Looking to move to Lexington, SC? You’ve come to the right place. Both Angela and I have been long-time residents of the town, and we’ve got all the information you need to find out if living here is right for you.
Let’s start with the statistics. Lexington, SC is located in Lexington County and has a population of 23,759 residents. Lexington is the largest town in the county and is the second largest municipality in the greater Columbia area. The average income of a Lexington resident is $40,180, with a median household income of $72,996 per year. The median home cost in 2021 was $249,800. Lexington is one of the fastest growing areas in the state of South Carolina and offers residents a unique destination with small town charm and the benefit of the capital city of Columbia minutes away.
Here is what we love about the town, and why we think Lexington is one to consider if you’re making a move to South Carolina.
Location, Location, Location! Lexington is located in the middle part of South Carolina, or “the Midlands”. Residents can easily enjoy a day at the beach or a weekend in the mountains, both less than two hours away. Lexington is less than 20 minutes from the state capital of Columbia so residents benefit from town living with the excitement and culture of the city just a short drive away! The city of Columbia is bursting with fun things to do including museums, shows, cozy cafes, nightlife and dining at The Vista and Five Points, and even one of America’s best zoos, Riverbanks Zoo & Garden.
Education. Lexington schools are award-winning and ranked in the top five districts of the state. Because of the rapid growth the town has experienced, the school district continues to grow, and several new schools have been built to accommodate the expanding population of youth. For higher education, the University of South Carolina is in nearby Columbia and provides excellent education and collegiate activities. I have raised both of my children in Lexington One schools and couldn’t be happier at the fantastic education and memories they have made. To find out more about the schools in the area, visit www.greatschools.org.
Recreational Pursuits. Whether you’re looking for indoor or outdoor activities, Lexington offers plenty to choose from. From unique gyms, such as RockBox Fitness and Burn Boot Camp, to exploring the outdoors at Virginia Hylton Park or Corley Street Park, you can always find a way to get your burn on. In 2012, the Town Council adopted a Vision Plan, and as part of that plan, the Icehouse Amphitheater was born. The amphitheater is a 900-seat venue that hosts a variety of community events such as concerts, movies, the Lexington Wine Walk, and the Market at Icehouse, a farmers market that supports eating local fresh produce in a friendly, community atmosphere with music, food trucks and local artists. The biggest source of recreation and draw to the area, however, is Lake Murray, or as Angela likes to call it – “Ms. Murray.” Lake Murray is a 50,000 acre recreational lake with tons of water fun including boating, skiing, swimming, canoeing, kayaking and skiing. The lake is also home to some of the best bass fishing around and hosts annual tournaments such as Big Bass Tour and USA World Tour Bass Championship. There is even the Lake Murray Dam Walkway, a popular place to walk or jog while taking in the beautiful lake views.
Shopping & Dining. The population growth in Lexington has spurred a new crop of restaurants, pubs, bars, and shops, and new ones continue to open and flourish at a rapid pace. Downtown Lexington alone has numerous places to dine including Italian at Alodia’s, fine dining at Bodhi Thai, and pub fare at O’Hara’s. Throughout Lexington, there are many places to shop and dine, and several plazas have opened over the last few years including Lexington Marketplace and Hendrix Crossing. There is sure to be something to satisfy everyone’s tastes in both shopping and dining throughout the town.
The History. Lexington, SC was named after the Revolutionary War battle in Massachusetts and features museums and sites that guide you through its history, which dates back to Colonial times. The town was incorporated in 1861 and initially served as a retail market where Columbia merchants purchased their goods. Many homes and business burned down during the Civil War, but the Columbia-to-Augusta Railroad and construction of the Lexington Textile Mill, enabled the town to rebuild and flourish again. The textile mill is now known as Lexington’s Old Mill and is home to restaurants, art galleries, a salon and more. For those wanting to further explore the history, the Lexington County Museum opened in 1970 and chronicles the town’s history from the Colonial era to the Civil War. The museum provides a fun learning excursion with 36 historic houses to explore over a seven-acre complex right in the heart of Lexington.
Lexington is nestled in the heart of South Carolina and one of the fastest growing areas of the state. The town offers residents access to outstanding schools and medical facilities, a variety of parks and recreational activities, community events, collegiate activities, and so much more. If you have additional questions on whether Lexington is right for you, give us a call.
