Moving to Columbia SC offers you a variety of advantages over other cities. It has a rich history, a low cost of living, a diverse economy, and a great location. If you’re not sure what to expect from a new city, consider some of these tips before making the move.
Low cost of living
Columbia, South Carolina is a great place to move to if you’re looking for a lower cost of living. The city is ranked number two in the state for its affordability, with its cost of living ranking 84.3 percent below the national average. This includes the cost of housing, utilities, groceries, health care, and transportation.
The city’s low cost of living makes it an attractive option for relocating families, couples, and individuals. Its wages have been rising annually for many years, and its high quality of living is a plus. Columbia is also located close to the great outdoors, while still providing the conveniences of a bustling city.
Housing costs in Columbia are also lower than the national average, with a large share of households renting instead of buying. Even though housing prices have increased over the past year, they are still significantly lower than those in comparable-sized cities. Low-cost housing options are also available in Columbia, with a range of prices that will suit any budget.
The city has plenty of outdoor activities that are free or low-cost. The Saluda River is a popular place for kayaking and canoeing, and several parks in the area are within driving distance. The city is also home to Congaree National Park, which is only a few hours away. Although the cost of living in Columbia is lower than the national average, the cost of health care and utilities tend to be higher.
Cost of living in Columbia, SC is four percent lower than in Syracuse, New York. People in Syracuse earn an average of $50,000 a year and live comfortably. In comparison, the cost of living in Columbia is only $48,158 a year. Using the cost of living calculator, you can see how your salary will affect your lifestyle.
Great location
Columbia is a great location to live in if you’re looking for affordable housing and a comfortable lifestyle. It’s a thriving college town with a below-average cost of living. The city is home to the University of South Carolina, which contributes to the town’s vibrant college-town vibe. This city is also close to the Blue Ridge Mountains, two hours east of the Atlantic Ocean, and one hour north of Charlotte NC.
If you’re looking for a new home, consider the Columbia SC area, which includes Spring Valley. This community is located about 25 minutes from downtown. The area is accessible by Highway 1, which runs through the middle of the area. While many of the homes in Spring Valley are older, there are newer developments that have come online in recent years. A newer trend in this area is the construction of smaller, two-story shotgun-style homes. You’ll find both single-family homes and condos for rent in this area. Home values in the area are rising and experts predict that they’ll continue to rise through 2020.
The cost of living in Columbia SC is lower than the national average. This makes it a great place to live in. Compared to the rest of South Carolina, houses in Columbia are about 15% cheaper. With affordable housing, you can afford to buy a home in this city and still enjoy a high quality of life.
The Columbia SC metro area is home to more than 130,000 people, making it a thriving city. The city has many attractions and activities to offer residents, including a world-class state history museum, the South Carolina State House, the award-winning Riverbanks Zoo & Gardens, and miles of hiking and biking trails along the Saluee River.
Low unemployment rate
If you’re looking for a city with a low unemployment rate, consider moving to Columbia SC. The unemployment rate here is 5.2%, compared to 6.0% nationwide. In fact, it fell by 0.2% over the last year and is predicted to fall to just 2.8% in the next decade, lower than the national average of 33.5%. Another perk of moving to Columbia is low taxes: the sales tax and income tax rates are both 7.0%. The median income here is $41,454, compared to the national average of $53,482 per year.
Despite the low unemployment rate, the South Carolina workforce has seen steady growth. Since January, the number of employed South Carolinians has increased by 50,000, according to South Carolina’s Department of Employment and Workforce Services. Currently, SC Works Online Services lists 112,000 open positions – a jump of nearly four percent from before the virus pandemic. While these numbers are encouraging, the state’s low labor force participation rate remains a cause for concern.
Another plus of living in Columbia SC is its low housing costs. Expatriates can easily afford to buy homes in this city. Furthermore, the unemployment rate here is low, which means that it’s an excellent place to find a job. Currently, the unemployment rate is 5.2%, which is lower than the national average.
Despite the low unemployment rate, Black workers were more likely to be unemployed than whites in 2021Q4. However, in contrast to this, the ratio between white and black workers is still relatively low compared to other groups and the past few years. Moreover, unemployment rates for Hispanic workers in D.C. and Maryland were higher than the national average, with 4.4 percent. In contrast, black and white workers’ rates were lower than the national average and below 3%.
