Researching places to live in SC

[New Wave Carpetbagger]

My parents were retired in Aiken for several years and I worked in Lexington for several years. Aiken has a much larger walkable downtown and real estate is more affordable than in Lexington proper. You can get a nice 3 bedroom house in a safe area in your price range. Camden is also affordable and has a downtown, but that area has declined in the past few years because at least one major employer has recently left. Several of the antique stores and restaurants have closed in the past year. There is land from a failed subdivision that has been for sale since 2009 on one of the main thoroughfares. Nearby Lugoff looks like it is doing somewhat better.

I haven't been there real recently, but the tiny Fairfield County town of Ridgeway has a very small downtown, lots of nice old houses, and rolling hills. It is easy to get to Columbia or almost anywhere else because I-77 is right outside of town.

[palmettogirl44]

This is kind of old but I'm from Camden orginally and it is a nice little town. There is a fine arts center that has plays, etc. Lake Wateree is a paradise. It is hilly so you have the feel like your in the foothills up on the lake. There is a historic revolutionary park and they have various festivals during the year. You also have the horse races in the fall and spring which are fun to attend. You can drive very easily to Columbia for more things to do. Recently, they have added a town green and are working on things to bring more tourism to this great little town. Several really good restaurants downtown like Old Armory Steakhouse and Sam Kendals. The only negative I can think of the place is if you have school aged children. The schools aren't bad but when I went to Camden High they had HS sororities and that is something I don't want for my kids. We are currently trying to decide whether to move back. My husband has a job in the Hartsville area and we are considering living in Camden but the sorority thing is holding me back.

Summerville is also a nice small town close to the beach. Cost of living is much higher in the Charleston area though. This is where we live now.

[Columbiadata]

This is as good a thread as any to put this tidbit in. CNBC lists Columbia at #10 on its list of cities with the most affordable homes.

Cities With the Most Affordable Homes*************** - CNBC

[momneedstoknow]

Lake Carolina for outdoor living!