True Cost of Ownership: Hulon Greene

West Columbia, SC. Why an established, gated community next to a major hospital is also one of the lowest carrying costs in the metro.

The assumptions

A representative $370,000 home, owner-occupied, owner 65+, in Lexington County, with the 4% legal-residence assessment and the $50,000 homestead exemption filed.

Annual carrying cost

Line itemAnnualNotes
Property tax~$1,3004% ratio + $50K homestead; low Lexington Co. millage
HOA~$2,400Gated, established grounds, amenities
Homeowners insurance~$1,600Standard inland policy
Total (excl. mortgage)~$5,300≈ $440/month carrying cost
The value isn't only the low entry price — it's what's next door. Living behind Lexington Medical Center puts a major hospital, ER and physician offices within minutes, a feature that doesn't show up on a price tag but matters more every year. The mature, gated grounds carry a slightly higher HOA than newer product, which is the main tradeoff.

10-year projection

HorizonCarrying cost (excl. mortgage)
Year 1~$5,300
10-year total (with modest escalation)~$58,000–$64,000

Illustrative; established-community HOAs can step up for capital projects, so review the reserve study. Assumes the 15%/5-year taxable-value cap. Confirm current figures.

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Illustrative figures from local listing/HOA data, Lexington County millage, and South Carolina assessment/homestead rules. Not an appraisal or tax determination.