
Compare Assisted Living around Columbia (Metro Area)
The information below is reported by the South Carolina Department of Public Health, Bureau of Healthcare Quality.
| Palmettos of Parklane | AL MC RC | Columbia (Springwood) | 85
Facility
85
SC AVG
90
Rank
#159 / 309 | Yes |
27
Facility
27
SC AVG
32
Rank
#141 / 232 | Suite | - |
| Spring Oak Lexington | AL MC | Lexington | 90
Facility
90
SC AVG
90
Rank
#132 / 309 | No |
22
Facility
22
SC AVG
32
Rank
#156 / 232 | - | - |
| Harmony at Columbia | AL IL MC | Columbia | 110
Facility
110
SC AVG
90
Rank
#90 / 309 | Yes |
36
Facility
36
SC AVG
32
Rank
#102 / 232 | Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed | A+ |
| Merrill Gardens at Columbia | AL IL | Columbia (Midtown - Downtown) | 52
Facility
52
SC AVG
90
Rank
#242 / 309 | Yes |
17
Facility
17
SC AVG
32
Rank
#165 / 232 | Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed | - |
| Brookdale Harbison | AL | Columbia | 52
Facility
52
SC AVG
90
Rank
#242 / 309 | Yes |
36
Facility
36
SC AVG
32
Rank
#102 / 232 | Suite | - |
| Brookdale Columbia | AL IL MC NH | Columbia (Dentsville) | 52
Facility
52
SC AVG
90
Rank
#242 / 309 | Yes |
35
Facility
35
SC AVG
32
Rank
#112 / 232 | Suite | - |
| The Legacy of Lexington | AL | Lexington | 49
Facility
49
SC AVG
90
Rank
#262 / 309 | No |
32
Facility
32
SC AVG
32
Rank
#127 / 232 | Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed | - |
| Laurel Crest | AL IL MC NC | West Columbia | 26
Facility
26
SC AVG
90
Rank
#297 / 309 | Yes |
15
Facility
15
SC AVG
32
Rank
#173 / 232 | Suite | - |
| Mill Creek Manor | AL IL MC | Columbia (Williamsburg East) | 59
Facility
59
SC AVG
90
Rank
#225 / 309 | Yes |
8
Facility
8
SC AVG
32
Rank
#198 / 232 | Private Rooms | B+ |
| Still Hopes Episcopal Retirement Community | AL IL MC NH | West Columbia (Still Hopes Drive) | 22
Facility
22
SC AVG
90
Rank
#303 / 309 | Yes |
63
Facility
63
SC AVG
32
Rank
#14 / 232 | - | A+ |
| Jenni-Lynn Assisted Living | AL | West Columbia | - | No |
23
Facility
23
SC AVG
32
Rank
#152 / 232 | - | A+ |
| The Blake at Woodcreek Farms | AL MC | Elgin | 100
Facility
100
SC AVG
90
Rank
#109 / 309 | Yes |
17
Facility
17
SC AVG
32
Rank
#165 / 232 | Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed | A+ |
| Fairforest Grove Senior Living | AL MC | Columbia (St. Andrews) | 66
Facility
66
SC AVG
90
Rank
#196 / 309 | No |
41
Facility
41
SC AVG
32
Rank
#81 / 232 | Studio | A+ |
| Wildewood Downs Retirement Community | AL IL MC NH | Columbia (Williamsburg East) | 57
Facility
57
SC AVG
90
Rank
#229 / 309 | Yes |
33
Facility
33
SC AVG
32
Rank
#119 / 232 | 1 Bed / 2 Bed / 3 Bed | A+ |
| Rice Estate Rehabilitation and Healthcare | AL HC IL MC NC NH RC | Columbia | 80
Facility
80
SC AVG
90
Rank
#168 / 309 | No | - | - | A+ |
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.
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.
Jenni Lynn Assisted Living is an assisted living community in West Columbia, South Carolina that offers a peaceful retreat to senior residents. This community fosters a warm and inviting atmosphere that promotes continued independence for its residents. Thoughtfully designed floor plans and spacious living areas provide both comfort and convenience, encouraging gatherings with family and friends. This pet-friendly home is equipped with all the amenities needed for an independent lifestyle, complemented by customizable physical and medical care as required.
They are conveniently located near restaurants and shopping options, including Walmart and the popular Kingsman Restaurant where residents can easily access their favorite spots. With beautifully landscaped surroundings, daily exercise classes, and opportunities for neighborhood outings, Jenni Lynn Assisted Living offers a fulfilling senior living experience that nurtures well-being and happiness.
