Local Biz Spotlight: Empire Columbia

This week, we’re shining a spotlight on one of the top apartment complexes for students, especially sophomores and juniors: Empire Columbia.

Whether your student is moving into their first off-campus place or you’re a parent trying to figure out where they’ll be calling home, keep reading. Empire Columbia offers that "living on top of the world" vibe—if you can look past a couple of small bumps along the way. Let’s take a walk through the halls of Empire Columbia, shall we?

Positives:

Empire Columbia is like the ultimate choose-your-own-adventure when it comes to apartments. Whether you’re flying solo in a one-bedroom or rolling deep in a five-bedroom, there’s a space for every kind of roommate dynamic. Grab a couple of friends or bring the whole squad—Empire’s got you covered.

Now, picture this: a rooftop pool with a view that’ll make you want to skip class just to soak it all in. And for when you need to shake off midterm stress, hit up the gym, sauna, or lift some weights—all without ever leaving the building. Plus, the movie theater is ready for those nights when you just need to escape reality, no sneaking snacks necessary.

Tech-savvy? You’ll love this: everything from your door to the elevator is just a tap away. Covered parking keeps your car in pristine condition, and the package pickup spot is safer than your favorite hiding spot. Oh, and did I mention it’s only a quick walk to campus or the Colonial Life Arena? It’s Gamecock country, and Empire is right in the heart of it.

Negatives:

At Empire Columbia, you might find that thin walls are the latest trend in modern apartment living. Don’t be surprised if you overhear your neighbor’s latest Netflix marathon—turns out, it’s part of the charm.

As for maintenance? Well, if you’re waiting for someone to come fix something, you’ve got time to become a DIY expert. Who knew YouTube had so many plumbing tutorials?

Storage space is a bit of a scavenger hunt here. If you’ve got more Gamecock memorabilia than closet space, you’ll need to get creative with storage solutions—think HGTV, but with less glam and more practicality. Also, if you’ve got a car, be prepared for parking fees that are almost as addicting as your daily coffee. And if you're a serial online shopper, remember to plan your package pickups around the office hours—otherwise, your packages might end up with the "out of sight, out of mind” crowd.


Would I recommend:

Who’s the perfect fit for Empire Columbia? Well, it’s definitely the folks who thrive on the energy of student life and want an apartment that’s as Instagram-worthy as it is convenient. If you’re all about catching a killer sunset from the rooftop pool or making it to class in record time, but can live with a little noise and a few dust bunnies, this place is for you. So, if you're into a lively living situation with character, Empire Columbia could be your next "Home Sweet Home."