The Best Assisted Living in Columbia
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Columbia, South Carolina, is an affordable, comfortable, and enjoyable place to live for many reasons. When searching for an assisted living community or retirement center, it’s worth considering this city for its beautiful parks, culture, and climate. Since finding an assisted living community can be a difficult choice to make, with so many available options, we’ve narrowed down the list to the top 10 best assisted living communities in Columbia to help you find the right place for you.
Assisted living communities are great for people who need a little extra help with day-to-day tasks but still value their freedom and independence. You’ll get both at these great communities as well as some valuable amenities that make life even more enjoyable. Let’s take a look.
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The 10 Best Assisted Living Communities in Columbia
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1. Laurel Crest
Countless opportunities to expand your interests
STARTING PRICE
$4,000 per month
ADDRESS
100 Joseph Walker Dr, West Columbia, SC 29169
Speak to a SeniorLiving advisor:
(855) 241-1699Highlights
- 24-hour staffing and security
- Emergency response systems
- Chaplain and religious services
- Fitness center, study groups, arts and crafts, and educational opportunities
- Transportation to off-campus activities
- Housekeeping and laundry services
- 3 meals a day
- Salon and barbershop services
- Volunteer opportunities
Overview
Some residents love the opportunities for social engagements here, while others enjoy the scenic beauty of the nearby river. With 26 acres of campus to explore, along with plenty of fun activities on the calendar, you’ll have many exciting ways to pursue your interests and make new friends.
Laurel Crest prides itself on its close-knit community and beautiful setting. But this engaging community offers so much more; just the right level of assistance that you need and a long-term care plan in case your health needs change over time.
Did You Know? Even if you and your spouse need different levels of care, an assisted living community may still be an excellent fit for couples. Be sure to ask about programs for couples when you are touring a campus.
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2. Wildewood Downs
Where you can make the most of every dayÂ
STARTING PRICE
$3,100 per month (estimated)
ADDRESS
731 Polo Rd, Columbia, SC 29223
Speak to a SeniorLiving advisor:
(855) 241-1699Highlights
- All-inclusive pricing
- 24/7 on-site registered nurse
- Pet-friendly community
- Daily social calendar
- 24-hour emergency response system and campus security
- Concierge service
- Wellness area, salon and spa, libraries, and gathering rooms
- Full-service bar and anytime snacks
Overview
Wildewood Downs is committed to helping you live your healthiest, best life. That means more than just luxurious apartments and daily assistance; it also means person-centered care, a busy social calendar, high-level dining, and wellness programs to help you stay fit and active. You can participate in crafts, studies, golf, parties, and even movie nights. There’s always plenty to do with community events, outings, and seasonal celebrations and staff committed to helping you make the most of each day. The community is near to medical services, shopping, drugstores, and several local churches.
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3. Watercrest Senior Living
Achieving personal wellness
STARTING PRICE
$3,545 per month
ADDRESS
1951 Clemson Rd, Columbia, SC 29223
Speak to a SeniorLiving advisor:
(855) 241-1699Highlights
- Resort-style living with pool, water wall, and large balconies
- Spa, fitness programs, and wellness programs included
- Family and spiritual support services
- On-site therapies
- Respite care
- Daily Care, medical care, and medication services
Overview
Watercrest Senior Living offers a beautiful, luxurious campus and outstanding caregiving. There’s always something to explore, including cultural experiences, outings, and activities. Watercrest has its own private-label wines for you to enjoy and a diverse menu to experience.
But that’s not all you’ll find at Watercrest. You’ll also get your own individual service plan so you can receive the level of care that you need and want, including dressing, help with medication, housekeeping, and other services so you can find the balance you need to achieve personal wellness.
Did You Know? You’ll find all four seasons in South Carolina. The climate is mild, making it perfect for those who want to avoid extreme weather, but you’ll still experience the seasons changing.
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4. Merrill Gardens
A little help can go a long way toward a more fulfilling life
STARTING PRICE
$2,195 per month
ADDRESS
2205 Gregg St, Columbia, SC 29201
Speak to a SeniorLiving advisor:
(855) 241-1699Highlights
- Unique Connections Program to help you stay more involved with activities you love
- Flexible dining services
- Assistance with bathing, dressing, grooming, medication management, and safety checks
- Freedom of choice and independence are high priority
- Pet friendly
- Close to the Bull district
- Transportation provided
- Gardens, fitness center, game room, arts and crafts center
Overview
Visitors love the luxurious hotel feel, residents love the amazing food, and everyone loves the caring service at Merrill Gardens. This community’s Connections Program is unique, as it helps assisted living residents stay connected to the activities they love with their own support staff.
Dining is flexible here, too, giving you plenty of options for meals. The community offers a wide range of fitness and social activities that contribute to overall well-being. Sometimes, you just need a little bit of help to live your life to the fullest. That’s what Merrill Gardens is all about.
