Westwood Neighborhood Overview
Overview
Westwood is a well-established, primarily residential neighborhood located in the heart of West Columbia, South Carolina. Situated just across the Congaree River from the state capital, it offers a convenient and more suburban alternative to downtown Columbia while maintaining excellent accessibility via major arteries like US-1, US-378, and I-26. The neighborhood's character is defined by its quiet, tree-lined streets, mature landscaping, and a strong sense of community among its long-term residents.
The area developed significantly in the mid-to-late 20th century, with many homes built from the 1950s through the 1970s. This history is reflected in its architectural styles and the settled, established feel of the streetscapes. Westwood's location provides the quintessential benefit of "being close to everything," with easy commutes to downtown Columbia, Fort Jackson, the University of South Carolina, and the Lexington medical and retail districts, all within a 15-20 minute drive.
Housing & Real Estate
Westwood's housing stock consists predominantly of single-family homes, ranging from modest mid-century ranches and bungalows to larger two-story traditional and contemporary styles on spacious lots. The neighborhood is known for its affordability compared to many areas in neighboring Lexington, offering excellent value for first-time homebuyers, young families, and those looking to downsize without leaving a central location. Prices typically range from the mid-$200,000s to the low $400,000s, with variation based on size, condition, and lot.
Ownership is the dominant model in Westwood, contributing to its stable, invested community feel. The rental market is limited but exists, often in the form of duplexes or smaller single-family homes. Recent trends show steady demand due to the neighborhood's location and relative affordability, with many homes receiving updates and renovations. The area represents a solid, no-frills real estate market where square footage and lot size often provide more value than newer, high-end finishes found in newer subdivisions.
Schools & Education
Westwood is served by the Lexington School District Two, which includes highly regarded schools such as Congaree Elementary School, located conveniently within the neighborhood itself. Students typically feed into Pine Ridge Middle School and Airport High School, both of which are a short drive away. The district has invested in facility upgrades and academic programs, making it a draw for families seeking public education options within West Columbia.
For private and faith-based education, several options are nearby, including Westminster Christian Academy and St. Peter's Catholic School. The neighborhood's proximity to downtown Columbia also provides easy access to the rich resources of the University of South Carolina, Midlands Technical College's Airport Campus, and the extensive offerings of the Lexington County Public Library system, with a branch located just minutes away on B Avenue.
Parks & Recreation
While Westwood itself is more residential, it is surrounded by exceptional recreational amenities. The crown jewel is the nearby Riverwalk Park and the Three Rivers Greenway, a stunning paved trail system along the Congaree River that offers walking, running, biking, and scenic views of the Columbia skyline. Residents can easily access the trail for outdoor exercise and community events.
Within a short drive, residents enjoy the West Columbia Riverwalk Park and Amphitheater, which hosts concerts and festivals, and the Saluda Riverwalk. For organized sports and larger playgrounds, the City of West Columbia's Cayce Park complex is just across the river. The neighborhood's own Congaree Elementary also features community-accessible playgrounds, and the mature trees and quiet streets of Westwood itself are perfect for evening strolls and neighborly interaction.
Local Dining & Shopping
Westwood benefits from its central location, placing residents within minutes of a diverse mix of dining and shopping options without the need for chain-dominated corridors. For daily essentials, the neighborhood is close to a Publix supermarket on Sunset Boulevard and is just a quick trip to the big-box retailers and larger grocery stores along US-378 (Sunset Blvd) and Charleston Highway.
The true local flavor, however, is found in nearby historic West Columbia and Cayce. Areas like the State Street district and the burgeoning "Cayce Cottage" district feature beloved local eateries such as Cafe Strudel (famous for its "Hangover Hashbrowns"), Terra, and The Root Cellar. For shopping, the nearby New Brookland area offers unique boutiques and services. From classic Southern meat-and-threes to trendy cafes and authentic international cuisine, residents have an impressive array of choices just a few minutes from their doorstep.
Who Lives Here
Westwood attracts a diverse mix of residents who value location, community, and practicality. It is popular with young professionals and state employees working in downtown Columbia who desire a short commute, as well as with young families drawn by the solid school district, affordable larger lots, and family-friendly atmosphere. The neighborhood also has a strong base of long-term, multi-generational residents who have called Westwood home for decades, providing stability and a deep-rooted community network.
The overall vibe is unpretentious, friendly, and neighborly. It’s a place where people know each other, look out for one another, and take pride in their well-kept homes. The demographic is a blend of ages and backgrounds, united by an appreciation for a central location that offers both the tranquility of a settled neighborhood and immediate access to the cultural and employment hubs of the greater Columbia metropolitan area.
