Columbia SC Independent Living

Before searching for Columbia assisted living facility (ALF) options, find out more about this South Carolina city.

US News & World Report picked Columbia as one of America's Best Affordable Places to Retire in 2009 for its affordability. And it's still affordable. The cost of living is just below the U.S. average. And according to a Genworth Financial survey, a one-bedroom in a Columbia assisted living facility averages $2,849 a month - the U.S. average is $3,300. A private room in a nursing home averages $6,813 month, while a semi-private averages $5,962. The services of a home health aide average $3,241 a month while homemaker services (cooking, cleaning, running errands) average $3,194 a month.

To explore Columbia's rich past, start with a trip to some of the city's museums. Begin with the South Carolina State Museum, the state's largest covering history, technology, science and the arts. Take a walk in the 19^th century at the Lexington County Museum complete with pre-Civil War farmhouse and outbuildings. Explore the state's military history at the Confederate Relic Room and Museum. Examples of some of the rotating exhibits include "Religion in the Civil War" and "Civil War in 3D".

Columbia is home to a number of parks including the 18-acre Finlay Park which hosts concerts, political rallies and Easter services. The 1,419-acre Sesquicentennial State Park includes a large lake, trails and picnic areas as interpretative nature programs. A popular area recreational spot is the 78 square miles of Lake Murray whether boating, fishing, swimming or just lounging on one of the lake's 500 miles of shoreline.

To help you select the right Columbia assisted living facility, we've compiled "How to Select a Facility."   Also, be sure to read the resident reviews on the different facilities.