Lexington County Welcomes New Residents Amid Growing Pains
As we soak in this warm, sunny day with highs reaching 83°F and a gentle breeze from the north, it’s hard to ignore the buzz of change happening in Lexington County, South Carolina. Picture a local construction site, where a worker expertly smooths out a concrete slab, and you can see why many are talking about growth. It’s more than just the weather heating up around here; folks are moving in, building homes, and reshaping the landscape of our charming county.
Population Boom in the Midlands
Despite the concerns lingering in the air, the county is preparing for a bright future, as projections suggest that our population could swell by 1 million new residents by 2040. Wow! That’s a lot of neighbors to invite over for a barbecue! But as we open our doors to newcomers, it’s essential to navigate some of the road bumps that come with such rapid growth.
With the state’s Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Office estimating an 8% increase in Lexington County’s population over the next decade, the spotlight has shone on providing enough housing. Local residents have been vocal about their worries over increasing congestion and a potential housing shortage. The good news? Since the start of 2023, over 5,500 new housing units have either been built or approved throughout the county!
Where Are All the New Homes?
It turns out that much of this new construction is sprouting up in unincorporated areas of Lexington County, which covers almost 700 square miles. More than 3,000 new residential units have received building permits since the year’s start. Some of the most notable developments include a sprawling 397-lot subdivision near Edmund and a noteworthy 371-unit project in Gilbert.
In just under two years, the county has greenlit 11 developments each containing at least 100 homes. Additionally, 18 developments with between 10 and 100 homes and nine small projects with less than 10 homes have been given the nod to move forward.
Balancing Growth with Concerns
However, as construction continues to rise, local government officials aren’t just standing idly by. They’ve adopted new safety measures to ensure that growth doesn’t outpace essential services. In June 2024, county leaders introduced concurrency policies, which require developers to consult with schools, emergency services, and wastewater providers before proceeding. It’s a step toward managing this rapid expansion while serving current residents.
Of course, with growth comes debate. In Irmo, the town is buzzing with discussions about whether the influx of newcomers is overwhelming their quaint community. Although many residents express concerns of overcrowding, the town’s population remains steady at around 11,000 — holding firm despite the construction just outside its borders.
New Developments on the Horizon
One of the most talked-about projects is the Water Walk development, which has just been approved. Spreading across 64 acres at a prime lakefront location, this ambitious project aims to bring 550 residential units along with commercial space, promising to make a significant impact on the local economy.
Shifting gears to Lexington town, nearly 600 new homes have been sanctioned since 2023, while West Columbia has approved almost 500 new units. The town is undergoing complete transformation with the approval of the Capital Square redevelopment plan, set to replace an unused shopping center with modern apartments and community spaces.
Looking Ahead
As we embrace this development surge, it’s important to balance the excitement for new neighbors and amenities with the needs of current residents. The county’s leaders and the community will need to continuously collaborate to ensure that growth enhances our quality of life.
So whether you’re a longtime resident or a newcomer ready to explore all that Lexington County offers, the excitement in the air is palpable. Together, we’ll navigate these changes and ensure that we’re building a bright future for everyone!