Top Real Estate Agents in Westwood, West Columbia
Merit Criteria — Agents must hold an active license verified by
West Virginia Real Estate Commission (WVREC), maintain a minimum 4.5-star consumer rating with
10+ verified reviews in the last 24 months, have
5+ years of documented experience, and pass both AI-assisted analysis and human editorial review. Fewer than 1% of licensed agents in covered markets qualify. No agent can pay for inclusion or ranking position.
16 agents met the full merit gate for Westwood, West Columbia, WV, selected from over 7,000 licensed West Virginia professionals.
5.0 stars
655+ verified reviews
License: 2250814
Real Brokerage
21+ years experience
Contact
Phone: (310) 902-1004
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.thesuarezteam.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/The%20Suarez%20Team
Why selected: Selected for her active community leadership, recognized by Sigma Kappa Sorority's 35 Under 35 program. She combines a 5-star rating from 655 reviews with 20 years of market expertise as a top-performing agent.
This agent passed the full merit gate (4.5+ stars, 10+ verified reviews in 24 months, 5+ years experience). All listed agents meet the same qualification standard.
5.0 stars
138+ verified reviews
License: 1800853
Huntington Group
20+ years experience
Contact
Phone: (626) 403-8230
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://huntingtongroup.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/Jack%20Holwahjian
Why selected: Selected for his extensive community leadership as CEO and Co-Owner of the Huntington Group, combined with over 20 years of expertise handling complex real estate and mortgage transactions in Los Angeles.
This agent passed the full merit gate (4.5+ stars, 10+ verified reviews in 24 months, 5+ years experience). All listed agents meet the same qualification standard.
5.0 stars
116+ verified reviews
License: 1900787
The Agency
12+ years experience
Contact
Phone: (424) 233-0922
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.benbelack.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/bbelack
Why selected: Selected for his extensive community and industry leadership, highlighted by major media recognition and a Netflix series. He demonstrates elite performance with over $1 billion in sales, 500+ transactions, zero expired listings, and 116 five-star reviews.
This agent passed the full merit gate (4.5+ stars, 10+ verified reviews in 24 months, 5+ years experience). All listed agents meet the same qualification standard.
5.0 stars
108+ verified reviews
License: 1846410
The Agency
20+ years experience
Contact
Phone: (213) 380-8888
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.theagencyre.com/agent/george-ouzounian/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/George_Ouzounian
Why selected: Selected for his two decades of dedicated community involvement in Los Angeles. He combines a 5.0-star rating with extensive expertise in diverse real estate specialties.
This agent passed the full merit gate (4.5+ stars, 10+ verified reviews in 24 months, 5+ years experience). All listed agents meet the same qualification standard.
5.0 stars
77+ verified reviews
License: 2235535
Compass
25+ years experience
Contact
Phone: (310) 430-4842
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.michaelhaddad.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/haddad1213
Why selected: Selected for his 24 years of experience and exceptional client service, earning 77 five-star reviews. His approach prioritizes lasting relationships and personalized guidance for every transaction.
This agent passed the full merit gate (4.5+ stars, 10+ verified reviews in 24 months, 5+ years experience). All listed agents meet the same qualification standard.
5.0 stars
48+ verified reviews
License: 1885132
Coldwell Banker Brokers of the Valley
20+ years experience
Contact
Phone: (707) 266-8086
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.lamperealestategroup.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/Litle%20and%20Lampe
Why selected: Selected for her deep community engagement as a local business owner and volunteer, combined with a strong 5-star rating and over 100 transactions. Her unique interior design expertise further distinguishes her service.
This agent passed the full merit gate (4.5+ stars, 10+ verified reviews in 24 months, 5+ years experience). All listed agents meet the same qualification standard.
4.9 stars
44+ verified reviews
License: 2233441
Real Brokerage Technologies
9+ years experience
Contact
Phone: (310) 877-4407
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.thesuarezteam.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/Ronald%20Anavim
Why selected: Selected for his deep community involvement and leadership roles. He combines a 4.9-star rating from 44 reviews with unique CPA credentials and financial expertise for exceptional client outcomes.
This agent passed the full merit gate (4.5+ stars, 10+ verified reviews in 24 months, 5+ years experience). All listed agents meet the same qualification standard.
