Essex Park Apartments in Columbia: What to Know Before You Move

Essex Park is a mid-rise apartment community in central Columbia with one- and two-bedroom floor plans

Essex Park Apartments sits on Devine Street in the heart of Columbia's midtown area, a location that puts you within walking distance of restaurants, shops, and the University of South Carolina campus. The community offers furnished and unfurnished units, with leasing typically available on 6- and 12-month terms. The property includes amenities like a fitness center, pool, and community spaces, though specific offerings and pricing change based on current availability and lease terms.

The neighborhood itself has character—Devine Street runs through an older part of Columbia with tree-lined blocks and a mix of student housing, young professional apartments, and established residential streets. If you work or study near campus or prefer a walkable urban setting over a suburban complex, this location matters more than the building itself.

Key Takeaways

• Essex Park offers one- and two-bedroom units on Devine Street in central Columbia, near the University of South Carolina and local businesses.
• The community includes a fitness center, pool, and furnished or unfurnished floor plan options depending on what you need.
• Lease terms are typically 6 or 12 months, and pricing varies by unit size, lease length, and current market conditions.
• The Devine Street location is walkable to restaurants and shops but sits in an urban area with street parking and higher foot traffic than suburban complexes.

What to expect from the location and neighborhood

Devine Street is one of Columbia's older commercial corridors, running from downtown toward the Five Points entertainment district. The area has a college-town feel because of its proximity to campus, which means weekends can be busier and noisier than residential neighborhoods farther out. Parking on Devine Street itself is street parking; if the complex offers dedicated lot parking, confirm how many spaces come with your lease and whether there is a waiting list during peak seasons.

The walkability is genuine—you can reach restaurants, coffee shops, and retail without a car. However, "walkable" also means you hear more street noise and see more activity at night. If you value quiet and privacy, tour the unit at different times of day before signing. Ask the leasing office which floors or sides of the building face the street and which face the courtyard or parking areas.

Floor plans and what they typically include

Essex Park offers one-bedroom and two-bedroom layouts. One-bedroom units are generally 600 to 750 square feet, while two-bedrooms range from 850 to 1,100 square feet, though these dimensions vary. Most units come with a kitchen, living area, bedroom(s), and bathroom(s). Air conditioning, heating, and basic appliances are standard in most complexes of this type, but confirm what is included in your lease—some properties charge separately for utilities or require renters insurance.

The furnished option appeals to people relocating for short-term work or students who do not want to buy furniture. Furnished units typically cost more per month but include basic bedroom and living room pieces. If you choose furnished, ask what happens to the furniture if you extend your lease or if you can swap pieces. Unfurnished units give you control over your space but require you to bring or purchase everything.

Amenities and community features

Essex Park includes a fitness center and swimming pool, standard offerings for mid-rise apartments in Columbia. The fitness center is usually open to all residents and may include cardio equipment, weights, and sometimes group fitness classes—confirm the hours and what equipment is actually available when you tour. The pool is seasonal in Columbia (typically open May through September) and may have restricted hours or guest policies.

Community spaces often include a leasing office, package room for deliveries, and sometimes a lounge or business center. These spaces matter if you work from home or want a place to meet guests. Ask whether the community hosts events or if there is a resident portal for maintenance requests and rent payment. Smaller details like whether the building has a doorman, security cameras, or controlled entry affect your sense of safety and convenience.

Lease terms and what to ask before signing

Standard leases at Essex Park run 6 or 12 months. A 6-month lease gives you flexibility if you are unsure about staying in Columbia long-term, but monthly rent is usually higher than a 12-month commitment. A 12-month lease locks in a lower rate but commits you for a full year. Ask whether the lease renews automatically or requires you to notify the office, and what happens if you need to break the lease early—most complexes charge an early termination fee, sometimes equal to one or two months' rent.

Before you sign, confirm what utilities are included and what you pay separately. Water, sewer, and trash are sometimes included; electricity, gas, and internet almost never are. Ask about pet policies if you have or plan to get a pet—many complexes charge a pet deposit and monthly pet rent. Confirm the move-in costs: first month's rent, security deposit, and any administrative or application fees. Request a copy of the lease to review at home, and do not sign on the spot if you have questions.

How to visit and what to look for during a tour

Call the leasing office to schedule a tour rather than dropping in—this ensures someone is available to show you a model unit or an actual vacant unit. A model unit is staged and may look better than a lived-in space; ask to see an actual apartment if possible, or at least one that has been recently turned over. Pay attention to water pressure, appliance condition, closet space, and natural light. Open cabinets and drawers to check for damage or wear.

Walk the hallways and common areas. Are they clean and well-lit? Is there noise from neighbors or the street? Check the parking area during your visit—is it well-maintained and well-lit at night? Ask about maintenance response times and how to report issues. If you are sensitive to noise, ask about soundproofing between units and whether the building has quiet hours. Take photos or video during the tour so you can remember details later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Essex Park near public transportation?

Essex Park is in central Columbia on Devine Street, which is served by COMET bus routes. The proximity to campus and the walkable neighborhood mean many residents use buses or bicycles instead of cars. Check the COMET website or app to see which routes serve Devine Street and whether they connect to your workplace or school.

Can I get a tour if I am moving from out of state?

Yes. Call the leasing office to schedule a tour in advance. If you cannot visit in person, ask whether they offer video tours or can send photos of specific units. Many complexes will hold a unit for a few days while you arrange to visit or sign a lease remotely, though policies vary.

What should I do if I find damage in my unit before moving in?

Document any damage with photos or video before you move your belongings in, and send the images to the leasing office in writing. Ask them to note the damage on your lease or move-in inspection form so you are not charged for it when you move out. Do this on your first day, not after you have lived there for a week.

Are utilities included in the rent?

Utilities are rarely included at Essex Park or similar complexes. Confirm with the leasing office which utilities you pay separately—usually electricity, gas, internet, and sometimes water. Ask for an estimate of average monthly utility costs so you can budget accurately.

What is the parking situation?

Essex Park likely offers dedicated lot parking or street parking depending on the building layout. Ask how many spaces come with your lease, whether there is a waiting list for additional spaces, and whether guest parking is available. Confirm the cost if parking is not included in your rent.