WELCOME TO COLUMBIA!
And welcome to the many diverse & friendly communities that make up the Greater Columbia Area ... one of which you may soon be calling "HOME"
Following are a few pieces of information about our fine Metropolis, also known as the Midlands, which you may not be aware of:
The Greater Columbia area consists of 8 major sections.
They are the Northeast, the Southeast, Downtown, West Columbia, Lexington, Irmo (in the Northwest), Lake Murray, and Chapin. Each of these also has distinct sections within them. For instance; the Spring Valley area residents have a Columbia address and live in the Northeast section of the City. Homes advertised for sale may simply say "Spring Valley" in the ad. Though they catch on quickly once they are here, many people new to the Columbia area have a difficult time trying to discern if an advertised home is in the section of town they desire. Each of these areas have their own personality and are growing steadily, yet our city is still small enough for me to be knowledgeable of all areas!
Quick Getaways are EASY!
Columbia is geographically located in the center of this historic state. Many of our residents enjoy the fact that they are just TWO hours away (via I-26 West) from the Great Smoky Mountains or The Atlantic Ocean (via I-26 East). This is ideal for one day Getaways or quick weekend vacations!
Columbia is home to Nine institutions of Higher Education!
The University of South Carolina was founded in 1801 and enrolls over 26,000 students at the main branch here in Columbia. The University offers more than 70 undergraduate programs and 224 graduate areas of study leading to masters and doctorate degrees. The Master of International Business program has consistently been ranked first in the nation by US News and World Report.
The Midlands area is also home to Allen University, Benedict College, Columbia International University, Columbia College, Columbia Junior College, Lutheran Theological Southern, Midlands Technical College, and Newberry College.
The Midlands is Served by Three Major Interstate Systems!
I-20, I-26 and I-77. A beltway connects the three interstates.
Columbia is comprised of Richland and Lexington Counties.
Richland and Lexington Counties are divided into seven school districts.
Each offers a wide variety of innovative, challenging curriculums. The school districts' commitment to excellence has been rewarded with many state and national awards. In addition to public education, the area also offers many quality private schools for students from kindergarten through high school.
CITY OF COLUMBIA
http://www.columbiasc.net/
COLUMBIA AND AREA SCHOOLS
http://www.sciway.net/k12/
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA
http://www.sc.edu/
RIVERBANKS ZOO
http://www.sc.edu/
SOUTH CAROLINA STATE MUSEUM
http://www.museum.state.sc.us/
TOWN OF IRMO
http://www.townofirmosc.com/
TOWN OF LEXINGTON
http://www.lexingtonsc.org/
TOWN OF CHAPIN
http://www.chapinsc.com/
TOWN OF PROSPERITY
http://www.prosperitysc.com/
CITY OF NEWBERRY
http://www.cityofnewberry.com/