Difficulty finding non-student housing (Columbia: rental, neighborhoods, moving to)

[hartstar99]

I feel like I am missing the trick or inside scoop on housing near the downtown Columbia area!

I am moving to the area in two weeks and have yet to secure housing. I have my new supervisor willing to drive by places but they get snatched up a bit faster than I can get to them. I have been perusing Craigslist and many rental companies daily. Are there more helpful websites that I am missing?

To give some background, I am a 30-something female working at USC. My budget is $500-700 and I don't want to be where all of the undergrads are but want a decent neighborhood. I prefer Shandon, Old Shandon, Rosewood, downtown, Melrose Heights, and the like but I know these are also the most desirable areas so I know things are competitive.

If I were to stay somewhere temporarily for a week, do you think driving around the neighborhoods would be better? Any help is very much appreciated right now!

Thanks!

[TXGamecock]

I have had luck both as a lessor and lessee with Cantey & Company (Cantey & Company, Inc.).

[hartstar99]

Originally Posted by TXGamecock

I have had luck both as a lessor and lessee with Cantey & Company (Cantey & Company, Inc.).

Thank you! I had found them before but forgot the name. Good knowing that you have had success with them.