Best Assisted Living in Columbia, SC

Why trust this guide? Our editorial team analyzed 23 assisted living communities in Columbia, SC using SC Dept. of Public Health (DPH) data, inspection records, complaints, amenities, and facility-level details. How we rank assisted living in SC
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Last updated
We analyzed These are the facilities in Columbia, SC our team has analyzed — not a count of every assisted living provider in Columbia, SC.
23 homes
Other senior care options in Columbia:
Avg Monthly Cost: $5,727The average monthly cost across facilities in Columbia, SC. Reflects published or estimated base rates and can vary with care level, room type, and amenities. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average: $5,600
Avg Walk Score: 30/ 100The average Walk Score across facilities in Columbia, SC. A third-party neighborhood walkability score (0–100) measuring convenience and context, not healthcare quality. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average: 50/ 100
Avg No. of Beds: 72The average licensed bed capacity across facilities in Columbia, SC. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average: 90

Compare Assisted Living around Columbia (Metro Area)

Info below is compiled from the SC Dept. of Public Health (DPH), senior community websites & trusted data sources such as Walk Score & BBB.

Communities are listed from highest to lowest based on our ranking methodology.

Care Types in This Table AL (Assisted Living): Housing with help for daily activities like bathing, dressing, and medication, without 24-hour skilled nursing. NH (Nursing Home): 24/7 skilled nursing care for residents with complex, ongoing medical needs. SNF (Skilled Nursing Facility): Round-the-clock nursing care, often for recovery after surgery, injury, or illness. MC (Memory Care): Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. RC (Respite Care): Short-term temporary care that gives family caregivers a break. IL (Independent Living): Community living with dining, activities, and transportation for active seniors who need little personal care. HOS (Hospice Care): Comfort-focused care for those with a terminal illness, prioritizing quality of life over treatment.
City and state of the facility. Used for mapping and state-average comparisons.
Licensed bed capacity (maximum allowed). Not the same as how many beds are currently filled.
Indicates whether residents are allowed to have pets in the facility.
Third-party neighborhood walkability score (0–100). Convenience/context metric, not a healthcare quality measure.
Description of bed or unit types offered (e.g. assisted living, memory care), as reported in state or facility disclosures.
Better Business Bureau grade for the operating company. Reflects complaint handling and business practices, not clinical care quality.
Still Hopes Episcopal Retirement Community
AL
IL
MC
NH
SNF
West Columbia
22
Facility 22
SC AVG 90
Rank #298 / 304
Yes
63
Facility 63
SC AVG 34
Rank #14 / 221
-A+
Wildewood Downs Retirement Community
AL
IL
MC
NH
SNF
Columbia (Williamsburg East)
57
Facility 57
SC AVG 90
Rank #226 / 304
Yes
33
Facility 33
SC AVG 34
Rank #117 / 221
1 Bed / 2 Bed / 3 Bed-
Harmony at Columbia
AL
IL
MC
Columbia
110
Facility 110
SC AVG 90
Rank #88 / 304
Yes
36
Facility 36
SC AVG 34
Rank #100 / 221
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 BedA+
Rice Estate Rehabilitation and Healthcare
AL
HOS
IL
MC
NH
RC
SNF
Columbia
80
Facility 80
SC AVG 90
Rank #165 / 304
No--A+
Mill Creek Manor
AL
IL
MC
Columbia (Williamsburg East)
59
Facility 59
SC AVG 90
Rank #222 / 304
Yes
8
Facility 8
SC AVG 34
Rank #196 / 221
Private RoomsB+
Rice Estate – Assisted Living
AL
HOS
IL
MC
NH
RC
SNF
Columbia
40
Facility 40
SC AVG 90
Rank #284 / 304
No--A
Palmettos of Parklane
AL
MC
RC
Columbia (Springwood)
85
Facility 85
SC AVG 90
Rank #156 / 304
Yes
27
Facility 27
SC AVG 34
Rank #139 / 221
Suite-
Brookdale Harbison
AL
Columbia
52
Facility 52
SC AVG 90
Rank #239 / 304
Yes
36
Facility 36
SC AVG 34
Rank #100 / 221
Suite-
Brookdale Columbia
AL
IL
MC
NH
SNF
Columbia (Dentsville)
52
Facility 52
SC AVG 90
Rank #239 / 304
Yes
35
Facility 35
SC AVG 34
Rank #110 / 221
Suite-
Merrill Gardens at Columbia
AL
IL
Columbia
52
Facility 52
SC AVG 90
Rank #239 / 304
Yes
17
Facility 17
SC AVG 34
Rank #163 / 221
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed-

Rank badges are statewide: each community is ranked against every SC community we track that reports that metric, not just the 23 analyzed for Columbia.

