FOREST LAKE
neighborhood
Forest Lake offers spacious, well-kept homes in one of Columbia’s top neighborhoods, featuring waterfront living and in-town convenience. The neighborhood has long been one of Columbia’s premiere addresses, home to a golf course and the exclusive Forest Lake Club, founded in 1923.
The neighborhood features large lots and sprawling homes that are built to take full advantage of the beautiful waterfront views. Large, traditional homes share space with mid-20th century modern style houses, with large windows to take advantage of the views, clean lines and angular designs. Some of those waterside beauties have been renovated and expanded in recent years, with many staying true to their original design style.
The highly sought-after neighborhood is filled with mature pine trees, magnolias and oaks, and the yards are exceptionally maintained. Many of the homes situated on the lake feature pools and small docks, where homeowners can launch a canoe or jonboat and enjoy a leisurely paddle across the water. It’s also a perfect spot for birdwatching, with great blue herons and egrets filling the sky and the water. Forest Lake is home to many long-time Columbia residents, while some newcomers also have been drawn to the gracious homes and relaxed lifestyle of waterfront living so close to downtown.
FOREST LAKE
neighborhood
Forest Lake offers spacious, well-kept homes in one of Columbia’s top neighborhoods, featuring waterfront living and in-town convenience. The neighborhood has long been one of Columbia’s premiere addresses, home to a golf course and the exclusive Forest Lake Club, founded in 1923.
The neighborhood features large lots and sprawling homes that are built to take full advantage of the beautiful waterfront views. Large, traditional homes share space with mid-20th century modern style houses, with large windows to take advantage of the views, clean lines and angular designs. Some of those waterside beauties have been renovated and expanded in recent years, with many staying true to their original design style.
The highly sought-after neighborhood is filled with mature pine trees, magnolias and oaks, and the yards are exceptionally maintained. Many of the homes situated on the lake feature pools and small docks, where homeowners can launch a canoe or jonboat and enjoy a leisurely paddle across the water. It’s also a perfect spot for birdwatching, with great blue herons and egrets filling the sky and the water. Forest Lake is home to many long-time Columbia residents, while some newcomers also have been drawn to the gracious homes and relaxed lifestyle of waterfront living so close to downtown.
RECREATION & PARKS
The lake offers beautiful views, while lakefront homes have docks for launching kayaks or small boats. The private Forest Lake Club features a golf course, swimming pool, restaurant and tennis courts.
Nearby park options include Sesquicentennial State Park on Two Notch Road (known to locals as Sesqui), which is about 8 miles from Forest Lake. The large park features overnight camping sites, pedalboat, kayak and canoe rentals, fishing, two nature trails, playgrounds, picnic areas, a splash pad and a 6-mile bicycle trail loop.
In Forest Acres, Citadel Park features a children’s playground and picnic area. Trenholm Park, which includes a recreation building and gym, tennis courts, swimming pool and baseball and softball fields, is about a 5-minute drive from Forest Lake.
what’s in a name
John Hughes Cooper, the first mayor of Forest Acres, owned Cooper’s Forest Land Co., and used the word “Forest” freely to name nearby spots. It resulted in Forest Acres, Forest Drive and Forest Lake.
FUN FACT
Around 1870, Samuel Dent dammed Gills Creek to power a saw mill, creating a body of water then known as Dent’s Pond. In 1912 the pond was purchased by the Lake View Investment Company and the dam was upgraded to an 80-foot reinforced concrete dam, and the water —renamed Forest Lake — became a recreation area and park for swimming and picnics. In 1923, the Forest Lake Land Co. was created and Forest Lake Country Club was founded in 1927.
RECREATION & PARKS
The lake offers beautiful views, while lakefront homes have docks for launching kayaks or small boats. The private Forest Lake Club features a golf course, swimming pool, restaurant and tennis courts.
Nearby park options include Sesquicentennial State Park on Two Notch Road (known to locals as Sesqui), which is about 8 miles from Forest Lake. The large park features overnight camping sites, pedalboat, kayak and canoe rentals, fishing, two nature trails, playgrounds, picnic areas, a splash pad and a 6-mile bicycle trail loop.
