Living in New & Old Friarsgate: A Guide to One of Irmo’s Established Communities

If you’re looking for an established neighborhood in Irmo, South Carolina, New Friarsgate and Old Friarsgate are two communities worth putting on your list. Located in the heart of Irmo, Friarsgate offers mature trees, established streets, traditional homes, convenient access to shopping and restaurants, and a location that makes getting around the Midlands relatively easy.

While the names are similar, Old Friarsgate and New Friarsgate have their own character. Both offer buyers an opportunity to purchase in an established Irmo community, often at a price point that can be more accessible than some newer subdivisions in the area.

[View All Active Homes for Sale in New & Old Friarsgate]

A Brief History of Friarsgate

Friarsgate is one of the older major residential communities in the Irmo area, dating back to the suburban growth that shaped much of Irmo during the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s. The Town of Irmo identifies Friarsgate as one of the major subdivisions developed during this period of suburban expansion.

Old Friarsgate represents the original portion of the community, with many homes constructed during the 1970s and 1980s. New Friarsgate was developed later as an extension of Old Friarsgate, with much of its housing constructed from the late 1970s through the 1980s. It was also among Mungo Homes' early planned developments, with an emphasis on providing attainable homes for working families.

Today, the neighborhoods have matured into established residential communities with large trees, established landscaping and a mix of longtime residents and newer homeowners.

Homes in Old Friarsgate

Old Friarsgate has a classic established-neighborhood feel. Many of the homes were built in the 1970s and 1980s and feature traditional ranch, split-level and other single-family layouts.

Brick is common throughout the neighborhood, and buyers will find homes with features such as:

• 3- and 4-bedroom floor plans
• Brick exteriors and brick accents
• Fireplaces
• Fenced backyards
• Patios, screened porches and sunrooms
• Mature landscaping
• Larger established lots
• Attached garages and carports

Many homes have also been renovated over the years, giving buyers the opportunity to find everything from move-in-ready properties to homes where they can add their own updates and personal touches.

Homes in New Friarsgate

New Friarsgate offers a similar established feel but has a somewhat broader mix of traditional home styles. Most homes date from the late 1970s through the 1980s, with a number of ranch-style and two-story homes throughout the neighborhood.

You'll commonly find:

• 3- and 4-bedroom homes
• Ranch and traditional two-story floor plans
• Brick or brick-accented exteriors
• Mature trees and established yards
• Decks and screened porches
• Fenced backyards
• Cul-de-sac and corner-lot properties
• Updated kitchens, flooring and bathrooms in renovated homes

One of the biggest draws is the combination of an established neighborhood setting and relatively affordable homes compared with many newer communities in the greater Irmo area.

The Community Feel

One of the first things you'll notice about Friarsgate is that it doesn't feel like a brand-new subdivision. The mature landscaping, established streets and older homes give the neighborhood a character that newer developments simply can't replicate.

There is also a strong connection to the surrounding Irmo community. Residents have convenient access to several parks and recreation areas, including Rawls Creek Park - Town of Irmo and Friarsgate Park.

Rawls Creek Park includes recreational amenities such as a skate park, walking areas, a community garden and other community features. Friarsgate Park is also closely connected to local youth baseball and Irmo Little League.

For families, the location within the Lexington-Richland School District Five area is another major consideration when looking at homes in the community. School assignments can vary by property, so buyers should always verify the current zoning for a specific address.

Location, Location, Location

Perhaps the biggest advantage of New and Old Friarsgate is the location.

The neighborhoods are conveniently positioned near I-26, Harbison Boulevard, Lake Murray Boulevard and the greater Irmo area, giving residents easy access to shopping, dining, recreation and commuting routes. New Friarsgate is described as being just minutes from I-26, Lake Murray and Harbison.

Nearby shopping and dining options include Irmo Village Shopping Center, along with numerous restaurants and locally owned businesses throughout Irmo.

Some nearby favorites include:

• Loveland Coffee for coffee, breakfast and a local gathering spot
• Lizard's Thicket Restaurant for classic Southern comfort food
• Craft and Draft Irmo for food and craft beer
• The Bistro for dinner and drinks
• Irmo Town Park for community events and outdoor space
• Onelife Fitness

And for bigger shopping trips, Harbison provides a wide variety of retail, restaurants and entertainment options just a short drive away.

What Buyers Like About New & Old Friarsgate

Established neighborhood character: Mature trees, established landscaping and homes with years of history give Friarsgate a different feel from newer subdivisions.

Location: Easy access to I-26, Harbison, Lake Murray Boulevard and the rest of Irmo makes the area convenient for both daily errands and commuting.

Home variety: Buyers can find everything from smaller starter homes to larger traditional homes, with a variety of floor plans and lot sizes.

Renovation potential: Because the homes were built several decades ago, there are opportunities to find properties that have already been updated or homes where a buyer can add improvements over time.

Outdoor space: Many properties offer established yards, mature trees, decks, patios and fenced outdoor areas.

Community amenities: Parks and recreation facilities are integrated into the surrounding Friarsgate area, adding to the neighborhood's family-friendly appeal.

Things to Consider

Like any established neighborhood, New and Old Friarsgate come with a few things buyers should consider.

The homes are older. Many properties were built in the 1970s and 1980s, so buyers should pay close attention to the age and condition of major systems such as the roof, HVAC, plumbing, electrical and exterior materials.

Every home is different. Renovation history varies considerably from one property to another. A home that has been fully updated may offer a very different experience from one that still has many original features.

The neighborhood has evolved. Friarsgate is a large, established community, and individual streets and properties can have different characteristics. Buyers should take the time to visit the specific home and surrounding area before making a decision.

HOA structure can vary. Buyers should verify the specific HOA, fees and restrictions associated with any property rather than assuming every home within the broader Friarsgate area has the same requirements.

Is New or Old Friarsgate Right for You?

If you're looking for an established Irmo neighborhood with mature trees, traditional homes, convenient amenities and access to the greater Columbia area, New Friarsgate and Old Friarsgate are both worth exploring.

The biggest difference may ultimately come down to the individual home. With different floor plans, updates, lot sizes and locations throughout the communities, buyers should focus not only on whether they like Friarsgate, but on which specific property best fits their needs.

And because homes in these neighborhoods can offer an attractive combination of location, space and established character, it's worth keeping an eye on the market.

Explore Homes Currently for Sale

Looking for a home in Friarsgate?

[View All Active Listings in New Friarsgate & Old Friarsgate]

If you're considering making a move to Irmo, our team at J King Real Estate can help you compare available homes, understand the differences between neighborhoods and find a property that fits your budget and lifestyle.