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Overview of Still Hopes Episcopal Retirement Community

Situated upon 44 acres of tranquil woods in the greater Columbia area, Still Hopes Episcopal Retirement Community’s open arms welcome all who seek an active independent living home to make the most of their golden years. A range of cozy apartments and free-standing cottages are available, coupled with a staff of well-trained nurses that provide individualized care upon request, making for a safe environment, conducive to relaxation. Still Hopes offers a Wellness Center, Solutions for Living at Home services such as cooking, cleaning, and even healthcare, and rehabilitation plans, for a holistic approach to daily physical and mental rejuvenation. Learn to love your artistic side, discover musical talent you never knew you had, or work on your backhand on the golf course; there’s no shortage of activities you can finally make time for all while your basic necessities are covered.

Should you want to venture out ever so often, Still Hopes is an independent living home that’s not only peaceful but accessible; around seven minutes away is the center of downtown Columbia with every manner of establishment well-within reach.

Contact Still Hopes Episcopal Retirement Community

Overview of Wildewood Downs Retirement Community

Located in Columbia, South Carolina, Wildewood Downs is a top-notch destination for independent senior living. Situated within the scenic and secure 37-acre gated community of Wildewood, this premier facility provides a lifestyle that surpasses expectations. Residents can choose from a range of luxurious independent cottage homes and spacious villa apartments, each meticulously designed to offer comfort and elegance.

At Wildewood Downs, residents can enjoy a hassle-free lifestyle with a comprehensive set of amenities and services. Maintenance-free living ensures that residents can enjoy their time without worrying about household chores. Weekly housekeeping keeps their living spaces tidy and organized. Daily dining options cater to their culinary preferences, while convenient bill payment services streamline financial tasks. Transportation services are readily available for hassle-free mobility, and a 24-hour emergency call system ensures safety and peace of mind. Pets are more than welcome at Wildewood Downs, allowing residents to bring their beloved companions along. Additionally, residents have the freedom to furnish their living spaces with their own furniture, creating a familiar and personalized environment.

Contact Wildewood Downs Retirement Community

Overview of Harmony at Columbia

Administered by Cathy Cassanova, Harmony at Columbia is a 110-bed assisted living community on Clemson Road in Columbia, South Carolina. Operated by Columbia Al Operations Llc and established four years ago, it offers occupants flexibility in housing with studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom floor plans to fit different preferences and needs.

The home’s neighborhood has a Walk Score of 36, meaning a few errands are walkable, with most trips needing a car. This suburban setting can suit residents and families wanting a calmer environment over busier commercial areas. As an assisted living community, the facility is tailored to support older adults needing help with everyday activities like meals, medication management, bathing, and dressing, while encouraging as much independence as possible. Such home types typically pair daily personal care with a residential feel, which lots of families find more personal and less institutional than larger communities.

For families contemplating Harmony at Columbia, personally visiting is the best way to know the community’s daily culture, see available units, meet the team, and get a feel of whether it correctly fits a loved one.

Contact Harmony at Columbia

Overview of Rice Estate Rehabilitation and Healthcare

Located on Finley Road, Rice Estate Rehabilitation and Healthcare is a continuing care community in Columbia’s Richland County. Lutheran Homes of South Carolina Inc operates the community, while Daniel John Amodio serves as administrator. It offers independent living, assisted living, memory support, rehabilitation, and long-term nursing care under one roof. Residents can move between care levels as their needs change without relocating to another facility.

The 80-bed community has been operating for 18 years. Its current occupancy rate is 86%. Residents stay an average of about 67 days, which is a pattern that reflects post-acute rehabilitation admissions alongside residents receiving ongoing nursing care. Most new residents use private pay, while Medicare covers shorter-term rehabilitation stays. Families have different ways to fund care based on the type of stay.

Nursing coverage is a notable part of daily life. Total nursing care averages 4 hours and 38 minutes per resident daily. Registered nurses provide 40 minutes of that time, and nurse aides contribute close to 3 hours per resident each day. This staffing gives residents regular clinical oversight and hands-on daily assistance.

Rehabilitation is a main focus, with dedicated short-term rehabilitation services alongside general rehabilitation and nursing programs. The community also offers a memory support program and respite care for families needing temporary care.

Residents can gather in the Magnolia Dining Room or one of the private dining rooms. They can spend time in the courtyard gardens or use walking paths beside the property’s protected wetlands. Other amenities include a fitness room, card room, common laundry room, and an on-site beauty and barber salon.

Families touring the community may ask how the memory support and short-term rehabilitation programs are structured because both programs are particular strengths within the community.