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5. The Columbia Presbyterian Community
Where each person is unique
STARTING PRICE
$3,855 per month
ADDRESS
700 DaVega Dr, Lexington, SC 29073
Speak to a SeniorLiving advisor:
(855) 241-1699Highlights
- Private accommodations
- Meals and snacks included
- Housekeeping and maintenance
- Emergency response systems
- Transportation services
- Chapel and chaplaincy services
- Gardens, gardening spaces, and walking trails
- Library, media center, salon, billiards, salon, and gift shop
Overview
The Columbia Presbyterian Community treats each person as unique, offering varying levels of supportive care designed for each resident. Staff is available to assist you 24 hours a day with activities such as bathing, grooming, and medication. There are a variety of floor plan options, from efficiency rooms to suites, to accommodate your needs and wants.
The staff works hard to live out their values of commitment to service, compassionate practices, and providing enriching care for their residents because everyone is special.
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6. Harmony Collection at Columbia
A friendly community near the heart of the city
STARTING PRICE
$2,800 per month
ADDRESS
2300 Clemson Rd, Columbia, SC 29229
Speak to a SeniorLiving advisor:
(855) 241-1699Highlights
- A variety of floor plans and spacious apartments to choose from
- Assistance with activities of daily living
- Restaurant-style dining
- Housekeeping and laundry services
- Transportation
- Close to shopping and restaurants
Overview
The Harmony Collection at Columbia is a friendly community where you can thrive and enjoy peaceful living. It’s close to the heart of the city, where you’ll have access to shopping, restaurants, and cultural activities.
The Harmony Collection is staffed with caring people who want you to find joy in everyday living. They’ll help you develop a plan that keeps your needs in the forefront, whether that’s medication assistance, scheduling appointments, or providing escorts for activities, appointments, and meals.
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7. Colonial Gardens
Cultivating independence in a safe environment
STARTING PRICE
$4,200 per month
ADDRESS
3565 Sunset Blvd, West Columbia, SC 29169
Speak to a SeniorLiving advisor:
(855) 241-1699Highlights
- 24/7 dining program and concierge service
- Daily fitness and wellness programs
- Outings, activities, and entertainment events
- Housekeeping and maintenance
- Transportation to appointments and outings
- Well-maintained gardens and pet-friendly campus
- Complete personal care services
- Sensory spa and virtual reality therapy
- Close to medical centers, shopping centers, and Riverfront Park
- Month-to-month leasing available
Overview
Colonial Gardens wants you to feel safe, comfortable, and independent. Specialized care plans mean each person gets their needs met with kindness and dignity. Families of residents love being able to drop in for visits and see all of the activities that residents enjoy – like fishing, fitness, and ice cream socials.
This campus is close to shopping, medical centers, and beautiful parks. The facility has complimentary transportation to get you out and about in the community, too. Residents of Colonial Gardens feel like they always have something to look forward to in safety and comfort.
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8. Atria Forest Lake
Fostering an active lifestyle in a beautiful setting
STARTING PRICE
$4,095 per month
ADDRESS
4405 Forest Dr, Columbia, SC 29206
Speak to a SeniorLiving advisor:
(855) 241-1699Highlights
- Resident garden, courtyard, and patio
- On-site physician office space and therapies
- Salon and spa
- 24-hour staff services
- Emergency alert systems
- Pet-friendly campus
- Housekeeping and laundry service
- Transportation
- Volunteer programs
- Three chef-prepared meals each day with vegetarian options
- Daily social, cultural, fitness, and educational opportunities
- Just minutes from local shopping and dining
- Exclusive inner circle app for residents and families to stay up-to-date
Overview
You’ll love staying engaged with an active lifestyle at Atria Forest Lake. Settled in a beautiful community, Atria Forest Lake is close to shopping centers, dining, and plenty of cultural events. This community is unique because it continues to foster lifelong educational and physical fitness and growth, helping you stay active. You can become a mentor through local charity organizations, continue to learn, express your creativity, and make meaningful social connections on campus.
Atria has hundreds of locations throughout the country. To learn more about the company, visit our full Atria Senior Living review.
Did You Know? Most of the communities on this list are pet-friendly, so you can bring your furry friend along with you!
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9. FairForest Grove Senior Living
A family-style community
STARTING PRICE
Unknown
ADDRESS
120 Fairforest Rd, Columbia, SC 29212
Speak to a SeniorLiving advisor:
(855) 241-1699Highlights
- Three delicious meals per day
- Medication management
- Care team members are available 24/7 for discreet personal assistance when needed
- Assistance with daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and grooming
- Styling salon and barber services
- Scheduled trips, social events, and activities
- Cozy libraries and nooks
- Weekly housekeeping and laundry services
Overview
Your peace of mind and well-being are a top priority at FairForest Senior Living. This assisted living campus is small by design, so you can feel like you are part of a family. Team members check in with residents regularly throughout the day and evening and get to know all of the residents and their families.
