About Assisted LivingAssisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.Complete guide to assisted livingBest of 2024 Assisted Living Winners
About Memory CareMemory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering. Complete guide to memory careBest of 2024 Memory Care Winners
About Independent LivingIndependent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.Complete guide to independent livingBest of 2024 Independent Living Winners
About Senior LivingSenior living is a term used to describe various housing and care options for older adults from maintenance-free, 55+ facilities for active seniors, to secure, fully staffed facilities for seniors with Alzheimer's or dementia. Complete guide to senior livingFind senior living facilities near you
About Nursing HomesNursing homes provide short-and long-term care for seniors who have physical or mental health conditions that require 24-hour nursing and personal care.Complete guide to Nursing Homes
About Senior ApartmentsSenior apartments offer accessible, no-frills living for seniors who are generally active, healthy, and able to live on their own.Complete guide to Senior Apartments
About Care HomesResidential care homes are shared neighborhood homes for seniors who need a live-in caregiver to assist with activities of daily living, like dressing and bathing.Complete guide to care homes
Veteran ResourcesVA benefits for long-term care, such as Aid and Attendance benefits, can help eligible veterans and their surviving spouses pay for senior care.Guide to VA benefits for long-term care
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Senior Living Apartments in Columbia, SC

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Although it’s an undoubtedly modern and fast-growing city, Columbia, South Carolina, still manages to maintain a charming small-town feel. Add in the Palmetto State’s capital’s subtropical climate, lower-than-average housing costs, high-quality health care options, and abundance of attractions, and it’s no mystery why so many retirees choose to spend their golden years in Columbia.

If you’re an active and energetic senior living independently, it’s time to start thinking about relaxing and enjoying yourself as much as possible. Senior apartments in Columbia provide the perfect opportunity to do just that. No longer will you have to worry about all of the obstacles maintaining a home can throw your way or carrying out maintenance chores. Instead, you’ll be able to relax in a senior-minded and social community that still affords accessibility and the level of independence you’re used to. As a plus, you’ll be living in close proximity to everything downtown Columbia has to offer.

In this guide to senior apartment options in Columbia, South Carolina, A Place for Mom will provide you with an overview of the area’s offerings within a 10-mile radius of downtown. We’ll share information about costs, payment choices, regulations, transportation options the city offers seniors, and local attractions.

Senior Apartments Facilities near Columbia, SC
Showing 11 communities
Last Updated: 3/14/24
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Senior Apartments
Senior Apartments
Senior apartments offer accessible, no-frills living for seniors who are generally active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Average starting price $X,XXX/month
Assisted Living
Assisted Living
Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Average starting price $X,XXX/month
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Nursing homes provide short-and long-term care for seniors who have physical or mental health conditions that require 24-hour nursing and personal care.
Average starting price $X,XXX/month
Memory Care
Memory Care
Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
Average starting price $X,XXX/month
Independent Living
Independent Living
Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Average starting price $X,XXX/month
Residential Care Home
Residential Care Home
Residential care homes are shared neighborhood homes for seniors who need a live-in caregiver to assist with activities of daily living, like dressing and bathing.
Average starting price $X,XXX/month
Home Care
Home Care
Home care relies on trained aides to provide companionship and non-medical care for seniors living at home.
Recent reviews of Senior Apartments in Columbia, SC
3.5 / 5.0

The staff is friendly and the housekeeping is good and responsive. The move in process was excellent. My mother is generally displeased with the food. It is bland, overcooked and cheap. They probably need to invigorate the process by having featured meals. For example, Friday fish day, chicken Sunda...

4.5 / 5.0

Being realistic about caretaking, 47 older to very old folks, I think they do a very good job. Not perfect but very good. I would recommend The Legacy of Lexington to others.

4 / 5.0

I really like my apartment that I recently moved into at this community and so far everything is going very well for me. The apartment that they assigned me is spacious and has a lot of great amenities that came with the unit. They also have a bingo game and a bible study available to all of the res...