Contact Rice Estate Rehabilitation and Healthcare

Overview of Mill Creek Manor

Welcome to Mill Creek Manor, a premier senior living community in Columbia, South Carolina. Located near Sesquicentennial Park, Mill Creek Manor offers a range of living options, including Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care. Residents can enjoy an active and fulfilling lifestyle in a beautiful setting.

The community features spacious living areas, delightful dining experiences, and a calendar of special events. For those needing additional support, Mill Creek Manor offers assisted living services, including medication management and personalized care. With a focus on maintaining family and social relationships, Mill Creek Manor provides a warm and welcoming environment where residents receive exceptional care tailored to their unique needs. Discover the comfort and vibrant lifestyle that Mill Creek Manor has to offer.

Contact Mill Creek Manor

Overview of Rice Estate – Assisted Living

Rice Estate – Assisted Living is a 40-bed continuing care retirement community operated by non-profit Lutheran Homes of South Carolina at 100 Finley Road in Columbia, South Carolina. The community offers assisted living, memory care, rehabilitation, and long-term care. Medicare and private pay are accepted.

CMS rates Rice Estate 4 stars, 36.5 percent above the South Carolina average. Health inspection performance runs 45.5 percent above state peers, with three inspections within seven years. Nurse hours run 4h 38m per resident per day against a South Carolina average of 4h 5m, placing the facility 21st of 112 skilled nursing facilities statewide. Occupancy sits at 86 percent, modestly above the 82.1 percent state average which reflects consistent demand.

Amenities include the Magnolia Dining Room, a courtyard garden with walking areas, a fitness room, and a beauty and barber salon. Respite care and 24-hour staffing exist.
Rice Estate suits older adults in Columbia seeking a non-profit continuum of care, from assisted living to rehabilitation and long-term nursing.

Contact Rice Estate – Assisted Living

Overview of Palmettos of Parklane

Operated by Palmettos of Parklane, Palmettos of Parklane is an assisted living community in the Springwood neighborhood of Columbia, South Carolina. Administered by Kimberly P Davila, it’s housed in a one-story building with 85 suites designed to handle occupants seeking supportive housing in a residential setting.

The facility offers assisted living, memory care, and respite care services. It provides flexibility for individuals at different stages of the senior living journey. With its single-story layout, residents can explore the community without navigating stairs, a practical feature for those with mobility worries. The home welcomes residents’ pets, which can provide meaningful companionship during their stay. The neighborhood on Parklane Road around Palmettos of Parklane has a Walk Score of 27. This indicates a somewhat walkable area where a few nearby services are within walking reach, though transportation is involved for most trips. For those who value a neighborhood ambiance, this setting offers a quieter residential character.

Contact Palmettos of Parklane

Overview of Brookdale Harbison

Nestled in the heart of Columbia, South Carolina, Brookdale Harbison offers an assisted living community where residents can pursue their best life. The community provides personalized service plans, restaurant-style dining, elegant accommodations, and a fun-filled community calendar. Brookdale Harbison utilizes the InTouch system to tailor activities for both large and small groups, allowing residents to communicate with friends and relatives who cannot visit.

Residents can also take virtual trips around the world and keep up with their hometowns. The community offers a fun-filled calendar with walking clubs, movie nights, fitness classes, and more, as well as private residences for peace and quiet. Brookdale Harbison’s staff can handle household chores like cleaning and laundry, and 24/7 emergency assistance is available. Residents can enjoy the city’s thriving arts scene, world-class museums, and delicious southern cuisine, all while being close to medical facilities like Prisma Health Richland Hospital and Palmetto Health Baptist Hospital.

Contact Brookdale Harbison

Overview of Brookdale Columbia

Nestled within the charming city of Columbia, South Carolina, Brookdale Columbia offers a vibrant assisted living community that resembles a destination resort. Residents can savor the freedom and independence they deserve, with a care team available to assist with daily living tasks like bathing, dressing, and medication management. The community handles the cooking, cleaning, and household chores, allowing residents to spend more time pursuing their passions.

Spacious accommodations, common rooms, and luxury amenities such as an on-campus beauty salon, library, and fireside living room create a resort-like atmosphere. Residents can explore Columbia’s rich history, thriving arts and culture scene, and abundant outdoor activities. The community’s activities calendar offers opportunities to connect with neighbors, from walking clubs and Bible studies to competitive card games and excursions. Residents can also enjoy delicious, restaurant-style dining with daily menu options tailored to their preferences.

Contact Brookdale Columbia

Overview of Merrill Gardens at Columbia

Merrill Gardens at Columbia is an assisted living facility located in Columbia, South Carolina, offering independent living and hospice services on-site. The community is part of Merrill Gardens Senior Living, a senior care company, and provides vision care to its residents. The costs at Merrill Gardens at Columbia start at $3,225 and range up to $6,585, with the average price being $4,905, which is more than the average cost of assisted living in the area. The community is pet-friendly, and while South Carolina requires three meals to be provided per day, it can accommodate vegan or vegetarian diets.

