Plus, the Palmetto Trail connects from Cola to the coast.
These homes need closure ✍️
5 Homes for sale in Columbia
This historic home on River Drive was built in 1924 and recently updated. | Photo by COLAtoday
In December, Realtor.com forecasted Columbia as a top 10 housing market for 2023. So far the Soda City is off to a hot start, with 497 homes sold in January, up 308 from last year.
Good news for buyers — Inventory is up. One-bedroom homes became 300% more available while two, three, four, and five-bedroom homes also increased.
Bad news for buyers — houses are selling fast. Homes are on the market for an average of 64 days compared to 80 days last year.
Take a tour of these five homes located around Columbia, ranging from $200,000-$400,000.
This Craftsman-style home near the Broad River was built in 2014. | Photo via The Moore Company
🏡 Hear the Riverbanks Zoo animals at night, 904 Mohawk Dr. | $224,900 Why we picked it: West Columbia is on the rise and this area near Riverbanks Zoo and Gardens continues to grow in popularity for new home buyers. Specs: 3 bed 2 bath 1,417-sqft Realtor: Charis Real Estate Group
🏡 Downtown living, 601 Main St. | $330,000 Why we picked it: Located on Main Street behind the State House, this condominium has sunset views and is only blocks from the historic USC Horseshoe. Specs: 2 bed 2 bath 1,503-sqft Realtor: Home Advantage Realty
🏡 Charming renovated historic home, 2805 River Dr. | $355,000 Why we picked it: Because of the shaded wraparound porch and the arched interior doorway — need we say more? Specs: 2 bed 2 bath 2,041-sqft Realtor: eXp Realty LLC
🏡 Craftsman in Earlewood, 3301 Keenan Dr. | $375,000 Why we picked it: Conveniently located near downtown, this home is a newer build with loads of old-school Craftsman charm. Specs: 3 bed 3 bath 1,900-sqft Realtor: The Moore Company
Game Night at Tin Roof Columbia | Monday, Feb. 20 | 6-10 p.m. | Tin Roof, 1022 Senate St., Columbia | Free | Enjoy free play of Mario Kart and PONG tourneys with happy hour prices all night.
Stroller Tour: Featured Exhibitions | Tuesday, Feb. 21 | 1:30-2:30 p.m. | Columbia Museum of Art, 1515 Main St., Columbia | Free | Caregivers and babies are invited on a stroller-friendly tour of “Our Own Work, Our Own Way"— registration required and wiggles welcome.*
Broadway in Columbia • Riverdance: 25th Anniversary Show | Wednesday, Feb. 22-Thursday, Feb. 23 | 7:30 p.m. | Koger Center for the Arts, 1051 Greene St., Columbia | $39-$65 | This is a reimagining of the classic show with spectacular stage and costume designs.
Thursday, Feb. 23
Garden Asana - Grass Roots Yoga | Thursday, Feb. 23 | 8:15-9:15 a.m. | Gardener’s Outpost, 1211 Franklin St., Columbia | $15 | This class is for everyone, focuses on breath, and you will have the opportunity to receive personal adjustments.
We have a calendar filled with events and activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.
Central Carolina Community Foundation awards $370,000 to local nonprofits
Connected Communities grant recipients include Homeless No More, One Columbia, the Palmetto Conservation Foundation, Serve & Connect, and more.
| Photo provided by Central Carolina Community Foundation
Thanks to Central Carolina Community Foundation, 14 local organizations have received funding to launch projects designed to improve the quality of life in the Midlands.
This year’s Connected Communities grant recipients presented ideas to increase residents’ access to safe places to live and work, healthcare facilities and services, quality job opportunities, affordable housing, recreational areas, and arts and cultural events.
The selected projects are located in Calhoun, Fairfield, Lexington, Newberry, and Richland Counties, but will serve residents in CCCF’s entire 11-county service area. *
The Good Life Café is moving to 1218 Taylor St., next door to Hotel Trundle, with plans to expand its menu to include non-vegetarian options. The new spot will share a space with a new boutique tentatively called Icon on Taylor that will serve as the main entrance.
