Lexington, SC Homes For Rent

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

Locals say Lexington, South Carolina, looks like a city but feels like a town. Only 15 miles from the state capital of Columbia, Lexington offers the best of both worlds. 

Local History

The area was originally called Saxe Gotha, one of 11 royal townships established by King George II’s colonial government. The name was inspired by the marriage of Frederick, the Prince of Wales, to Princess Augusta of Saxe Gotha, Germany. In 1785, Saxe Gotha was renamed Lexington County in honor of the Massachusetts Revolutionary War battle. Lexington, the government seat of Lexington County, was incorporated as a town in 1861. 

Things to Do in Lexington, SC

Enjoy the outdoors at the Lake Murray Pedestrian Walkway, a 1.7-mile path crossing the Lake Murray Dam, officially called the Dreher Shoals Dam. The lake is a 48,000-acre reservoir built for hydroelectric power. You’ll find the only natural waterfall on the state’s coastal plain at the Peachtree Rock Heritage Preserve. The landscape brims with longleaf pines and layered sandstone formations. The preserve’s namesake rock was toppled in 2013, but it remains on site. A smaller but similar formation called Little Peachtree Rock still stands. 

What is the Cost of Living in Lexington, SC?

Proximity to opportunities at the state capital and affordability are a big part of Lexington’s appeal. The town’s cost of living rate, food, and housing costs are 6.2%, 20.8%, and 18.9% lower than the national average respectively. The median gross rent is $1,066. South Carolina imposes 0% to 7% in income tax rate depending on a person’s earnings. The state’s sales tax rate of 6% to 9% plus additional local sales tax are among the highest in the country.

What are the Best Neighborhoods in Lexington, SC?

Lexington is home to 22,157 people and counting. This affluent suburb is growing too fast, according to some residents. The town is known for its above-average public schools and safety. Other Columbia suburbs with comparable schools are Irmo and Seven Oaks. They are a short drive from Lexington.

Shopping Local

Lexington’s Old Mill, circa 1890s, was built on the banks of a pond on a 12-mile creek. It was meant to draw power from the water flowing down the creek. The historic building was converted into a mixed-use facility in 1984, with an array of stores and restaurants. Today, there are 20 locally-owned shops and services in the old mill. Along Highway 378 in Lexington, you’ll find national, regional, and local retailers of all sizes offering pretty much anything you could need.