Augusta GA vs Columbia SC (construction, live in, restaurants)

[LexingtonDad]

Originally Posted by nortonguy

I don't think you have been to Augusta lately. There are plenty of stores/restaurants in Augusta not in Columbia. Apple, Pf Changs, Chop House, etc.

I agree that someone could be very happy in either location.

Augusta does have more chain restaurants than Columbia and I haven't quite figured that out yet. Although with a Ruth Chris steakhouse Columbia moved up in dining quality. Have you had a look at Columbia's zoo lately? It had more visitors last year than Atlanta's.

And believe me I get to Augusta plenty.

Apple

Applebees?

[AugustaREGroup]

I live in Columbia and would vote Augusta.

Columbia has terrible roads, corrupt government, tons of homeless, parking is tough, cost of living is higher, etc.

Augusta has the river that they are actually trying to use, lower cost of living, new infrastructure, richer history, overall growth.

I have said many more examples here http://www.city-data.com/forum/augus...lumbia-sc.html

[All4Augusta]

When I was a student at Benedict College, Honestly Columbia felt like Augusta I love both cities!!!

[g-man430]

Originally Posted by GeorgiaTransplant

You'll probably also hear a lot more about Greenville than you expected to on an Augusta forum. I'm just saying...

Greenville was ranked the second best city in the country to live in by AARP.

[lilmusket]

Originally Posted by g-man430

Greenville was ranked the second best city in the country to live in by AARP.

I can see why AARP would say that... Greenville does seem to attract the blue hairs.

[nortonguy]

Originally Posted by LexingtonDad

Augusta does have more chain restaurants than Columbia and I haven't quite figured that out yet. Although with a Ruth Chris steakhouse Columbia moved up in dining quality. Have you had a look at Columbia's zoo lately? It had more visitors last year than Atlanta's.

And believe me I get to Augusta plenty.

Applebees?

Lol I mean Apple, as in the Apple retail store. Not Applebee's the restaurant. Im sure Columbia probably has 3 or 4 Applebee's.

[LexingtonDad]

Originally Posted by AugustaREGroup

I live in Columbia and would vote Augusta.

Columbia has terrible roads, corrupt government, tons of homeless, parking is tough, cost of living is higher, etc.

Augusta has the river that they are actually trying to use, lower cost of living, new infrastructure, richer history, overall growth.

You make some good points but keep in mind that like you have Augusta/Richmond county separate from Columbia county we have Columbia/Richland county separate from Lexington county. Each city has it's issues and the better quality of family life is in it's suburb (in my opinion). The city of Columbia like the city of Augusta thinks it is the goose that layes the golden egg while Columbia county like Lexington county think they are the goose that poops all over the putting green.

Funny you mention that about the river. One thing I really like about Columbia is the lack of development along the river. There are dozens of points where people can get access all along it's path and they are working to extend the walking trail (Riverwalk) from below the city all the way to Lake Murray.

[CaptainAwesome]

If you're adventuresome, there are some properties with lots of potential to be had cheap in Augusta. Best of luck with the decision! In either case, you're just an hour from the other city.

[nortonguy]

Originally Posted by LexingtonDad

You make some good points but keep in mind that like you have Augusta/Richmond county separate from Columbia county we have Columbia/Richland county separate from Lexington county. Each city has it's issues and the better quality of family life is in it's suburb (in my opinion). The city of Columbia like the city of Augusta thinks it is the goose that layes the golden egg while Columbia county like Lexington county think they are the goose that poops all over the putting green.

Funny you mention that about the river. One thing I really like about Columbia is the lack of development along the river. There are dozens of points where people can get access all along it's path and they are working to extend the walking trail (Riverwalk) from below the city all the way to Lake Murray.

Aiken county has 45,000 more people than Columbia county.

[nortonguy]

Truthfully, both cities have major positives going for them. Columbia and Augusta are only a hour apart anyway, but you can live in Aiken and be 30 minutes to both.