Historically, Main Street has been the main hub of entertainment and government in Columbia. The neighborhood is now home to restaurants, Soda City Market, the Nickelodeon Theatre, Mast General Store, many residential choices, and the famously hot New Year’s Eve party sponsored by the city. A steady flow of excellent exhibitions and events takes place at the Columbia Museum of Art, which moved downtown in 1998. Rentals and occupancy rates both increased in 2015 as the street developed. Main Street is busy these days. Other than these, we will discuss a few neighborhoods in downtown Columbia.
1. Shandon Neighborhood Columbia, SC
Distance from the centre of downtown: 2.4 miles via car
Shandon became one of Columbia’s first suburbs in 1904 when it became annexed by Columbia. Today, it remains one of the most desirable and popular downtown neighborhoods in Columbia thanks to its well-kept homes, inviting front porches, and gorgeous oak tree lined streets.
The neighborhood is home to college students as well as young professionals and retirees, near the popular shopping districts at Five Points and Devine Street. A variety of housing types, historic character, a diverse community, and its proximity to restaurants, shopping, and downtown Columbia are all reasons why people are drawn to Shandon. Harden, Kilbourne, and Devine streets form the borders of Shandon, which is located a short distance from the University of South Carolina and downtown Columbia.
About its Name:
Shandon was once a rolling farmland before it became part of Columbia. R.S. DesPortes compares it to Shandon, Ireland because it is so lush and beautiful. In 1890, R.W Shand, president of Columbia Land and Investment Company, began buying land in Shandon and he apparently thought naming the area after him would make him look good.
Restaurants near Shandon
Devine Street is one of the major thoroughfares in downtown Columbia. In addition to offering a number of great shopping options at upscale boutiques, Devine Street also offers a number of excellent restaurants to grab a quick bite to eat or sit down for a dinner with friends and family. Some of the best restaurants on Devine Street include Za’s, Backstreets, Cantina 76, Henry’s, and Burger 76. There are also dozens of bars, coffee shops and restaurants in Five Points, just down the hill from Shandon.
Shopping and Grocery near Shandon
Food Lion in Five Points, Publix and Rosewood Market on Rosewood Drive, and Whole Foods in Cross Hill Market are all grocery stores near Shandon. Many homes in Shandon are actually walking distance to Publix on Rosewood Drive.
2. Melrose Heights Neighborhood Columbia, SC
Distance from the centre of downtown: 2.4 miles via car
Located just minutes from downtown Columbia and the University of South Carolina, Melrose Heights offers affordable historic homes in a neighborhood known for its well-kept yards, pedestrian-friendly streets, and easy downtown accessibility.
In this old house magazine’s 2013 list of America’s best old-house buying areas, Melrose Heights and Old Town are named as top picks for young professionals, families, and retirees. There is easy access to both the Devine Street and Forest Acres business districts, which are two of Columbia’s most popular shopping and entertainment areas. The University of South Carolina and downtown Columbia are just a couple miles away, so commuting to work or school is extremely convenient. The quiet streets of Melrose heights are lined with towering canopies of oak, pine, and sweetgum trees.
Melrose Heights is a diverse neighborhood located between two shopping and dining destinations. It was established around 1900 and is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places and it is protected as an Architectural Preservation District of the City of Columbia.
Where does the name Melrose Heights come from?
Several parcels of land were acquired by the Powell family after the Civil War, which is when Melrose Heights-Oak Lawn was started. In the late 19th and early 20th century, the family continued to acquire land between Millwood Avenue and Gervais Street, and Melrose Heights was slated to be developed around 1900. In the mid-50s, the baby boom and returning soldiers drove its growth again, as the neighborhood continued to grow steadily through 1935.
Restaurants information:
Local eateries and upscale boutiques can be found on Devine Street, which borders the city’s business district. In addition, Five Points, one of Columbia’s most popular shopping and entertainment district, is just a short drive away. Across Melrose Avenue are shops and restaurants on Trenholm Road, Trenholm Plaza, and Richland Mall.
Shopping and grocery:
There are many grocery stores serving Melrose Heights, including Kroger and Lowe’s on Forest Drive, Piggly Wiggly on Devine Street, Whole Foods at Cross Hill Market, Publix on Rosewood Drive, and Fresh Market at Trenholm Plaza. Trenholm Plaza is also provides a diverse selection of boutiques and shopping near Melrose Heights.
Fun fact about Melrose Heights:
As part of the purchase of land at public auction, Powell bought more than 67 acres in the area where the previous owner could not pay taxes in 1870. Neighborhoods named after specific families were established in 1900.
3. Heathwood Neighborhood Columbia, SC
Distance from the centre of downtown; 3.2 miles via car
It is one of the most prestigious and sought-after neighborhoods in Columbia, with grand homes, expansive yards, and meticulously maintained gardens. With its architecturally distinct houses and long-term residents, Heathwood is reminiscent of Old Columbia, established between Devine Street and Trenholm Road.
