10 Pros and Cons About Living in Lexington, SC

Lexington, South Carolina is rapidly expanding, making it one of the most populous cities in the state. It’s a great place to call home if you’re looking in the Columbia, South Carolina area. 

Lexington was a sleepy little town 30 years ago, a world away from the hustle and bustle of the Columbia metro area. As of now, it’s one of the South Carolina cities with the most rapid population growth.

Here are ten pros and cons of living in Lexington, SC!

Pros of Living in Lexington

1. The cost of living is less than the national average

The Lexington cost of living index is 92.9. A year’s worth of living expenses for a single person in Lexington amounts to $35,857. This includes rent or mortgage payments, groceries, child care, gas, medical care, insurance, and taxes.

The city’s median home price is $283,608, which is much lower than the national average.

2. It’s a safe place to live

Lexington’s rate of violent crime is lower than the national average. The violent crime rate of Lexington is 19.9 per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average of 22.7. It also has a lower property crime rate than the rest of the country, with 45 crimes per 100,000 residents, compared to 35.4 nationwide. 

When compared to other American cities, Lexington appears to be a comparatively secure place to call home.

3. Work in the education or healthcare industry

Over the course of two years, employment in Lexington increased by 2.79 percent, from 9.86 thousand to 10.1 thousand people. Residents of Lexington, South Carolina are primarily employed in three industries: educational services, health care and social assistance, and retail.

Some major employers in the city include Southeastern Freight Lines, Medi Home Care, DayBreak Adult Care Services, and Lexington County Sheriff’s Department. The average salary in Lexington is $61,166.

4. The city is served by The Lexington County School District

The Lexington County School District One in Lexington is a highly regarded public school system. With a student-teacher ratio of 14.2 to 1, it serves 27,072 pupils in pre-kindergarten through grade 12. Reading and mathematics proficiency among state high school pupils stands at 55% and 54%, respectively.

Some of the best public schools in Lexington include Lake Murray Elementary School, Lexington High School, and Chapin High School.

5. The weather is often warm and pleasant

Lexington has a reputation for having a pleasant year-round temperature. In the city, winters are pleasant and summers are hot and humid. 

Receiving 47 inches of rain annually, the city has plenty of rain all year thanks to its location in the humid subtropical Midlands region of South Carolina. Temperatures in the mid-90s are not uncommon in the summer, while lows in the mid-30s are not uncommon in the winter. 

The sight of trees budding and flowers in bloom in the spring is a wonderful sight after the long, chilly winter. Lexington is a fantastic place to go camping, hiking, or bicycling because of the year-round warm weather.

6. A short commute time

The typical Lexington commute is 25.6 minutes long. That’s shorter than the national average of 26.4 minutes. There’s hardly any major traffic in the city

The majority of Lexington residents (83.2%) travel alone to work, while 7.8% carpool and 4.2% work remotely.

7. The city is close to Columbia

The downtown Columbia job market attracts many Lexington residents. But for those who would rather avoid the busy city life, Lexington is a retreat. There, you can escape the concrete jungle and urban noise, yet you’ll be close enough to make the daily trip into the city. 

In Lexington, you can unwind in your residential area, complete with greenery and room for kids and pets to run around. In addition, there are a wide variety of fantastic attractions available, such as swimming, tubing, shopping, dining, and visiting parks. Your fishing boat is welcome, too.

8. Check out Dreher Shoals Dam or The Peachtree Rock Preserve

The Peachtree Rock Preserve is a perfect illustration of nature preserved in its original condition. Many miles of hiking routes wind through the area’s natural formations, but there are no paved roads, picnic tables, or trash cans. Instead of being bombarded with signs, visitors are free to explore the park at their own pace and take in all that nature has to offer.

In 1930, the historic Dreher Shoals Dam was finished to supply electricity to the neighborhood. When it was finished, it held the record for the largest earthen dam ever built. Its attractive walkways and bike lanes continue to please locals and tourists alike, and it continues to serve its original purpose of supplying electricity to the community.

In Lexington, one of the places to go to unwind and have fun in nature is Gibson Pond Park. This woodland park is perfect for a day out with the family or just to get away from the noise and bustle of downtown Lexington, as it spans 15 acres (6.07 hectares). 

9. Unwind at the Village Square Theatre or The Lexington County Museum

Village Square Theatre is Lexington’s premier performing arts venue, and it features shows that the whole family can enjoy. Guests of all ages can find something to enjoy at this little community theater, which regularly hosts productions from Broadway shows.

The Lexington County Museum is made up of 36 different buildings spread out across the city’s Historic District. Immerse yourself in the past by exploring the Colonial and Antebellum eras (1770 through the Civil War) through the Swiss and German history of Lexington.

Cons of Living in Lexington

1. There are limited public transportation options

Lexington has a low Walk Score of 35 out of 100, so getting around without a car may be difficult. Although buses and shuttles exist, the city’s public transit system may be less extensive and reliable than in other cities, making it challenging for people who rely on it to move around the city. Biking is not a common option either. There are not many marked bike routes and local drivers are not used to bikers on the streets. You will probably need to buy a car if you are moving from a no-car city like Boston or New York.

Final Thoughts

The city of Lexington, South Carolina, offers a low cost of living, a thriving job market, tons of attractions, pleasant warm weather, and proximity to Columbia. However, if you’re the kind who loves to get around on public transportation, then you should know that Lexington has a limited amount of public transit options.