If you’re considering independent living for your retirement years, you may want to consider the charming capital city of Columbia, South Carolina. As a city with more than 100,000 residents, Columbia manages to offer an array of world-class activities and attractions — all while maintaining a laid-back and friendly feel. And when you throw in the Palmetto State’s lower-than-average housing prices and its pleasant subtropical climate, you end up with a city that seniors are thrilled to call home.
Independent living is ideal for seniors looking to remain healthy and active while leading a hassle-free lifestyle that provides opportunities to socialize. Whereas assisted living helps residents with daily activities like grooming and bathing, independent living is better suited for seniors who don’t need this type of care. Columbia’s independent living communities provide an array of attractive amenities and services including healthy dining options, housekeeping services, home maintenance, and plenty of opportunities for social activities and outings.
In Columbia, the average cost of independent living at our partner communities is $2,500 per month. In this guide, you’ll learn more about Columbia’s independent living options to find the right fit for your lifestyle. We cover the local costs of independent living, payment methods, how communities are regulated, independent living features, and fun localities.
10 Best Independent Living Communities in Columbia, SC
If you’re considering independent living for your retirement years, you may want to consider the charming capital city of Columbia, South Carolina. As a city with more than 100,000 residents, Columbia manages to offer an array of world-class activities and attractions — all while maintaining a laid-back and friendly feel. And when you throw in the Palmetto State’s lower-than-average housing prices and its pleasant subtropical climate, you end up with a city that seniors are thrilled to call home.Read more
Independent living is ideal for seniors looking to remain healthy and active while leading a hassle-free lifestyle that provides opportunities to socialize. Whereas assisted living helps residents with daily activities like grooming and bathing, independent living is better suited for seniors who don’t need this type of care. Columbia’s independent living communities provide an array of attractive amenities and services including healthy dining options, housekeeping services, home maintenance, and plenty of opportunities for social activities and outings.
In Columbia, the average cost of independent living at our partner communities is $2,500 per month. In this guide, you’ll learn more about Columbia’s independent living options to find the right fit for your lifestyle. We cover the local costs of independent living, payment methods, how communities are regulated, independent living features, and fun localities.
Columbia Independent Living Facilities | 374 Reviews
Laurel Crest is more expensive, but they had better care than where my loved one is now. The staff to resident ratio was better here and we got much more personalized care. They pay attention the the...
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- What families are saying about independent living in Columbia
- Costs of independent living in the Columbia, SC area
- How people pay for independent living in Columbia, SC
- Understand South Carolina laws and regulations for independent living communities
- Get to know independent living in Columbia, SC
- Columbia independent living promotes a healthy and fulfilling lifestyle
- Explore senior care with confidence
- Unfamiliar with Columbia? Highlights for seniors
What families are saying about independent living in Columbia
Recent reviews for independent living in Columbia
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Costs of independent living in the Columbia, SC area
On average, the cost of independent living in Columbia is $2,500 per month, according to A Place for Mom’s 2023 proprietary data on what actual families paid.[01] This figure accounts for rent, services like meal plans, and access to general on-site amenities. Note that costs generally vary among seniors.
The cost of rent at an independent living facility in Columbia also gives residents access to a variety of perks. Available amenities and services will vary depending on the individual independent living community, but some examples covered by rent include:
- Chef-prepared meal plans
- Housekeeping and maintenance
- Accessible accommodations
- On-site amenities (fitness centers, game rooms, gardens, etc.)
- On-site activities (interest clubs, fitness classes, faith-based gatherings, etc.)
The following chart illustrates average baseline costs for independent living communities in Columbia and surrounding areas without factoring in fees and any extras residents choose.
Average monthly cost of Independent Living in Columbia, SC vs. nearby cities
Average monthly cost of Independent Living in Columbia, SC vs. the state and national average
Average monthly cost of Independent Living in Columbia vs. other types of senior living
Median monthly costs of Independent Living in Columbia, SC by room type
Average cost of Independent Living in Columbia over time
How people pay for independent living in Columbia, SC
Many seniors pay for their independent living costs out of pocket, but seniors do have some options to save on living costs. For instance, veterans can utilize funds from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to cover independent living or turn to Medicaid or Medicare to save on some health care costs.
Please note that if you’re a Medicaid or Medicare recipient or have long-term care insurance, these programs won’t cover independent living costs given that these facilities don’t provide senior care. However, Medicaid, Medicare, and long-term care insurance do cover qualifying in-home health care services for seniors in independent living communities. You’ll learn more about private and public payment options for independent living below.
