The Row at the Stadium: A Historic Neighborhood Near Downtown Columbia

What The Row at the Stadium is and where it sits

The Row at the Stadium is a collection of historic rowhouses in the Elmwood Park neighborhood of Columbia, located just south of downtown near the University of South Carolina's football stadium. The buildings date to the early 1900s and sit on a tree-lined street that has become one of the city's most recognizable residential blocks. The neighborhood draws renters and buyers interested in walkable urban living with access to downtown restaurants, the university, and the Congaree River.

The architecture is distinctly Columbia—narrow brick facades, front stoops, and shared walls that create the rowhouse character common to older neighborhoods along the East Coast. Many units have been renovated in recent years while keeping original details like hardwood floors and high ceilings. The location puts residents within walking distance of Five Points, the Vista arts district, and the State House grounds.

Key Takeaways

• The Row at the Stadium consists of historic rowhouses built in the early 1900s in the Elmwood Park neighborhood south of downtown Columbia.
• The neighborhood is walkable to Five Points, the Vista, downtown restaurants, and the University of South Carolina campus.
• Rental and purchase prices vary widely depending on unit size, renovation level, and whether the property is owner-occupied or managed by a larger company.
• Parking can be limited on the street itself, so confirm parking arrangements with the landlord or property manager before signing a lease.
• The area has a mix of long-term residents, university students, and young professionals, creating an active neighborhood social scene.

What to expect from the neighborhood character

The Row at the Stadium has a strong sense of place. The street itself is narrow and tree-covered, with front stoops where residents sit in warm months. The neighborhood hosts regular events—block parties, holiday gatherings, and informal street gatherings—that draw both longtime residents and newcomers. Many people choose the area specifically for this community feel rather than for the apartments themselves.

The neighborhood is mixed-income and mixed-age. You will find graduate students, young professionals working downtown, families who have lived there for decades, and retirees. That mix means the street is active during the day and evening but not party-focused. The University of South Carolina's proximity brings student renters, but the rowhouse format and neighborhood culture tend to discourage the high-turnover rental scene you might find in purpose-built student housing.

Noise levels are moderate. You share walls with neighbors, so sound travels—footsteps from above, conversations through shared walls. The street itself is quieter than downtown blocks but busier than suburban residential streets. If you are sensitive to neighbor noise, ask the current tenant or landlord about sound insulation before committing.

Parking and street access

Parking is the most common complaint from Row at the Stadium residents. Most units do not come with dedicated off-street parking. Street parking is available but fills quickly during business hours and university events. Some properties offer parking agreements with nearby lots, but these usually cost extra and are not may provide.

Before you sign a lease, confirm the parking situation in writing. Ask whether the unit includes any parking, whether street parking is reliable in that block, and whether the landlord or property manager has relationships with nearby lots. If you own a car and work downtown or attend the university, factor in either a parking fee or the time to find street parking each day.

The street itself is narrow and one-way in sections, which limits through-traffic but also means delivery trucks and moving vans require planning. If you are moving in or out, coordinate with the landlord about timing and street access.

Rental market and pricing

Rental prices for Row at the Stadium units vary significantly based on size, renovation level, and whether the unit is in a building managed by a larger property company or by an individual owner. A one-bedroom in an older, less-renovated unit might rent for one price range, while a two-bedroom in a fully updated building with modern amenities commands a different rate. The market has tightened in recent years as the neighborhood has become more desirable.

Many units are leased directly by individual owners rather than through property management companies. This can mean more flexibility in lease terms but also less standardization in what is included—utilities, trash, yard maintenance, and parking arrangements vary by property. Ask what is included in the rent before comparing prices across different buildings.

The neighborhood attracts both short-term and long-term renters. Some landlords prefer year-long leases; others rent month-to-month or to students on academic-year schedules. Confirm the lease term and any renewal expectations before you commit.

Utilities, maintenance, and what to ask before renting

Utility costs depend on the building's age and insulation. Older rowhouses with original windows and limited insulation can have higher heating and cooling bills. Ask the landlord or current tenant what typical utility costs are for your unit size, especially if you are comparing to newer apartment buildings. Some leases include utilities; most do not.

Maintenance in historic buildings can be unpredictable. Shared walls mean roof repairs, plumbing issues, or foundation work in one unit can affect neighbors. Ask the landlord about the age of the roof, plumbing, electrical system, and HVAC. Find out how quickly maintenance requests are typically addressed and whether there is a 24-hour emergency contact.

Before signing, walk through the unit with the landlord and document any existing damage with photos. Ask about the building's history of pest issues, water damage, or structural concerns. Request the names and contact information of current or recent tenants so you can ask about their experience with maintenance responsiveness.

Walkability and nearby amenities

The Row at the Stadium's main draw is location. Five Points—the neighborhood of independent shops, restaurants, and bars—is a 10-minute walk. The Vista arts district, home to galleries, studios, and restaurants, is accessible by foot or a short bike ride. Downtown Columbia's State House grounds, restaurants, and offices are within walking distance or a quick bus ride.

The Congaree River and Riverfront Park are nearby, offering walking and biking paths. The University of South Carolina campus is adjacent, so if you work or study there, the commute is minimal. Local grocery stores, coffee shops, and pharmacies are within the neighborhood or one block away.

Public transportation via COMET (Columbia's bus system) connects the neighborhood to other parts of the city. Biking is popular in the area, and the street's narrowness and tree cover make it pleasant for cyclists. If you do not own a car, the neighborhood is one of Columbia's most walkable residential areas.

Buying versus renting in the area

The Row at the Stadium also attracts homebuyers, particularly those interested in historic preservation or urban living. Rowhouse prices reflect the neighborhood's desirability and the cost of maintaining historic structures. Properties range from fully renovated units with modern systems to older buildings that require significant work. Some buyers purchase with the intention of renovating and reselling; others buy to live long-term.

If you are considering buying, hire a home inspector experienced with historic buildings. Issues like settling foundations, outdated electrical or plumbing systems, and lead paint (common in pre-1978 homes) require professional assessment. Renovation costs can be substantial, and historic district guidelines may apply to exterior changes.

Financing can be more complex for historic properties. Some lenders are cautious about older rowhouses, so shop around and ask about programs designed for historic home purchases. Property taxes and insurance may be higher than for newer construction, so factor those into your budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is The Row at the Stadium a good fit if I work downtown?

Yes. The neighborhood is close enough to downtown that a 10- to 15-minute walk or bike ride is feasible in most weather. If you prefer not to drive, COMET bus routes also serve the area. Confirm the specific bus routes and walk time from your unit to your workplace before committing.

What is the noise level like, and will I hear my neighbors?

Rowhouses are attached, so you will hear some neighbor noise—footsteps, conversations, music. The level depends on the building's age, insulation, and your neighbors' habits. Ask current tenants about noise before you sign, and visit the unit at different times of day to get a sense of the soundscape.

Can I find parking near The Row at the Stadium?

Street parking is available but often fills during the day. Many residents use nearby paid lots or negotiate parking with their landlord. Confirm parking arrangements in writing before you lease, and budget for a parking fee if street parking is unreliable for your schedule.

Are utilities included in the rent?

It varies by property. Some landlords include water and trash; others do not. Heating and cooling costs can be high in older buildings with poor insulation. Ask the landlord for a breakdown of what is included and what typical utility costs are for your unit size.

Is the neighborhood safe?

The Row at the Stadium is generally considered safe, with active street life and community engagement. Like any urban neighborhood, use standard city safety practices—be aware of your surroundings, vary your routine, and report concerns to Columbia Police. Ask the landlord or neighbors about their experience with safety in the specific block.