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Best Assisted Living in Columbia, SC

Reviewed by Dr. Jordan Weiss
Updated Jan 2026
We analyzed 11 homes in Columbia, SC

Sources: CMS Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, and South Carolina Department of Health, Office of Aging and Long Term Care.

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Video Tour: Top-rated Assisted Living facilities in Columbia, South Carolina.

Watch this Video to see Columbia's Top-rated Senior Communities
Avg. Monthly cost: $4,500
National average: $5,600
Monthly cost range: $4,000–$6,600
National average: $3,400 – $8,200
Avg. Staff-to-Resident ratio: 1:6 to 1:12
National average: 1:6

Compare Assisted Living around Columbia (Metro Area)

The information below is reported by the South Carolina Department of Public Health, Bureau of Healthcare Quality.

Click column headers to sort
Spring Oak Lexington
AL

Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.

MC

Memory Care Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. Staff trained in cognitive impairment, with higher staff-to-resident ratios and an environment designed to reduce confusion and wandering risk.

Lexington
90
Facility 90
SC AVG 111
Rank #132 / 312
No
22
Facility 22
SC AVG 31
Rank #156 / 232
--
Harmony at Columbia
AL

Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.

IL

Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support.

MC

Memory Care Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. Staff trained in cognitive impairment, with higher staff-to-resident ratios and an environment designed to reduce confusion and wandering risk.

Columbia
110
Facility 110
SC AVG 111
Rank #90 / 312
Yes
36
Facility 36
SC AVG 31
Rank #102 / 232
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 BedC-
Colonial Gardens Assisted Living & Memory Care
AL

Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.

MC

Memory Care Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. Staff trained in cognitive impairment, with higher staff-to-resident ratios and an environment designed to reduce confusion and wandering risk.

West Columbia
66
Facility 66
SC AVG 111
Rank #199 / 312
Yes
18
Facility 18
SC AVG 31
Rank #163 / 232
Studio / Suite-
Merrill Gardens at Columbia
AL

Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.

IL

Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support.

Columbia (Midtown - Downtown)
52
Facility 52
SC AVG 111
Rank #245 / 312
Yes
17
Facility 17
SC AVG 31
Rank #165 / 232
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed-
Brookdale Harbison
AL

Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.

Columbia
52
Facility 52
SC AVG 111
Rank #245 / 312
Yes
36
Facility 36
SC AVG 31
Rank #102 / 232
Suite-
Brookdale Columbia
AL

Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.

Columbia (Dentsville)
52
Facility 52
SC AVG 111
Rank #245 / 312
Yes
35
Facility 35
SC AVG 31
Rank #112 / 232
Suite-
The Legacy of Lexington
AL

Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.

Lexington
49
Facility 49
SC AVG 111
Rank #265 / 312
No
32
Facility 32
SC AVG 31
Rank #127 / 232
Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed-
Laurel Crest
AL

Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.

IL

Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support.

MC

Memory Care Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. Staff trained in cognitive impairment, with higher staff-to-resident ratios and an environment designed to reduce confusion and wandering risk.

NH

Nursing Home Licensed facility providing 24/7 skilled nursing care for residents with complex, ongoing medical needs. Staffed by RNs, LPNs, and CNAs. Inspected and star-rated annually by CMS. Accepts Medicare (short-term rehab) and Medicaid (long-term care).

West Columbia
26
Facility 26
SC AVG 111
Rank #301 / 312
Yes
15
Facility 15
SC AVG 31
Rank #173 / 232
Suite-
Atria Forest Lake
AL

Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.

MC

Memory Care Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. Staff trained in cognitive impairment, with higher staff-to-resident ratios and an environment designed to reduce confusion and wandering risk.

Columbia
-
Facility -
SC AVG 111
Yes
65
Facility 65
SC AVG 31
Rank #10 / 232
Private Rooms-
Carolina Gardens at Kathwood
AL

Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.

MC

Memory Care Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. Staff trained in cognitive impairment, with higher staff-to-resident ratios and an environment designed to reduce confusion and wandering risk.

Columbia (Deaswood)
-
Facility -
SC AVG 111
Yes
36
Facility 36
SC AVG 31
Rank #102 / 232
-A+
Jenni-Lynn Assisted Living
AL

Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence.

West Columbia
-
Facility -
SC AVG 111
No
23
Facility 23
SC AVG 31
Rank #152 / 232
-A+

Spring Oak Lexington

5422 Augusta Rd, Lexington, SC 29072
Overview of Spring Oak Lexington

Spring Oak Lexington is a blissful senior living community located in a quiet neighborhood in Lexington, SC, offering various living options including assisted living, memory care, and short-term stay. Providing a comfortable and safe residence for seniors, the community includes 24-hour assistance from a team of skilled and dedicated professionals. A place where seniors may rest and keep their family’s minds at peace, Spring Oak Lexington Senior Living ensures the happiness and wellness of its residents.

