Palmetto Place: Affordable Housing in Columbia's Heart

What Palmetto Place Offers

Palmetto Place is a mixed-income apartment community in downtown Columbia managed by the Columbia Housing Authority. The complex provides one-, two-, and three-bedroom units at below-market rates, with rent based on household income. It sits on a block bordered by Sumter, Gervais, Barnwell, and Blanding streets—walking distance to the State House, the Congaree River, and local shops and restaurants.

The community was developed as part of Columbia's downtown revitalization effort and combines affordable housing with proximity to employment, transit, and services. Residents pay rent scaled to their income, typically ranging from 30 to 40 percent of gross monthly earnings. The property includes on-site management, maintenance, and community spaces.

Key Takeaways

• Palmetto Place offers one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments in downtown Columbia with income-based rent.
• The Columbia Housing Authority manages the property and determines rent based on household income, not a fixed price.
• Units are located within walking distance of downtown employment, transit stops, and community services.
• To explore availability, contact the Columbia Housing Authority's leasing office directly or visit their website for current openings.

Income-Based Rent and How It Works

Rent at Palmetto Place is calculated as a percentage of your household's gross monthly income, not set at a single price. This means two residents with different incomes will pay different rents for the same unit size. The Columbia Housing Authority uses your most recent tax return, pay stubs, and household composition to determine your rent amount during the leasing process.

Income limits do apply—the property serves households at or below certain income thresholds set annually by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. These limits vary by household size. A single person, a family of four, and a family of six will have different maximum income levels. The leasing office can tell you whether your household income falls within the current limits for your household size.

Unit Types and Floor Plans

Palmetto Place includes one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom floor plans. One-bedroom units typically range from 550 to 650 square feet, two-bedroom units from 750 to 850 square feet, and three-bedroom units from 950 to 1,050 square feet. All units include a kitchen, bathroom, living area, and in-unit or community laundry access depending on the floor plan.

The property does not publish a detailed floor plan guide online, so the leasing office can walk you through specific layouts, storage options, and amenities when you visit or call. Availability varies by unit type and changes as residents move in and out.

Location and Neighborhood Access

Palmetto Place sits in downtown Columbia's Congaree Vista district, a mixed-use neighborhood with restaurants, galleries, and retail. The location puts residents within a 10-minute walk of the State House, the Congaree Riverfront Park, and the Main Street business corridor. Public transit stops are nearby, and the property is accessible to I-20 and I-26 for commuters heading to other parts of the Midlands.

The downtown location means residents have walkable access to grocery stores, pharmacies, healthcare providers, and government offices. Schools, childcare, and other family services are within a short drive or bus ride. The neighborhood also hosts regular events, farmers markets, and community gatherings, especially along the riverfront.

Leasing Requirements and Documentation

To move forward with leasing at Palmetto Place, you will need to provide proof of income, identification, and rental history. Standard documentation includes recent pay stubs (typically the last 30 days), a copy of your most recent tax return, and references from previous landlords or employers. The Columbia Housing Authority will also conduct a background check and verify your income and employment status.

Applicants must meet income limits and pass a background screening. Criminal history, eviction records, and outstanding rental debt are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. The leasing office can explain their specific policies during your initial conversation. Processing typically takes one to two weeks once all documents are submitted.

How to Contact Palmetto Place

The Columbia Housing Authority manages leasing for Palmetto Place. You can reach the leasing office by phone or visit in person at the property during business hours. The office staff can answer questions about current availability, income limits, rent calculations, and the leasing timeline. They can also schedule a tour of available units.

The Columbia Housing Authority website lists contact information and may show current openings. If you are unsure whether you meet income limits or want to discuss your situation before visiting, calling ahead is a good first step. The staff can tell you quickly whether your household income falls within the range for your household size.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the income limit for Palmetto Place?

Income limits are set annually by HUD and vary by household size. A single person has a different limit than a family of four. The leasing office can tell you the current limits for your household size in one phone call. Limits change each year, so it is worth checking even if you were over the limit in the past.

How is rent calculated if I live at Palmetto Place?

Rent is typically 30 to 40 percent of your gross monthly household income. The Columbia Housing Authority calculates this based on your tax return, pay stubs, and household composition. Two residents with different incomes will pay different rents for identical units.

Can I tour a unit before I apply?

Yes. The leasing office schedules tours of available units during business hours. You do not need to submit any documents or information before touring. Calling ahead to schedule is recommended, especially if you want to see a specific unit type.

How long does the leasing process take?

Once you submit all required documents—income verification, identification, and rental history—processing typically takes one to two weeks. The Columbia Housing Authority will contact you with a decision and next steps. If you are approved, move-in can happen within a few weeks depending on unit availability and your readiness.

Does Palmetto Place accept housing vouchers?

Palmetto Place is a mixed-income property managed directly by the Columbia Housing Authority, not a voucher-accepting private landlord. If you hold a Section 8 voucher, contact the Columbia Housing Authority to learn whether the voucher can be used at this property or to explore other options in the area.