Residents at Merrill Gardens at Columbia are required to have a scheduled, structured activity every day, and the community offers a variety of activities, including musical performances and social outings. The facility is located near five hospitals, with the two closest being Palmetto Health Richland and Palmetto Health Baptist, and has above-average reviews for the area. Merrill Gardens at Columbia offers 120 independent living and assisted living apartments, with concierge services, scheduled transportation, 24-hour staffing, and weekly housekeeping. The community features a variety of amenities, including a pet-friendly environment, pool, fitness programs, outdoor areas, and social outings, allowing residents to choose from a range of options to suit their individual needs and preferences.

Contact Merrill Gardens at Columbia

Weighting overview

  • 35%
    Resident Experience
  • 25%
    Regulatory
  • 15%
    Visual Media
  • 10%
    Website
  • 10%
    Stability
  • 5%
    Environment
01

Resident & Family Experience 35%

The single largest share of every ranking. Aggregated review sentiment and volume from major platforms — the closest signal to real resident experience.

  • Includes
  • Review Sentiment
  • Review Volume
02

Regulatory & Safety Record 25%

State inspection records, citations, and complaint visits. We weight per-inspection rates more heavily than raw counts.

  • Includes
  • State Inspections
  • Citations/Inspection
  • % Inspections w/ Citations
  • Complaint Visits
  • Accreditations
  • BBB Rating
03

Visual Media & Transparency 15%

Communities that publish high-quality visuals give families a real preview. No photos or tours = a negative transparency signal.

  • Includes
  • Video Tours
  • Virtual Walkthroughs
  • Photo Quantity
  • Photo Quality
04

Website & Operator Transparency 10%

Site quality and whether the operator publishes basic accountability information — staff names, contact details, ownership.

  • Includes
  • Website Content
  • Mobile Usability
  • Staff Info Available
  • Owner Info Available
05

Community Stability 10%

Operational signals indicating whether a community is well-run and meeting demand.

  • Includes
  • Occupancy Rate
  • Bed Options
06

Environment & Pricing 5%

Walkability and pricing transparency. Walk Score is weighted higher for Independent Living than for Memory Care, where most residents do not leave unaccompanied.

  • Includes
  • Walk Score
  • Pricing Transparency
No paid rankings Communities cannot pay to influence placement.
How we're paid: If we help you find a community and you move in, that community may pay us a referral fee. This never affects where they rank or what you pay. Learn more
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Frequently Asked Questions about Assisted Living in Columbia, SC

What's the difference between assisted living and memory care in South Carolina?

Assisted living in South Carolina supports residents with daily activities (bathing, dressing, medication management) while preserving independence. Memory care is a specialized form of assisted living for residents living with Alzheimer's or dementia, and adds 24/7 secured environments, dementia-trained staff, and structured routines designed to reduce confusion and wandering.

What's the difference between assisted living and a nursing home in South Carolina?

Assisted living in South Carolina is a residential model focused on housing, hospitality, and help with daily activities. Nursing homes (skilled nursing facilities) provide 24/7 medical care from licensed nurses for residents with significant health needs, and are regulated more strictly under both state and federal CMS rules.

Does South Carolina Medicaid cover assisted living?

South Carolina Medicaid does not directly pay room-and-board for assisted living, but most states (including South Carolina) offer Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers that can offset the cost of care services delivered inside a licensed community. Eligibility, waitlists, and covered services vary — check directly with the state Medicaid agency.

What is assisted living?

Assisted living combines private or semi-private apartments with help on activities of daily living (meals, bathing, dressing, medication management) and a social calendar — for residents who need some support but do not need 24/7 medical care.

How many assisted living facilities are listed on this page?

This page features 23 assisted living facilities in Columbia, SC. Use the filters and comparison tools above to compare ratings, amenities, and pricing.

How do I choose the right assisted living facility in Columbia, SC?

Start by matching the level of care offered to the resident's current and anticipated needs, then compare licensing status, staff-to-resident ratios, recent inspection results, and pricing. Tour at least two or three communities in Columbia, SC, talk to current residents and families, and confirm what is included in the base rate versus billed as add-on services.

What should I look for when visiting assisted living facilities in Columbia, SC?

Pay attention to staff interactions with residents, cleanliness and odor, food quality at meal times, the activity calendar, and how questions about pricing and care plans are answered. Ask to see the most recent state inspection report, the move-out / level-of-care-change policy, and a sample monthly bill that lists every fee.