Photo of Brookdale Harbison
1010 Photos available
33 Floor plans available
8.0
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29 reviews
8.0
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29 reviews
5 star
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The friendliness of the staff does vary greatly amongst the staff with some receiving's 1s and some others receiving 5s. What we like the most about the Brookdale Harbison community is the size of facility,...
Provides: Assisted Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Embrace The Golden YearsIf you want to embrace your golden years with enthusiasm and energy without sacrificing peace of mind that comes from having access to quality care, look no further than our assisted living community in Columbia, South Carolina. Surrounded by a warm and welcoming care team...
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Photo of Brookdale Columbia
88 Photos available
33 Floor plans available
Pricing promotion expiring soon
8.7
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33 reviews
8.7
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33 reviews
5 star
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I chose the community due to close to my home and the staff was welcoming. The cost was reasonable for my Dads needs now and in the future along with the cleanness.
Provides: Assisted Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
The Greatest AdventureTucked away in a beautiful building in Columbia, South Carolina, you can experience a retirement rich in luxury amenities and spacious accommodations. With personalized care plans, an action-packed events calendar and a warm and friendly group of residents, you may think you...
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Photo of Avalon Place
33 Photos available
5 star
17%
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Hello, I have been living at Avalon Place since March and I must say I am so very happy here. There is absolutely not one negative thing I can say about this establishment. Everyone is so attentive, I...
Provides: Senior Apartments
Care types provided by this community
Senior Apartments: Senior apartments offer accessible, no-frills living for seniors who are generally active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Our 1 and 2 bedroom apartment homes are filled with energy efficient appliances, such as, stove, refrigerator w/ ice maker, dishwasher, garbage disposal and microwaves! Each apartment also has their own washer/dryer connections. The homes are a spacious 700-900 sq.ft. that is beautifully designed...
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Photo of Inspire Sandhill
1414 Photos available
7.0
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6 reviews
7.0
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6 reviews
5 star
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Inspire at Sandhill is a great place for retirement. There are various activities such as swimming, exercise class, name-that-tune night to keep everyone entertained. There is also a small library along...
Provides: Senior Apartments
Care types provided by this community
Senior Apartments: Senior apartments offer accessible, no-frills living for seniors who are generally active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Welcome to Discovery Village At Sandhill, a state-of-the-art, world-class senior-living community located in Columbia, South Carolina. Unlike any other senior living community in the area, Discovery Village At Sandhill offers outstanding active Independent Living, providing residents with...
Provides: Senior Apartments
Care types provided by this community
Senior Apartments: Senior apartments offer accessible, no-frills living for seniors who are generally active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Photo of Finlay House
Provides: Senior Apartments
Care types provided by this community
Senior Apartments: Senior apartments offer accessible, no-frills living for seniors who are generally active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Studio and one bedroom apartmentsKitchens with stove and refrigeratorUtilities includedSubsidized apartments availableScheduled transportationEqual Housing OpportunityLocated in the Five Points Community of Columbia
Photo of Christopher Towers
Provides: Senior Apartments
Care types provided by this community
Senior Apartments: Senior apartments offer accessible, no-frills living for seniors who are generally active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Photo of Haven at Congaree Pointe 55 Plus Apartments
1313 Photos available
Provides: Senior Apartments
Care types provided by this community
Senior Apartments: Senior apartments offer accessible, no-frills living for seniors who are generally active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Affordable Apartment Homes for Adults 55 Years and Older!The quest for the perfect home stops at Haven at Congaree Pointe. Brimming with attractive amenities, cozy interiors, and dazzling leisure areas, our affordable apartments for adults 55 years and older in Columbia, SC, will make you feel...
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Photo of Ensor Forest
Provides: Senior Apartments
Care types provided by this community
Senior Apartments: Senior apartments offer accessible, no-frills living for seniors who are generally active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Photo of Carriage House Apartments
Provides: Senior Apartments
Care types provided by this community
Senior Apartments: Senior apartments offer accessible, no-frills living for seniors who are generally active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
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Photo of Lakeside Apartments
Provides: Senior Apartments
Care types provided by this community
Senior Apartments: Senior apartments offer accessible, no-frills living for seniors who are generally active, healthy, and able to live on their own.

Costs of senior apartments in the Columbia area

The price of Columbia’s senior apartments can vary depending on the location of a facility, its size, and the unique amenities it provides.

According to A Place for Mom’s proprietary data, the average actual cost of a senior apartment in Columbia is $2,999 monthly.[02] Apartments in Columbia can range from $750 to $3,314 per month. Seniors might be required to pay admission fees on top of this, and luxury amenities and services will further increase their costs. However, those looking into senior apartment options can expect some assortment of basic amenities at every facility — think features such as home maintenance and repairs, transportation, security, and more.

You can use the following baseline figures below to compare Columbia’s senior apartment prices. However, please note that these figures don’t include any add-on fees.

