Wildewood - Columbia, SC

The primary developer of Wildewood, Heath Manning, was playing polo in Memphis, Tennessee one day in the mid-1960s. He stumbled across a beautiful subdivision called Wildewood, which included polo fields, horse stables, and a golf course. Inspired, he decided to create a similar community in Columbia. At first, he was going to include two polo fields – and no golf course. His plans slowly changed to include a golf course and the country club. The first home was constructed in Wildewood in 1967. Back then, it was a quiet suburban community. But in the 1970s, the area began to grow rapidly – Two Notch Road was expanded and the highways opened, leading to an influx of new residents. More sections were developed along with several surrounding areas.

Wildewood is a planned community located in one of the nation’s first planned cities. The area that is now Columbia was chosen in 1786 to serve as the county seat for the newly-formed Richland County. It was a terrific location, high on a bluff overlooking the Congaree River. George Washington praised the site when he visited, commenting that it was “well-chosen.” This area is still a terrific choice, especially with neighborhoods like Wildewood to discover.

Wildewood borders Sesquicentennial State Park, a 1,419-acre park with a 30-acre lake. Established in the 1930s as part of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s “New Deal” to provide unemployment during the Great Depression, this park provides a variety of nature walks and night hikes so visitors can learn more about the history of the park and the delicate ecosystem it protects.

Downtown Columbia and all of the restaurants and bars that surround the University of South Carolina are just 20 minutes away. But you may discover so many neighborhood favorites you’ll have a difficult time venturing far from Wildewood! In addition to several major chain and fast-food restaurants such as Olive Garden, Five Guys, Cracker Barrel, and Moe’s, there are some terrific locally-owned options as well. Travinia Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar, for example, provides a beautiful atmosphere and a terrific menu. Try a classic such as the Parmesan Chicken or go for something a little more exotic, such as the Mussels Pernod.

The Stonefire American Grill is another local hotspot – be sure to check it out after you settle into your Wildewood apartment. This restaurant has a variety of American cuisine, ranging from Bayou Gator Bites (yes, that’s alligator tail) to Fried Green Tomatoes. Be sure to follow those up with the Marinated Flat Iron Steak, Shrimp and Grits, or some Outer Banks Scallops. When you want Japanese, the Sumo Japanese Steak House is a great option. If you like sushi, this restaurant offers it all – even Bento Boxes with beef or chicken teriyaki or tonkatsu.

After dinner, see the latest movie at the Regal Cinemas Sandhill 16 IMAX & RPX, located in the Village at Sandhill shopping center just off Two Notch Road. Or make a night of it by heading into the city to see a concert or watch the Carolina Gamecocks play basketball at Colonial Life Arena. See a Broadway show, a stand-up comedian, or special performances by the SC Philharmonic or the Columbia City Ballet at the Koger Center for the Arts.

You’ll need your car when you move to an apartment in Wildewood, although the COMET does have a Sandhills bus route that includes locations along Forum Drive, Two Notch Road, and Columbia Mall. This is a large, spread-out neighborhood with many residential and commercial areas.

Commuting is easy from Wildewood since you’ll have quick access to both I-20 and I-77. For those who prefer to stay off the highways, Two Notch Road leads directly into Downtown Columbia. Wildewood is a short drive from Sumter National Forest, Myrtle Beach, and Charleston.

With Sesquicentennial Park in the neighborhood, you’ll love having access to one of South Carolina’s most beloved parks. “Sesqui” has it all – a fantastic campground, hiking trails, kayak and canoe rentals, a retreat center with a kitchen, fishing areas, an off-leash dog park, and a six-mile mountain bike loop. The park also hosts a variety of events, including an annual golf tournament.

Speaking of golf, WildeWood Golf Course is spread over 160 acres and dates back to 1974. Considered a very “playable” course, WildeWood is ideal for golfers at all levels. Woodcreek Golf Course provides as much natural beauty as it does golfing, with tall pine trees, wildflowers, streams and lakes, and a pecan grove. Both golf courses host a variety of tournaments throughout the year.

If you want even more outdoor adventure, head to the Riverbanks Zoo and Garden. In addition to the zoo and botanical garden, this park includes historic landmarks and a variety of activities, such as Wine Tasting at Riverbanks Botanical Garden. There are also adventure tours and animal demonstrations to enjoy.

With a fun-filled state park and an elegant golf course in the neighborhood, Wildewood is highly desirable. Because of this, rent is a little higher here than it is in the rest of the Columbia area. An average one-bedroom costs about $830, while the average for Columbia is roughly $670. If you want Wildewood to be the place you put down roots, be aware that homes here cost about $450,000. That’s quite higher than the Columbia average of $224,000.

The Village at Sandhill is the largest shopping destination in Wildewood. This is a terrific mixed-use area with apartments, shops, restaurants, and a movie theater. Shops include Belk, JC Penney, World Market, and Academy Sports & Outdoors. Just outside of Wildewood, Columbia Place Mall is a large indoor mall with a Macy’s, Sears, and Burlington Coat Factory as anchors. Closer to downtown, you’ll find Richland Mall and Trenholm Plaza Shopping Center.

You’ll have to travel a little to get to a farmer’s market, but the State Farmer’s Market is worth the trip. This market is located on Charleston Highway, about 23 minutes from Wildewood. It provides locally-grown produce, plant and flower vendors, wholesalers, and several events.

Downtown Columbia is ideal for shopping. Devine Street will be a fast favorite – this shopping district features trendy boutiques and shops along a one-mile stretch with more than 100 businesses being locally owned.