Columbia’s Elgin Neighborhood Booms with New Developments
Columbia has always had its share of neighborhoods, but the one in Elgin is quickly making a name for itself as the place to be! Home to picturesque woodlands and charming streets, Elgin is shedding its sleepy image and stepping into the spotlight—thanks to a wave of new homes and businesses sprouting up along Spears Creek Church Road. This transformation is thrilling for many locals, including City Council representative Peter Brown, who sees the change as a positive opportunity for the area.
A New Era for Elgin
For Peter Brown, the ongoing development isn’t just about new bricks and mortar; it symbolizes growth and progress. “We don’t want just random stuff all over the place. I feel like where we are right now is a good place,” said Brown with a twinkle in his eye, clearly convinced that the rapid development will pay off for the community in the long run.
Over the past year, Elgin has witnessed a noteworthy surge in housing construction, with several developers, including Mungo Homes, stepping up to meet a growing demand for new housing. The average sale price of homes in Elgin is hovering between $260,000 and $300,000—much higher than the $233,000 average in the greater Columbia area. It’s proof that new families and individuals are flocking to this rising star, eager to call Elgin their home.
Why the Buzz?
According to Austin Monts, the director of land acquisition for Mungo Homes, Elgin is appealing not just for its beautiful surroundings but also for its convenient access to major routes. “That particular area is desirable because it’s a nice place for families to live,” Monts explained, alluding to how close it is to Interstate 77, Fort Jackson, and downtown Columbia. Ease of travel makes a place much more attractive, and Elgin hits the jackpot in that regard!
The Ripple Effect
But that’s not all—this boom isn’t happening in isolation. It’s closely tied to the development of the highly-anticipated $2 billion Scout Motors manufacturing plant set to break ground in Blythewood, just 20 minutes away. As this plant paves the way for new job opportunities and investments in the region, the surrounding areas, including Elgin, are already feeling the effects of this growth. Although many are curious about how this will truly shape the future, Brown believes the signs are encouraging. “I think we’re already seeing the first rumblings of spinoff development with all the new housing coming in,” he said.
Businesses On the Rise
Accompanying the residential growth are new businesses sprouting up like daisies! Over the past few years, dozens of shops and eateries have opened along Spears Creek Church Road, breathing new life into the area. Residents can look forward to even more conveniences when a new shopping center with a Publix grocery store is slated to open its doors in 2025. Talk about a grocery run made easy!
Preparing for Growth
With all this development comes the need for infrastructure upgrades. Recognizing this, Richland County has plans to widen parts of Spears Creek Church Road and add new right-of-way lanes, with work expected to kick off in early 2026. Importantly, Brown highlighted the proactive stance local transportation authorities are taking. “They’re much more ahead of the curve than they’ve been in the past,” he shared, clearly relieved that the growth isn’t outpacing the improvements needed.
A Bright Future
So, what does all this mean for the folks living in Elgin? Well, they are witnessing firsthand a vibrant neighborhood evolution. Brown assures residents, “We can’t stop growth, but we can add purpose and strategy to it.” With the area flourishing and new opportunities blooming, Elgin is on track to becoming a community where families can thrive and enjoy everything this charming corner of Colombia has to offer.
As we look to the future, the Elgin area is becoming a shining example of what growth should look like—well-planned, community-oriented, and filled with hope for a bustling tomorrow!