Although the large yards and tree canopy create a feeling of serenity, Heathwood’s biggest selling point is its location, which is close to the city. The University of South Carolina, downtown and the Congaree Vista are all within accessible via a short drive. Forest Acres is also close by providing additional shopping, dining and entertainment options. There are shops and restaurants on Devine Street within walking distance of Heathwood, and it is not far from Cross Hill Market, Target at Woodhill Shoppes, Richland Mall, and Forest Acres. Within a few miles, the neighborhood has access to Interstate 77, which connects Columbia to Charlotte.
About its Name:
A community called Heathwood was founded in the early 1920s by Moses Chappell Heath. Burwell Deas Manning Sr. developed Heathwood beginning around 1940. His son-in-law, Heath’s son, Heath began developing it in 1914.
Restaurants information:
Restaurants on both Devine Street and in the Crosshill Market are easily accessible from Heathwood via walking or driving. In Five Points, Congaree Vista, and Trenholm Plaza residents in Heathwood can enjoy numerous restaurants, ranging in size, price, and taste.
Shopping and grocery:
Heathwood has a number of great grocery store opportunities nearby. Piggly Wiggly, Publix, and Whole Foods are near this neighborhood, as well as Kroger on Forest Drive and Whole Foods in Cross Hill Market.
Fun Fact about Heathwood
Moses C. Heath owned the neighborhood’s first home – a Neoclassical-style mansion used as Heathwood Hall Episcopal School from 1951 to 1974.
4. Rosewood Neighborhood Columbia, SC
Distance from the centre of downtown: 3.8 miles via car
Rosewood, a neighborhood near the University of South Carolina and downtown Columbia, has it all. Many young families and college students have moved into the historic in-town neighborhood, repairing aging houses and renting them out to artists and hipsters. As a result, the Columbia neighborhood on the south side of the city has an eclectic, diverse atmosphere, a neighborhood bordered by busy four-lane Rosewood Drive. A majority of the surrounding homes are single-family homes, though duplexes and small apartment complexes are also present. Those who are looking for a historic neighborhood feel at an affordable price will enjoy Rosewood.
About its Name:
Rosewood has had its name since at least the mid-1920s, and it is not clear exactly how the name came about. Rosewood may have origins in the fact that the trolley’s final stop on the south side of town, on the south side of town, was in a farmland and wooded area in the early 20th century, so many people think the name came from there.
Restaurants information:
Almost every corner in Rosewood is home to an incredible selection of restaurants and delis that have served residents for decades. You’ll find everything you need in Rosewood, from delicious pizza to an historic ice cream shop. At Curtiss-Wright Hangar’s Hunter-Gatherer restaurant, craft beer is brewed on-site, handcrafted pizzas are prepared and more. Rosewood is one of the most walkable neighborhoods in all of Columbia.
Shopping and grocery:
Both Rosewood Market and Publix are located in the neighborhood. You can easily walk to Publix and pick up groceries when you live in Rosewood. Whole Foods, Piggly Wiggly and Target are also a short drive away. Rosewood’s central location is a valuable asset to those who call this neighborhood home.
Fun Facts:
Rosewood shopping plaza was advertised in 1954 as “the most complete and modern shopping center in Columbia.” Since its reconstruction in 2002, it has become home to the Publix supermarket. Rosewood’s pride is evident by the proliferation of “The Wood” bumper stickers.
5. Elmwood Park Neighborhood Columbia, SC
Distance from the centre of downtown: 1.4 miles via car
It’s not hard to find a cozy and welcoming vibe walking through the shady streets of Elmwood Park just north of downtown Columbia. The neighborhood has a number of magnificent gardens and houses with sidewalks for strolling with friends, family, or even your beloved pets.
“Columbia’s front porch,” as it’s called, offers a truly nostalgic experience as residents gather on their porches and greet neighbors as they pass. During the months of April through October, neighbors also host “porch parties,” where they open their porches for potluck festivities.
The National Register of Historic Places lists Elmwood Park as being founded in the early 1900s. Residents of Columbia will find it convenient to commute to downtown Columbia and the University of South Carolina thanks to its annexation in 1904. A major thoroughfare, Elmwood Avenue, runs along the edge of the neighborhood.
Among its residents are young professionals, artists, young families, and others who appreciate the neighborhood’s history and the friendly atmosphere. In an area that prides itself on well-kept gardens and beautifully maintained yards, there is an active neighborhood association that awards a “yard of the month.” Among three finalists for National Neighborhood of the Year that year, Elmwood was named Neighborhood of the Year for Physical Revitalization and Beautification by Neighborhoods USA in 2013.
Restaurants information:
Downtown, North Main district, western Vista, and BullStreet District are close to Elmwood Park and its shops and restaurants. On Marion Street, you can get a casual lunch at No Name Deli.
Shopping and Grocery:
With a Publix on Gervais Street and a Food Lion on Harden Street nearby, the Elmwood Park neighborhood is conveniently served by grocery stores.
FUN FACT:
The State Fairgrounds and a racetrack were originally located in Elmwood Park. A lot was sold to the Richland Real Estate Company in 1903 when the South Carolina State Fair moved to its present location on Bluff Road. January 2, 1904 marked the sale of the first lot in Elmwood.
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