Columbia SC

Columbia – The Heart of South Carolina, where Southern charm meets capital city energy. Nestled between historic roots and a growing modern vibe, Columbia welcomes you with friendly faces, tree-lined streets, and a thriving arts and food scene. Whether you're kayaking on the river, exploring local history, or catching a college football game, this city offers something for everyone to enjoy.

• Population: ~137,000
• Weather: Warm and sunny most of the year (40-92°F); hot summers, mild winters.
• Places To Visit: Riverbanks Zoo & Garden, South Carolina State House, Columbia Museum of Art, Congaree National Park, Five Points district.
• Top Activities: Exploring nature trails, floating on the Saluda River, taking historic walking tours, attending live music and festivals, cheering on the Gamecocks at Williams-Brice Stadium.
• Famous Food: Carolina barbecue, shrimp and grits, fried green tomatoes, and sweet tea from local Southern diners.

Columbia, SC is a growing city with a strong economy driven by education, government, healthcare, and manufacturing. With the University of South Carolina and several major hospitals in the area, the job market in Columbia offers diverse opportunities for skilled professionals across many industries.

Top 5 Jobs in Columbia, SC

Columbia, South Carolina, is a vibrant city full of fun spots where students can unwind, enjoy some downtime, and make lasting memories. Whether you're into outdoor activities, delicious food, or exploring cultural sites, Columbia has plenty to offer.

Riverfront Park – This park along the Congaree River is perfect for a leisurely stroll or a bike ride. Enjoy the beauty of nature, and if you're lucky, spot some local wildlife along the way.

The Vista – This bustling area is known for its diverse restaurants, bars, and shops. It's a great place to enjoy a meal with friends or hop from one trendy spot to another.

The Soda City Market – Every Saturday morning, Main Street comes alive with local vendors selling everything from fresh produce to homemade crafts. It's the perfect place to enjoy brunch, browse unique finds, and experience the local culture.

Congaree National Park – Just a short drive away, this national park offers incredible hiking trails and the chance to kayak through lush forests. It's an ideal getaway for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

Five Points – Known for its vibrant nightlife and eclectic shops, Five Points is a student favorite. Whether you're looking for a place to grab a coffee, shop for vintage clothes, or dance the night away, this neighborhood has it all.

South Carolina State Museum – With four floors of exhibits covering art, history, natural history, and science, the museum is a fun way to spend an afternoon expanding your knowledge while enjoying interactive displays.

The Nickelodeon Theatre – Catch an indie film or documentary at this historic theater downtown. The Nickelodeon offers a unique moviegoing experience, often featuring guest speakers and special events.

Columbia, SC, blends southern charm with urban energy, offering students plenty of opportunities to kick back, explore, and have some fun. Whether you're new to the city or a lifelong local, these spots provide a perfect backdrop for student life.

Columbia, South Carolina is a vibrant college town known for its strong academic institutions that emphasize research, community service, and workforce development. The city hosts a mix of major public universities and respected private colleges that attract students from across the country.

Top Public Colleges & Universities in Columbia

University of South Carolina (USC) – The flagship university of the state, USC is renowned for its research, international business, engineering, law, and public health programs. It's a top-ranked public institution offering over 300 degree programs and a major contributor to scientific research in the region.

Midlands Technical College – One of South Carolina’s largest two-year colleges, Midlands Tech provides high-quality education and workforce training. It offers associate degrees, certificate programs, and college transfer options, especially in health sciences, business, and information technology.

Benedict College (Publicly Supported HBCU) – Though privately founded, Benedict is a historically Black college that benefits from public support and partnerships. It offers degrees in education, social sciences, and STEM disciplines and is known for its commitment to community development and student empowerment.

Allen University (Public Support Recipient) – Another HBCU in Columbia with a growing portfolio of liberal arts, business, and religion-based education programs. While privately operated, Allen receives state and public support for its programs and community initiatives.

South Carolina School for the Deaf and the Blind (Columbia Campus Programs) – Although its primary campus is outside Columbia, this public institution offers specialized outreach programs in the city, supporting inclusive education and vocational training for students with special needs.

Top Private Colleges & Universities in Columbia

Columbia College – A private liberal arts college known for excellence in education, leadership, and business programs. Columbia College places a strong emphasis on women's leadership and personal development, though it now offers coeducational options.

Allen University – Besides receiving public support, Allen operates as a private Christian institution offering undergraduate programs in theology, business, and arts & sciences, with a focus on service learning and ethics.

Benedict College – While considered in some contexts for public funding, Benedict remains a private historically Black college. The college offers over 25 majors and is recognized for cultivating leadership in business, healthcare, and criminal justice fields.

Strayer University – Columbia Campus – A private university catering mainly to adult learners and working professionals, Strayer offers flexible online and on-campus degree programs in business administration, information systems, and public administration.

South University – Columbia Campus – Specializing in healthcare, legal studies, and business, South University is a private institution that provides associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. Its focus on career-ready programs makes it a popular choice for professional development in the Columbia area.

