The Palms on Main

Pros

• The interior is lauded for granite countertops, ample cabinet storage, a nice balcony, and stainless steel appliances.
• Management is reported to be very responsive.
• The location on Main Street is described as unbeatable, close to bars, restaurants, and Soda City Market.
• The property announced updates including a new pool, new washers/dryers, and a renovated lobby/pool lounge.
• The location is great, with helpful and responsive staff and solid amenities.
• The Palms is adored for its suitability for small families and proximity to USC.
• Amenities are excellent, including valet trash, a fenced dog run, a pool, outdoor seating with games and a TV, a secure package room, and a well-equipped gym.
• The staff are friendly and helpful, know residents by name, and go out of their way to assist.
• Monthly staff events foster a strong sense of community (drawings, pool parties, pup & sips).
• On-site parking downstairs is convenient and enhances safety.
• Nearby dining and Soda City Market are highly recommended.
• The staff and management receive praise for attentiveness and helpfulness; amenities and rooms are great.
• The management team's attentiveness makes residents want to stay longer.
• The pool area is relaxing, clean, and rarely crowded.

Cons

• The reviewer said the place smells like way too much perfume, masking other issues.
• They warned the scent could trigger breathing or sinus problems.
• One reviewer described the overall experience as terrible.
• They claimed management billed them for three months and sent the debt to a collection agency after a family emergency.
• They criticized having only one very slow elevator in the building.
• They noted the bathroom has no exhaust, laundry costs are high, and the floors resemble a garage.
• They pointed out there is no building-wide Wi-Fi and a bright outside light stays on until 12:04 AM.
• They cautioned to check the property before leasing due to undisclosed construction and disturbances.

Review

The Palms on Main presents itself with a striking interior that many renters have praised: granite countertops, abundant cabinet space, a private balcony, and stainless steel appliances give the units a polished, modern feel. Reviewers consistently note that management is responsive, and they celebrate a location that is hard to beat - right on Main Street with quick access to a variety of bars, restaurants, and the Soda City market on Saturdays. There is even a sense of anticipation about improvements on the horizon, including a new pool, updated washers and dryers, and a newly renovated lobby and pool lounge, which adds to the allure for prospective tenants who want a place that feels continually refreshed.

Locational value and staff effectiveness appear as recurring strengths in many of the comments. People describe the location as great and the staff as helpful and responsive, painting a picture of a living environment where daily needs are met promptly and with a friendly attitude. In short, the property is viewed as a solid choice for those who want convenient access to downtown Columbia's dining and nightlife, paired with a comfortable home atmosphere.

For many residents, The Palms is an ideal fit for families, students, and pets. One reviewer highlights it as perfect for a small family with a husband, a self-described "puppy," and a student who attends the University of South Carolina, noting how close the campus is and how that proximity makes commutes almost effortless. The sense of community extends to those living with pets, with features like a fully fenced dog run that gives pets room to romp. The overall sentiment is that the property can accommodate busy school schedules and family life with relative ease.

The amenity package is repeatedly described as robust and convenient. Valet trash, a well-designed dog area, a pool, outdoor seating with games and a TV, and a secure package room all contribute to a lifestyle that many find enjoyable and practical, especially during holidays when deliveries arrive while the resident is away. The on-site gym is described as adequately equipped for a range of workouts, with a solid selection of machines and dumbbells that make up for any gaps when the campus gym is closed or inconvenient. Together, these amenities help create a balanced living experience where recreation, convenience, and security feel accessible.

Staff recognition runs deep in these reviews. Several residents single out employees by name - Megan, Jordan, Joseph, Sam, Caylyn, Sarah, Jackie, and Hector - emphasizing their willingness to go above and beyond to assist residents. They're praised for knowing tenants and even pets by name, creating a sense of personal care and attentiveness. The monthly events, described as highlights that include drawings, giveaways, pool parties, and pup-and-sips, contribute to a sense of community that many residents look forward to and appreciate as part of daily living at The Palms.

Parking and downtown accessibility are highlighted as standout practical benefits. The on-site parking downstairs is strongly recommended, especially for those who are alone at night or dealing with bad weather, as it provides a sense of safety and convenience. Proximity to downtown dining options - MOA, Stoner's Pizza, and Sweet Cream - along with the Soda City Market just outside the front door on Saturdays, makes the building feel like a hub of activity and easy access to the city's social life. Overall, residents feel fortunate to have a location that supports a vibrant, walkable lifestyle.

