Lifestyle
Home to the state’s capital city, Columbia, Richland County is a hub for a diverse mix of cultures, ages and career levels.
- Lowest Cost of Living
in South Carolina - $278,100, Average Home Cost
(more than 40% lower than the national average) - Cultural, Historical and Education Hub
for South Carolina
Cost of Living Calculator
Columbia, S.c. Is Ranked:
Best Farmers Market, Soda
City Market
Source: USA Today, 2025
Among the South’s Best
Cities on the Rise in 2024
Source: Southern Living, 2024
Best City in the Nation to Start a
Career; for Professional Opportunities
Source: WalletHub, 2025
Live, work + play in Richland County
Family-friendly and walkable, Richland County boasts a big city feel without the congestion and exudes small-town hospitality.Our community is also an outdoor paradise with the Three Rivers Greenway offering over 15 miles of riverfront trails along the Broad, Congaree and Saluda rivers, kayaking/tubing, walking/hiking trails, Lake Murray access, and Congaree National Park. Richland is also home to a booming arts and music scene and has a vibrant downtown sprinkled with restaurants, cultural attractions and events.
Family Friendly – Expand Your World
Expand Your World
Whether you’re looking to celebrate the past or the present, the Columbia region is rich in opportunities. From vibrant festivals and international cuisine to celebrations of heritage and historic landmarks, you’ll find new adventures around every corner.
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Family Friendly – Door to Explore
From Door to Explore
Woven throughout our community are natural features that you can access at the end of the busy day. Clock out of your 9-to-5 and tap into relaxation with a trail walk or hike, tubing down the river, or visit to our top-ranked zoo.
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Family Friendly – Family Friendly
Family Friendly
Richland County is walkable, affordable, and is home to three school districts.
The area is also sprinkled with many family-friendly sites such as museums, arts centers, parks, zoos, and more.
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PHOTO GALLERY
#liveRICHland
Soda City Market
Segra Park
All-seasons dining
Nationally-ranked Riverbanks Zoo
Artists + Artisans
Congaree National Park
Historic charm
Unique art installations
Lake Murray, "Jewel of SC"
Cat Daddy's Cat Cafe
Outfest
Musical talent
RESOURCES
Experience Columbia
Richland County Recreation Commission
City of Columbia Parks and Recreation
One Columbia for Arts and Culture
South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation and Tours
Historic Columbia
Congaree National Park
South Carolina State Parks
South Carolina Trails
Richland County Public Library
The Richland Public Library in Columbia, South Carolina, is a national leader in reimagining the library’s place in the community.
