Located in Lexington County, the West Metro suburban area of Greater Columbia is made up of a number of small communities, all located on the west side of the Congaree River and south of the Saluda River. The City of Cayce is a residential area located just across the Congaree River from downtown Columbia & USC via the Blossom Street bridge. Older neighborhoods built from the 1940's combine with newer, upscale housing developments to offer a wide range of home options. West Columbia is also across the river from downtown Columbia by way of the Gervais Street bridge. This older community, chartered in 1894 as "Brookland", was built around a mill and a business district at Meeting & State Streets. The New Brookland Historic District is one of the most intact mill villages in the Southeast and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Housing along the Congaree River is some of the area's most expensive. Visit www.westmetrochamber.org or call the West Metro Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center at 803-794-6504. West Columbia features stores, restaurants and unique shops in its Vista West Area. Many antique stores are located on Meeting Street. Stores and boutiques specializing in quality antiques from all eras of history can be found in West Columbia. The beautiful Riverwalk along the Congaree River offers 1.5 miles of lighted, paved pathways, scenic overlooks on the Congaree River, and picnic areas. The Riverwalk features an amphitheater near a replica of a 1740's River Inn, which is located adjacent to the Gervais Street bridge. There are 24-hour security emergency call boxes available, restrooms, convenient parking and solar lighting. The West Metro area is home to many fine festivals like the Gaston Collard Festival, Swansea Fall Festival & Championship Rodeo, Congaree Western Weekend, Christmas in Cayce, and the West Metro Holiday Parade of Lights. The town of Springdale is located near the Columbia Metropolitan Airport, west of Columbia in Lexington County. A stable and serene community, Springdale affords a quiet, friendly atmosphere with strong family values and excellent schools. See firsthand the comforts of true southern living. The town of South Congaree is located just southeast of the Columbia Metropolitan Airport on Hwy 302. It was incorporated on June 11, 1957 with less than 1,000 residents. Today South Congaree is a growing town of approximately 2,500 residents. South Congaree has an active council form of government that provides zoning regulations, building permits and a 24-hour police department.

Parks and Recreation
Tri-City Leisure Center
Tri-City Senior Center
Pine Grove Sports Complex
Pine Ridge Senior Center
Spires Recreation Center

Leisure Centers offer the community a place to relax by walking indoors, taking a painting class, joining a sports league, learning our state dance (the shag) or attending a special event. For children, everything from pre-school ballet to karateis offered. Tri-City Leisure Center located at 700 Dreher Road in West Columbia has a Wellness Center, arts & crafts, indoor track, volleyball, racquetball, open gym and more.

Recreation Centers offer the community an opportunity to enjoy indoor basketball and volleyball facilities. These Centers are a great place to participate in league sports or pick-up basketball. Centers are also available for rentals for family reunions, company parties & meetings. Spires Recreation Center, located on 1500 Dunbar Road features tennis courts, baseball/softball fields, an open gym and room rentals.

School District
Lexington Co. School District Two and District Four (Gaston & Swansea)

Libraries
Cayce - West Columbia Branch 794-67911500 Augusta Road Hours: Mon.- Thurs. 8:30-8, Fri. & Sat. 8:30-5:30, Sun. 2-5

West Metro Average Cost Single Family Home $135,724

To read the full text of this article, please request a complimentary copy of The Guide to Greater Columbia.