A vibrant creative scene with ample shopping and dining opportunities
Boutique shops, historic restaurants and lively artistic establishments fill Columbia's vibrant city center. Locals can enjoy rich flavors in historic buildings at restaurants like the Cowboy Brazilian Steak House or grab a drink after work at Lulu Drake's Parisian-inspired wine parlor. Art lovers can enjoy a dynamic creative scene with easy access to the Columbia Museum of Art and the Nickelodeon Theater, South Carolina's only nonprofit arthouse cinema. Homes here are scattered throughout the district's many establishments and employers, making residents' commutes short and walkable. They sometimes sit in small residential pockets, but they are rarely available. Locals can enjoy the bustle of being right in the center of the city while still being close to green spaces like the 18-acre Finlay Park. With everything from short commutes to access to Columbia's entertainment and dining scene, it's no wonder that Elaine Gillespie, a Realtor at Coldwell Banker with 10 years of experience who lives in the Columbia area, says, "It's the hottest area in the city."
The Cowboy Brazilian Steakhouse is a popular restaurant in the Main Street District.
The hottest area in Columbia for shopping and dining
Establishments ranging from small boutiques to award-winning restaurants line Main Street District's streets, giving locals easy access to a selection of Columbia's best establishments, some within walking distance. Locals can imagine themselves in a European city while perusing through produce, antiques and artisan goods from over a hundred vendors at the Soda City Market, a weekly Saturday market inspired by European street markets. Or they can explore local gems like the Copper Canyon Soap Company and People's Pawn Shop. Those who want to eat out can dine in historic art-deco buildings in award-winning restaurants like the Cowboy Brazilian Steak House, which serves Brazilian items like cinnamon-crusted pineapple and a wide array of meat dishes. On nights out, people can grab a glass of wine and feast on small bites from Lulu Drake's Parisian-inspired wine parlor or head to Bourbon to enjoy Cajun-Creole flavors and the state's largest selection of whisky. Ice cream lovers will want to head to Sweat Cream Company to taste seasonal flavors using ingredients from local farms.
Limited properties for sale
Historic Craftsman and Victorian houses are scattered next to businesses and restaurants in Columbia's Main Street District. Houses rarely go for sale, but condos are more readily available. Homes here range from upwards of $200,000 for a condo to over $800,000 for a 1-bedroom property. A 2-bedroom condo can go for upwards of $300,000. "There has been a lot of redevelopment as many government grants have gone towards housing. Some old warehouse and industrial properties have been converted into creative loft-type houses," says Gillespie. Most properties do not have garages, so many residents park on the street or in their driveways. Front yards are small here, and many properties have stairs that lead to small patios. Residents can enjoy walking on sidewalks lined with tall decorative trees in slightly more residential areas like Marion Street. Those living in Main Street condos will live right next to historic commercial buildings and restaurants.
Many properties in the Main Street District feature porches, perfect for some time outside.
Many residents in the Main Street District live in apartment complexes.
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Green spaces for a change of pace
For a change of pace from the urban environment, locals can spend some time at Finlay Park, enjoying scenic waterfalls and walking by a man-made lake. This 18-acre park is one of the largest accessible parks in the United States, and it also hosts events like Mayfest and summer concerts, making it a favorite among locals. Columbia started renovating the park in September 2023. Another nearby option is Memorial Park. Visitors can walk through memorial statues or try to spot wildlife on the walking trail that passes near a small creek. For some time relaxing outdoors, locals can enjoy the Hampton-Preston Mansion's gardens. Visitors can walk through the magnolia-filled back lawn or check out walking paths through the restored 19th-century arboretum.
Main Street District's art scene
Main Street is also home to a vibrant art scene. Art lovers will want to visit the Columbia Museum of Art to peruse the museum's international selection of art, featuring work from Monet and Botticelli, and film fans will want to catch a movie at the Nickelodeon Theatre, which is the state's only nonprofit arthouse cinema. Locals can enjoy ballet shows by the Columbia City Ballet or performances by the South Carolina Philharmonic.
Richland One School District and the University of South Carolina
Students can enroll in the Richland One School District, which boasts a student-teacher ratio of 12 to 1 and is ranked 22 out of 75 school districts for athletes in South Carolina. Carver-Lyon Elementary, W.A. Perry Middle and C.A. Johnson High all received a rating of C-minus or higher from Niche. They all offer gifted programs, and the high school offers AP classes. The University of South Carolina, located next to the Main Street District, has the largest enrollment in the state and is known for its international business program.
Carver-Lyon Elementary School boasts a student-teacher ratio of 7-to-1.
Around 300 students learn at W. A. Perry Middle School.
C. A. Johnson High School offers AP courses and boasts a student-teacher ratio of 10-to-1.
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The South Carolina Capital State House is just outside the Main Street District.
Short or walkable commutes
Main Street District is right in the center of downtown Columbia, so residents can enjoy easy access to Columbia's amenities. Locals can walk or take the bus to their favorite restaurants or other destinations. Many hospitals are nearby, and the Prisma Health Baptist Hospital is in the district. Many employers in the greater Columbia area are also located in or less than a mile away from the district, including the South Carolina State House and the University of South Carolina. The Columbia Metropolitan Airport is around 8 miles away via South Carolina 602, and Charleston is around 115 miles away via Interstate 26.
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
Andrea Reynolds,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
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
A.C. Moore Garden
Picnic Area
Trails
Segra Park
Baseball/Softball
Events
Transit
Airport
Columbia Metro
22 min drive
Bus
Sumter Lady Sb
Bus
Main Lady Sb
Bus
Assembly St & Laurel St
Bus
Main Taylor Sb (Museum Of Art)
Bus
Richland Main Eb
Bus
Main Gervais Sb
Bus
Richland & Sumter Eb
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Main Street District
US
Homicide
5
4
Sexual Assault
10
4
Assault with Weapon
4
4
Robbery
8
4
Burglary
10
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
9
4
Larceny
10
4
Crime Score
10
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Main Street District, Columbia sell after 16 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Main Street District, Columbia over the last 12 months is $352,000, up 14% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
1321 Lofts provides unique urban apartment residences with character and style. It is a short walk or ride to downtown businesses, health-care and educational facilities, libraries, museums, historic and cultural points of interest, parks and recreation, shopping, fine dining, and nightlife.
4 bedroom 2 bath brick home located downtown Columbia near USC campus. Perfect for college students. Home has lots of character with high ceilings, hardwood floors and a large front porch. Kitchen has new cabinets, granite counters and stainless appliances. Updated electrical, plumbing and added insulation. All four bedrooms are large in size and each has a ceiling fan. Laundry room has a full
The Lady is located at 1310 Lady Street Columbia, SC and is managed by Ascend Management, a reputable property management company with verified listings on RENTCafe. The Lady offers Studio to 3 bedroom apartments ranging in size from 452 to 1917 sq.ft. Amenities include Bike Racks, Business Center, Elevator and more. This rental community is pet friendly, welcoming both cats and dogs. Property
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Andrea Reynolds,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
1,614
Median Age
26
Population Density
10 ppl/acre
Population under 18
18%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
3.7%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$14,999
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$31,827
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
96%
College Graduates
73%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
39.6%
Significantly above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
62.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
43''
Average Winter Low Temperature
38°F
Average Summer High Temperature
93°F
Annual Snowfall
1''
Area Factors
Bikeable
Bike Score®
60/ 100
Very Walkable
Walk Score®
80/ 100
Good Transit
Transit Score®
55/ 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.