For the most part, seniors will rely on their own or a loved one’s financial resources to cover their independent living expenses. Seniors and their families should also note that long-term care insurance policies do not cover independent living costs, as they’re not care-providing facilities and don’t include these kinds of fees in their monthly costs.
Private income sources used to cover payment generally include personal savings, Social Security benefits, pensions, returns from investment portfolios, or any of the following:
Approximate number of veterans living in Columbia as of 2022
About 37% of Columbia, SC veterans are 65+.
If you’re a veteran looking to settle down in an independent living facility in Columbia, you’ll be glad to know that there are a variety of benefits provided by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), as well as local resources and individuals that can help you thrive in Columbia.
Furthermore, A Place for Mom has joined forces with USAA to help veterans find and fund their senior living. Our advisors have also helped families secure more than $8 million annually in VA benefits.
How does Columbia support its veterans?
South Carolina is home to nearly 400,000 veterans and has the eighth highest number of military retirees in the nation due to Fort Jackson. This military base is known to train a significant percentage of soldiers entering the army each year. To honor this large population, the state of South Carolina exempts military retirement pay from state income taxes.[03]
Veterans can also utilize Fort Jackson’s military resources — like the Fort Jackson Main Exchange and the Commissary — to save money on necessities such as food, clothing, and more.
Furthermore, Columbia is home to a VA hospital, allowing veterans to save money and receive specialized health care for their unique needs at Wm. Jennings Bryan Dorn Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center.
What veterans benefits can be used to pay for independent living in Columbia?
A veteran or their spouse may qualify for many benefits. The VA’s Aid and Attendance benefit is especially important for seniors as it’s a very generous benefit offered to qualifying veterans and it can be added to any existing VA Pension. These extra funds can be used to pay for independent living or anything that improves the veteran’s quality of life.
Who qualifies for veterans benefits?
If you’re not sure if you qualify for any VA benefits, we recommend that you connect with an expert to learn more. The South Carolina Department of Veterans Affairs can connect you to many local veterans service organizations (VSOs), which can help you apply for benefits, file a claim, or appeal a denied blame.
Some of the VSOs available in Columbia include the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and Disabled American Veterans (DAV). At these VSOs, vetted and trained representatives can help you navigate the different types of VA benefits and help you maximize your funds.
Resources for Columbia veterans
South Carolina Department of Veterans Affairs
1800 St. Julian Place, Suite 305
Columbia, SC 29204
Phone: 803-734-0200
Email: va@scdva.sc.gov
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) in Columbia
5821 N. Main St.
Columbia, SC 29203
Phone: 803-754-1614
Contact via email
Hours: Wednesday through Friday, 5 p.m. – 12 a.m. and Saturday, 4 p.m. – 2 a.m.
National Association for Black Veterans Chapter 0123
6437 Garners Ferry Road
Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: 706-691-2538
Disabled American Veterans (DAV)
6437 Garners Ferry Road, Suite 1129
Columbia, SC 29209
Phone: 803-647-2422
Richland County American Legion Post 6
200 Pickens St.
Columbia, SC 29205
Phone: 803-799-2736
Hours: Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Columbia residents get their Medicaid coverage through Healthy Connections. It offers a specific program for seniors and individuals with disabilities called the Aged, Blind or Disabled (ABD). Healthy Connections’ ABD program doesn’t cover rent at a Columbia independent living community, but it can cover some health care expenses, including in-home health care services provided within an independent living facility.
To qualify for Healthy Connections, a senior must meet the following requirements:[04]
- Be at least 65 years of age or have a disability
- Not exceed an annual income of $14,580 as an individual or $19,720 as a couple
How does Medicaid cover home care costs in independent living?
For Medicaid to cover in-home care costs within an independent living community in Columbia, seniors must qualify for a Community Choices (CC) waiver. This waiver enables seniors who require a nursing home level of care to receive care services wherever they call home.
Where can one go for Medicaid assistance in Columbia?
Columbia residents can reach out to their local Medicaid eligibility office to ask Medicaid counselors any questions they have about their application process or eligibility. Seniors can also contact their regional long-term care ombudsman at the Central Midlands Council of Governments (CMCOG), which services the greater Columbia area. Your regional ombudsman can help you learn more about your Medicaid benefits.
