Columbia - Lexington area (Charleston, Greenville: private schools, taxes, restaurants)

[needachange]

My husband is considering a job in Columbia. I've read info on the computer, but would like more. Please tell me about the area i.e. weather, schools, activities.

We have three children so schools are very important to us.

Thank you

[sharkiejones]

I just saw a special on 20/20 that says SC schools are at the bottom in rank in the nation. However they went on to say that private schools have a much better national ranking.

[southernnative]

Don't forget that the rankings are based on averages. It is definitely possible to get a first-rate education in South Carolina, even in public schools.

[Moto]

Columbia is kinda hot and humid in late summer, but makes up for it with mild winters. December and January are the coldest months. Being in the geographical center of the state, it's two hours from the beach or the Blue Ridge imountains. There are some excellent schools and there are some less so. Public schools in SC are (unfortunately) funded individually by local taxes, so the economics of a district is directly proportional to the prosperity of the area. Columbia is not a huge city, but there is a lot of sprawl. Property values have risen quckly in the last couple years, just like everywhere else.

[Akhenaton06]

Originally Posted by sharkiejones

I just saw a special on 20/20 that says SC schools are at the bottom in rank in the nation. However they went on to say that private schools have a much better national ranking.

All things accounted for (when you look beneath the surface of such rankings), SC's public school system, while not perfect by any means, is not as abysmal as it is often made out to be. Our rural schools are very disadvantaged, and this does need to be addressed. However, the larger cities afford a much more quality education.

[Micah Hall]

Columbia is a decent town and is getting nicer. It seems that the city is starting to put a bit more effort into being desirable. It doesn't yet compare with the Greenville area or the Charleston area as far as things to do, aesthetics, etc., but they are not sitting idle. Schools are ok there, but there are better districts in the state. If you do go there, Richland County is a pretty good district, in the Charleston area Dorchester 2 is great, and there are a lot of great districts in and around Greenville/Spartanburg.

[salatheel]

I think Columbia has a lot to offer including a great location,great restaurants,excellent housing values,and many good schools.

[Akhenaton06]

I think Columbia has just as much, if not more, to offer than the Greenville area and doesn't do so bad when compared with Charleston either, all things considered. Because it is the state capital, it will have amenities that are associated with that. Check out Columbia's Wikipedia page; it gives a pretty comprehensive summary of the city.

[salatheel]

Also I like that Columbia like Charleston has that tropical feel you don't get in the upstate. Love to see those palm trees!

[Moto]

Columbia's downtown area has to improve a good bit to equal Greenville's. For a long time, the capitol city boasted few good restaurants, but that is changing, albeit slowly.