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Living in Columbia, South Carolina:
Tips for Moving and Visiting

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If you've been wondering what it's like to live in or visit Columbia, the Crowdsourced Explorer community can help. We asked 12 people living in Columbia what someone who is considering moving to or visiting there should know. Here are their pros and cons, tips, and advice:

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12 comments on “Columbia”

There are antique thrift shops that have clothes from the 80’s and 90s and urban sneaker shops that have rare sneakers. Cola Kicks is definitely the place to stop by if you’re looking for some sneakers. The Saluda river is a big thing in the summer. When you drive across the bridge over the river you will definitely see blue tubes filled with people traveling up the entire river. Soda city takes place on main street every Saturday morning and hundreds of vendors come out and sell amazing food, jewelry, art, music, etc.

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Jonathan, says: 2020

If you plan to move to Columbia, South Carolina, you should be prepared to endure brutally hot summers. However, by September, you can expect a pleasant cooling off, although you will not experience the beautiful fall foliage present in northern states. Although hot, you will find many ways to enjoy the beautiful outdoors during summer, with many opportunities for fishing and hiking.

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People moving to Columbia, SC should consider the following : The transportation system is not as advanced as major cities. You will need to have your own vehicle or consider costs of Uber and Lyft in the area. Another thing to consider is that salaries from jobs are lower.

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Columbia is the state capital of South Carolina. It is home of the South Carolina State House, a greek revival building set in gardens. It is also lovingly called “Soda City” by locals due to the abbreviation of Columbia to “Cola”. Columbia is notorious for its hot summers. Not many original buildings can be found here because Columbia burned to the ground during the Civil War when General William T. Sherman entered the city in 1865.

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Columbia has big buildings and the typical city life atmosphere. There are many cultures in Columbia that are represented and appreciated along with the foods and their unique spots. There are people from China, Africa, India, Italy, etc. Columbia is a melting pot for everyone, you can be your authentic self without judgement and enjoy amazing foods from all across the world. If you ever come down to Columbia you have to stop by the Ramen house for a bowl of Pho.

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Someone moving to Columbia should know the city is very busy. There is a constant hustle and bustle. Many people from Columbia are not polite and they can also be self-absorbed. However, the architecture of Columbia is very beautiful. There are many beautiful buildings. This makes it worth living in the city.

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Columbia Is a college town. Within Columbia, there are five different Universities. Columbia is the capital city. For those who love being outdoors, Columbia has great opportunities for hiking, fishing and other outdoor leisure activities. Are you interested in fine dining? Columbia provides unique opportunities to taste uniquely Southern dishes.

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Jennifer, says: 2020

Columbia is unique because you have the chance to experience and talk to people from different backgrounds and learn more about their culture. There’s not many cities in the south who have that type of diversity embedded in their DNA like that. Columbia has some hidden gems. Five Points is a great place to hang out and chill and get some amazing food. There are many restaurants in the area and bakeries that sell some cinnamon rolls that are better than Cinnabon.

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Thomas, says: 2020

Before the Civil War, it was known for its elegant mansions, gardens, and broad tree-lined avenues. The city was burned by the army of Union General William T. Sherman. During the invasion, Union troops used the South Carolina statehouse for target practice by firing their Cannons at the building from a bluff along the Congaree River.

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Jennikah, says: 2020

Columbia, South Carolina, is the capital of the state. Columbia has plenty of things to offer newcomers: anything from the rich southern history, to being the home of the flagship university of the state–providing locals with football games and tailgates. In addition to these things, the nightlife is always a plus; downtown Columbia has plenty of bars and dives to fulfill the cravings of anyone!

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Allison, says: 2020

Be prepared for traffic! There is 8:00 AM traffic and the dreaded 5:00 PM traffic. After a while, back and side roads will become your best friends so try to learn them as soon as possible. Also, South Carolina drivers are not the best so always be on alert when driving because turn signals are a thing of the past, apparently. It’s a nice city with a lot of things to do and a great city to raise a family in and grow career wise. It’s a big/small city that still has the beautiful country aspects of it.

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Allison, says: 2020

If you’re a fan of a distinctive culture only specific to this place and an older sense of style than you’ll fit right in. Right downtown is a busy, college styled, fast-paced lifestyle! The famous USC will surely be the best university for your child to attend.

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