Comparing neighborhoods (Columbia, Forest Acres: crime, houses, public schools)

[margyriou]

I'm relocating to Columbia in August from Ft. Lewis WA and was curious of two neighborhoods I found houses in. Between Sandwood Hills in Forest Arces and the area near Columbia College, which is a nicer/family oriented neighborhood? Is there a lot of crime in either place, and how close is shopping? Thanks!

[Charlestondata]

I would have to say the common perception would be that the neighborhood in Forest Acres (although I haven't heard of Sandwood Hills) is more family-friendly and safer. That's not to say there aren't nice areas around Columbia College. Either would be close to shopping. Just in case you didn't know, Forest Acres isn't a neighborhood; it's a municipality whose new slogan is "A City Apart." Apart from what? Columbia. They want to be associated with Columbia when it is to their advantage, but they don't want to be associated with it when it is to their disadvantage. Isn't that the way of most suburbs, though?

[margyriou]

Thanks for the response. I've only heard good things about the whole area of Forest Arces/Shandon/Rosewood that it makes the downtown part of Columbia sound really bad. I just want to know what I'm getting myself into w/ some of these neighborhoods.

[Charlestondata]

Downtown Columbia attractive and very clean. You might be interested in Elmwood or Cottontown, just across the north boundary of the central business district. Both neighborhoods ooze charm and are reasonably affordable.

[Chi2Midlands]

Originally Posted by margyriou

Thanks for the response. I've only heard good things about the whole area of Forest Arces/Shandon/Rosewood that it makes the downtown part of Columbia sound really bad. I just want to know what I'm getting myself into w/ some of these neighborhoods.

If public schools are important to you and you want to stay in or very close to the city, then I would agree that the Forest Acres/Shandon/Rosewood areas are some the best areas. I believe there may be a small handful of other city neighborhoods that could be good as well (I've heard that some areas behind the VA hospital is pretty nice).

There are still other very decent city neighborhoods like Elmwood/Cottontown (already mentioned), Earlewood, Keenan Terrace, Olympia, etc. but may not public schools on par with Forest Acres, Shandon, etc. It should be pointed out that the good public school areas in-town are going to be in relatively higher demand so you may not get quite as much house for your dollar, but for those who have schools as a high priority, they are still good values.