Accurate Advice (Columbia, Lexington, Welcome: for rent, condos, townhouses)

[Heaveno]

I am a newly divorced single mom and a student who has just finished a Family Human Development Master Program here in Ohio. Desiring to come to Columbia with son who is 11 years old. I have read many of the threads, but would like to know more information about areas that are diverse and family oriented. I will not feel out of place by being single. I am looking to rent a townhome or a house. It is crucial that we reside in a diverse area. Will either be working in Human Services or conducting research at the university (I hope). Can anyone tell me about the Youth Programs in the area? Do you have a Workforce Investment Program for youth?

[waccamatt]

As far as a diverse area, there are many in-town neighborhoods that are diverse and most suburban areas in Richland County are pretty diverse, also. Lexington County is not as diverse, but there are pockets. In order to recommend a neighborhood to rent, it would be helpful to know a general monthly rent range you would want to look at as there is a wide variety of choices. Since you have a child, I would highly recommend the Dreher High School feeder schools (Shandon, Melrose Heights, Five Points and Rosewood areas) if you decide to live in-town. In the suburbs, the Richland district 2 and 5 schools are highly rated, but the district 2 area is more diverse. Richland District 1 schools are going to be more area-specific as to which are the best.

I don't know a lot about youth programs, but maybe someone else does.

There are photos of many neighborhoods on my website if you want to look around. Welcome to Columbia.

Waccamatt's page ·

[Heaveno]

The amount I would pay for rent would be $800-$900 per month. Thank you for the advice pertaining to the areas that will probably suit my quality of life.
I am working hard to get there.

[waccamatt]

You'll be able to find a place in many areas for that type of rent. There are numerous condos, townhouses, quadraplexes, etc. in the Five Points/Shandon area and that would be in an area of good schools. If you wanted to be in the suburbs, there are many choices out in Northeast Columbia, which would be the area around Wildewood, Spring Valley, Village at Sandhill, The Summit and Lake Carolina.

[Heaveno]

The pictures on your website are really nice. They are really in a progressive stage right now and I hope that these changes will bring the city the economic and population growth they desire. I am originally from Cincy, and their urban improvements have not yet yielded a strong return on their investment.The population is decreasing yearly in Cincy. The suburbs rule here and more people are seeking the rural areas as well.

Thank you for the suggestions regarding where to possibly live if I am fortunate enough to move there.

While doing my research on this site and about the south carolina area in general, I have read alot about the bugs. Tell me more about the Palmetto bug in the Columbia area. Will you see them often at night and do you become use to them? I dread bugs, but believe that this phobia will have to be dealt with eventually. My son will have fun killing them and I know the exterminator will become one of my best friends.

[waccamatt]

I hate Palmetto Bugs, too, but they are mostly outside. I usually spread boric acid (very inexpensive) around the outside of the house, especially near doorways, to keep them under control. If you get a place in a moist area you will see more of the bugs, so if that is a huge issue, try and find a place on a hill with no water source nearby.

[Heaveno]

You are so helpful. Thanks!! Now tell me about some of the areas I can seek out that are on the hill. I used to hear old folk from years and years ago speak about the boric acid, and from what I gathered it was working to keep the bugs away. Although these hideous insects are outside mainly during the warm months-do they attempt to take up residence in the homes when the weather begins to turn cold? I can tolerate the fire ant, but the roach is creeping me out. Does anyone use an exterminator who does live by a water supply?

I am not sure if anyone is familiar with the CICADA, but I had to take anxiety meds when they came here to Cincinnati, Ohio about four years ago and I did make it through their swarms, so I think I can make it if I do not have to run into a host of Palmetto bugs chilling on my property. We have to endure the invasion of the CICADAS every 17 years, and I get better each time they arrive.

Is there anyone else who can tell me about the programs you have for youth in the area? I am asking because I would like to do some volunteer work with this population.

[waccamatt]

You can probably find a place away fom a water source in generally any part of town. The Palmetto Bugs will occasionally try to come inside during the spring and summer, but they seem to hibernate during the winter, as I never see them during the colder months. If you don't leave leaves, pine straw or wood chips laying around your home you shouldn't see too many Palmetto Bugs. I hate them, too, but if you keep your doors and windows closed its rare that they come inside.

As far as youth programs there is Big Brothers and Big Sisters and a Boys and Girls Club in Columbia amongst other things so you shouldn't have any problem finding a place to volunteer.

[Heaveno]

Great news to here. I will keep you updated and thanks for providing the youth information.