Columbia, South Carolina — the state capital and lively mid‑sized college city — makes an ideal multi‑week base with an affordable cost of living, a compact walkable downtown, steady University of South Carolina energy, and a growing food, craft‑beer and arts scene that keeps evenings and weekends interesting.
Outdoor options like the scenic Riverwalk and nearby Congaree National Park, plus regular festivals, breweries, coffee shops and short‑term community events, mean you won’t be stuck with nothing to do between shifts.