Ashford Palmetto Square: A Mixed-Income Community in Columbia

What Ashford Palmetto Square offers

Ashford Palmetto Square is a mixed-income residential community in Columbia, South Carolina, located in the heart of the city's downtown area. The development combines market-rate apartments with units reserved for households earning 60 percent of the area median income, creating a neighborhood where residents across different income levels live side by side. The community includes ground-floor retail and restaurant space, green courtyards, and pedestrian-friendly streets designed to connect to Columbia's downtown core.

The apartments range from studios to three-bedroom units. Residents have access to on-site amenities including fitness facilities, a community room, and parking. The location puts you within walking distance of the State House, the Columbia Museum of Art, and the Congaree River, as well as local restaurants and shops along Main Street and the surrounding blocks.

Key Takeaways

• Ashford Palmetto Square is a mixed-income development in downtown Columbia with both market-rate and income-restricted apartments.
• The community includes one-, two-, and three-bedroom floor plans, plus studios, with on-site parking and fitness facilities.
• The location offers walkable access to downtown Columbia's cultural venues, dining, and the Congaree River.
• Income-restricted units are reserved for households at 60 percent of area median income, though availability and lease terms vary.

Income-restricted units and how they work

A portion of Ashford Palmetto Square's units are set aside for households earning up to 60 percent of the area median income for Richland County. This income threshold changes annually; you can contact the leasing office or Richland County's housing authority to learn the current limits for your household size. Income-restricted units typically rent below market rate, though the exact rent depends on your household income and the specific unit.

To pursue an income-restricted unit, you will need to provide proof of household income—usually recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer. The leasing office will verify your income against the current year's limits. If you meet the income requirement, you can move forward with the lease application. Keep in mind that income-restricted units may have a waiting list, especially during peak leasing seasons.

Market-rate apartments at the community

Market-rate units at Ashford Palmetto Square are available to any household and rent at standard downtown Columbia prices. These apartments offer the same floor plans and amenities as the income-restricted units—the difference is in pricing and income verification. Market-rate leases typically run 12 months, though shorter terms may be negotiated depending on availability.

Rent for market-rate units includes access to the fitness center, community spaces, and on-site parking. Utilities are typically tenant-paid, though you should confirm the specific lease terms with the leasing office, as policies can vary by unit and lease type.

Location and what's nearby

Ashford Palmetto Square sits in downtown Columbia, placing residents near cultural institutions, dining, and outdoor recreation. The Columbia Museum of Art, the South Carolina State House, and the Congaree River are all within walking distance or a short drive. Main Street and the surrounding blocks host restaurants, coffee shops, and retail stores that cater to both residents and visitors.

The community's walkability is one of its main draws—you can reach many daily destinations on foot. If you drive, downtown parking is available on-site at the complex. Public transit options are also nearby, making it possible to reach other parts of Columbia without a car, though service frequency varies by route and time of day.

Amenities and community features

Residents have access to a fitness center on-site, a community room for gatherings or events, and landscaped courtyards. The ground-floor retail and restaurant spaces bring activity and foot traffic to the complex, creating a neighborhood feel rather than an isolated apartment building. Parking is included with most leases, though you should confirm the number of spaces and any additional fees when you inquire about a specific unit.

Pet policies, parking details, and other lease terms are set by the property management and may differ between market-rate and income-restricted units. Contact the leasing office directly to learn what applies to the unit type you are interested in.

How to inquire about units

To learn about current availability, floor plans, and lease terms, contact the Ashford Palmetto Square leasing office directly by phone or visit in person. The office can tell you which units are available now, walk you through the application process, and explain the income verification steps if you are interested in an income-restricted unit. You can also ask about lease start dates, move-in costs, and any current promotions or incentives.

If you are looking for income-restricted housing in Columbia, Richland County's housing authority and the City of Columbia's community development office can also point you toward available programs and communities. Having your income documentation ready—recent pay stubs, tax returns, or an employment letter—will speed up the process if you apply for an income-restricted unit.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the income limit for the restricted units?

Income-restricted units are reserved for households earning up to 60 percent of the area median income for Richland County. This limit changes each year. Contact the leasing office or Richland County's housing authority to learn the current income threshold for your household size.

Can I apply for a market-rate unit without income verification?

Yes. Market-rate units do not require income verification. You will still need to pass a background check and credit review as part of the standard lease application, but there is no income limit for market-rate apartments at Ashford Palmetto Square.

Is parking included in the rent?

Parking is typically included with most leases at Ashford Palmetto Square, though you should confirm the number of spaces and any additional fees when you discuss a specific unit with the leasing office. Policies may differ between unit types.

Are pets allowed?

Pet policies are set by the property management and may vary. Contact the leasing office to learn the current pet policy, any breed or size restrictions, and whether pet fees apply to your lease.

What utilities are included in rent?

Utilities are typically tenant-paid at Ashford Palmetto Square, though specific terms depend on your lease. Ask the leasing office which utilities you are responsible for and whether any are included or subsidized as part of your lease agreement.