Columbia, South Carolina's Downtown Gets A Face-Lift
by Blanche Evans
Columbia, South Carolina is experiencing a resurgence as a new face-lift for the downtown area spurred by new jobs make relocation to the area attractive. "The downtown areas of Columbia are in the process of receiving a face-lift," says Realtors Rosemarie and Kirsten Averhoff, "Continued new business developments bring new jobs and growth to all communities. Columbia is named one of the "hottest" places to live in and retire to. Top ranked universities, beautiful and affordable housing, year-round recreation include fishing, golfing, tennis and more and steady business (job) growth makes Columbia a nice place to visit and live. They explain, "Around Lake Murray , Irmo, Ballentine, St. Andrews area, Downtown, and much more, we have a variety of neighborhoods with large lots, luxury homes, patio homes, condos, lake homes, on golf courses, gated - whatever your budget and heart desires. Lake Murray is a huge and beautiful man-made lake with year-round recreation that attracts many buyers to the Irmo/Chapin area and it's award-winning school system. It's a steady growing area with new businesses and home developments. Find everything you need at Columbiana Center - movie theaters, fine dining, Sam's, Super Walmart, Lowes & Home Depot, hotels, medical facilities, indoor and outdoor recreation - the possibilities are endless." "It's summertime and the heat is on," says Realtor Marsha K. Joller. "Columbia has been experiencing very warm weather and few rain showers. The housing market hasn't cooled off either. Neither the hot temperatures nor the raising interest rates have made a dent in the real estate market." Joller says, "Columbia has gotten some good employment news - a coalition of businesses and the state's medical schools are starting a new research center which will bring jobs to the area. The new Siemens plant is also beginning to bring in people. Now that the universities and colleges are holding graduation, housing around these schools is coming on the market. These houses make good investment properties, with students seeking off-campus housing. Real estate has proven to be one of the safer investments, showing appreciation and providing an opportunity for positive cash flow from rents. SCE&G will soon be adding water to Lake Murray. Now would be a good time to purchase that second home before the lake is up and the price of property rises with it. The northeast leads the area for sales, followed by Lexington and Irmo/St. Andrews. Lake Carolina is a very popular destination in the northeast and the recently announced widening of Hard Scrabble Road from the subdivision to Clemson Rd. will only improve its appeal. Activity in Blythewood is picking up and new housing in University Club is expected by the end of summer." |