Columbia resident Medicaid resources
Healthy Connections assistance
Richland County local eligibility office
3220 Two Notch Road
Columbia, SC 29204
Central Midlands Council of Governments (CMCOG)
LaToya Buggs-Williams, Ombudsman Program Manager
Phone: 803-376-5389
Email: lbuggs@centralmidlands.org
Medicare, a health insurance program provided by the federal government, to fund many medical expenses. Medicare doesn’t pay for room and board in Columbia independent living communities, but it does provide coverage for short-term, medically-necessary care for seniors wherever they live.
Medicare-covered health care costs include the following:[05]
- Original Medicare Parts A and B cover inpatient and outpatient services like hospital stays, skilled nursing, lab tests, doctors’ visits, and some home health care services — including medical equipment and supplies.
- Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans are provided through private insurance companies. Only a few providers accept Part C, but the benefits are substantial. It covers prescription drugs in addition to everything covered by Part A and B.
- Medicare Part D offers prescription drug coverage and is often added to Part A and B.
- Medigap is a supplemental insurance plan offering extra coverage after Original Medicare. Medigap plans help with copays and overseas medical coverage.
State and local resources that can help with Medicare
Seniors can further save on Medicare costs by applying for South Carolina’s Medicare Savings Program through SC Thrive. At SC Thrive, knowledgeable counselors can offer you free advice on your Medicare benefits and help you save on Medicare premiums and prescription costs.
Seniors can also reach out to their regional long-term care ombudsman at the Central Midlands Council of Governments (CMCOG), which services the greater Columbia area. Your regional ombudsman can help you learn more about long-term care options and resources in your area.
Below, you’ll find more information on where and how to apply for Medicare, along with local resources for benefits assistance.
Columbia resident Medicare resources
Find an SSA office in Columbia
Thurmond Federal Building, Floor 11
1835 Assembly St.
Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: 866-964-7594
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
SC Thrive for Medicare Savings Program Counseling
120 Research Dr.
Columbia, SC 29203
Phone: 800-727-8774
Email: contact@scthrive.org
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Central Midlands Council of Governments (CMCOG)
LaToya Buggs-Williams, Ombudsman Program Manager
Phone: 803-376-5389
Email: lbuggs@centralmidlands.org
In 2022, South Carolina announced Healthy Connections Prime as a statewide Medicare-Medicaid health plan (MMP). It enables seniors who qualify for both Medicaid and Medicare to easily receive and pay for the health care services they need.
With this enhanced program, South Carolina strives to provide better care from a single health plan, better value, and better health. To qualify for Health Connections Prime, an individual must meet the following requirements:[06]
- Be at least 65 years of age
- Receive Medicare benefits
- Be enrolled in Healthy Connections Medicaid
- Not reside in a nursing facility
If you’d like help accessing your Medicare and Medicaid benefits through this joint plan, you can reach out to a Healthy Connections Prime Ombudsman. They can help with the enrollment process, appeals, recertification, billing issues, disenrollment, and more.
Understand South Carolina laws and regulations for independent living communities
Independent living communities are not regulated at the state level in South Carolina unless they’re part of an assisted living or memory care facility. In that case, the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) is the responsible body for regulating and licensing. If a senior in an independent living facility is getting care from a home health agency or an independent in-home care provider, those providers have to be licensed by the state.
Independent living communities are subject to federal, state, and local laws pertaining to building code requirements, accessibility standards, safety, and zoning. They may also be required to undergo occasional inspections by local authorities or organizations providing accreditation to safeguard compliance and ensure safety.
Rental laws and regulations for independent living in Columbia, SC
Because independent living facilities aren’t considered care facilities, they’re regulated the same as any ordinary apartment complex. Therefore, Columbia independent living communities must comply with the following laws and regulations:
- Fair Housing Act. A landlord cannot refuse rental or financing due to discrimination. This law protects residents from discrimination against their race, color, national origin, sex, familial status, or disability.
- South Carolina Landlord-Tenant Act. This act enforces requirements from landlords, protects residents’ rights, and highlights responsibilities surrounding elements such as rent, security deposits, maintenance and repairs, and evictions.
- Adult Protection Laws. These laws protect vulnerable aging adults from neglect, abuse, and exploitation.
The state of South Carolina also enforces more rental-specific regulations to protect tenants:[07]
- Rent. Landlords must provide a rental agreement outlining the cost of rent, the due date, and the penalty for late payments.
- Security deposits. Security deposits cannot exceed the cost of two months of rent.
- Repairs and maintenance. Properties must be kept in safe and habitable conditions.
