Building a custom home for your family allows you to build a space all your own. A custom home gives you the chance to add that huge walk-in closet you’ve always dreamed about or that extra large bathroom with his and her sinks. If you know exactly what you want your house to look like, but haven’t figured out where to build, we can help!
Looking at factors such as location, activities, and school systems, we picked the best spots near Columbia, South Carolina to build your home. Visit these picturesque Southern towns and see why we consider them some of the top choices for relocating in South Carolina.
Camden
The charming town of Camden lies just 32 miles northeast of Columbia, South Carolina. With approximately 7,000 residents, Camden may be a small town, but it does not disappoint its residents when it comes to Southern charm and exciting events. Two Steeplechase events, the Carolina Cup in the spring and the Colonial Cup in the fall bring over 60,000 people to the Springdale Race Course, which is situated just on the outskirts of town.
If you are more of a history buff, visit one of over 60 historic sites in Camden. As one of the first homes built in Camden, the Kershaw-Cornwallis House delivers insight into the struggles faced by residents during the Revolutionary War. This historic landmark even offers reenactments and a museum filled with fascinating artifacts.
Camden’s love of the past abounds in the towns many antique shops. Collectors take home their own pieces of history from small boutiques like Ellie’s Attic and Menagerie, both located on Broad Street in Camden. For a taste of Southern hospitality after shopping, try some of the local restaurants such as Sam Kendall’s, a hot spot famous for its elegant atmosphere and delicious food.
Education and access to safe, clean parks make Camden a popular town for raising a family. The town boasts an award-winning public school system and plenty of public parks with recreational and playground equipment. Goodale State Park provides residents with outdoor family activities like fishing and boating.
Local horse races, abundant historic sites, and culinary delights come together to make Camden a true Southern town that is a must-see for custom homebuilders.
Lexington
Lexington’s population of about 20,000 makes the area considerably larger than Camden, but it still maintains the beauty and appeal of a small town. Lexington boasts both a low unemployment rate and a high median income to boot.
An abundance of restaurants, cafes, and bars are available for residents and visitors. Get a taste of authentic Cajun cooking at Private Property, an establishment renowned for their gator bites and jambalaya. Just want to grab a quick pint after work with friends? Old Mill Brewpub rotates two-dozen beers on draft and excellent finger foods to enjoy with your beverage.
Outdoor activities abound at Virginia Hylton Park. A popular spot for hiking trails or simply enjoying nature, the park contains a fully stocked koi pond, butterfly gardens, and playground and grilling space for families visiting the park.
Discover even more gorgeous scenery and outdoor activities at nearby Lake Murray, where residents can enjoy boating, fishing, and even bird watching year round.
Lexington continues to grow at a rapid pace, but families interested in relocating can still find affordable land to build a custom home. The high quality of life and median income found in Lexington make it a top choice for residents of any age.
Sumter
A military site just 45 miles east of Columbia, the town of Sumter is home to Shaw Air Force Base. Sumter houses a population of almost 40,000, making it one of the largest towns on the outskirts of Columbia. However, the charming downtown area helps Sumter maintain the Southern atmosphere prized by South Carolina’s residents. A low unemployment rate and lower cost of living than the national average continue to make Sumter a mecca for new citizens every year.
Sumter offers excellent educational options for families interested in either public or private schooling. The county is home to 22 public school systems, along with three private institutions.
In addition to the vast educational landscape, Sumter prides itself on endless outdoor destinations like parks and scenic landscapes. The only public park in the United States to house all eight species of swans, the Swan Lake Iris Gardens enchant visitors with a peaceful glimpse of nature. Floral enthusiasts travel to the Iris Gardens for events throughout the year, including the Sumter Iris Festival and the holiday Festival of Lights.
Located in the heart of South Carolina, Sumter attracts new homebuilders with a low cost of living, but its true appeal is in the beauty provided by the natural landscape.
Orangeburg
Only 37 miles southeast of Columbia, Orangeburg’s small-town feel and boundless historic charm makes it a top contender on our list of locations for custom homebuilders. Orangeburg has about 14,000 residents, with a workforce and economy based mainly in agriculture. Soybean crops pervade the local landscape and set an idyllic background for this picturesque town.
Orangeburg is often called the “Garden City” and houses the Edisto Memorial Gardens. Made famous for their rose beds, the gardens contain at least 75 different varieties of roses and over 4,000 plants.
Favored by residents due to a fairly mild climate and low cost of living, Orangeburg continues to grow and expand. Large swaths of affordable farmland give homebuilders a wholesome place to put down roots with a custom home.
Newberry
What makes Newberry a top destination for custom homebuilders? The combination of affordable land, rural beauty, and small town living at its finest. A high quality of life and low unemployment rate add to the appeal, making this tranquil town practically irresistible. Located 45 minutes from both Columbia and Greenville, Newberry is just a short drive from the big city but only holds a population of about 10,000 people.
Newberry residents enjoy a rich countryside and public park system. Lynch’s Woods Park includes 276 acres of forest preserve that offer hiking, biking, and equestrian trails. Lake Murray is just a short drive away, giving Newberry residents access to boating, fishing, and other water activities.
Downtown Newberry embraces culture with the beautifully restored Newberry Opera House (shown above), a popular entertainment center for residents. Make it a date night and check out one of the local popular restaurants, such as Steven W’s Downtown Bistro.
With endless options for family activities, Newberry gives custom homebuilders many reasons to consider it as a prime relocation spot.
While you may have to make hundreds of difficult decisions when building your custom home near Columbia, looking for affordable yet safe areas to live should not be one of them. Whether you are considering the best school districts, lowest land costs, or outdoor activities to fill your free time, these towns give custom builders everything they desire in a place to call “home.”