Fostering meaningful connections among its residents, the community conducts enrichment activities and outings. Spring Oak Lexington values the independence and dignity of the residents, providing them with care tailored to their needs. With its eye-pleasing and spacious residences, the community offers care like no other in a family-like environment.

Contact Spring Oak Lexington

Overview of Harmony at Columbia

As its name suggests, Harmony at Greensboro ensures that the environment of the community is serene and harmonious. The name also suggests that senior living is supposed to be calming and balanced– a freeing lifestyle with the necessary support. The elegant community is an independent living and memory care community with personal care. Residents of the community wholly receive a strong sense of freedom with no shame of being able to receive additional assistance, especially because Harmony at Greensboro is a home that is able to let their chosen lifestyle for their needs.

Harmony offers an elevated lifestyle because of their marvelous level of care and complete attention to the needs of their residents; as well as residents being able to practice a stress-free and well-balanced lifestyle. Highlights of their amenities and services include laundry services, transportation services, healthy and savory chef-prepared meals, memory retention activities, and fitness activities. 

Contact Harmony at Columbia

Overview of Colonial Gardens Assisted Living & Memory Care

Considerably one of the most affordable assisted living facilities in Miami, Colonial Assisted Living is guaranteed to be a safe community with a warm and welcoming environment that makes it easier for residents to feel comfortable in their new home. Colonial Assisted Living, as its name fairly suggests that the staff and management handles assisting residents while they live their independence in a worry-free environment.

The facility prides itself on the exceptional service provided by their staff who have wholeheartedly done their job in ensuring kindness and compassion to their patients or members of the community. Colonial Assisted Living has been praised as the best assisted living in Miami, for the way they approach senior care to residents, as applauded and respected by many families– considerably making them not only affordable but accessible.

Contact Colonial Gardens Assisted Living & Memory Care

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

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 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 The Legacy of Lexington

Burrowed in the quiet place of Lexington, SC, the Legacy of Lexington is an enticing senior living community offering assisted living services. Here, residents can select from a wide array of spacious and comfortable accommodations ranging from one-bedroom to two-bedroom and suite. With its highly skilled and hardworking team, this community offers an emergency response system and 24/7 personalized care services.

With its top-tier amenities and other services, residents can enjoy delectable meals and snacks daily, weekly housekeeping and laundry services, in-house maintenance services, and free transportation to all professional services. Engage in diverse social activities and community events. Meet new companions and share meaningful memories within the beautiful spaces of this community. At the Legacy of Lexington, seniors are guaranteed a wonderful retirement.

Contact The Legacy of Lexington

Laurel Crest

100 Joseph Walker Dr, West Columbia, SC 29169
Overview of Laurel Crest

Laurel Crest is a luxurious retirement community where management promotes a lifestyle based on the choices of its residents, who can choose from various social opportunities in and out of the community. Offering independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing services– this premier continuum of care community ensures residents’ living experience is centered on wellness and independence. Laurel Crest provides an excellent lifestyle for seniors with a touch of elegance in West Columbia.

This community encourages residents to maintain an active and comfortable lifestyle while cultivating connections between fellow seniors and the professional staff. They offer a fitness center, outdoor common areas, recreational space, engaging activities, and enriching programs that create friendships and help residents thrive. Its rehabilitative services include physical, occupational, and speech therapy. Home care services are also available for those who prefer to receive quality care at the comfort of their own residences.

Contact Laurel Crest

Overview of Atria Forest Lake

Atria Forest Lake offers independent living, assisted living, and memory care. They undoubtedly provide the highest quality of care. Management makes it a point that seniors are given the freedom and choice given to each resident and ensures that they attend to the unique needs of each individual with kindness and compassion. They understand that an enriching senior living experience begins with the right lifestyle that suits your needs– while encouraging residents to still live freely on their own terms while receiving the necessary support. Atria Forest Lake has been one of the trailblazers in reinventing the approach to senior living– modern and innovative care.

Atria Forest Lake is a branch of the renowned Atria senior living group. Rest assured that residents are able to experience their array of amenities such as a garden, a salon, and a cafe bistro; along with services such as transportation, housekeeping, and laundry– to name a few of the features that residents from both living options get unlimited access. 

Contact Atria Forest Lake

Overview of Carolina Gardens at Kathwood

An elegant community that steeps excellence, Carolina Gardens at Kathwood has raised the standard of senior living. Their dedicated team of professional staff strives in providing a level of care that is nothing short of extraordinary. Carolina Gardens at Kathwood is where residents can’t thrive. Carolina Gardens is a results-driven community that aims to provide quality service for its assisted living and memory care residences.

Comfort and convenience are the heart of their service; residents can enjoy a range of services and amenities that make their everyday living worry-free. To name a few of what the assisted living home offers include chef-prepared meals and snacks, home maintenance and housekeeping, laundry services, a private personal care, and a 24-hour care and assistance available. 

Contact Carolina Gardens at Kathwood

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
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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 11 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.