Parks at Nexton By Kettler: What to Know About This Midlands Apartment Community

Parks at Nexton By Kettler is a mid-rise apartment community in Columbia's Nexton development, offering one-, two-, and three-bedroom floor plans with amenities focused on outdoor space and walkability

Parks at Nexton By Kettler sits within Nexton, a 1,400-acre mixed-use development in Richland County between Columbia and Blythewood. The community is managed by Kettler, a Washington D.C.–based developer known for urban and suburban residential projects. The apartments themselves occupy a portion of the larger Nexton master plan, which includes retail, office, dining, and recreational areas designed around pedestrian access rather than car-dependent sprawl.

The community's name reflects its positioning: the apartments are built around parks and green space rather than parking lots and driveways. That design choice shapes what living there actually means—proximity to trails, outdoor gathering spaces, and the ability to walk to some services without a car, though you will still need one for most errands in the Midlands.

Key Takeaways

• Parks at Nexton By Kettler offers one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments within a larger mixed-use development designed for walkability and outdoor access.
• The community includes amenities like a fitness center, pool, dog park, and direct access to trails and green spaces within the Nexton development.
• Nexton's location between Columbia and Blythewood puts it roughly 15 to 20 minutes from downtown Columbia and closer to shopping and dining than to the city center.
• Rent varies by floor plan, lease length, and current availability; contacting the leasing office directly is the only way to learn current pricing and move-in costs.
• The development is still under construction in phases, so the retail, dining, and recreational amenities described in marketing materials may not all be open yet.

Floor Plans and Unit Types

Parks at Nexton By Kettler offers one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom apartments. Floor plans vary in square footage and layout, with some units featuring balconies or patios that open onto the surrounding green space. The community's design prioritizes outdoor living—many units have direct access to courtyards, parks, or walking paths rather than facing parking areas.

Unit finishes typically include stainless steel appliances, granite or quartz countertops, and wood-style flooring. Washer and dryer hookups or in-unit laundry are common in larger floor plans, though this varies. The leasing office can provide specific details about which floor plans include which features, since these details change based on availability and renovation cycles.

Amenities and Community Features

The community includes a fitness center, resort-style pool, and dog park. Residents also have access to the broader Nexton trail system, which connects the apartment community to other parts of the development. Some amenities marketed as part of Nexton—such as restaurants, retail shops, and recreational facilities—may still be under construction or in phases, so confirm what is currently open before signing a lease if specific amenities matter to your decision.

Parking is typically included with rent, though the amount and type (surface lot, garage, assigned, unassigned) depends on the floor plan and lease terms. Ask the leasing office about parking specifics, especially if you have multiple vehicles or need covered parking.

Location and Commute Considerations

Nexton is located in Richland County, roughly equidistant between Columbia and Blythewood. From Parks at Nexton By Kettler, downtown Columbia is approximately 15 to 20 minutes by car via I-77 or local roads, depending on traffic and your exact destination. The University of South Carolina campus is roughly 20 to 25 minutes away. Midlands Technical College's main campus in Irmo is about 10 to 15 minutes away.

The development's walkability is limited to Nexton itself—you can walk to some retail and dining within the development, but reaching grocery stores, medical offices, or most services still requires a car. Public transit options in this area are limited compared to downtown Columbia, so having reliable transportation is important.

Lease Terms and Rent Information

Rent at Parks at Nexton By Kettler varies based on floor plan size, lease length (typically 6, 12, or 24 months), and current market rates. Move-in costs usually include first month's rent, a security deposit, and sometimes administrative or application fees. The leasing office can provide a breakdown of all costs before you commit.

Lease terms and pricing change regularly based on occupancy and market conditions. The only reliable way to learn current rent and move-in costs is to contact the leasing office directly or visit the community in person. Online listings may not reflect current pricing.

Pet Policy and Restrictions

Parks at Nexton By Kettler allows pets, and the community includes a dog park for resident use. However, pet policies vary—some communities allow cats and dogs with size or breed restrictions, while others charge monthly pet rent or require a pet deposit. The leasing office can explain the specific pet rules, fees, and any restrictions that apply.

If you have pets, ask about the dog park hours, whether it is fenced, and what amenities it includes. Also confirm whether cats are allowed and whether there are any restrictions on exotic pets or service animals.

Nexton Development Status and Future Changes

Nexton is a large master-planned community still under development. The apartment community itself is complete and occupied, but other parts of Nexton—retail, dining, office space, and recreational facilities—are built in phases. This means amenities and services described in marketing materials may not all be open yet, and the character of the neighborhood will continue to change as new buildings and businesses open.

Before signing a lease, ask the leasing office which Nexton amenities are currently open and which are planned for future phases. This helps you understand what you can actually walk to or use right now, versus what may be available later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Parks at Nexton By Kettler close to downtown Columbia?

It is roughly 15 to 20 minutes from downtown Columbia by car, depending on traffic and your destination. The community is positioned between Columbia and Blythewood, so it is closer to suburban shopping and dining than to downtown cultural venues or restaurants. If proximity to downtown is important, this location may feel distant.

Can I walk to grocery stores and restaurants from the apartments?

You can walk to some retail and dining within the Nexton development itself, but most grocery stores and services require a car. The community is walkable internally, but not walkable to the broader Midlands. Confirm which shops and restaurants are currently open in Nexton before deciding if the walkability meets your needs.

What is included in rent?

Rent typically includes access to community amenities like the fitness center, pool, and dog park, plus parking. Utilities, internet, and renters insurance are usually separate. Ask the leasing office for a complete list of what is included and what costs extra before you commit.

Is there public transportation from Parks at Nexton By Kettler?

Public transit options in this area are limited compared to downtown Columbia. You will likely need a personal vehicle to reach most destinations outside Nexton. Check the COMET (Columbia's public transit system) website to see if any routes serve the Nexton area if public transportation is important to you.

Can I tour the apartments before signing a lease?

Yes. The leasing office offers tours of model units and available floor plans. Visiting in person is the best way to see the actual layout, finishes, and views from units, and to ask questions about current pricing, move-in costs, and lease terms.