The Retreat at Carlile Townes: A Mixed-Income Community in Columbia

What The Retreat at Carlile Townes offers

The Retreat at Carlile Townes is a mixed-income apartment community in Columbia that combines market-rate and affordable units in a single development. The property sits on the site of the former Carlile Townes public housing complex and includes one-, two-, and three-bedroom floor plans alongside community amenities like a fitness center, community room, and playground. The development is designed to serve households across different income levels rather than concentrating lower-income residents in one area.

The community is located in the Waverly neighborhood on the city's northeast side, an area with improving transit access and proximity to shopping, schools, and employment centers. Management handles leasing and maintenance through standard apartment operations, and the property accepts various forms of payment documentation depending on your household situation.

Key Takeaways

• The Retreat at Carlile Townes includes both market-rate and affordable units within the same community, so rent levels vary based on unit type and your household income.
• The property offers one-, two-, and three-bedroom floor plans with amenities including a fitness center, community room, and playground.
• Located in Columbia's Waverly neighborhood, the community provides access to transit, shopping, schools, and employment areas on the northeast side of the city.
• You can contact the leasing office directly to learn about current availability, floor plans, and what documentation you will need to provide.

Unit types and floor plans

The community offers one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments designed for different household sizes. Floor plans vary in square footage and layout, with some units featuring balconies or patios. The property includes both garden-style buildings and mid-rise structures, so the look and feel of your unit depends on which section of the development you lease in.

Rent amounts differ between market-rate and affordable units. Affordable units are typically reserved for households meeting specific income limits set by the development's funding structure. The leasing office can tell you which units are currently available and what income documentation they will need from you.

Amenities and community features

Residents have access to a fitness center on the property, a community room for gatherings and events, and a playground for children. These shared spaces are maintained as part of the regular community operations. The property also includes parking, though the leasing office can clarify whether parking is included in rent or charged separately.

The Waverly neighborhood itself offers additional resources within walking or short driving distance, including grocery stores, restaurants, schools, and bus routes that connect to other parts of Columbia. The location provides a balance between residential quiet and urban convenience.

How to contact the leasing office

To learn about current availability, schedule a tour, or ask about specific floor plans and rent amounts, contact the leasing office directly. They can answer questions about move-in costs, lease terms, and what documents you will need to bring when you apply. The office staff can also explain the difference between market-rate and affordable units and help you understand which options may be available to you.

When you call or visit, have information ready about your household size, income range, and any special needs (such as accessibility requirements or pet policies). This helps the leasing team direct you to the right units and process your inquiry more quickly.

Income limits and affordability

The Retreat at Carlile Townes includes units designated as affordable for households earning below certain income thresholds. These thresholds are set based on the area median income (AMI) for the Columbia metropolitan area and typically range from 50% to 80% AMI, though the exact percentages depend on the property's funding sources. The leasing office will tell you what income documentation they need to verify your household's income level.

Market-rate units are available to any household regardless of income, though rent will be higher. The mixed-income model means you may have neighbors across different economic backgrounds, which is intentional to the community's design.

Location and neighborhood context

The property sits in the Waverly neighborhood on Columbia's northeast side, an area that has seen significant reinvestment in recent years. The location provides reasonable access to Interstate 20, making commutes to other parts of the Midlands feasible. Public transit options include bus routes operated by COMET (Columbia's public transit system), though the leasing office can tell you which routes serve the property most directly.

Nearby schools include Waverly Elementary and other public schools in the area. Shopping and dining options are within a short drive, and the neighborhood continues to develop new businesses and services. The site's history as public housing that has been redeveloped into mixed-income housing reflects a broader shift in how communities approach affordable housing and economic integration.

What to expect in the leasing process

When you contact the property about leasing, the staff will ask about your household size, income, and any special needs. They will explain what documents you need to bring—typically a photo ID, proof of income (such as recent pay stubs or tax returns), and possibly references. If you are leasing an affordable unit, income verification is a required step.

The leasing office will also discuss lease terms, move-in costs (which may include first month's rent, security deposit, and any application fees), and the timeline for move-in. Once you have submitted your application and documentation, the property will process your request and contact you with a decision. The exact timeline varies, so ask the leasing office what to expect in your specific case.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I can afford an affordable unit at The Retreat?

Contact the leasing office and tell them your household size and approximate income. They will let you know whether your income falls within the range for affordable units and what documentation you need to bring to verify your income. Income limits change based on family size, so a household of four may have a different limit than a household of two.

Can I tour the property before I apply?

Yes. Call the leasing office to schedule a tour of available floor plans and the community amenities. Touring helps you see the unit types, neighborhood, and facilities before you decide whether to apply. The leasing staff can answer questions about specific units and what is currently available.

What if I have a pet?

Ask the leasing office about their pet policy when you call. Many apartment communities allow pets with restrictions on size, breed, or number. There may be additional pet fees or deposits. The office can tell you exactly what their rules are and whether your pet would be permitted.

Is parking included in the rent?

Parking arrangements vary by unit and lease type. When you contact the leasing office or tour the property, ask whether parking is included in your rent or charged separately. Some units may have assigned spaces while others have general lot parking.

How far is The Retreat from downtown Columbia?

The property is located on the northeast side of Columbia, roughly 3 to 4 miles from downtown depending on which part of the development you are in. The drive typically takes 10 to 15 minutes depending on traffic. If you use public transit, COMET bus routes serve the area and connect to downtown, though travel time will be longer.