- Evictions. Landlords must follow specific procedures during evictions.
Access independent living community inspections in Columbia, SC
Columbia’s Code Enforcement Division enforces local ordinances related to property management in the city. Residents can access a community’s code violations that are in violation, open, or resolved from the past two months online. To request more information on public inspections of independent living facilities in Columbia, residents can file a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request. However, requesting these fees may incur additional fees.
South Carolina Department of Health contact information
2600 Bull St.
Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: 1-855-472-3432
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
COVID-19 regulations for Columbia independent living communities
Due to the overall decline of COVID-19, Columbia doesn’t mandate any regulations specific to COVID-19. If you’re searching for general information regarding COVID-19, you can visit the COVID-19 resource page on the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental website. You can also find more local information like emergency updates, the latest ordinances, and more on the COVID-19 resource guide page on Richland County’s website.
Get to know independent living in Columbia, SC
Number of people we’ve referred to independent living facilities in the Columbia market
Average age of the residents we’ve referred to independent living facilities in the Columbia market
Gender split: 66% female
Columbia independent living promotes a healthy and fulfilling lifestyle
Columbia is continuously working on efforts to enhance the aging experience within the city. As a matter of fact, Richland County has enacted an Area Agency on Aging Plan for 2023-2025. It aims to accommodate the needs of its aging residents by improving programs and services that help seniors thrive.
Columbia provides several living options for seniors, including a variety of independent living facilities. The overarching goal of these communities is to promote a healthy and active lifestyle while removing many of seniors’ daily hassles and stresses. Learn more about what to expect from our partnering independent living communities in Columbia below.
Independence with heightened convenience and entertainment
Adults in independent living facilities are generally healthy, active, and can live on their own. The benefit of these communities is that they offer these types of seniors a higher degree of convenience in everyday life as well as opportunities to socialize with peers — all in one community.
Independent living communities don’t provide health care to residents or supervise them. Instead, they offer an array of great amenities on-site to ensure a hassle-free, enjoyable lifestyle. Residents in Columbia’s independent living communities are free to congregate, socialize, and enjoy on-site amenities like the following:
- Arts and crafts centers
- Fitness centers
- Game rooms
- Movie or theater rooms
- Raised garden beds
- On-site barber shops and beauty salons
Residents can also partake in some of the following on-site activities hosted by our independent living partners in Columbia:
- Art and fitness classes
- Group games (trivia nights, poker tournaments, etc.)
- Happy hours, birthday celebrations and holiday parties)
- Interest clubs (book club, current events club, etc.)
- Religious activities (bible groups, church choirs, etc.)
- Trips to local activities (gardens, restaurants, museums, etc.)
Remember, the type of amenities and activities may vary between independent living facilities within our Columbia network.
Comfortable and accessible living quarters
Seniors might not necessarily want to live in a luxury-style independent living community, but that doesn’t mean they won’t get to experience enjoyable living quarters. Certain independent living facilities that we partner with in Columbia offer residents comfortable amenities within their living quarters such as the following:
- Private patios, decks, and balconies
- Room service
- Kitchenettes
- High-speed internet
- Access to cable or satellite TV
- Accessible features (grab bars, widened doorways, etc.)
Ample care options, no matter what the future looks like
Many communities offering independent living in Columbia also provide advanced care options in case care needs arise. Care options include assisted living and memory care. Both assisted living and memory care options enable seniors to continue leading engaging lifestyles with added support to meet their care needs.
In assisted living, seniors receive help with activities of daily living (like bathing and grooming), personal care services (like medication management and disease management), and have a wider range of accessible activity options. Memory care offers the same assisted living services, however, it’s more personalized for dementia care needs. This means caregivers receive additional training to handle common behaviors and memory care units are equipped to prevent wandering. Plus, activities are personalized to residents’ cognitive and physical abilities.
Here’s a breakdown of care options provided by our partner independent living communities in Columbia:[01]
- About 33% of partner communities only offer independent living.
- About 67% of partner communities offer independent living along with assisted living and/or memory care.
With this in mind, seniors who want to age in place may look for a Columbia independent living facility that also provides assisted living and/or memory care. Communities offering multiple levels of care typically help residents with the moving process to help minimize stress and ensure a smoother transition.
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Unfamiliar with Columbia? Highlights for seniors
Number of seniors over the age of 65 living in Columbia as of 2022
Percentage of Columbia seniors 65+ that are no longer in the workforce
Average annual retirement income for Columbia seniors 65+
Health care for seniors in Columbia
Columbia has a robust health care scene to accommodate the needs of its aging population. Learn more about the area’s top-rated hospitals below.
