$404,138Average Value$223Average Price per Sq Ft4Homes For Sale
Downtown neighborhood anchored by historic park
Arsenal Hill’s standing in Columbia is as poetic as it is literal. Named after a military academy established there in 1842, the historic downtown Columbia neighborhood occupies the highest point in the state capital. The neighborhood sits about a mile north of the University of South Carolina and its blocks are close to numerous downtown shops, restaurants and artistic and cultural institutions located on roadways like Lady and Main Streets. With some a little less noticeable than others, a number of historical sites exist throughout this neighborhood. One of them is the Governor’s Mansion, which occupies the heart of Arsenal Hill. During the afternoons, long-time resident Reggie Scott often entertains his block as he plays tunes on his jazz clarinet from his front porch. Scott lives in an old white four square home that once belonged to his aunt, Harriet Scott. Better known as the Harriet Cornwell Tourist Home, the property was among the places listed in the historic Green-book, an annual guidebook for African-American travelers during the era of Jim Crow laws. This part of the city is also home to Finlay Park, an approximately 18-acre recreational space that was originally established in the late 1850s. The park was once considered by many in Columbia as its crown jewel. The park is currently closed as part of a more than $20 million revitalization project that local leaders say will aim to bring it back to its former glory. “What was a jewel will be re-enforced,” says Payton Lang, the policy and program advisor to the mayor of Columbia and a resident of Arsenal Hill herself. The ongoing project is among the reasons given for some of the current interest in Arsenal Hill. “Well currently, they’re about to renovate the Finlay Park, which is a really large park in downtown Columbia. So, sales I’ve made recently are because it’s a great investment for when that park is renovated,” says Meghan Hesley, an agent with Coldwell Banker and who has sold some condo units in the neighborhood. “Arsenal Hill is right downtown, close to a bunch of businesses. It’s convenient, not only for the university students, but also the professionals in general who work downtown.”
Arsenal Hill is neighborhood borders downtown Columbia.
Stately Charleston-style homes in Arsenal Hill often have several porches for relaxing outdoors.
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Charleston style homes and condos
A common build around Arsenal Hill is the Charleston style, which is typically a multi-story building topped by a front-gabled roof. Other details include multiple rows of front windows, each spruced up with decorative shutters, and occasionally balconies on the upper stories. Homes with these features in Arsenal Hill can from the lower $500,000s to around $800,000, depending on factors like overall size. There are some even larger and more elaborately built ones that can cross the $1 million mark. There are, however, some more affordable options. Some single- and two-story homes with bungalow features that can run between $300,000 and $350,000. And two-bedroom condominiums in contemporary multi-story buildings can range from just over $200,000 to around $390,000, depending on overall unit size.
Shop and dine along Lady and Main
Clusters of eateries and shops that line Lady and Main streets are within convenient walking distance of the core of Arsenal Hill. Main, in particular, is populated by some fining dining establishments like Bourbon, a stylish whiskey bar and restaurant specializing in Cajun-Creole dishes. Smoked can be found farther up Main and just a block over from Finlay Park. Patrons of this award-winning upscale bar and restaurant will find a variety of farm-to-table dishes ranging from fresh seafood to house-smoked prime meals. Then along Lady Street, artisan foods and fresh and natural groceries can be found at the recently launched Farmers Market Xchange.
Ready for a busy night at Bourbon
Meeting with friends
BBQ & bourbon at Smoked restaurant
Evening meeting
Draft beer pull
Smoked on Main Street
Main and Taylor Alterations can help you get that perfect look.
King's Jewelers has been known as "The Diamond Store of Columbia" since 1946.
Sweet Cream Handcrafted Ice Cream provides a delicious family outing,
Bartender pulls a draft beer to complement a customer's meal.
The BBQ chicken and pork is popular at Smoked restaurant on Main Street, in Arsenal Hill.
Friends gather and are treated like family at Smoked on Main Street, in Arsenal Hill.
Friends gather for a fun night at Bourbon, a Cajun-Creole restaurant in Arsenal Hill.
