City of Columbia

Where Culture and Innovation Converge

If you’re looking for the perfect intersection of culture, community, and southern charm, look no further than the capital city of Columbia. Anchored by innovation and a creative spirit (and of course, team spirit) coming out of the University of South Carolina, Columbia is buzzing with opportunity, and as a top 5 city for millennial migration and Gen Z migration, the city is constantly changing and growing to meet the needs of its expanding population. Looking to immerse yourself in the great outdoors? Enjoy tubing, kayaking, boating, and fishing along our network of rivers, soak in the sunshine at family-friendly parks, or break a sweat on nearby trails. If fine dining and international cuisine are your calling, check out Motor Supply Bistro and Saluda’s, or visit the International Corridor for meals you won’t soon forget. For arts, culture, history, and theatre aficionados, the city is brimming with opportunities to see and learn something new. Settle in at the South Carolina Philharmonic or Columbia City Ballet for the classics, or enjoy a live show at any of our downtown music venues. And as a top-10 market for new careers, you can be sure that your next career opportunity is here, too. With a strong network of local schools and endless opportunity for enrichment, Columbia is your place for settling down or revving up.

Quick Links

Fast Facts

Top 5

city for millennial migration in the nation

SmartAsset

#3

“most neighborly” city in South Carolina

Neighbor

#5

market for up-and-coming tech talent

WalletHub

#10

Best City to Start a Career

WalletHub

#5

Best restaurant in the South, Motor Supply

Southern Living Magazine

Big City Amenities with Something for Everyone

There’s no shortage of things to do and places to see in Columbia. For a night of arts and culture, check out the live music at The Senate or Township Auditorium, or enjoy the classics with the South Carolina Philharmonic. Theatre buffs can head to Trustus Theatre for a live show, and an endless list of museums, sites, and tours will keep them busy and impressed. For a day in the sun, head to Riverbanks Zoo & Garden, Congaree National Park, or Lake Murray. Enjoy a night out at Bourbon, Hendrix, the International Corridor, or hop around from brewery to brewery for some IPAs and craft beers. Plus, with a slew of free activities and attractions awaiting, the chance to try something new is just around the corner.

Want to experience Columbia SC at your own pace? Check out this virtual tour.

Looking for activities for your children during the summer? Check out the City of Columbia’s Youth Services Guide.

A skyline featuring the William Brice collegiate football stadium in the Central SC Region

Columbia Schools

Anchored by the University of South Carolina, Columbia receives impressive marks for both primary and secondary education. Seven school districts as well as 44 private schools support K-12 students across the city. The University of South Carolina is the flagship university for the state, and is attracting top talent from all around the world to the growing city. Impressive rankings such as #1 International MBA program, #3 First-Year Experiences and a top-15 ranked Sports Management program keep our Region filled with sought-after talent. Graduates bring their creativity, innovation, entrepreneurial spirit, and passion for the community into our workforce.

A male employee smiles while looking down at his laptop at Capegemini in the Central SC Region

Employers Calling Columbia Home

Innovative companies are finding success in Columbia. Your next opportunity may be waiting!

Capgemini

PwC

Duck Creek Technologies

UCI Medical Affiliates

AgFirst Farm Credit Bank

FedEx

Wells Fargo Bank (call center)

Segra

Get to Know City of Columbia

Featured Media

January 15, 2025

Cardiff Products Corporation selects Lexington County for first South Carolina operation

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Cardiff Products Corporation (Cardiff Products), a beverage manufacturer, today announced it selects Lexington County to establish the company’s first South Carolina operation. The $99.6 million investment will create 94 new jobs. Founded in Canada in 2019, Cardiff Products is a family-owned business that specializes in producing high-quality beverages for the U.S. and Canadian markets. The […]

January 7, 2025

Luck Companies growing quarry operations across South Carolina

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Luck Companies, a provider of crushed stone aggregates and environmental performance products, today announced it is growing its quarry operations across South Carolina. The company will develop new sites in Chester, Edgefield, Saluda and Spartanburg counties and expand its existing sites in Fairfield and Kershaw counties. The combined investment of $450 million […]