Welcome to Columbia, SC, the small but mighty capital city that’s a growing hotspot for people looking to buy or build a new home! From its low cost of living (especially housing) to its variety of events, to its close proximity to… well… everywhere else in the South, it’s easy to see why residents love it so much. Here are a few more reasons why Columbia is a great place to live and build new!
1) Low Cost of Living
Living in Columbia is about 16% less expensive than in the rest of the country, especially when it comes to housing. A brand new home built on your land in Columbia can cost as little as $121,990 so you’ll definitely save money. And with all-new, energy-efficient appliances and systems and tightly insulated houses, you’re bound to save on your utilities, too. Food and groceries are also cheaper here, so more of your hard-earned money stays in your pocket.
2) Great Location
From Columbia’s central location in the state of South Carolina, you can be at the beach, the mountains, or any number of the South’s largest cities in just a couple hours — without having to hop on a plane! Myrtle Beach is 2.5 hours away, The Chattahoochee National Forest or Great Smoky Mountains is a 4 to 5 hour drive, and bustling cities like Charleston, Charlotte, and Atlanta are all within driving distance.
3) Beautiful Weather All Year
Yes, Columbia does get hot in the summer, but that’s all the more reason to enjoy fun summertime activities like weekends at Lake Murray, or taking a day trip to the beach! And in the winters, you can forget about heavy coats (maybe keep one on hand for the mere 1.5 inches of snow the city receives annually). Otherwise, the months are mild and comfortable and make for a great season to enjoy the plentiful outdoor recreation.
4) Access to the Great Outdoors
The central part of South Carolina is beautiful, and there are plenty of outdoor spaces, protected lands, and national parks to explore. The Three Rivers Greenway is a 12.5-mile linear park along the Saluda, Broad, and Congaree rivers. The series of riverfront pathways includes lighted trails, boardwalks, outdoor amphitheaters, restaurants, and views of the Columbia skyline. It’s a great way for residents to reconnect with nature.
Congaree National Park is the largest expanse of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the Southeast, and it’s perfect for observing wildlife, exploring, kayaking, and canoeing. Peachtree Rock Heritage Preserve is one of the region’s premier hiking destinations, and with layered sandstone formations, fossils of ancient marine creatures, native longleaf pines, and a natural waterfall, there’s plenty to see.
There are also smaller city parks scattered throughout Columbia that offer green space, festival grounds, and lots of room to run free.
5) Friendly People
It’s the South, so the people are friendly! Even if they’re not originally from Columbia, the residents here have all adopted a sense of Southern hospitality. Expect a greeting when you pass someone on the street, or a friendly wave from a neighbor on their front porch. It’s part of the culture and a big reason people love living here!
Why Build a New Home in Columbia, SC?
At Value Build Homes, we make building a new home in Columbia so affordable, that it doesn’t make sense not to! With new construction, you get to choose the floor plan that’s right for you and your family, customize it to your unique lifestyle, and build it on the land of your choosing. And when you select Value Build Homes as your builder, we’ll guide you every step of the way with our proven, six-step process. We’ll even help you find the perfect piece of land. Contact us to learn more; we can’t wait to build your dream home in Columbia, SC!