As with any complex, there are noteworthy drawbacks voiced by several residents. One recurring concern is an overpowering perfume smell throughout the building, described as cloying and masking underlying issues; for people with breathing or sinus sensitivities, this fragrance is a significant deterrent. A few reviewers even question whether the fragrance might mask more serious problems, such as smoke in the event of a fire. These odor concerns illustrate how a strong aesthetic choice can clash with health and comfort for some tenants.

Other negative experiences focus on long-standing structural and operational challenges. Several comments mention aging or poorly performing systems - old and loud air conditioning units, persistent construction noise, and lighting outside that prevents true darkness at night. There are complaints about washers and dryers not performing well, pay-per-use laundry arrangements, and the perception that the building hasn't undertaken meaningful renovations in some areas. Windows that do not open and dim interior lighting are cited as downsides, and some reviewers note the limited elevator service in a high-rise setting, which can be frustrating when moving or during busy times. Taken together, these concerns suggest that while the property offers attractive features, some fundamental systems and design aspects could benefit from attention.

Communication and policy experiences are another thread in the reviews. A number of comments recount poor initial communication around tours and follow-ups, including robotic-sounding emails and missed responses, which left prospective residents feeling unattracted by the early sales process. There are also mentions of disputes over billing and lease terms, including a dramatic instance where a management action resulted in a collection agency being involved for charges after a hardship, a reminder that some tenants have faced financial disputes and a sense of rigidity in how policies are enforced. These experiences underscore that strong, proactive communication and flexible, transparent policy administration are crucial to keep a property's reputation intact.

Despite these challenges, a number of residents express genuine satisfaction with specific staff members and the overall living experience. They admire the team's willingness to address issues promptly and their ongoing effort to improve common areas and amenities. Positive references to Jackie and the leasing team, for example, alongside praise for the pool area and the central location, contribute to a balanced sense that The Palms can be a great place to call home when expectations align with the realities of ongoing construction, evolving amenities, and the realities of urban living. For many, the combination of convenient location, a solid amenity package, and a responsive management team outweighs the inconveniences, making The Palms a compelling option in downtown Columbia.

Places of Worship

• General Conference Of Seventh-Day Adventists (0.7 miles)
• Harmony Church (0.7 miles)
• First Baptist Church (2.4 miles)
• Prayer-A-Day Service (2.4 miles)
• Brookhollow Place (2.4 miles)
• New Fellowship Covenant Ministry (2.5 miles)
• Trinity United Methodist Church (2.5 miles)

Restaurants

• Captain D's (0.9 miles)
• Angel's Mexican Restaurant (0.9 miles)
• Brewers Bar & Grill (1.9 miles)
• Eggs Up Grill (1.9 miles)
• King Wok (1.9 miles)
• Hibachi Grill (2 miles)
• Waffle House (2 miles)

Physicians

• Santee Hematology & Oncology (1.2 miles)
• Sumter Occumed (1.2 miles)
• Colonial Urgent Care (1.7 miles)
• Colonial Family Practice (1.7 miles)
• Dermotology & Skin Surgery (1.7 miles)
• Sumter Medical Consultants (1.8 miles)
• Sandhills Medical Foundation (1.8 miles)

Hospitals

• Tuomey Regional Medical Center (1.7 miles)
• Tuomey Healthcare System (2.3 miles)
• Tuomey Foundation (2.3 miles)

Pharmacies

• Colonial Pharmacy Rx (1.7 miles)
• Piggly Wiggly Central (1.9 miles)
• Sup Rx Pharmacy (1.9 miles)
• Prescriptions (2 miles)
• Walgreens (2 miles)
• Octapharma Plasma (2 miles)
• Walmart Pharmacy (2.1 miles)

Theaters

• GTC Beacon Sumter Cinemas (2 miles)

Transportation

• L A Leasing (2.4 miles)
• Sumter Airport (2.8 miles)
• Sumter Airport Commission (2.9 miles)

Parks

• Sumter Historic District (2.5 miles)
• Jenkins Center (2.8 miles)

Cafes

• Bt Variety Store & Cafe (2.7 miles)