Columbia, SC is home to a mix of outstanding public and private high schools that provide strong academic programs, extracurricular opportunities, and pathways to higher education and success. Whether you're seeking rigorous STEM courses, elite college prep, or a well-rounded arts and athletics environment, Columbia has a variety of high schools that meet diverse student needs.

• Dreher High School – Known for its strong academic programs, Dreher offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses, arts, and athletics. The school has a long history of academic excellence and is consistently ranked among the top public schools in the state.
• A.C. Flora High School – This high-performing school has an excellent International Baccalaureate (IB) program, strong sports teams, and top-notch fine arts. It is consistently recognized for preparing students for college success.
• – A science and engineering magnet school, Spring Valley offers specialized programs in health science, engineering, and information technology. The school emphasizes hands-on, experiential learning.

• Blythewood High School – This modern campus offers a range of AP classes, as well as innovative programs in media arts, business, and leadership. It also features a strong athletics department and diverse club offerings.

• Richland Northeast High School – Known for its CavPlex magnet program and an award-winning Model UN team, Richland Northeast offers a global learning environment that helps students stand out in college applications.

• Hammond School – One of the most prestigious private schools in Columbia, Hammond offers a challenging college prep curriculum, strong athletics, and global travel programs that enrich student learning experiences.

• Cardinal Newman School – A Catholic, college-preparatory high school known for its commitment to academic excellence, character development, and spiritual growth. The school features small class sizes and strong athletics programs.

• Heathwood Hall Episcopal School – Offers a rigorous academic program grounded in Episcopal values. The school provides personalized instruction, strong arts programming, and a variety of leadership opportunities.

• Ben Lippen School – A Christian college preparatory school with a diverse student body and a robust K–12 curriculum. It combines faith-based learning with academic rigor and comprehensive extracurricular programs.

• Sandhills School – Specializes in teaching bright students with language-based learning differences. Sandhills offers personalized instruction, small class sizes, and a curriculum designed for students with dyslexia and related learning needs.

Columbia, South Carolina, is a vibrant city with a strong sports culture. While it does not currently have any major league professional teams, the city and surrounding areas are home to several successful minor league and semi-professional teams. Columbia is also deeply passionate about college athletics, with the University of South Carolina Gamecocks being one of the most recognized collegiate sports programs in the country.

⚾ Baseball – Columbia Fireflies (MiLB)

• Columbia Fireflies – A Minor League Baseball team that plays in the Carolina League as the Single-A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals. The Fireflies play home games at Segra Park, a modern stadium in the BullStreet District of Columbia. The team has built a loyal local fan base and has seen rising talents pass through on their way to the MLB.

🏈 Football – Columbia Stingers (NAL, Past)

• Columbia Stingers – The city once hosted the Columbia Stingers, a team that played in the National Indoor Football League in the mid-2000s. Although the team no longer exists, it reflected the city’s interest in professional football and local support for sports franchises.

⚽ Soccer – South Carolina United FC (USL League Two)

• South Carolina United FC – A semi-professional team that competes in USL League Two, which is considered a pre-professional men’s soccer league in the American soccer pyramid. The team has helped foster local talent and provides high-level competition during the summer months.

🏀 Basketball – No Major or Minor League Team

• While Columbia does not currently host a professional or minor league basketball team, the city is home to intense college basketball through the South Carolina Gamecocks. The women’s basketball program, in particular, is a national powerhouse, with multiple NCAA tournament appearances and championships under coach Dawn Staley.

🏒 Hockey – Columbia Inferno (ECHL, Former)

• Columbia Inferno – The city was once home to the Columbia Inferno, a minor league hockey team that played in the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL). The team eventually ceased operations, but it left a legacy of bringing ice hockey to central South Carolina.

While Columbia may not have current teams in the major professional leagues, it remains a proud sports town filled with passionate fans. With strong college athletics and several minor league teams, the city provides a rich and exciting sports experience for residents and visitors alike.

Columbia, South Carolina is a vibrant southern city filled with rich history, southern charm, and some surprising facts that make it unique. From its pivotal role in American history to modern-day fun, here are some fun facts about Columbia:

1. South Carolina’s Capital – Columbia has been the capital of South Carolina since 1786.
2. A City of Firsts – Columbia was one of the first planned cities in the United States.
3. Home of the Gamecocks – The city is home to the University of South Carolina, whose Gamecocks athletic teams draw huge crowds.
4. Riverfront Beauty – Columbia sits where the Saluda and Broad Rivers converge to form the Congaree River, offering beautiful views and outdoor fun.
5. Civil War Significance – Columbia played a major role in the Civil War and was famously burned by General Sherman’s troops in 1865.
6. Congaree National Park – Just outside the city is Congaree National Park, home to some of the tallest trees in the Eastern U.S.
7. Scorching Summers – Locals call it “Famously Hot” for a reason—Columbia often records some of the highest temperatures in the state.
8. Film Friendly – Several movies, including The Patriot (2000), have been filmed in and around Columbia thanks to its historic buildings and scenic spots.
9. State Fair Fun – The South Carolina State Fair is held in Columbia each fall and has been a tradition for over 150 years.
10. Diverse Food Scene – Columbia offers a variety of cuisines from Southern staples to international flavors, making it a food lover’s delight.