Located in Elgin, South Carolina, The Blake at Woodcreek Farms is a premier senior living and memory care community that offers a range of exceptional services. Nestled in a tranquil setting with serene wooded lots and separated from neighboring developments, this private facility provides an ideal environment for aging in place. The Blake at Woodcreek Farms is home to a dedicated staff that strives to ensure residents’ satisfaction and well-being.
With a focus on meeting individual needs, The Blake at Woodcreek Farms offers a variety of services, including independent living, assisted living, and memory care. The community features inviting indoor and outdoor common areas, as well as activity rooms such as a beauty salon and a computer room. A variety of leisure activities and socialization opportunities are available every day. Moreover, residents can maintain an active and engaged lifestyle by taking advantage of convenient transportation services for appointments and outings.
Located in the charming state of South Carolina, Fairforest Grove offers a distinct senior living experience that sets it apart. As a regionally owned and managed community by Mainstay Senior Living, this community provides a warm and family-focused environment tailored specifically for seniors.
Unlike corporate-run facilities, Fairforest Grove takes pride in the personal connections formed with residents and their families, fostering a sense of belonging and kinship. From the moment visitors step through our doors, they are greeted with genuine warmth and friendliness.
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.
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.
Rice Estate Rehabilitation and Healthcare is an 80-bed continuing care retirement community at 100 Finley Rd in Columbia, South Carolina, operated by Lutheran Homes of South Carolina Inc, a nonprofit organization. The community offers independent living, assisted living, memory support, rehabilitation, and long-term nursing care in Richland County. Staffing is a clear strength. Nurse aide staffing averages 3 hours and 10 minutes per resident per day, 43% above the South Carolina average. Weekend total nursing hours average 4 hours and 24 minutes daily, 31% above the state norm. That level of direct-care coverage continues throughout the week. On quality outcomes, long-stay residents perform significantly above the South Carolina average on CMS quality measures. Short-stay residents are rehospitalized at a rate of 21.5%, roughly 13% better than the state average of 24.7%. The campus includes Courtyard Gardens, a fitness room, a private dining room adjacent to the Magnolia Dining Room, and access to protected wetlands and walking areas, a setting that distinguishes the property from typical urban nursing facilities. The facility also provides memory support and respite care services. Rice Estate serves residents seeking a nonprofit, continuum-of-care community in Columbia, with particular depth in post-acute rehabilitation and memory support.
Rice Estate Rehabilitation and Healthcare sits on Finley Road in Columbia’s Richland County, operated by Lutheran Homes of South Carolina Inc for the past 18 years. The 80-bed campus is not a single-use nursing facility. It carries nursing home care alongside assisted living, independent living, memory support, hospice, and respite services, a continuum that allows residents to move between levels of care without leaving the property.
With 69 of 80 beds occupied, the facility runs at 86% capacity. The 67-day average length of stay tells you something meaningful about who comes here: most residents are working through a defined recovery, not settling in indefinitely. That shorter-stay orientation shapes the staffing picture too.
Total nursing hours reach 4 hours and 38 minutes per resident per day, with registered nurses clocking 40 minutes of that daily. For a post-acute setting, that level of direct clinical contact is worth noting.
The named Rehabilitation & Nursing program anchors the short-stay side of the operation, and memory support is available for residents who need a higher level of cognitive care. The Magnolia Dining Room serves a daily menu built from fresh, local ingredients, with Private Dining Rooms available when families want a quieter setting. Courtyard Gardens, walking paths, and access to a protected wetlands area give the grounds an unhurried character that contrasts with typical urban nursing home campuses. A fitness room, beauty and barber salon, card room, and multi-purpose room fill out the common areas inside.
Rice Estate accepts Medicare and private pay. It is built for adults who need structured post-acute rehabilitation or longer-term nursing care within a setting that can accommodate changing care needs over time.
Ranking Methodology
How we rank these communities
Every community above is evaluated across six weighted categories using public data including state inspection records, review platforms, BBB profiles, and operator-published materials.
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
Nearby Cities
Who we are
Your Senior Care Partner, Every Step of the Way
We help families find affordable senior communities and unlock same day discounts, Medicaid, and Medicare options tailored to your needs.
Contact us Today
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 19 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.


















