Lexington County Experiences Rapid Growth: New Homes and Developments on the Rise
Lexington County is buzzing with activity! As the sun shines brightly and temperatures soar to a warm 83°F, it’s hard not to notice the incredible transformation happening throughout the area. With clear skies overhead, it’s the perfect backdrop for the influx of residents seeking new homes in this dynamic corner of South Carolina.
The Big Picture
Predictions show that by 2040, South Carolina will welcome a whopping 1 million new residents. No surprise then that Lexington County is taking center stage in this population growth, particularly in the Midlands region. Tens of thousands of new faces have settled here, sparking discussions on how to manage this rapid development effectively. Current residents have shared their concerns—a mix of overcrowding and the subsequent traffic headaches have become part of daily life.
The state’s Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Office estimates that Lexington County is set to grow by nearly 8 percent in the next decade. While the cost of living here still remains relatively affordable compared to some surrounding areas, there are ongoing worries about a housing shortage. Just since the beginning of 2023, more than 5,500 new housing units have either been built or approved, making it clear this growth boom is in full swing.
Where’s All the Action Happening?
If you’re wondering where all this new construction activity is taking place, look no further than the unincorporated areas of Lexington County. This expansive zone, covering almost 700 square miles, has seen over 3,000 new residential units established across approximately 40 subdivisions since the start of 2023.
Among the highlights are significant developments like a 397-lot subdivision near Edmund and a 371-unit community in Gilbert, both of which received permits this year. In fact, 11 separate projects received permits for at least 100 homes each during this stretch, showcasing the scale of new housing initiatives. Meanwhile, a 94-lot development off Surfwood Court recently gained approval, showing no signs of slowing down!
Balancing Growth and Community Needs
While new homes are sprouting up all around, leaders are aware that unchecked growth isn’t the answer. Just recently, the County Council set forth concurrency policies, which require any new development to consult with nearby schools, emergency services, and wastewater providers before approval. This step is an effort to ensure that growth aligns with the infrastructure needs of the community—a vital move in keeping things harmonious.
In nearby Irmo, residents have raised concerns about the town bursting at the seams. Officials maintain that many of the new developments are simply just over the town limits, in the county’s jurisdiction. Even though the population has remained stable at around 11,000 for the last three decades, there’s a lot of new construction on the horizon. For example, the recently approved Water Walk development is set to bring 550 new living spaces and substantial commercial space to the area, marking a significant shift for the town.
Further Developments in Towns Across the County
As we take a stroll through Lexington itself, nearly 600 new homes have been green-lighted in various developments since the beginning of the year. Much of this growth has been focused on Barr Road and Carlen Avenue, with substantial numbers coming in on Cromer Road, though not all projects have received the go-ahead.
In West Columbia, the excitement continues with almost 500 new units approved over the past two years. One standout project is the Capital Square redevelopment, which aims to transform a vacant shopping center into a vibrant community hub with around 224 new apartments and retail spaces—all while taking into consideration concerns from existing businesses like House of Raeford Farms across the road.
As the construction buzz fills the air, it’s clear that Lexington County is in a moment of exciting growth. With sunny skies and engaged residents, this community is not just growing in numbers but in spirit as well!