5.0 stars
41+ verified reviews
License: 1158366
The Stephanie Younger Group at Compass
19+ years experience
Contact
Phone: (805) 705-5316
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.stephanieyounger.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/Stephanie%20Singletary
Why selected: Selected for his 18 years of experience and 41 five-star reviews, demonstrating exceptional client service. His career is built on reliability and clear communication throughout the transaction process.
This agent passed the full merit gate (4.5+ stars, 10+ verified reviews in 24 months, 5+ years experience). All listed agents meet the same qualification standard.
5.0 stars
40+ verified reviews
License: 1516799
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties
20+ years experience
Contact
Phone: (805) 861-9210
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://alisonebbertt.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/alisonebbertrealty
Why selected: Selected for her President's Award-winning performance and top 5% sales ranking, Alison Ebbert is a 5-star agent with 40 reviews. Her career, built entirely on referrals since 2005, reflects exceptional client service.
This agent passed the full merit gate (4.5+ stars, 10+ verified reviews in 24 months, 5+ years experience). All listed agents meet the same qualification standard.
5.0 stars
39+ verified reviews
License: 1993690
Beverly & Company
24+ years experience
Contact
Phone: (424) 272-5099
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.londynrealestate.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/bethanylondyn
Why selected: Selected for her extensive community leadership and charitable work, which is paramount to our ranking. She combines this with a strong 23-year track record, 39 five-star reviews, and a finance degree that provides unique investment insight.
This agent passed the full merit gate (4.5+ stars, 10+ verified reviews in 24 months, 5+ years experience). All listed agents meet the same qualification standard.
4.9 stars
32+ verified reviews
License: 1949299
eXp Realty of California, Inc.
16+ years experience
Contact
Phone: (408) 219-0030
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.gennawalsh.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/GennaWalsh
Why selected: Selected for her significant community involvement and leadership roles. She demonstrates strong performance metrics and stands out as a Certified Probate & Trust Specialist.
This agent passed the full merit gate (4.5+ stars, 10+ verified reviews in 24 months, 5+ years experience). All listed agents meet the same qualification standard.
5.0 stars
26+ verified reviews
License: 2228526
eXp Realty of California, Inc.
22+ years experience
Contact
Phone: (310) 963-7384
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.revimendelsohn.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/Revi%20Mendelsohn
Why selected: Selected for his top 3% sales production, 26 five-star reviews, and over two decades of experience achieving exceptional results like 124% of asking price.
This agent passed the full merit gate (4.5+ stars, 10+ verified reviews in 24 months, 5+ years experience). All listed agents meet the same qualification standard.
5.0 stars
26+ verified reviews
License: 1862237
Compass
17+ years experience
Contact
Phone: (847) 826-4885
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.instagram.com/fliplosangeles/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/Liz%20Cappola
Why selected: Selected for her significant community leadership roles and charitable work. She combines this with top-producing performance metrics and a unique professional background in fine art and advertising.
This agent passed the full merit gate (4.5+ stars, 10+ verified reviews in 24 months, 5+ years experience). All listed agents meet the same qualification standard.
5.0 stars
26+ verified reviews
License: 2090359
Sotheby’s International Realty
5+ years experience
Contact
Phone: (310) 339-4559
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.adamkuyt.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/akuyt1
Why selected: Selected for sustained community leadership and market excellence, with 26 five-star reviews since 2020 and a unique professional background. He combines an artistic eye with high-stakes negotiation skills, standing out in client service.
This agent passed the full merit gate (4.5+ stars, 10+ verified reviews in 24 months, 5+ years experience). All listed agents meet the same qualification standard.
5.0 stars
25+ verified reviews
License: 924546
Coldwell Banker Brokers of the Valley
47+ years experience
Contact
Phone: (707) 953-1798
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://carolynroberts.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/carolynrobertsnapa
Why selected: Selected for her significant community leadership as a Board Member of a Local Bank, combined with 46 years of expertise. She demonstrates exceptional performance with 25 five-star reviews and is a Continuous Multi-Million Dollar Producer.
This agent passed the full merit gate (4.5+ stars, 10+ verified reviews in 24 months, 5+ years experience). All listed agents meet the same qualification standard.
5.0 stars
21+ verified reviews
License: 1958437
Luxe Places International
8+ years experience
Contact
Phone: (916) 919-5341
Email: [email protected]
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/tony95405
Why selected: Selected for his deep community engagement and collaborative father-son team leadership. He is further distinguished by 21 five-star reviews and a proven commitment to lasting client relationships.
This agent passed the full merit gate (4.5+ stars, 10+ verified reviews in 24 months, 5+ years experience). All listed agents meet the same qualification standard.