Like most state capitals, South Carolina’s Columbia is an economically diversified jewel too often overlooked by tourists and potential residents. Those that do stop and give Cola its fair shake will find a riverside city with bountiful green spaces (ranked #24), plenty of museums (#59) and Bernie’s, arguably offering the state’s best fried chicken. The latter is reason enough to visit, yet Columbia remains busy investing in itself, continuing its post-pandemic campaign of self-improvement. A major renovation of the Blossom Street Bridge will make the city more walkable, as will continued momentum in the up-and-coming West Columbia neighborhood. And don’t forget the $24-million revitalization of beloved Finlay Park, set to complete later this year, which will see its iconic fountain returned to its former glory. The #41-ranked University of South Carolina adds youthful dynamism to the historic urban stock here. Its new, 300,000-square-foot School of Medicine opens in 2027—part of the new BullStreet District, the “largest city center development east of the Mississippi.” Perhaps sensing Soda City’s (Cola, get it?) ascendant trajectory, new housing and hotels are sprouting up all over. Newcomers already include Moxy, Homewood and Hilton, with more on the way into 2026.