Average cost comparisons near Columbia, SC

Average monthly costs

Columbia, SC

$1,975

Lykes, SC

$1,975

How people pay for senior apartments in Columbia

Senior apartments don’t offer things such as health care services, daily assistance, or meals, so they’re considered general housing rather than senior care facilities. Because of this, long-term care insurance, Medicare, and Medicaid don’t cover basic living costs in senior apartments.

Paying for senior apartments is similar to paying monthly rent at a regular apartment, meaning many of Columbia’s senior apartment residents fund their stays privately through their savings, income, or pensions. However, additional benefits might be available for those looking to pay for a senior apartment.

This section will cover private payment options; U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Medicaid and Medicare benefits, and public assistance programs will also be discussed.

Private pay methods

Individuals looking to fund their senior apartment stays typically look toward private payment methods first. Private funding options include savings and checking accounts, Social Security benefits, pensions, and returns from investment portfolios. Family members and loved ones might also be willing to lend a hand.

Other private payment options could also include some combination of the following sources:

Caregiver Resources
Reverse Mortgages and Long-Term Care: The Pros and Cons
By Merritt Whitley, senior living writer and editor
VA benefits
7335

A variety of attractive benefits exist for veterans looking to move into a senior apartment in Columbia. Similarly, many organizations and individuals are there to help veterans through the process of identifying, applying for, and securing the benefits available to them. If you are a veteran, read on for more insight into veterans’ benefits and the resources that will help you navigate them.

Any veteran looking into ways to pay for a senior apartment who is also receiving a VA Pension should first consider the VA’s Aid and Attendance benefit. This is an incredibly useful resource that can increase funds to a vet’s Pension in order to pay for at-home health care services that improve quality of life.[04]

Identifying and applying for these resources can be notoriously tricky. Fortunately, there are many organizations and experts available to help veterans navigate these processes.

The South Carolina Department of Veterans Affairs and the Columbia Regional Office — a regional branch of the Veterans Benefits Administration — house local veterans services officers whose specialty is navigating the complex world of veteran resources. The local Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) chapter may be able to point you in the direction of financial grants and help walk you through benefits as well. Other Veterans Services Organizations with a local presence are also able to assist, including the American Legion, the Disabled American Veterans, and the National Association for Black Veterans.

Resources for Columbia veterans 

Government offices

South Carolina Department of Veterans Affairs
1205 Pendleton St., Edgar A. Brown Building No. 477
Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: 803-734-0200
Email: va@scdva.sc.gov
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Columbia Regional Office
6437 Garners Ferry Road
Columbia, SC 29209
Phone: 800-827-1000
Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Veterans Services Organizations (VSOs)

VFW Department of South Carolina
210 Glassmaster Road
Lexington, SC 29072
Phone: 803-808-0317
Hours: Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

National Association for Black Veterans Chapter 0123
1572 Leesburg Road
Columbia, SC 29209
Phone:844-458-1041, ext. 700
Email: nabvetsscscc@gmail.com

Richland County American Legion Post 6
200 Pickens St.
Columbia, SC 20209
Phone: 803-799-2736

Disabled American Veterans
6437 Garners Ferry Road
Columbia, SC 29209
Phone: 803-647-2422

Medicaid

Healthy Connections is the state’s Medicaid program for low-income seniors. Information on who is eligible for Medicaid is available here, and South Carolina also provides a Medicaid-specific handbook for residents.

Although Healthy Connections doesn’t pay for basic living costs (such as rent) for those in senior apartments, it can be helpful by potentially covering the costs of medical and/or dental care for low-income individuals in Columbia. In fact, the program covers medically necessary in-home health care services through the Community Choices waiver — a Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver program — no matter where the recipient lives. Seniors can apply for the waiver with this online application.

Seniors can apply for South Carolina Medicaid online. Those seeking assistance with the application process can connect with resources via SC Thrive. Other resources can be found through the South Carolina Department on Aging (DOA), the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), or the South Carolina Department of Social Services (DSS).

South Carolina also offers coordinated care for seniors who are dually eligible for Medicaid and Medicare. This dual program for people 65 and older is called Healthy Connections Prime. The ombudsman can help seniors who are enrolled in Healthy Connections Prime navigate the dual program.

