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West Columbia, SC

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West Columbia, SC

West Columbia, formerly Brookland, is a city and commuter town in the suburban eastern sections of Lexington County, South Carolina, United States. According to the 2010 census, the population was 14,988, and the 2019 population estimate was 17,998. West Columbia is bordered to the east by Columbia, the state capital, across the Congaree River. It is near Columbia's city center or downtown district as well as the South Carolina State House and the Congaree Vista, known locally as "the Vista." The city is bordered to the south by its sister suburb, Cayce. A small portion of the city borders the town of Lexington to the east. West Columbia is part of the greater Columbia, SC metropolitan statistical area.

West Columbia was incorporated in 1894 as "Brookland", but the U.S. Postal Service called the town "New Brookland" since there was another town called Brookland. In 1936, the name was changed to "West Columbia" to emphasize its proximity to Columbia, the capital. Numerous businesses, churches, and a high school retain the Brookland and New Brookland names.

The Gervais Street Bridge, Mount Hebron Temperance Hall, New Brookland Historic District, and Saluda Factory Historic District are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The 2008 South Carolina Learjet 60 crash occurred just before midnight on September 19, 2008, when a Learjet 60 (registration N999LJ) crashed while taking off from Columbia Metropolitan Airport. The weather at the time was cool, dry, and clear. The plane hit runway lights and crashed through the boundary fence, crossing South Carolina Highway 302 (SC 302/Edmund Highway/Airport Boulevard), and coming to rest on an embankment by the side of the highway. No one on the ground was hurt, but four of the six people on the plane (including both pilots) died in the crash, while the other two, Travis Barker (the drummer of Blink-182) and Adam Goldstein (DJ AM of Crazy Town), suffered severe burns. The plane was a charter flight taken by Barker, Goldstein, and their entourage following a performance by their musical group TRV$DJAM at a free concert in Five Points earlier that night to Van Nuys, California.

West Columbia lies to the south and west of the Saluda and Congaree rivers. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 6.3 square miles (16.3 km²), of which 6.1 square miles (15.7 km²) is land and 0.2 square mile (0.5 km²) (3.18%) is water.

Health and wellness are paramount in West Columbia, with the city offering various amenities and services to support the well-being of its residents. The Lexington Medical Center stands as a cornerstone in providing comprehensive healthcare services to the community. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs the West Columbia Parks and Recreation Department offers. These spaces provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, sports, and picnicking. Join local fitness centers and gyms to participate in exercise programs, fitness classes, and strength training. Some popular options include Temple Columbia and MUV Fitness. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around West Columbia, such as the Timmerman Trail and Guignard Clay Quarry Loop Trail. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

Top sites in West Columbia, SC are Riverbanks Zoo & Garden, South Carolina State Museum, and West Columbia Riverwalk Park and Amphitheater.

Population: 18,316 (2023). ZIP code: 29169. Area code(s): 803, 839. Elevation: 282 ft (86 m). Area: 6.3 square miles (16.3 km²).

FAQs

Is West Columbia, SC a nice place to live?

Living in West Columbia offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In West Columbia, there are a lot of parks. Many young professionals and retirees live in West Columbia and residents tend to lean conservative. The public schools in West Columbia are above average.

What is considered West Columbia, SC?

West Columbia is bordered to the east by Columbia, the state capital, across the Congaree River. It is near Columbia's city center or downtown district as well as the South Carolina State House and the Congaree Vista, known locally as "the Vista." The city is bordered to the south by its sister suburb, Cayce.

Is West Columbia, SC a city or town?

As Columbia progressed, Brookland, or as it was finally named, West Columbia, felt the need to expand as well. In the present day, the City provides a full range of municipal services including police and fire protection, street and sanitation services, recreational activities, planning and zoning, and water and sewer services. In all respects, West Columbia is a city with a history and a future.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of West Columbia

Lexington Medical Center

West Columbia Parks and Recreation Department

Temple Columbia 

MUV Fitness 

Timmerman Trail 

Guignard Clay Quarry Loop Trail

Riverbanks Zoo & Garden

South Carolina State Museum

West Columbia Riverwalk Park and Amphitheater

Niche

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