The city of Columbia is a pretty great place to live, at least according to this year's U.S. News and World Report's Best Places to Live list.
According to the report, "U.S. News analyzed the 100 most populous metro areas to find the best places to live." Columbia was placed at number 46, with an overall score of 6.6 out of 10. The ratings looked at the value, desirability, job market, and quality of life in the cities analyzed.
Columbia's strongest asset is its cost of living, which is considerably lower than the national average. This boosted the value ranking, which is calculated in the report by comparing housing costs to median household income.
The report also looked at Columbia's job market. The decrease in joblessness has put the city's unemployment rate just under the national average. That being said, the report also showed that Columbia's average salary is a good bit below the national average.
Overall, the report described Columbia as "a traditionally Southern city with a modern twist." Its vibrant culture is fed by its deep connections with university students, as well as its blend of rural Southern living and bustling capital-city appeal.
Charleston and Greenville also made it onto the Best Places to Live list, with Charleston ranked at number 19 and Greenville ranked at number 35.
To find out more about the report, check out the U.S. News and World Report's Best Places to Live.