Regional management, rather than corporate management, helps contribute to the small-town feel within the community. You’ll find all the standard amenities you need, such as daily meals, salon services, libraries, housekeeping, and social activities. But you’ll also get loving care, peace of mind, and comfort in a smaller setting.
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10. Brookdale Columbia
The right balance of quality care and independence
STARTING PRICE
$3,005 per month
ADDRESS
251 Springtree Drive, Columbia, SC 29223
Speak to a SeniorLiving advisor:
(855) 241-1699Highlights
- Emergency alert systems
- Pet-friendly campus
- Transportation
- Library, beauty and barber shop, arts and crafts studio, and fireside living room
- Courtyard, garden, and greenhouse
- Private dining room
- Arts and Crafts studio
- Keypad entry for extra security
Overview
Brookdale Columbia offers resort-style living, with just the right amount of assistance so you can continue to live with freedom and independence. The care team is available to assist with daily tasks like managing medications, grooming, and dressing. They’ll also handle the basic chores, so you don’t have to!
There are plenty of things to do on campus, from walking clubs to jewelry classes, fine dining, and fitness activities. You’re also just a short trip from the beautiful downtown Columbia, with plenty of parks, museums, shows, and shopping to keep you busy. You’ll get just the right care you need to help you maintain your independence. To learn more about Brookdale, visit our Brookdale Senior Living review.
- Laurel Crest
- Wildewood Downs
- Watercrest Senior Living
- Merrill Gardens
- The Columbia Presbyterian Community
- Harmony Collection at Columbia
- Colonial Gardens
- Atria Forest Lake
- FairForest Grove Senior Living
- Brookdale Columbia
How We Chose the Best Assisted Living in Columbia
Choosing the best assisted living community is a difficult decision with many factors to think about. You need to consider your budget, location, and desired lifestyle. We looked at the following criteria when choosing the best assisted living communities in Columbia:
- Location: We chose communities that are easily accessible and close to shopping, medical services, and dining.
- Amenities: The communities on our list offer helpful amenities, perks, and a variety of services and activities.
- Staff: We looked for assisted living campuses with a high staff-to-resident ratio so you can always get the help you need.
- Reviews: The communities we selected have good reviews from trusted sources so we could see what others have experienced.
- Medical care: The accessibility and degree of medical care can vary significantly from one campus to the next. We looked for places with regular visits and even on-campus support.
- Cost: We selected assisted living communities that offer the best value for your money.
How to Find the Right Assisted Living Community for You
There is a lot to consider when searching for your assisted living community. You’ll want to make sure you ask plenty of questions before you decide on moving to a particular community. Here are a few questions to ask as you research:
- Do you want to have a busy lifestyle or a quieter, more reflective one?
- Do you need a lot of assistance with daily tasks, or just a little?
- Do you prefer a resort-style home or a smaller, family-style residence?
- What are your preferred meals? Do you have special dietary needs?
- Do you want to have a wide circle of friends or prefer a smaller, close-knit community?
- Do you want to have on-site religious services? Or travel to a church?
- Do you need a large floor plan, or would you prefer a smaller, cozier space?
What Is Living in Columbia Like for Seniors?
Columbia, South Carolina is a beautiful area with close proximity to a wide variety of cultural and outdoor activities. There’s always something to do! There are several parks, museums, and even a zoo to visit.1 The climate is mild, but you’ll still get to experience all four seasons, making it a comfortable place for seniors to enjoy.
Columbia is only a short drive from larger cities, such as Charlotte, where you can find larger medical centers and more activities. The low cost of living, proximity to activities, and mild climate make it a wonderful place to consider.
How Much Does Assisted Living Cost in Columbia, South Carolina?
The monthly median cost for assisted living in the United States is an estimated $4,917 for 2024.2 In Columbia, however, the median monthly cost is an estimated $3,573, making it a very affordable place for seniors. The cost of living in Columbia is lower than the national average, making it a great place to retire.3
Another factor affecting the cost of assisted living is the size of your apartment or suite. Typically, the larger your private living space, the more expensive your monthly payment will be. The level of care may also dictate how expensive your community is. If you need a more intense level of care, you’ll probably pay more than if you need less care. Some assisted living communities can adjust your fees from month to month as your needs change, so keep an eye on your monthly bill.
City of Columbia, South Carolina. (2023). Home Page.
Genworth. (2022, Jun 2). Cost of Care Survey.
City of Columbia, South Carolina. (2023, Jun). City of Columbia Makes Best Places to Live in South Carolina List.