Columbia resident Medicaid resources

Columbia Medicaid offices

South Carolina DHHS
1801 Main St.
Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: 803-898-2500
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

South Carolina DSS
1535 Confederate Ave.
Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: 803-898-7601
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Healthy Connections local eligibility office of Richland County
3220 Two Notch Road
Columbia, SC 29204
Hours:  Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Columbia Medicaid resources

South Carolina DOA
1301 Gervais St., Suite 350
Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: 803-734-9900
Fax: 803-734-9886

Healthy Connections Prime Advocate (Medicaid ombudsman)
1301 Gervais St., Suite 350
Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: 844-477-4632
Fax: 803-734-4534
TTY: 771
Email: primeadvocate@aging.sc.gov
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Medicare

Individuals 65 and older qualify for Medicare, a federal health insurance program. Those looking into funding options for senior apartments should know that Medicare won’t cover costs directly related to senior apartments or senior living, but the program does cover necessary care for short-term medical needs no matter where a senior lives.

Some examples of services Medicare will cover include the following:[05]

  • Lab tests
  • Home health care
  • Preventive services
  • Medical equipment
  • Doctor’s services

More in-depth Medicare eligibility requirements are available here, and seniors interested in applying for Medicare can do so through their local Social Security Administration office or online.

Columbia residents can get help navigating the nuances of Medicare through the State Health Insurance Program (SHIP). This service will not cover any medical costs, but it does offer resources to seniors who need help with Medicare applications and referrals. The South Carolina Department on Aging operates GetCareSC to help residents connect with local resources. Likewise, the Richland County ombudsman can provide assistance to residents with questions or concerns surrounding Medicare.

Seniors in Columbia should know that the state’s Medicare Savings Program can help cover relevant premiums, fees, and deductibles. Lastly, seniors can also seek general health care assistance through Prisma Health SeniorCare’s Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) program.

Columbia resident Medicare resources

Medicare programs

SHIP
1301 Gervais St., Suite 350
Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: 800-868-9095

Medicare Savings Program
Phone: 888-549-0820
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Prisma Health SeniorCare PACE program

Two locations:

1308 Laurel St.
Columbia, SC 29201

1100 Shirley St.
Columbia, SC 29205

Phone: 803-434-3770
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Apply for Medicare

Social Security Administration office
1835 Assembly St., Floor 11 of Strom Thurmond Federal Building
Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: 866-964-7594

Richland County Ombudsman
Phone: 803-929-6000
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Public assistance

Seniors with lower incomes might also be able to utilize some of the public programs below — including benefits from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) or Social Security — to help cover the cost of their senior apartment.

Housing Choice Vouchers and local public assistance options

Qualifying seniors can inquire about Housing Choice Vouchers by contacting the city’s local HUD office, the Columbia Field Office. These Vouchers ensure that low-income families, seniors, and people with disabilities can find safe and acceptable private housing options. However, seniors hoping to use Housing Choice Vouchers will need to check with their preferred senior apartment communities to see if they’re accepted forms of payment.

Social Security benefits

There are also plenty of Social Security benefits available for those who need help covering housing costs. Eligibility will depend on your current situation and work history:

Columbia resident public assistance resources

Columbia rent assistance and benefits

HUD Columbia Field Office
1835 Assembly St., 13th Floor of Strom Thurmond Federal Building
Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: 803-765-5592
Fax: 803-765-5925
Email: HUD-PIHRC@tngusa.net or SC_Webmanager@hud.gov
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:45 p.m.

Columbia Housing Authority
1917 Harden St.
Columbia, SC 29204
Phone: 803-254-3886
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Local Social Security Administration office
1835 Assembly St., Floor 11 of Strom Thurmond Federal Building
Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: 866-964-7594

Understand South Carolina laws and regulations for senior apartments communities

Many of Columbia’s senior apartments require that residents be at least 55 years old. Likewise, certain senior apartments might also have income requirements to ensure general affordability or will ask potential residents to provide proof of good health to ensure they can live independently.

Because senior apartment communities in Columbia aren’t considered care facilities, however, there are generally no requirements surrounding inspections besides the regulations all apartment communities must adhere to (such as conducting timely maintenance and finishing the repairs needed in order to safeguard residents’ health). The state’s rental properties are inspected once a year, but tenants are allowed to request an inspection by the city’s Code Enforcement Division. You can check the past two month’s worth of code violations here.

South Carolina’s laws and regulations help protect residents in senior apartments, and the laws in Columbia are generally the same as they are throughout the state. Here is a list of relevant regulations senior apartments should adhere to:

  • Fair Housing Act: A landlord cannot refuse rental or financing based on race, color, national origin, sex, familial status, or disability.
  • South Carolina Landlord-Tenant Act: Establishes rights and responsibilities surrounding elements such as rent, security deposits, maintenance and repairs, and evictions.
  • Adult Protection Laws: Protects vulnerable adults from neglect, abuse, and exploitation.

