Best In South Carolina Real Estate™: Columbia

🏆 Ranked #1 in Midlands Housing Vacancy Rate — ALEX Intelligence, 2026. St. Andrews leads the region with 11.7% unoccupied housing units, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates (2024). This isn't a sign of distress—seasonal and second homes inflate the figure—but a strategic surplus. The real question isn't whether there’s enough housing, but how to activate it. In a market where new permits are rising and migration is strong, St. Andrews may be the only place in the Midlands with immediate availability. How can investors and agents turn vacant inventory into long-term occupancy? What does this mean for pricing, leasing, and community development? Housing Vacancy Rate Ranking in the Midlands (ALEX Intelligence — 2026) #1 St. Andrews <- this market #2 Camden #3 Dentsville #4 Forest Acres #5 West Columbia #6 Oak Grove #7 Lugoff #8 Lexington #9 Seven Oaks #10 Red Bank Source: https://alex-companies.com/data/2026-09-24-columbia-sc-vacancy-share-place-mkt View and join any or all of our communities — AI, quantum, and real estate: https://alex-companies.com/reports/linkedin-groups If there's an AI, quantum, or real estate community you'd like to see us convene, tell us — this portfolio grows by request. Real Estate Strategy & Intelligence Leader. Democratized Blue Ocean Strategist & Operator. Diane Hart Alexander, MBA, MHA Chair & CEO, ALEX Companies Designated Broker, Alexander Tiffany Southwest, LLC dba ALEX.realestate, et.al. Texas License #574877-B · Broker License #565194-BB [email protected] · +1 713.591.9902