Northeast Columbia - Magnolia Hall and surrounding area (Clemson, Summit: townhomes, buying)

[mkboy1313]

HI everyone,

First things first - my thanks to everyone on the boards for their advise. I've been scanning for months as I near my relocation to Columbia. My wife and I are looking forward to it, we've met a lot of great people along the way.

We're considering a home in the Magnolia Hall subdivision off of Hardscrabble. It's a great subdivision and near lots of shopping.

What do you think about the area in general? I ask that question because although I have not been there, there appears to be a (how do I say this) "challenging" subdivision close by. From the satalite views I'm a bit shocked by all of the cars in the yards and the general unkept nature of things.

I understand that the NE is growing, and I'm not coming from the world's best place myself. When things change, there is always going to be a mix of classes involved.

Can someone provide some words of encouragement? I really like the area and want to move into a specific house - but I'm getting some last minute jitters about this neighboring community.

Regards to all.

[Brandon Hoffman]

Magnolia Hall is a fine subdivision. You're probably talking about the townhomes across the street or either the Summit which are larger subdivisions. Many people live there and you shouldn't be impacted by them living in Magnolia Hall.

Have you visited and toured the area in person yet or are you doing everything online?

[mkboy1313]

I've visited once - my wife twice. We've been to Columbia only a handful of times - and in my short visit I certainly found some things that attracted me enough to be confident in my choice to move. I'm slightly familiar with the Summit. The area I noted is just to the west of Magnolia Hall, with entrance on Clemson and on Lee.

The fact that nothing jumped out in your comments though is encouraging. I'm sure I'm just being extra paranoid. The move is a big change, and there are sure to be cultural challenges along the way. My goal is to learn and assimilate as best, simply out of respect. Maybe along the way I'll add my own unique flavor to the mix and not my paranoia of the unknown.

The buy is about done so I think I'm just having last minute jitters at discovering an area that appears to be a bit less suburban than I expected. I've never seen a bus in a backyard before nor so many cars! The houses there are nearly a 1/3rd of the price of my new one as well. I never realize how snooty I'd become - but it is what it is.

I think my best course of action is immersion - I just need to find a friend on the over there across the wetlands so I can get over my own nose-in-the-air issues over a nice cold beer.

[Brandon Hoffman]

Oh, I know the area you are talking about and you shouldn't have much to worry about. While that is definitely the good ole boy area near you, mostly it will be easy going people who keep to themselves. While the homes may not be as nicely kept up with they are going to be nice enough, no different than anywhere else: treat them with respect and you'll get it back.

I'm sure you'll be happy with Magnolia Hall as long as you are happy with NE Columbia. So, are you buying this home sight unseen?

[mkboy1313]

No - I have actually been through the home and Magnolia Hall. My wife twice. She's been to the NE three times, but my visit was my one and only so I just hope for the best. I'm sure it will be a fine place to live. I'm pretty easy going and looking forward to exploring more. The house is certainly a nicer home than I ever thought I'd have. One advantage of coming from the Chicago area is the over-inflated home prices here.

[Manuel Gaetan]

For more information go to Magnolia Hall

[jlboney]

I live in Northeast Columbia, and have done so for around 10 years. I can not speak for everyone, but I have personally had no problems here.

[sonofaque86]

Just be prepared for bad traffic on Hardscrabble. I mean it's not Chicago traffic but especially during rush hour it's horrible. That road really needs to be widened into 4 lanes with all the developments