Other more rental-specific regulations in Columbia are meant to protect tenants:

  • Rent: Landlords must provide a rental agreement that lays out how much rent costs, when it’s due, and the penalty for being late on a payment.
  • Security deposits: Security deposits cannot exceed two months worth of rent.
  • Repairs and maintenance: Properties must be kept in safe and habitable condition.
  • Evictions: Landlords must follow specific procedures during evictions.

South Carolina Department of Health contact information

2600 Bull St.
Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: 855-472-3432
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

COVID-19 regulations for Columbia senior apartments communities

There are no COVID-19 regulations Columbia’s senior apartments must adhere to, but seniors and their loved ones are welcome to reach out to individual senior apartment communities to see whether they have any specific guidelines. South Carolina itself does provide some background information and best practices surrounding COVID-19:

An illustration of a syringe

Vaccinations. The state encourages its residents to get vaccinated and boosted against COVID-19.

An illustration of a list with a check mark

CDC guidelines. South Carolina follows guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regarding what to do when you’re exposed to the virus or are sick with COVID-19.

What to expect from senior apartments in Columbia

Senior apartments in Columbia, South Carolina, offer simplicity for individuals looking to make enjoying their golden years a No. 1 priority — and Columbia provides a handful of communities these seniors can choose from. Below, we’ll cover some of the features, amenities, and services you can expect from the area’s senior apartment communities.

A heightened degree of accessibility and care continuity

Although you’re not likely to find many luxury-style senior apartments in Columbia, you will find no-frills spaces for seniors that were designed with a high degree of accessibility in mind. These types of senior apartments have features such as wider doorways and elevators, ensuring vivacious seniors of many abilities can still live independently.[02]

Some senior apartments in the area also offer other types of senior care services, including memory care, assisted living, and independent living.[02] This ensures continuity of care for seniors looking for an environment they can spend many years in — no matter the type of care they may need in the future.

More time to relax

Forget about pesky repairs or remembering about maintenance: Residents in senior apartments often find that convenient services such as apartment maintenance, repair costs, and security are already built into their monthly fees, making way for an even more carefree way of living.

An enjoyable array of amenities

A more social and convenient atmosphere is one of the most common reasons older individuals choose to move into senior apartment communities.

Thankfully, the amenities and programs offered by Columbia’s senior apartments leave nothing to be desired. Offerings at individual facilities may vary, but we’ll list examples below of the kind of features available in many of the area’s senior apartments:[02]

  • Arts and crafts center
  • Barber shop
  • Bathtubs
  • Beauty salon
  • Clubhouse or lounge
  • Community garden
  • Fitness center with a trainer
  • Game room
  • Movie or theater room
  • Outdoor and indoor common areas
  • Patios
  • Pool

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Unfamiliar with Columbia? Highlights for seniors

14110
Number of seniors over the age of 65 currently living in Columbia
10%
Percentage of seniors 65 and older within the Columbia population
$46,630
Median annual income for Columbia seniors aged 65 and older

Health care for seniors in Columbia

Below, you’ll find information on Columbia’s No. 1-ranked hospital system: Lexington Medical Center, as well as the VA hospital.

A graphic of a capital letter H in a circle

Lexington Medical Center

Lexington Medical Center is the best hospital in Columbia and a high performer in 11 different adult procedures and conditions, including heart bypass surgery and diabetes and stroke care.

A graphic of a capital letter H in a circle

Columbia VA Health Care System

Columbia’s veterans are able to access health care services through the city’s dedicated VA Health Care System. This facility offers primary care, mental health care, specialty care, social programs and services, and even telehealth appointments.

Transportation for seniors in Columbia

Generally, residents rely on their own vehicles to complete errands or get out and about in Columbia. With scores of 35 out of 100 for walkability and bikeability, it’s not impossible to get around on foot — but it’s not recommended.[07] However, there are specific neighborhoods in Columbia (University Hill, Martin Luther King, and Shandon, among them) that are more walkable than the rest of the city.

Public transportation in Columbia is also limited, but it is possible to get on a bus. The Comet bus system provides 34 routes around the area daily, and it also offers discounts for seniors over 65, people with disabilities, and veterans. Those with disabilities who are unable to board Comet buses can also utilize the service’s Dial-A-Ride Transit (DART) Service. All DART buses are equipped with wheelchair lifts, and there are no restrictions on usage. DART passengers can take advantage of the service every day of the week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., excluding some holidays. Those simply wanting to go from attraction to attraction downtown can utilize the Soda Cap Connector, which is just $1 to ride.

