kasturbo

Can someone tell me a little about Columbia SC? I have a job opportunity that would involve me moving there. I know nothing about the area or SC for that matter. Please help.

Thanks.

JLeake

I would be a bit leary of Columbia personally. I grew up in Camden, about 30 minutes away. I went to school in Clemson, SC. I now live in Charlotte, although I've lived in Texas, California, Oregon, and Arkansas as well. I just don't really like Columbia...not a whole lot of culture or natural beauty in my opinion. But then again it depends on what you are looking for. If you are hell bent on moving to SC check out Charleston. In NC I'd look into Asheville, Charlotte, or Willmington. Just my opinion of course. I'm sure there are lots of happy Columbia residents.

Bret 944

I have to agree here. I've lived in the Charleston area my whole life, and have no intentions of leaving. I work downtown Charleston and there's really nothing like it, the way the people are and the things there are to do. I don't know too many people that currently live in Columbia, except those going to school, and they've all said they want to come back to live in Charleston after they get out of school. Sorry if I didn't really help.

Bret

Clark Fletcher

While there are probably better places to live than Columbia there are far more places I wouldn't want to live.

I lived about an hour from Columbia for ten years and spent a lot of time there. While there isn't a great deal to do there it does have some pluses.

They have a zoo (Riverbanks) which was, at one time, ranked as one of the top ten zoos in the country. Of course, it's not the San Diego zoo, but it's a very nice place that's easy to get around.

The history museum is nice.

There are a lot of good places to eat (California Dreamin', Harper's, and they have a Hooters which made me very happy).

I started doing all of my own maintenance and repairs back in 1996. However, Columbia (actually Lexington which is a suburb of Columbia), has one of the only independent Porsche repair facilities that I would allow to work on my car (Doc's Grrrage). When I was living in SC, I would drive the hour to Lexington just to get these guys to work on my car.

As far as some of the of the other places mentioned, the cost of living (housing/land) in Asheville is completely outrageous. And, you couldn't pay me enough money to live in Charlotte (should have started the I-485 loop 20 years ago).

JLeake

Charlotte is way better than Columbia in my opinion, but still pretty lacking in culture. I'm moving to Asheville as soon as I can though. Already bought a kick *** mtn view lot...just got to save up for the casa. You are correct, housing cost are high. Totally worth it for me though as I'm into mtn biking/hiking/camping/living in a cool *** place/etc. Still trying to live up to my time in Portland, Oregon. Now THAT is a cool place to live.

sam

I live in Aiken which is about 45 mi from Columbia. I haven't lived or worked there, so I can't be of too much help. Occassionally, I have received medical stuff there, and had to assist my son who demonstrated that you could under age drink while attending University of South Carolina (not a problem now, they tossed him out).

Just a gut type feeling, I don't think I would care to work there. I think their roads s_ck, and they need to do some planning and execution of improvements (course that is true in a lot of places).

CurlyDE

I lived in Columbia for about 2 years a while back. It has not been one of my favorite places to live. The roads do suck (as has been previously mentioned). This will sound weird, but to me the summer weather has always felt rather nasty (like as in hot and sticky). I live about an hour away form Columbia now and do not plan on moving back. One of my sisters still lives there. If I had to live there because of work, then I would ... but given other options, I would pass on Columbia. Best of luck with your job!

kasturbo

Thanks guys. I don't have to move, it would just mean a little more money. Where are some nice locations near columbia that wouldn't be too far of a drive every day for work? How is the weather year round in Carolina?

Ohio isn't bad, but I've lived here my whole life and am excited about a change. I'm also sick of the winters here.

itsme-itsme

I live near Charlotte, but service Columbia area in my sales endeavors. The only good things I can say about Columbia are that you are 1.5 hour from good beachs and 1 hour from great mountain areas. So if you are available to get out of town often, Columbia is not bad. It is hot and very humid in the summer, and snow (@ the city) is rare. The immediate area is generally boring. <img border="0" alt="[icon107]" title="" src="graemlins/icon107.gif" />

jim968

Columbia... mild winters (almost no snow, melts in hours or days at most), freakin' incredibly hot, muggy summers with bugs. Pretty flat terrain. Reasonably close to much more interesting places.

Jim, I'll stay here, thanks...

Chris_924s

Hmm, sounds like Jacksonville Fl. north. The "redneck riviera" as one lifetime local of Jax once put it..

Stephen

Personally I love Charleston, great weather and beaches, people seem real nice and laid back. Both of my brothers who relocated there swear by it. One of whom is a Porsche tech for Baker Imports( the local Porsche Dealer)

jason952

I live in charleston and I do love it, but I have friends in school in columbia and they thought they would hate it, but they have really come to like the area. They live in some of the older neighborhoods near downtown and that is a neat area. Only thing is, too many gamecock fans.

Jason

AC

You might want to check the pca.org website for the nearest region and get in contact with folks who live there to tell you about the surroundings and things to do. Here is the address to the Area Director of the Columbia local PCA (rwebb@scana.com). He and other Porscheophiles may be able to give you a better view of Columbia. Since they live and drive there. As far as resturants, there has been alot of renovation in the past couple of years with more nicer non-chain style resturants. If you like to take your car on a road course, there is access to Carolina Motorsport Park in Kershaw South Carolina. Which is only about 30 minutes from Columbia. As far as convience, there is the local Columbiana Mall and surrounding that are various stores such as Lowe's, Best Buy, Wal-mart, etc. Pretty much the same things you find in most established modern towns. In Columbia, you are usually only 2 to 3 hours in any direction from beach, mountains, road racing facilities (Roebling Road, Road Atlanta, CMP). As you can see from others comments, you can either like it or hate it. Once you get to know your way around Columbia, it is a breeze. There are several areas around for golfing. There is Lake Murray if you like fresh water boating. With it being a college town, there is usually some sort of sporting event going on at any given time. For the cultural minded, the is the Koger center for the performing arts and there is always something going on at the Carolina Collosium. However, I would suggest sending an email to the gentleman over the local chapter. I am sure he can fill you in on any concerns about actually living there, the ups and downs. I hope this helps. Good luck. There can never be too many Gamecock Fans.

University of South Carolina Alumni 1995 - Life Member