Avalon Place in Columbia, SC

Pros

• The staff are warm, attentive, and genuinely care about the residents.
• Maintenance is quick and dependable, taking the stress out of apartment living.
• The community is clean, peaceful, and well cared for, with roomy, modern, and extremely comfortable apartments.
• The location is convenient—close to everything you need, yet calm and relaxing.
• Avalon Place feels like home, with a welcoming environment and a property manager who is friendly, helpful, and caring.
• Alexis is consistently helpful, patient, and professional, making the experience smooth and reassuring.
• The renovations have refreshed the interiors, making the apartments look beautiful and modern.
• Residents describe the community as safe, well-kept, and friendly.
• The community offers engaging amenities and activities (bingo, Bible study) that enhance the living experience.

Cons

• The applicant’s rental application was denied without explanation, despite a high income and clean background, described as horrible communication.
• Several reviews allege ongoing pest problems (roaches, bed bugs, wasps) with pest control not consistently addressing them.
• Tenants complain that fees are excessive and fluctuate from month to month, making it hard for low-income residents to improve their situation.
• The elevator has repeatedly been out of service, with residents calling the building unsafe and poorly maintained.
• Management and staff are described as unhelpful or dishonest, including accusations that new management lies to tenants and mishandles voucher programs.
• Maintenance requests are slow or ignored, and office staff are said to evade tenants’ questions or concerns.

Review

Avalon Place in Columbia, SC is best suited for active adults who want a recently renovated, comfortable apartment community wrapped in a calm, walkable setting and led by a responsive on-site team. The strongest appeal is for residents who value modern interiors, generous living space, quiet surroundings, and a sense of home that comes from well-maintained common areas and a staff that genuinely seems to care. For many renters, the location near everyday conveniences, grocery, fast food, shopping, combined with a straightforward, well-kept campus makes Avalon Place feel approachable and livable. The emphasis on social activity and accessible amenities, bingo, Bible study, and other resident-driven programs, also makes this an attractive fit for seniors seeking connection without sacrificing independence. When the balance hits, this is a place that can feel like a true home, especially for those who prize a positive, personable staff and a refreshed interior.

Those who may want to consider alternatives are typically those who prioritize absolute pest control consistency, unimpeachable cleanliness, and a consistently transparent pricing model. The complex has produced a wide range of experiences, and several residents report ongoing pest issues (roaches, bed bugs, wasp nests) and inconsistent pest-control practices, which can be a nonstarter for households that require a truly pristine environment. Elevator reliability and routine maintenance responsiveness are other flashpoints in some reviews, with long downtime and sporadic communication about repairs creating real disruption for residents who depend on a functioning lift or timely fixes. A subset of residents also notes frequent, sometimes abrupt changes in fees and rent, along with friction around Section 8 assistance and a perceived mismatch between promises and billing. For families prioritizing predictability and trouble-free operations, alternatives may be worth exploring.

The core positives, renovated interiors, spacious layouts, and a quiet, well-kept setting, do a strong job at offsetting many irritants when the management team is consistent and proactive. Several reviews praise the renovations as transformative, giving units a luxurious, modern feel that elevates everyday living. The community’s peaceful ambiance and the ease of maintenance requests, often handled quickly, reduce daily stress and support independent living. On-site staff, notably Alexis and Corey, surface repeatedly as ambassadors for the property: courteous, knowledgeable, and capable of keeping the property clean, safe, and functional. The combination of upgraded apartments, a practical layout, and a responsive maintenance culture can mitigate the impact of occasional operational glitches, making Avalon Place feel worth staying in once the resident has acclimated to its rhythms.

Yet the negative threads cannot be dismissed. The most persistent concerns revolve around pests and the associated pest-control challenges, frequent and opaque-feeling fee escalations, and communication gaps that can leave residents feeling unheard or dismissed. The elevator’s unreliability compounds these issues by creating tangible barriers to daily life, particularly for seniors or residents with mobility needs. Several reviews recount difficult interactions with management, including delayed responses, signs of staff turnover, and a sense that some problems are not prioritized. For prospective renters, these are not incidental annoyances but potential daily obstacles that can erode comfort and trust if not addressed with sustained, transparent accountability.

