Irmo, SC Homes For Rent

Homes for Rent in Irmo, SC: What You Need to Know

Irmo is a thriving suburb of Columbia, the capital of South Carolina. The town with an unusual name is located on the banks of Lake Murray, a popular destination for outdoor recreation.

Local History

Irmo began as a refueling stop for trains traveling the Columbia, Newberry, and Laurens Railroad. The town was incorporated in December 1890. Its unique name combines the last names of C.J. Iredell and Henry Moseley, both railroad officials. In 1927, the Dreher Shoals Dam, also called the Lake Murray Dam, was built to harness the energy of the Saluda River. It was a major milestone for Irmo. Construction was completed in 1930. Even in the 1970s, Irmo remained rural with about 500 residents. Only 10 miles from Columbia, the town became a sought-after suburb. Today it has a population of 12,483.

Things to Do in Lake Murray

Lake Murray is a great place for fishing, boating, canoeing, and other water sports. The 50,000-acre manmade lake has 650 miles of shoreline. Visitors can go swimming, rent a canoe or jet ski or speed boat, and pitch a tent lakeside. The Dreher Shoals Dam Walk is a magnet for hikers, joggers, and anyone who enjoys fantastic views of Lake Murray and the Columbia skyline. The walkway is located across the top of the Dreher Shoals Dam along S.C. Highway 6. It spans 1.7 miles each way. 

Cost of Living

Like Columbia, Irmo is an affordable place to live in. Its cost of living rate, food, and housing costs are 6.2%, 20.8%, and 18.9% lower than the national average respectively. Irmo’s median gross rent is $1,126. The Palmetto State levies 0% to 7% in income tax and 6% in sales tax. Counties charge additional sales taxes. 

Know Your Neighborhoods

Lake Murray is a major asset for Irmo, located in both Lexington and Richland Counties. Residents love the town’s safe and quiet environment, friendly people, and beautiful parks. Irmo boasts of some of the highest-ranked public schools in the area. Other Columbia suburbs with great schools include Forest Acres and Lexington.

Shopping Local

Columbiana Centre is the premier shopping destination in Irmo and the Columbia metro area. The mall features more than 110 national and regional retailers. It also has an antique carousel and a 420-seat food court. Irmo Station Shopping Center occupies about 100,000 square feet of retail space anchored by a Kroger supermarket, while Irmo Village Shopping Center features unique shops and locally owned services.