Best Suburbs of Columbia, SC

Columbia, the capital of South Carolina, is well known for its southern hospitality and its desire to retain ties to yesteryear as evidenced by the centuries-old homes and history museums. However, the city is also focused on the future, working to improve transit and mixed-used development to accommodate growth. Home to the University of South Carolina, Columbia also has a robust cultural scene, featuring more than 12 theaters for the performing arts. Additionally, this diverse city also loves music of all genres. And the popular Finlay Park features a host of family-friendly events, such as Kid’s Day and the Summer Concert Series. 

If city dwelling isn’t your preferred mode of living, take a look at the list of the 10 best suburbs surrounding Columbia. And make sure you take notice of South Carolina’s safest cities before you relocate.

10. Camden

• Population: 7,196
• Median Home Value: $158,900
• Mean Travel Time to Work: 24 minutes
• School Ranking: B
• Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 438
• Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 93

Located a mere 20 minutes northeast of the capital city is Camden. This quiet community has locally owned restaurants, boutiques, and plenty of green spaces for equestrian activities. Camden offers just the right balance for residents who want the cozy feel of a tight-knit community but don’t want to stray too far from Columbia. 

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9. Batesburg-Leesville

• Population: 5,385
• Median Home Value: $118,400
• Mean Travel Time to Work: 26 minutes
• School Ranking: B-
• Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 255
• Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 92

Just 30 minutes southwest of Columbia is Batesburg-Leesville, a walkable community that won’t disappoint. If living in a laid-back residential suburb is on your bucket list, then you are in luck!    

Come see what you’ve been missing!

8. West Columbia

• Population: 17,821
• Median Home Value: $133,900
• Mean Travel Time to Work: 19 minutes
• School Ranking: B
• Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 1,292
• Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 181

Just across the Saluda and Congaree rivers from Columbia is the commuter town of West Columbia. One premiere destination is the West Columbia Riverwalk Park & Amphitheater, which is a gathering place for folks of all ages. Open from dawn to dusk year-round, it is the ultimate location for walking, photography, tubing, kayaking and fishing. Ready to experience the great outdoors? 

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7. Seven Oaks

• Population: 15,144
• Median Home Value: $141,800
• Mean Travel Time to Work: 21 minutes
• School Ranking: A-
• Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 2,972           
• Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 481

Seven Oaks, only 20 minutes northwest of Columbia, is a riverfront community where you’ll find plenty of cafes and specialty retail shops. Drop in for a taste of the local cuisine at Café Strudel. There are also live music venues, as well as quiet pubs. 

6. Irmo

• Population: 12,357
• Median Home Value: $124,900
• Mean Travel Time to Work: 25 minutes
• School Ranking: A+     
• Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 447
• Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 64

Irmo may not be on your radar screen but it was recognized in 2018 as “One of the Safest Places in South Carolina.” It is a sleepy town located close enough to Columbia to work but far enough away to relax on weekends. It’s also minutes away from a dozen golf courses, as well as nearby Lake Murray.

Find your new favorite home in Irmo.

5. Forest Acres

• Population: 10,331
• Median Home Value: $186,700
• Mean Travel Time to Work: 19 minutes
• School Ranking: A-
• Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 654
• Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 50

Bordering the northeastern section of Columbia is Forest Acres, an irresistible city within a city. Here, you’ll find a variety of local eateries, two jogger-friendly neighborhood parks — plus walking trails that are easy on the knees — and a farmer’s market that is open all summer long. Plus Forest Acres is known for its strong school system, making it perfect for families.

Discover your new home in Forest Acres!

4. Dentsville

• Population: 14,062
• Median Home Value: $113,600
• Mean Travel Time to Work: 21 minutes
• School Ranking: B+
• Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 3,401
• Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 550

Dentsville is a suburb tucked away at the northeastern tip of Columbia. When the summer heat is on the rise, take a dip in one of several nearby lakes, like Rocky Ford, Windsor or Springwood. They’re not just for swimming; Dentsville is also a haven for fishing enthusiasts. In the evenings, settle back under a canopy of trees and listen to live lakefront music. 

3. Cayce

• Population: 14,081
• Median Home Value: $127,400
• Mean Travel Time to Work: 18 minutes
• School Ranking: B
• Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 661
• Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 112

Located just southwest of Columbia is the suburb of Cayce, which is where you will find the Congaree Creek Heritage Preserve. It is nature in every sense of the word; this is swampland, but boardwalks are available to keep you safe and dry. This way, you can view the exotic wildlife without disturbing their environment. 

Ready to pull up stakes and move to Cayce? 

2. St. Andrews

• Population: 20,493
• Median Home Value: $101,900
• Mean Travel Time to Work: 20 minutes
• School Ranking: C
• Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 782
• Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 64

Only 20 minutes north of Columbia is the suburb of St. Andrews, located in Richland County. The weather and scenery are just two of the selling points for this perfect bedroom community. Are you ready to love where you live?  

Take a look at these communities awaiting you in St. Andrews.

1. Lexington

• Population: 21,737
• Median Home Value: $183,300
• Mean Travel Time to Work: 25 minutes
• School Ranking: A
• Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 662
• Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 79

Located just south of Lake Murray is the suburb of Lexington. The water is calm enough for kayaking, canoeing and waterskiing. Lake Murray is also the site of national fishing tournaments. Between May and October, you can stop by the Lexington farmer’s market, an open-air marketplace. If you are in the mood for theater, take in a concert or play at the Icehouse Amphitheater. You’ll never run out of outdoor activities in Lexington.

Browse the selection of new homes in Lexington.

Additional Suburbs

Suburb	Pop.	Median Home Value	Mean Travel to Work	School Rank	Property Crimes	Violent Crimes
Lake Murray of Richland	5,484	$312,600	30 minutes	A+	981	159
Lugoff	7,434	$142,100	25 minutes	B-	2,720	440
Oak Grove	10,291	$126,200	21 minutes	A-	2,915	471
Red Bank	9,617	$118,200	26 minutes	B+	2,981	482
Woodfield	9,303	$103,100	28 minutes	B+	3,328	538

NewHomeSource pulled data from the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting Services and the U.S. Census Bureau. In the event exact crime data was unavailable, estimates were used. These factors were entered into an algorithm to calculate a score for each suburb.