Avalon Place in Columbia, SC

Pros

• The staff is amazing and very knowledgeable.
• The renovated apartments are affordable and give a luxury vibe inside.
• The community is quiet, clean, and well-maintained.
• Alexis is incredibly helpful, professional, and kind.
• Maintenance requests are handled quickly and efficiently.
• The property manager adds to the sense of home by being friendly and genuinely caring about residents' needs.
• The location is convenient and close to amenities.
• The complex is safe and has a welcoming atmosphere.
• The move-in process is smooth and the experience is positive.

Cons

• The fees are excessive and change from month to month, draining residents financially.
• Parking in the wrong spot leads to towing, which is punitive and inconvenient.
• Pest problems are chronic, with roaches and rats present year-round and pest control not consistently performed.
• The property manager is seen as unhelpful and unresponsive, with pest-control costs rising and services missed.
• Some residents allege identity theft and financial losses tied to moving in.
• Elevators and other essential services are frequently out of order, creating safety and accessibility concerns.
• Maintenance staff allegedly enter units without permission, and theft or neglect of tenant concerns is reported.
• The Section 8 voucher process is described as unfair or discriminatory, with fluctuating rents and confusing charges.
• The property is dirty and poorly maintained, with overflowing dumpsters and pests in common areas.

Review

Avalon Place is best suited for active adults and seniors who prize a recently renovated interior, a quiet, well-located setting, and a responsive on-site team - provided they can tolerate some variability in fees, occasional maintenance delays, and periodic pest-control challenges. The community's strongest calling cards are the refreshed units, private buildings, and a proven track record of a calm, clean environment when management is on its game. Residents consistently highlight upgrades, spacious layouts, and the sense of home that a well-maintained apartment can offer. When Alexis as property manager and maintenance staff like Cory are present and engaged, the atmosphere shifts positively, with quick responses and a professional, friendly mood that makes daily life smoother.

Those who may want to consider alternatives are residents who require absolute reliability across every facet of living. The most persistent red flags revolve around pest control, elevator reliability, and consistent communications from management. Several long-term tenants report ongoing roach and bed-bug issues, gaps in scheduled pest services, and delays in addressing work orders. Elevators have failed repeatedly, sometimes for weeks, which is particularly troubling for seniors or mobility-challenged residents. Additionally, rent volatility tied to Section 8 and CHA interactions, plus a web of extra fees, creates financial unpredictability that is hard to accept for households on fixed incomes. If stable costs and guaranteed pest control are non-negotiables, alternatives should be explored.

The key pros - renovated interiors, quiet surroundings, and a strong sense of safety in a well-kept setting - often offset many typical apartment jitters when the on-site team is consistent and proactive. The renovated apartments feel modern, with clean finishes and contemporary amenities that reduce the volume of routine upkeep needed by residents. The location remains convenient, with easy access to shopping and services, and the building's private, low-traffic footprint contributes to a peaceful daily rhythm. Maintenance responsiveness is a real strength when Corey and the on-site crew are in place; residents repeatedly praise quick fixes and a professional, courteous approach. The social fabric - community activities, bingo, Bible study, and the overall friendly vibe - adds practical value for older residents seeking connection.

Yet the main cons do not disappear simply because some days go well. The pest-control situation remains a recurring concern, with reports of roaches, insects, and even bed bugs affecting multiple units and common areas. When pest control is inconsistent or shifts to a user-pay model, resident trust frays and the fall-back becomes costly and disruptive. Elevator downtime compounds daily friction, especially for those relying on reliable access to apartments and amenities. Communications gaps - whether phone, in-person, or email - produce frustration and a sense of being left without timely answers. Finally, the layered fees and rent adjustments tied to housing programs create financial unpredictability that undermines the peace of mind a resident seeks when choosing Avalon Place.

In practical terms, Avalon Place remains a strong choice for value-conscious renters who can tolerate some administrative friction in exchange for renovated living spaces, quiet neighborhoods, and responsive maintenance when the team is at its best. Pros offset cons most effectively for tenants who secure a stable, communicative on-site manager, especially Alexis, and a maintenance presence that keeps common areas clean and elevators functioning. The standout performances by staff can transform a potentially chaotic experience into a dependable home. For households prioritizing predictability - flat rents, guaranteed pest control, and unwavering accessibility - these conditions must be confirmed up front, ideally in writing, before committing.

The bottom-line recommendation is clear: Avalon Place serves a distinct segment - active seniors and early retirees who value updated interiors, a serene environment, and capable on-site help, provided they are comfortable navigating some cost complexity and intermittent maintenance hiccups. Families and individuals who need absolute consistency in pest control, elevator reliability, and a frictionless management experience should examine alternatives or demand concrete assurances and a current, comprehensive service plan from management. Before moving, tour the property with questions about current pest-control schedules, elevator uptime history, and a transparent rent/fee structure, including how Section 8 and CHA interactions are managed today. In the right circumstances, Avalon Place can be a very good home; in others, better options exist.

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)