In weighing the pros against the cons, the most persuasive case for Avalon Place rests on the liveability of renovated spaces, the favorable location, and the caliber of some staff who demonstrate real dedication to resident well-being. Where the positives align, clean, modern apartments; prompt maintenance when it works; quiet surroundings; and a community atmosphere, the disadvantages can be managed with proactive attention and clear expectations. The key is to insist on concrete commitments: a defined pest-control plan with regularity, a transparent fee schedule with a written lease that enumerates every charge, and a reliable maintenance-and-escalation process with documented timelines. If those assurances exist, Avalon Place can deliver on its promise of a comfortable, home-like senior-adult living experience.

For families evaluating Avalon Place, the recommended approach is disciplined due diligence. Visit the property with a checklist focused on pest history, elevator reliability, and the current management’s responsiveness. Interview multiple residents about how quickly issues are addressed and how well the office communicates changes in fees or policies. Seek explicit language about pest-control frequency, service guarantees, and the steps taken when problems arise. Confirm the status of Section 8 coordination and any utility allowances, and request a copy of the most recent lease detailing all charges. If the outcome of those conversations is confidence in a structured, accountable operation, and if the renovations, location, and staff warmth align with the family’s priorities, Avalon Place represents a pragmatic, solid choice. If not, consider alternatives that offer more predictable operations and fewer pest-related disruptions, especially for households that place a premium on turnkey senior services and unwavering daily reliability.

This particular area of Columbia, South Carolina offers a variety of conveniences for seniors looking to settle down. With several restaurants nearby, including fast food options as well as healthier choices like Mediterranean cuisine, there are plenty of dining options to suit different tastes. In terms of medical care, there are multiple physicians' offices within a few miles, providing easy access to healthcare services. For recreation and relaxation, Southeast Park is just a mile away, offering green space and opportunities for outdoor activities. Additionally, pharmacies are conveniently located for easy access to medication needs. Places of worship are also within a short drive from this area, catering to various religious denominations. Overall, the proximity to amenities and services make this neighborhood a potentially suitable option for seniors looking for a comfortable and convenient living environment in Columbia.

Restaurants

• McDonald's (0.4 miles)
• Chick-Fil-A (0.5 miles)
• Lizard's Thicket Restaurants (1.6 miles)
• McDonald's (2.4 miles)
• Little Caesars Pizza (2.4 miles)
• Burger King (2.5 miles)
• Kairos Mediterranean (2.5 miles)

Physicians

• Medcare Urgent Care Center (0.7 miles)
• Doctors Care (0.8 miles)
• Springwood Lake Family Practice (1.1 miles)
• Southeast Family Practice (2 miles)
• Columbia Medical Group (3.4 miles)
• Pain & Neurology Specialists of Columbia (3.9 miles)
• Pridgen Kaoru Dr Colonial Family Practice Columbia (4.3 miles)

Parks

• Southeast Park (1 miles)
• Hollywood Park (4.2 miles)

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (1.1 miles)
• Walgreens (1.2 miles)
• Walgreens (1.5 miles)
• Walgreens (2.7 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.6 miles)
• Moncrief Pharmacy (3.6 miles)
• Walgreens (4.1 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (2.4 miles)
• Starbucks (4.1 miles)
• Drip (4.7 miles)
• Starbucks (5.1 miles)
• The Corner Blend (5.2 miles)
• Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea Park St (5.6 miles)

Hospitals

• South Carolina Mentor (2.8 miles)
• Moncrief Army Hospital (3.6 miles)
• Sleep Med (5.3 miles)

Places of Worship

• St Joseph's Catholic Church (3.5 miles)
• Shandon Baptist Church (4.2 miles)
• Good Shepherd Lutheran Church (4.6 miles)

Transportation

• Enterprise Rent-A-Car (5.8 miles)