Why Does Everyone Want to Live in Lexington, SC?

March 4, 2020

Thirty years ago, the town of Lexington, SC was a sleepy little town far from the hustle and bustle of downtown Columbia, SC area. Today, it is one of the fastest-growing towns in the state of South Carolina.

So, what makes Lexington, SC so incredibly appealing to so many people? Let’s find out.

Lexington Schools

The biggest driver of the population and housing boom in Lexington, South Carolina has to be the top-rated schools. Parents, and even young professionals who think they may want to have children one day want to live where they can have the best schools in Lexington County and the best schools in the Columbia area.

From elementary school to middle school and high school, people want to know their children have the most tremendous education available. Those coming into the area from out of town often scout out the schools before they even consider looking at specific houses or neighborhoods.

In fact, about 500 new students enter the Lexington 1 School District every year now. That’s a lot of new students! So Lexington 1 keeps building more schools to keep up with the demand.

Housing in Lexington

With the best school district comes the most modern housing. Lexington is teaming with great custom home builders, luxury home builders, and tract home builders. People can also find great pre-owned homes in this area.

Today, many people prefer to live in a state-of-the-art home with modern conveniences and design. They don’t want to deal with all of the hassles of fixing up an old home. So many of them flock to the glistening new neighborhoods in this area and brimming with excitement to start a new life in a new dream home.

Recently, it has been a seller’s market in real estate with many homes selling in just a few days. Zillow currently lists the market here as “very hot” with a median home list price of $214,500. People simply can’t seem to get into Lexington fast enough, especially right before a new school year.

Lake Murray

Originally, Lake Murray was one of the bigger draws for people to live in the town of Lexington. Lake Murray hasn’t always existed, however. It was created with a dam on the Saluda River in the late 1920s. Officially called, the Dreher Shoals Dam, it was the largest earthen dam in the world at the time.

Today, two large earthen dams stand majestically holding back the water of the Lake and provide roads for people to cross from one side to the other.

Many people love the lake life, boating, fishing, swimming, and glorious views. There are recreation areas, parks, and beaches along the Lake for the public and many private homes that enjoy lake-front property rights. The Lake still captures the attention of many newcomers and calls them to its shimmering waters.

Some of the most luxurious and expensive homes in the Columbia area sit around the edges of Lake Murray, SC. It is a beautiful showplace and a place where young professionals, athletes, families, and everyone can have fun together in, on, and around the water.

Kayaking at Lake Murray – Photo Credit Pete Salter https://www.petesalter.com/

Proximity to downtown Columbia

Many people who live in Lexington actually work in downtown Columbia. But for those who prefer suburban life to city dwelling, Lexington is a safe haven. There, you can be away from the skyscrapers and bustle of the city, but you are still close enough that you can easily commute each day to town for work.

Then you can come home for relaxation in a neighborhood where you have plenty of grass, trees, and space for children and pets. Not to mention, you can enjoy swimming, tubing, shopping, dining, parks, all sorts of amazing amenities. You can even bring your fishing boat.

Some other popular attractions around town include the University of South Carolina, the State House, the Vista, and the Columbia Museum of Art—all located in downtown Columbia, South Carolina. Columbia is known as a big college town with plenty of Gamecock football in the fall and a popular nightlife area for the college students in Five Points near campus.

Riverbanks Zoo, one of the top 10 zoos in the country, is close to downtown and is the number one attraction in the area. Enjoy zip-lining, animals, rides, a water park area for children, and stunning botanical gardens.

You will also be close by to the Columbia Metropolitan Airport in West Columbia. So if you need to travel frequently for work or pleasure, flying is extremely convenient.

The cost of living is relatively low in the Greater Columbia area and property taxes are also quite reasonable. This is why many people choose to live here, along with the wonderful climate and many entertainment and outdoor activity options.