Rivergate Apts. (Columbia, Lexington, Riverview: apartment complex, house, neighborhood)

[SemperFiWife1]

So, I'm back after a long week in Columbia and the surrounding area. Much to my dismay, we are going to be living at the Rivergate Apts. for at least a year. Due to the timing of our house hunting leave, we had very limited time to look around while we were down. It just happened to fall right in the middle of Thanksgiving, so we really only had a few days to "house hunt." I am not overly joyed at my husbands choice of these apts. but when I was not able to find "something better" in just 2 short days, we were stuck in making a quick decision. I am hoping someone here will be able to tell me that this was not the worst decision possible but from some of the reviews of the apts., I'm not expecting much. Now, I just hope and pray we don't get robbed in the next year because according to a couple of reviews, this is not uncommon. Does anyone have any GOOD info on these apts.?! Anything to make me feel a little better would be greatly appreciated

[waccamatt]

Where are they located? I'm not familiar with them.

[SemperFiWife1]

It is off Bentley Dr., about a mile from I-20 & I-26, and about 3 miles from the campus of USC. Other than that, I really don't know a lot about the area :/. That is what worries me!

[waccamatt]

I looked up the address - that isn't a bad area, though I don't know a thing about the apartments. I know the neighborhood surrounding them is fine, though. I'm curious though, why not get something within walking distance of campus?

[SemperFiWife1]

We have a 2 yr old so we would need at least a 2 bdrm and it seemed that most of the apts. near campus were out of our budget. We were able to get a 2 bdrm for under $700/m. My husband would have loved to have been within walking distance.

[LexingtonDad]

After reading your post I took a ride through Rivergate today. I have to say it is a good looking complex, clean parking lot, balconies not junked up, not a lot of broken down looking cars, etc. As a matter of fact the parking lot was mostly empty which I would interpret as a good sign since it would indicate that the residents were at work. I rode around the area and did not see anything that would cause me concern.

Judging from outside first impressions I would not hesitate to move my family into the complex, especially if my only child was as young as yours and I knew it was only for a short time. Try to get a second story apartment as they are usually a bit more secure.

[SemperFiWife1]

Thank you so much for driving thru and offering your opinion, LexingtonDad! I am getting a little more comfortable with the idea of moving into an apartment. After owning a home and having much more space, it is going to be a change but at least it will be less to clean!!

[DipDog3]

Originally Posted by SemperFiWife1

I am hoping someone here will be able to tell me that this was not the worst decision possible but from some of the reviews of the apts.

Don't worry. There are A LOT of WORSE apartments in Columbia that you could be living.

[innovator82]

I don't think you can always believe those online reviews that pop up for any apartment complex you put into Google. I spent a lot of time looking at apartments in Columbia a few years ago and Rivergate was high on my list. I wound up going with Riverview just down Bentley Drive which I guess can be described as slightly below Rivergate if you were to rate them. I never had a single problem at Riverview. Lots of young professionals and grad students living there. Rivergate has the gated entry which is always a nice amenity. I think I just liked the floorplan at Riverview better and it was slightly cheaper if I remember correctly. But I think Rivergate is a pretty popular complex for people wanting a decent place to live.

[SemperFiWife1]

Thanks innovator!!! That is great to know!!