a vital role in hosting meetings and guiding Blythewood's development.
1/4
A blend of rural homes and contemporary properties
Although Blythewood still has its rural pockets, new developments with contemporary homes are sprouting around town. “It is rural, but builders have moved in by the droves,” Friar says. Contemporary homes in neighborhoods like Cobblestone Park offer golf course views, while Blythewood Farms has even newer homes. The median home price is around $370,000, below the national median of $416,000. Some homes in town can reach $650,000, higher than in Columbia — and, Friar notes, prices will likely continue to rise as more jobs come to town. There are also a number of lots available for sale, ranging from $35,000 for lots smaller than a quarter acre and up to $500,000 for multiacre lots.
A row of homes in Cobblestone Park in town of Blythewood.
A classic brick multi-gambled home is adorned with colorful shutters and blossoming landscaping in Blythewood.
Sidewalks and landscaped spaces make Blythewood Farms walkable and family-friendly.
Cobblestone offers resort-style living with well-maintained homes and amenities.
1/4
Richland School District 2 receives high marks
Richland School District 2 receives an A-minus grade from Niche, and each public school serving Blythewood earns a rating of B or higher. The school district has a student-to-teacher ratio of 14-to-1 and a high school graduation rate of 89%. Meanwhile, the Blythewood branch of Richland Library hosts craft workshops, book club meetings, story times and more.
Richland District 2 schools, like Blythewood High, excel in academics and sports programs.
Muller Road Middle has programs that cater to the diverse needs of its student population.
Sandlapper Elementary School is committed to academic excellence and student success.
Longleaf Middle School is an above average, public school with an overall Niche score of B-.
1/4
Town events at Doko Meadows Park
Blythewood is home to the University of South Carolina equestrian team and numerous other farms and boarding facilities. Blythewood also has two public parks near Main Street. Blythewood Park covers 21 acres with three baseball diamonds, a playground and a picnic shelter, along with an indoor recreation area featuring a gymnasium. The town’s primary outdoor space, 22-acre Doko Meadows Park, has playgrounds, walking trails, a fishing pond and an amphitheater. The park hosts the annual Christmas Tree Lighting event and the weekly Movies in the Park, which runs from summer until fall. The town’s northeast subdivision winds around Cobblestone Park Golf Club, a 27-hole course.
Blythewood welcomes visitors from Columbia and beyond thanks to its I-77 connection.
Blythewood’s Tree Lighting kicks off at 5 PM at 171 Langford Road with live music to follow.
Families can enjoy the holiday cheer at Blythewood's Tree Lighting in Doko Meadows Park.
Blythewood’s Tree Lighting tradition includes lighting a second tree across the street.
1/4
Blythewood Road and local eateries
Much of Blythewood’s restaurants and shops are along Blythewood Road. Though there are fast-food options, the town has its fair share of local restaurants like Doko Smoke BBQ and Doko Station Pub & Eatery, plus several grocery stores.
Eggs Up Grill is a popular with residents of Blythewood, and Spring Valley.
Doko Smoke BBQ is a staple in the town of Blythewood.
Five Guys restaurant at The Village offers outdoor seating for warm days.
Located in Columbia's Village at Sandhill, Le Peep offers cozy dining and fast service.
1/4
Important to Know
Blythewood has a moderate climate, with humid summers and mild winters. Rainy days are common, though. FEMA gives Blythewood a relatively high risk for tornados and strong winds. The town has a CAP Index crime score of 3 out of 10, lower than the national average of 4.
Interstate 77 connects to Columbia
Blythewood is minutes from Interstate 77, which commuters can take 20 miles south to Columbia’s city center or 75 miles north to Charlotte in neighborhing North Carolina. The town’s Main Street, which is also U.S. Highway 21, is another route for commuters, most of whom rely on cars. For traveling outside the metro area, Columbia Metropolitan Airport is 33 miles away. I-77 is also used by residents to reach Fort Jackson, which is about 16 miles from town.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
