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

April 9, 2024

Orangeburg Skate Park Groundbreaking in June

Gene Zaleski for The Times and Democrat Groundbreaking for the City of Orangeburg’s skate park is targeted for middle to late June. The project should be complete in September or October, according to city officials. Department of Public Works Director John Singh provided city council with an update last week. Singh said the city should […]

April 2, 2024

Southern Living Lists Columbia, SC on ‘South’s Best Cities On The Rise’

Jason Thomas for SC Biz News Move over Greenville, there’s another Upstate city receiving national headlines. South Carolina’s capital city is also getting some love. Southern Living Magazine has named Spartanburg and Columbia two of its “South’s Best Cities On The Rise 2024.” Not only did they make the list of 25, but they both appear […]