Lexington Medical Center
Lexington Medical Center ranks No. 1 in Columbia and No. 2 in South Carolina. It’s known for its high performance in 12 different adult procedures and health conditions, including heart failure treatment, diabetes treatment, and orthopedic treatments.
Prisma Health Baptist Hospital
Prisma Health is the largest health care system in South Carolina. It offers multiple locations in Columbia, but this is the biggest one. The hospital employs over 2,300 team members and a medical staff of over 740 qualified doctors. Services include heart care, nursing, orthopedics, surgery, and more.
Transportation for seniors in Columbia
Columbia seniors will likely need a car to get from one place to the next. All of our partner independent living communities offer resident parking for seniors who still drive. And, fortunately, our Columbia partners offer complimentary transportation services for residents who prefer not to drive. Some communities may limit rides to necessities like grocery shopping and appointments while others enable residents to schedule rides for leisurely events.
The city offers a few dedicated bus lines to enable seniors without a car to get around. The COMET bus system offers 34 routes around the metro area on a daily basis. It also offers half-fare discounts for individuals 65 and older, people with disabilities, and vets. To obtain a Half Fare ID, you can call 803-255-7133.
Individuals with disabilities who can’t board the COMET’s buses can use its Dial-A-Ride Transit (DART) Service instead. All DART buses include wheelchair lifts and personal attendants, and the service has no restrictions on where residents can go or how often they can use it. DART is available to passengers Monday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., but it doesn’t run on Thanksgiving or Christmas.
The Soda Cap Connector, which is just $1 to ride, is meant more for general convenience. This service runs to destinations of interest in downtown Columbia so that residents and tourists don’t have to worry about driving or parking their cars.
For a better understanding of Columbia’s sprawl and infrastructure, you may want to take a look at the following scores from Walk Score. They’re each out of 100 and based on the city’s walking trails, biking routes, public transportation options, and public density:[09]
Walk Score
Bike Score
Senior activities in Columbia, SC
Columbia is a lively, yet laid-back city — and it provides no shortage of activities for people from all walks of life to enjoy. Some independent living communities will take their residents out to local activities and attractions, or residents can venture out on their own. To give you a picture of Columbia’s entertainment scene, we highlighted a few senior-favored activities below.
- Golfing. Columbia is known for its superb golf courses. Richland County Recreation Commission maintains Linrick Golf Course — one of the most stunning courses with over 257 acres of rolling hills and miniature ponds. This course even offers discounts for seniors as well as convenient tee times.
- Nature spots. Sesquicentennial State Park is the perfect place to enjoy some fresh air with its scenic trails and beautiful picnic spots. Seniors can also take a day trip out to Congaree National Park, which is about half an hour’s drive from Columbia. This national treasure houses a massive intact expanse of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest and has a variety of activities like wildlife watching and camping.
- The arts and cultural scene. Seniors who love live events will be thrilled with the productions offered in Columbia’s many theaters. Seniors can attend symphonies and plays, or watch classic, foreign, and independent films. If you’d rather experience art differently, the Columbia Museum of Art impresses locals with over 7,000 works of art.
- History museums. Seniors can spend afternoons learning about the state’s rich history at the South Carolina State Museum or the South Carolina Military Museum. The museum’s informative exhibits and artifacts tell many stories about the city’s historic events.
- Shopping and dining. Columbia houses many shopping districts along with some exquisite restaurants. Some shopping streets boast distinct architecture that catches the eye of many visitors. Plus, local comfort foods draw in visitors from all over.
Frequently Asked Questions
Fairforest Grove Senior Living, Atria Forest Lake and Harbison Shores are the top-rated Independent Living facilities near Columbia, SC. These Independent Living facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Independent Living in Columbia is 3348.65 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
References
A Place for Mom. (2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
United States Census Bureau. (2022). Columbia city, South Carolina.
South Carolina Department of Revenue. (2022, November 11). SC military retirement pay now exempt from state income taxes.
Healthy Connections. South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. (2023). Program eligibility and income limits.
Medicare.gov. What Medicare covers.
Healthy Connections. South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. (2023). What is Healthy Connections Prime?
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Local tenant rights, laws, and protections: South Carolina.
U.S. News and World Report. Best hospitals in Columbia, SC.
Walk Score. (2023). Living in Columbia.
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