Is Rosewood safe?
Columbia, South Carolina · safety score updated nightly
Mostly yes, with normal city awareness.
VibeLoco rates Rosewood as “Go, stay aware”.
Gogo's take on Rosewood
“Go. Rosewood is an appealing, active, and generally safe community popular with university staff, young professionals, and families. Standard urban awareness regarding securing vehicles and sticking to lit paths at night is sufficient for a comfortable visit.”
Recent municipal efforts have centered on implementing traffic-calming measures and crosswalk safety improvements along the Rosewood Drive corridor.
About the area
Rosewood is a charming, tree-shaded neighborhood situated just south of downtown Columbia and the University of South Carolina. The area features a mix of mid-century cottages, craft breweries, community parks, and local dining along Rosewood Drive.
- Tree-Lined
- Laid-Back
- Community-Oriented
- College-Adjacent
Walking and biking in Rosewood
Walk score: 56/100 · Bike score: 62/100
Biking is easy across the flat residential grid and within Owens Field Park, though dedicated bike lanes along high-traffic corridors like Rosewood Drive are limited.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Lower violent crime rates compared to broader Columbia citywide averages.
- Strong homeownership stability and an engaged, active neighborhood association.
- Extensive recreational amenities centered around Owens Field Park.
Cons
- Incidents of opportunistic property crime, such as vehicle break-ins and bike theft.
- Variable pedestrian infrastructure, with missing sidewalks and dim lighting on select residential side streets.
- Fast-moving vehicle traffic along the main Rosewood Drive commercial strip.
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is minimal in Rosewood's residential interior, with only occasional unhoused individuals seen near bus stops along Rosewood Drive or major intersections. There are no notable encampments or shelter facilities in the neighborhood.
What Rosewood is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and safe, with locals jogging, walking dogs, and picking up morning coffee along quiet streets.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Pleasant and active around Owens Field Park and along commercial hubs with routine car and foot traffic.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Inviting and relaxed around local eateries and taprooms with comfortable outdoor patio dining.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Quiet and largely low-risk on residential streets, though poorly lit blocks warrant standard caution against vehicle break-ins.
Transit, parking and getting around
Public transit is operated by The COMET, with Route 28 and nearby Route 42 providing bus connections along Rosewood Drive to downtown Columbia and the transit center; there is no rail transit service.
Parking is straightforward and free, featuring ample dedicated surface lots at businesses and hassle-free, unmetered street parking along residential avenues.
Things to do in Rosewood
- Enjoy outdoor sports, the public skate park, pump track, and disc golf at Owens Field Park.
- Sip craft beers while watching planes take off at the historic Curtiss-Wright Hangar.
- Browse local organic goods and grab lunch at the neighborhood staple Rosewood Market & Deli.
Local favorites
- Hunter-Gatherer Brewery at the Hangar · Brewery · 4.6★ (1150)Historic 1930s aircraft hangar turned spacious brewery offering craft beer, wood-fired pizza, and airport runway views.
- Rosewood Market & Deli · Grocery & Deli · 4.6★ (760)Long-running natural foods grocer and cafe serving scratch-made sandwiches, fresh juices, and vegan options.
- Rockaway Athletic Club · Bar & Grill · 4.4★ (1420)Iconic, unassuming neighborhood tavern celebrated for its signature pimento cheeseburgers and relaxed vibe.
Scores are safety-driven — recent reported crime and local news plus Census income, poverty, housing, education, household and access data — refreshed nightly. Walk and bike scores are shown separately and do not affect the safety score. A guide, not a guarantee — conditions change street to street.