Real Estate
Looking for an interesting new apartment? There are several options available in the newly renovated historic W.B. Whaley House, initially constructed in 1892. The apartments are directly across from the USC Law School, and Knowledge Perk Coffee is soon to open on the first floor. ☕️
Outdoors
Thanks to a donation from the Darnall W. and Susan F. Boyd Foundation, a 26-mile section of the Palmetto Trail connecting the Capital City Passage with the Wateree Passage is under construction. Once complete, hikers and mountain bikers will be able to travel from Cola to the coast by trail. 🥾
Number
$257,000. That’s how much the Salvation Army of the Midlands raised during its 2022 Red Kettle Campaign. Of that total, $30,000 came from online donations, and $2,349 came from Richland County Sheriff’s Department ringing the bell at one location in one day. 🔔
Cause
Have a heart as big as Texas? Show you care by donating blood with The Blood Connection and Texas Roadhouse. All donors get a $20 Texas Roadhouse gift card, a free Bloomin’ Onion + a $30 eGift card as a bonus. Make an appointment to save a life today. 🩸 *
Drink
We firmly believe any errand can be improved by treating yourself to a latte. These smoked beauties are available at Boxcar Coffee in Lowes Foods, so you cansip while you shop. ☕*
The Word
Baño. That’s Spanish for “bathroom” — something you’ll definitely need to know if you’re traveling to Central or South America this year, like 12% of our readers. Babbel’s easy, bite-sized lesson plans will ensure you know what to saywhen you have to go. (Read:Be talking like a local in as little as three weeks.) 🌏 *
Shop
Say goodbye to wrinkled clothes. This sleek garment steamer is leakproof and lightweight, making it easy to steam your clothes from home or while on the go. Bonus: It heats up in just 30 seconds and is suitable for a wide range of fabrics. 👚 *
Content marked with an * is brought to you by our advertising partners and helps make this newsletter free.
Real Estate
Answered: Home renovation help
What local companies do you use for home renovations?
Custom woodwork and cabinets can increase your home’s value. | Photo by COLAtoday
Whether you’re building from the ground up, going through an urgent repair, or adding value to your house, renovations and repairs can transform your home.
Thanks to you and your suggestions, we’ve gathered your tips and local business recommendations to help out around your home.
Financial
First Citizens Home Improvement Loan, various locations | “First Citizens Bank offers a great Home Improvement Loan with a small interest rate that is not comparable to other competitors!” – Pamela A.
Electrical
Easy Electrical Solutions, 525 Graymont Ave. | “Easy electrical solutions — been using them for years.... truly the best!!” – Bethany B.
Home Builder/Contractor
Jackson Quality Construction, 633 Saddlebrook Ln., Hopkins | “Jackson Quality Construction (JQC) is my go-to for all my home needs.” – Rashanda A.
Interior Design
Christy Davis Interiors, 1510 Wyndham Rd. | “I highly recommend Christy Davis for interior design.” – Ashley C.
Painting
ScoPro Services, Columbia | “ScoPro Services for painting (interior or exterior) and power washing.” – Grayson H.
Plumbing
Plumb Time, 121 Carlsbad Ct., West Columbia | Plumb time — also been using for years!! Also the best!” – Bethany B.
Editor’s pick: On Wednesday at 4 p.m. The Vista Guild is dedicating a new urban canvas in front of the Art Bar. The public art is part of an exchange between artists in our sister city, Kaiserslautern, Germany. I can’t wait to see what’s in store.
Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Read about how you can sample Charlotte’s food scene, here.
Connect with us.
Editorial:Samantha Robertson, David Stringer, Erin McPherson, Emily Shea, Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto, Dayten Rose, Sarah Leonhardt, Katie Smith | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.
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