The walking, biking, and public transport scores below are calculated out of 100 by Walk Score. Each number is based on the amount of relevant infrastructure in a city; the closer a score is to 100, the easier that method of getting around town will be.

Transportation card image
35

Walk Score

Transportation card image
35

Bike Score

Senior activities in Columbia

There’s no shortage of activities for seniors to enjoy in the Columbia area. Whether you prefer a night out to enjoy arts and culture or want to plan a Sunday tee time with a few friends, the city certainly has you covered.

First, nature-loving seniors will be overjoyed to learn that a U.S. national park is just a stone’s throw away. Congaree National Park — home to an impressive and expansive old-growth hardwood forest — allows visitors to canoe, kayak, and view wildlife. Especially outdoorsy folks can also enjoy camping or backpacking in the park.

Nature excursions in Columbia aren’t limited to checking out untouched national parks, however. The city’s more manicured Riverbanks Zoo & Garden is home to over 3,000 animals that enjoy their days surrounded by lush greenery and exhibits. Those who love fishing will feel right at home at Sesquicentennial State Park, but it’s also a great spot for a relaxing picnic on the lake. Meanwhile, seniors seeking a park with a more local feel can head to Finlay Park, which houses a lake, playground, and performance space for outdoor concerts and events, all with a city backdrop.

Seniors shouldn’t be bummed about Columbia’s lack of professional sports teams because minor-league games can be just as engaging. The Columbia Fireflies, the city’s popular Minor League Baseball team, play at Segra Park. This stadium is accessible for those with disabilities, and seniors can even snag tickets at a discounted rate. Those looking for all the energy a sports game provides could also try checking out the city’s famous festivals instead. Festivalgoers can mark their calendars for the South Carolina State Fair or even grab gyros and take in some Baltic culture at the Greek Festival.

Columbia has some great theaters that offer senior-friendly productions for those who prefer checking out the arts. The Nickelodeon is known for screening independent, foreign, and classic films, and those eager to see artistic talent up close can catch a play, musical, or concert at either the Trustus Theatre or the Koger Center for the Arts.

Speaking of art, art buffs will love the Columbia Museum of Art, which hosts regular community events and is home to more than 7,000 distinct works. Patrons who want to learn all about the history, art, and science of South Carolina can visit the South Carolina State Museum, but the South Carolina Military Museum is for those who are more interested in the state’s rich military history. And the EdVenture Children’s Museum — built to spark a love of learning in kids — is a solid choice when family with young ones come to visit.

More in the mood for shopping districts and good eats? Don’t fret: Columbia has plenty of that to offer as well. The Vista neighborhood is known for its historic architecture, but it’s also home to many bars, restaurants, and shops. In Five Points, a more dedicated commercial district, you’ll find festivals happening throughout the year as well as many dining options and boutiques. However, Devine Street might just be the city’s most popular street for shopping and dining, and the Soda City Market has vendors that you won’t find anywhere else in the world.

Nothing says retirement like honing your golf game out on the links. Both Cobblestone Park Golf Club and Oak Hills Golf Club offer discounts for seniors and have highly rated courses.

And that’s not all: Seniors will find activities catered especially to them at Columbia’s Parks and Recreation Department, the Lourie Center, and the Richland Library, from Tai Chi and Pilates to classes on arthritis.

Frequently Asked Questions

Brookdale Columbia, The Legacy of Lexington and Brookdale Harbison are the top-rated Senior Apartments facilities near Columbia, SC. These Senior Apartments facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.

The average cost of Senior Apartments in Columbia is 1975.07 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.

References

  1. Payscale. (n.d.). Cost of Living in Columbia, South Carolina.

  2. A Place for Mom. (2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.

  3. United States Census Bureau. (2021). Population Estimates 2021: Columbia, South Carolina [Data set].

  4. United States Department of Veterans Affairs. (2022, October 12). VA Aid and Attendance benefits and Housebound allowance.

  5. Medicare.gov. (n.d.). What Medicare covers.

  6. U.S. News and World Report. (n.d.). Lexington Medical Center.

  7. Walk Score. (2023). Living in Columbia.

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1.
2.

A Place for Mom. (2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.

3.
4.

United States Department of Veterans Affairs. (2022, October 12). VA Aid and Attendance benefits and Housebound allowance.

5.

Medicare.gov. (n.d.). What Medicare covers.

6.

U.S. News and World Report. (n.d.). Lexington Medical Center.

7.

Walk Score. (2023). Living in Columbia.