Hopkins Suburban - Columbia, SC Area Guide

When John Hopkins arrived in 1764 to a green patch of land just outside of Columbia, South Carolina, he decided to build a plantation and settle here. Hopkins later became a delegate to the First Provincial Congress in 1775. When the railroad was constructed through the area around 1836, a turntable was named for the original settler -- Hopkins Turnout. Today, the historic village of Hopkins still attracts those wanting to be close to Columbia but still be surrounded by that lush, wooded green space that attracted Hopkins hundreds of years ago.

Historic markers and sites dot the area and include the Harriet Barber House, built in 1880 by Samuel Barber, a freedman who purchased the land through the South Carolina Land Commission. His wife, Harriet, was also a former slave. The family still owns the property, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Columbia is both a college town and the state capital, which means terrific food can be discovered all over the city and beyond. One local favorite, Whippoorwill Café and Bakery, is located along Garners Ferry Road. This tiny, local hotspot serves a great breakfast that includes items such as the black forest omelet and cheesy grits. If you happen to be in the area for lunch, their sandwiches are also terrific.

Another great destination along Garners Ferry Road, O'Kelly's, provides an interesting setting complete with plastic flamingoes and brightly-painted picnic benches, but this is a terrific destination for wings and pizza as well as for the pool tables and drinks.

Take Garner's Ferry Road west toward Columbia to find several shopping plazas that contain several popular chain restaurants as well as a few hidden gems, like Big T's Bar-B-Que in East Point Plaza. Head north on I-77 to enjoy some of the city's best barbecue at Little Pigs Barbecue.

Continue into Downtown Columbia to discover some of the area's top-rated restaurants, including the Wired Goat Cafe, Motor Supply Co. Bistro, Cola's Restaurant, and Blue Marlin.

Hopkins residents enjoy easy access to Downtown Columbia via Highway 378, or Garners Ferry Road. I-77, just a short distance away, leads north to Charlotte, North Carolina, just over an hour's drive. Other major roads include Lower Richland Boulevard and Bluff Road. Take Lower Richland Boulevard south to Old Bluff Road to reach Congaree National Park.

While you'll discover several parks with playgrounds and a dog park in Hopkins, the star of the outdoor show is Congaree National Park. This park covers 26,276 acres and contains some of the tallest trees in the Eastern US and one of the highest forest canopies left in the world. With the majority of the park a wildlife refuge, animals here include coyotes, bobcats, feral pigs, feral dogs, otters, turkeys, alligators, and more. Living in Hopkins, you'll be able to enjoy all of the park's activities, including canoeing, kayaking, hiking, and camping. Be sure to visit the Boardwalk Loop, an elevated walkway through the swamp, and visit the park's fishing areas.

Hopkins Park provides everything you'd want in a neighborhood park, including a playground, ball fields, a swimming pool, tennis courts, and concessions. Spend the afternoon in Downtown Columbus at the Riverbanks Zoo and Garden, located along the Saluda River. The Riverbanks Botanical Garden was named one of the top 10 gardens by Horticulture Magazine and as one of the nation's greatest public gardens by HGTV. The garden contains more than 4,200 native and exotic plants.

Cost of living in Hopkins is very comparable to the average for the United States overall and is just three percent higher than in surrounding areas. You can expect a one-bedroom apartment in Hopkins to cost around $709 per month.

Hopkins residents have ample options for employment, from government to education to the military. The area's top employers include the University of South Carolina, SCANA, and Palmetto Health System. Columbia enjoys one of the state's most diversified economies and one of the highest MSAs.

On Saturday mornings, there's only one place you'll want to be: Soda City! Soda City (based on an early nickname for the town because of its soda bottling plants) is a Main Street market that combines your "brain, body, and belly" with vendors, street performers, fresh produce, food trucks, and more. If you'd like to find some unique treasures to furnish your new Columbia apartment, head to the Spring Valley Antiques Mall.

Closer to home, East Pointe Plaza contains some terrific shops and some popular chains, including Walmart Supercenter, Ollie's Bargain Outlet, and Kimbrell's Furniture. For groceries, you'll find an ALDI located off Garners Ferry Road. This popular shopping strip also features Hazelwood Party Shop, CVS, and Corner Pantry.