In Forest Acres, Citadel Park features a children’s playground and picnic area. Trenholm Park, which includes a recreation building and gym, tennis courts, swimming pool and baseball and softball fields, is about a 5-minute drive from Forest Lake.
FUN FACT
Around 1870, Samuel Dent dammed Gills Creek to power a saw mill, creating a body of water then known as Dent’s Pond. In 1912 the pond was purchased by the Lake View Investment Company and the dam was upgraded to an 80-foot reinforced concrete dam, and the water —renamed Forest Lake — became a recreation area and park for swimming and picnics. In 1923, the Forest Lake Land Co. was created and Forest Lake Country Club was founded in 1927.
what’s in a name
John Hughes Cooper, the first mayor of Forest Acres, owned Cooper’s Forest Land Co., and used the word “Forest” freely to name nearby spots. It resulted in Forest Acres, Forest Drive and Forest Lake.
HOME STATS
Forest Lake is dominated by large single-family homes on expansive, shady lots. Traditional ranches, two-story brick houses and grand estates are joined by mid-century modern style houses that use large windows and open floor plans to take advantage of the natural beauty outside their doors. Some undeveloped lots still are available for purchase and custom home design.
HOME STATS
Forest Lake is dominated by large single-family homes on expansive, shady lots. Traditional ranches, two-story brick houses and grand estates are joined by mid-century modern style houses that use large windows and open floor plans to take advantage of the natural beauty outside their doors. Some undeveloped lots still are available for purchase and custom home design.
NEARBY
AMENITIES
RESTAURANTS & MORE
Forest Lake is close to many of the Columbia area’s top shopping and dining locations. Trenholm Plaza and Forest Drive are adjacent to the neighborhood, offering high-end and casual dining options, while the Vista and downtown Columbia are just about a 15-minute drive.
NEIGHBORHOODS SCHOOLS
Forest Lake is split between Richland School District One and District Two. In Richland One, students attend Satchel Ford Elementary, Crayton Middle and A.C. Flora High School. Children zoned for District Two attend Forest Lake Elementary, Dent Middle and Richland Northeast High. Richland Two also offers 39 public magnet programs for all levels of students at locations around the Northeast Richland County district.
NEED GROCERIES?
There are several grocery stores within a mile of Forest Lake. Trenholm Plaza, home to Publix and Fresh Market grocery stores, is adjacent to the neighborhood, while a Trader Joe’s and Lowes Foods are located on nearby Forest Drive. A Walmart and Sam’s Club are also easily accessible.
NEARBY
AMENITIES
RESTAURANTS & MORE
Forest Lake is close to many of the Columbia area’s top shopping and dining locations. Trenholm Plaza and Forest Drive are adjacent to the neighborhood, offering high-end and casual dining options, while the Vista and downtown Columbia are just about a 15-minute drive.
NEIGHBORHOODS SCHOOLS
Forest Lake is split between Richland School District One and District Two. In Richland One, students attend Satchel Ford Elementary, Crayton Middle and A.C. Flora High School. Children zoned for District Two attend Forest Lake Elementary, Dent Middle and Richland Northeast High. Richland Two also offers 39 public magnet programs for all levels of students at locations around the Northeast Richland County district.
NEED GROCERIES?
There are several grocery stores within a mile of Forest Lake. Trenholm Plaza, home to Publix and Fresh Market grocery stores, is adjacent to the neighborhood, while a Trader Joe’s and Lowes Foods are located on nearby Forest Drive. A Walmart and Sam’s Club are also easily accessible.
EXPLORE THE AREA
Forest Lake is located just northeast of downtown Columbia, adjacent to the city of Forest Acres. Main thoroughfares that run near the neighborhood include Trenholm Road, Decker Boulevard and Forest Drive. The University of South Carolina and the S.C. Statehouse are less than 6 miles away, and the area offers easy access to I-77 and I-20
LINKS
Forest Lake Club
EXPLORE THE AREA
Forest Lake is located just northeast of downtown Columbia, adjacent to the city of Forest Acres. Main thoroughfares that run near the neighborhood include Trenholm Road, Decker Boulevard and Forest Drive. The University of South Carolina and the S.C. Statehouse are less than 6 miles away, and the area offers easy access to I-77 and I-20
LINKS
Forest Lake Club