Why People Move to Lexington
- Lexington-Richland District One consistently ranked among SC's top school districts
- Lake Murray offers 650 miles of shoreline for boating, fishing, and sunsets
- Fifteen-minute commute to Columbia job centers
- Rapidly growing restaurant and retail scene along Main Street
- Lower property taxes compared to Richland County
What to Expect
Lexington has the feel of a small town that hasn't lost its character despite rapid growth. Weekend mornings mean farmers markets on Main Street, afternoons on Lake Murray, and evenings at one of the new locally-owned restaurants popping up every few months. The pace is family-friendly, the schools are a genuine draw, and the commute to Columbia is short enough to feel like you have the best of both worlds.
Neighborhoods Worth Knowing
Downtown Lexington is walkable and charming with a growing mix of shops and eateries. White Knoll to the south has seen explosive growth with new subdivisions and schools. Lake Murray Shores is ideal for boaters and those who want water views without the island price tag. Gilbert, a bit farther out, offers more land and a truly rural feel while still being part of the district.
Cost of Living
You'll pay a bit more than Columbia proper for the schools and lake proximity, but it's still well below national averages. A newer four-bedroom home in White Knoll can be found around $320K. Lakefront lots and homes vary widely — modest cottages start around $350K while larger homes with docks push past $600K. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and gas are about the same as Columbia.
Local Tips from Our Crew
Our headquarters is right here in Lexington, so this is home turf. The traffic on US-1 between Lexington and Columbia backs up badly between 7:30 and 8:30 AM — if your commute goes that direction, plan accordingly or take the I-20 bypass. For lake access without buying waterfront, check out the public landings at Dreher Island State Park. And if you're enrolling kids mid-year, contact District One early — popular schools like Pleasant Hill and Meadow Glen fill up fast.