Affordable Columbia Storage Units

Moving and storage go hand in hand. Whether traveling across town or the country, moving is an exciting and fresh start. While Storage Rentals of America is here to help you with all your storage needs, we also want to help you get familiar with the area. That's why we put together this resource guide for Columbia.

About Columbia, South Carolina

Columbia is South Carolina's capital city and a popular place to visit. The city calls itself "the real southern hot spot" for its natural beauty, centuries-old sites, and energetic, modern vibe. Overall, Columbia has deep historical roots with a vision toward future expansion. According to the most recent U.S. census, the city has a population of 129,272 with a density of around 930 people per square mile. Visitors and residents enjoy affordable housing, a fun downtown area where many events happen, and a local culture in which fresh ideas are always brewing.

What to do in Columbia

There are many activities to keep one busy in Columbia, which cover a wide range of interests. The city has diverse entertainment and outing possibilities, especially regarding historical attractions and cultural events.

The Riverbanks Zoo and Garden: This place is one of Columbia's biggest attractions. Ranked among the nation's top zoos, it houses more than 2,000 animals in exhibits next to the Saluda River. The Riverbanks Zoo emulates many natural habitats to preserve the ecosystems of its beautiful animals. On the other side of the river is a 70-acre botanical garden that protects historic ruins and provides a home to rare plants, woodlands, and gardens.

Historical Attractions: Columbia is a city that is rich in history. It has countless historical buildings like the Robert Mills House that dates back to 1823. Like many other areas in the city, The Arsenal Hill neighborhood has preserved old buildings juxtaposed with modern buildings. The South Carolina State Museum is in the heart of downtown and houses valuable relics for the public to view.

Shopping & Dining: If you are looking for a crowd-pleasing activity, the Congaree Vista district, formerly known as the warehouse district, is a hub bursting with galleries, retail establishments, and restaurants. There is also much shopping to be enjoyed at the Village at Sandhill shopping center.

Working in Columbia

Columbia's unemployment rate is 4.0%, 0.1% higher than the national average. The job market has decreased by 0.2% in the past year. Future job growth is predicted at 27.4%, around 5% lower than the national average of 33.5%. The median household income in the city is $41,454 annually, around $12,000 lower than the national average of $53,482. However, the cost of living in Columbia is around 10% lower compared to the U.S. average, which evens out the figures.

Columbia Neighborhoods

Columbia, SC has many homes that range from affordable to high-end. People seeking a home here can find many options regarding the value, square footage, type of home, and price. Here are some neighborhoods and their average prices.

• Five Points: Median home price is $100,000
• Elmwood Park: Median home price is $200,000
• The Lakes at Barony: Median home price is $239,000
• Eau Claire: Median home price is $80,000

Columbia School District

The city's public schools are governed by 7 different districts, depending on their location. The schools belong to systems in Richland or Lexington County. 24 private schools cover the K-12 grades.

When it comes to higher education, Columbia is home to 11 institutions, including the main campus of the University of South Carolina, which is located in Downtown Columbia. This school contributes to the city's vibrant local culture and "college town" energy that promotes arts and an environment of learning.

Moving to Columbia Resource Guide

People who want to call Columbia their new home need to be connected with the proper utilities, internet, and phone services. Here are the essentials to know when moving to Columbia.

Electricity and Natural Gas: Dominion Energy South Carolina provides electricity and natural gas to homes and businesses in the area. Residents who are interested in setting up or transferring services can give them a call.

Water and sewer: Residents seeking to start or transfer these services may contact the Columbia Water Department.

Phone/Internet: There are many competitors for phone and internet coverage in Columbia. AT&T is considered the top provider, followed by Spectrum and Viasat. This comprehensive list of providers offers residents many options in choosing phone and internet bundles.

Local City Government: Like many other capital cities, Columbia has a council-manager government that six elected officials and the mayor run. This City Council represents different districts of the city. Residents are encouraged to voice their opinions and concerns to their designated representatives.

Columbia Housing

Columbia's living cost is around 10% lower than the national average. The median cost of homes in the area is $128,000, which is 68.9% of the national average. The largest portion of savings residents enjoy is attributed to affordable home prices. Some areas of Columbia have significantly more expensive homes than the city's average, but there are also many affordable homes throughout the area.