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Memorial Park and the future of Finlay Park
Although Finlay Park is currently closed, it isn’t the only recreational destination in and around Arsenal Hill. Located just south is Memorial Park, home to a number of veterans of foreign wars monuments. Visitors to this 7-acre space can take the winding paths to look at fixtures like the Vietnam Memorial Monument and other sites dedicated to World War II-era veterans. The installations include two freestanding granite walls inscribed with the names of South Carolinians either killed or lost in action in Vietnam and sculptures like one of a kneeling soldier holding his German Shepherd with a leash. The Vietnam monument is the largest of its type outside of Washington D.C., and there are plans to eventually add a Korean War memorial. Otherwise, the improvements to Finlay Park will include the repair of its iconic spiral fountain, which flowed into a waterfall that passed both over and under slabs of rocks. The waterfall then streamed into a pond. Other amenities to be added include strolling gardens, an overlook plaza and multi-use structures with a new band stage.
Cheering on the Gamecocks
Due to its location downtown, Arsenal Hill residents are within reasonable distance of a number of major Columbia venues. Among them is Williams-Brice Stadium, where they can catch South Carolina Gamecocks football games. Then, there’s the nearby Colonial Life Arena, where they can watch South Carolina native and Hootie and the Blowfish lead vocalist Darius Rucker whenever he’s in town.
Private option and music partnership with South Carolina
Schools Arsenal Hill homes are zoned for include H.B. Rhame Elementary School, St. Andrews Middle School and Columbia High School, all of which received grades of C-minus or higher from ratings site Niche. There’s also a pre-kindergarten to sixth grade option in St. Peter’s Catholic School just south of Finlay Park. The private school, which accepts students from all faiths, has a music program partnership with the University of South Carolina.
Hop on the Amtrak
An Amtrak station is located about a mile south of Arsenal Hill. The neighborhood is otherwise close to Interstate 126, which turns into Interstate 26 and provides direct connections to Greenville area to the north and the coastal Charleston area to the south. Medical facilities close to the neighborhood include the Prisma Health Baptist Hospital on Sumter Street.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Kathy Cobb,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Columbia Canal & Riverfront Park
Picnic Area
Trails
Kayak/Canoe
Finlay Park
Lake
Picnic Area
Trails
Hampton-Preston Mansion and Gardens
Elmwood/Roy Lynch Park
Picnic Area
Trails
Playground
Memorial Park
Picnic Area
Trails
Playground
West Columbia Riverwalk Park and Amphitheater
Trails
Parking Lot
Amphitheater
Transit
Airport
Columbia Metro
21 min drive
Bus
Gervais Pulaski Wb
Bus
Assembly & Gervais Sb
Bus
Assembly Washington Sb
Bus
Taylor Huger Wb
Bus
Gervais Lincoln Wb
Bus
Hampton Huger Eb
Bus
Elmwood Park Eb
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Arsenal Hill
US
Homicide
4
4
Sexual Assault
9
4
Assault with Weapon
4
4
Robbery
7
4
Burglary
10
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
9
4
Larceny
10
4
Crime Score
9
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Arsenal Hill, Columbia sell after 42 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Arsenal Hill, Columbia over the last 12 months is $408,772, up 1% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Enjoy downtown living in gated Parkside. Experience the convenience of city living in this 2 bedroom/2 bath condo located just minutes from USC, the State House, major hospitals and the entertainment and shopping of The Vista, Main Street and the Bull Street District. Inside this unit you'll find stainless steel appliances, washer/dryer, upgraded bathrooms and an outdoor balcony overlooking the
**Modern Elegance in the Heart of Columbia – 3 Bed, 2.5 Bath Condo at Renaissance Plaza**Welcome to upscale living at Renaissance Plaza, one of Columbia’s most desirable addresses. This spacious 3-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom condo is one of only a handful in complex. This stunner has a perfect blend of comfort, style, and low-maintenance luxury in the heart of downtown.Step inside to an open-concept
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Furnished + Utilities+ Wifi included! Ultimate downtown Columbia location in iconic Arsenal Hill- offering convenience, recreation, and entertainment. Located across from Finlay Park, 4 blocks to The Vista, Main Street, and to the Columbia Canal. Run, walk and bike on the Vista Greenway! Easy commute to central business district, 3 hospitals within 3 miles, Fort Jackson & University of SC campus.
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Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Kathy Cobb,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
928
Median Age
30
Population Density
3 ppl/acre
Population under 18
15.3%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
6%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$67,983
Below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$90,279
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
98.1%
College Graduates
86.5%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
43.3%
Significantly above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
74.4%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
43''
Average Winter Low Temperature
38°F
Average Summer High Temperature
93°F
Annual Snowfall
1''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
35/ 100
Somewhat Walkable
Walk Score®
63/ 100
Good Transit
Transit Score®
52/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
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.
