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Columbia Metropolitan Area

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Columbia is located at the geographic center of South Carolina and situated midway between Miami and New York City. With a metropolitan population of about one half million, the capital city is also the headquarters for numerous state and regional businesses. The first planned capital in America, the city boasts more than 200 years of history.

Columbia residents enjoy moderate seasons, mild winters, and an average temperature of 65 degrees. The city offers something for everyone, regardless of the season. Residents enjoy concerts, shows, and athletic events at the Colonial Center and Carolina Inferno hockey games at the Carolina Coliseum. You can enjoy cultural events on campus or in the city. EdVenture children's museum emphasizes hands-on learning in its eight galleries, two resource centers, and community theater, while the State Museum is one of the largest in the South. The Columbia Museum of Art features a permanent collection of European and American fine and decorative art. As a cultural center in South Carolina, the city is home to a philharmonic orchestra, a symphony, theaters, and galleries. One of Columbia's most popular attractions, Riverbanks Zoo and Botanical Gardens, is consistently rated as one of the nation's "10 Great Zoos" and is home to more than 2,000 animals. Its garden features scenic river views and nature trails.

An abundance of entertainment, music, dancing, shopping, and dining options surround the University, including Five Points, one of the oldest shopping villages in the South; the Congaree Vista arts and entertainment district; and the Main Street corridor. The South Carolina State Fair visits every October with rides, games, and shows. Festivals and celebrations are held throughout the year, including the Columbia International Festival and the annual St. Patrick's Day parade and celebration in Five Points.

Columbia is also an ideal place for outdoor leisure activities. The city has 90 miles of recreational river access via the Congaree, Broad, and Saluda rivers. Boating, fishing, and water sports are also available at Lake Murray, a 50,000-acre recreational area. The Three Rivers Greenway and Congaree National Park are located nearby, and you can drive to the Blue Ridge Mountains or the Grand Strand's beaches in two to three hours.

The city of Columbia boasts a thriving downtown including the Congaree Vista and Five Points districts with international and local restaurants and coffee shops. Throughout the year, numerous outdoor festivals and concerts provide additional leisure activity.