The First Step: Housing Search
​Discover how to find a home in Columbia, SC, with our easy-to-use maps and helpful information. We’ll guide you through the city's neighborhoods and show you the best housing options.

​The First Step: Know Your Search Area

​Before searching for an apartment, think about where you need to be and how you will get there. Use the maps below to explore Columbia and identify neighborhoods near work, school, public transportation, medical care, grocery stores, and other essential services. Choosing the right location can help reduce transportation costs/ time, and make everyday responsibilities easier to manage.
What to Consider When Choosing a Location
  • Monthly rent and required deposits
  • Distance from work, school, or training
  • Access to COMET bus routes
  • Nearby grocery stores, pharmacies, and healthcare
  • Utility costs and other monthly expenses
  • Neighborhood accessibility and safety
  • Rental requirements, including income and background checks

Housing: Finding the Right Spot

A successful housing search starts with knowing what you need, what you can afford, and which questions to ask. Watch the video below to learn how to prepare for your search, compare housing options, communicate with landlords, and stay organized throughout the process. After watching the video, complete the Housing Quiz to review what you learned.

Housing Maps
Not sure which area of Columbia may be the best fit? Use the overview map below to see where each housing-search area is located and its relationship to downtown, COMET Central, and the Dorn VA Medical Center. Then, select one of the existing buttons to open a more detailed housing map for that area. These maps can help you compare locations, explore available housing options, and assess how close a property is to transportation, healthcare, employment, and other essential services.

Get to Know Columbia- GPS my City 

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Discover Columbia, SC, with the GPS My City app, where you can explore different neighborhoods through guided walking tours. This app helps you get to know the area and find the perfect place to live by taking you on a journey through the city’s best spots. Download the App on your phone, or print maps from a computer. ​Let your feet guide you to your new home!

Crime Map

Click this link to view local crime maps and make sure you're choosing a safe place to live.