East of town taking SC 12 (Taylor Street. which turns into Forest Drive) is the City of Forest Acres, one of the first suburban communities established outside of Columbia's city limits. One of the largest municipalities in Richland County, it is bordered on the south by the City of Columbia, to the east by Ft. Jackson, and on the north by the Town of Arcadia Lakes. Covering five square miles, it has a population of 10,580. Forest Acres is a popular residential choice for people who work downtown. Its varied shops and convenience to the city's center are complemented by its peaceful neighborhood setting. This area is known for its outstanding floral beauty each spring and Columbians enjoy leisurely drives through its shady streets to admire the display. Heathwood and Forest Hills are nearby neighborhoods that also share fame for fantastic spring flowers and beautiful homes. I-77 through Southeast Columbia completes a circle of expressway around Columbia. Commercial development is found on Garners Ferry Road, Forest Drive and Devine Street. Fort Jackson, located here, is the largest and most active Initial Entry Training Center in the United States Army, providing training to about 50% of the men and women who enter the service each year. Fort Jackson has added several new schools and training institutions including the Soldier Support institute, the Chaplains Center and School, and Department of Defense Polygraph Institute. The Fort and the city of Columbia enjoy a friendly relationship.

The Congaree Swamp National Park preserves the last significant ancient river bottom hardwood forest in the United States and is located about 15 miles south of Columbia off SC 48. Boardwalks meander through forests of huge grandfatherly trees and young palmettos. Phone 776-4396.

Libraries
Cooper Branch 787-3462
5317 North Trenholm Rd.
Hours: Mon.-Th. 9-9/ Fri. & Sat. 9-6

Southeast Regional 776-0855
7421 Garners Ferry Rd.
Hours: Mon.-Th. 9-9 Fri. & Sat. 9-6

Eastover Branch 353-8584
608 Main Street
Hours: Mon., Wed., & Fri. 9-1 & 2-6/ Th. & Sat. 9-1

School District
Richland County School District One

Shopping
Richland Mall on Beltline at Forest Dr.
Trenholm Plaza on Trenholm Rd.
Woodhills Mall on Garners Ferry Rd.
Forest Dr. / Devine St.

East & Southeast Average Cost Single Family Home
Forest Acres $169,338
Heathwood/Lake Katherine $348,034
Southeast $131,317

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