Anyone In Columbia From Ny Nj Or Pa? (transplants, sales)

[justNancy]

Everytime I read posts like these I change my final destination from Greenville to Columbia (and back again!)

I should probably wait until Spring so my body won't go into shock. I mean, I'd have to buy real shoes! (I saved my coat, but it's 20 years old.)

[JERSEYIAN]

Columbia is great, beautiful city I love it and I have adjusted pretty well with no problems.

[mustangtiff21]

Originally Posted by JERSEYIAN

I just met someone from philly and she works in the Sandhills. It seems like there are a lot of people here from PA. Still haven't met anyone from NJ, but in time I'm sure I will. I did see other cars on highway 20 with NY plates. I guess all that talk about NE being here is true.

I am also from NE PA/ Upstate NY area. Moved here 2 1/2 years ago and LOVE IT. Everything is better here...the weather, the economy the people, everything looks nicer and people are in a better mood because it is not sooo cold out and well like I said, the economy is better too. My parents are in the process of moving down here as well. I just went back home for the holiday and can honestly say that other than missing my family...I never want to have to drive the 12 hours back up there, even to visit. The only bad thing I can say about here...is that I miss the good italian food from back home and good pizza! :-)

[waccamatt]

I'm pretty fond of Italian food myself. For pizza, Schiano's, Pop's and Za's have good pizza and for Italian there is Villa Tronco, Garibaldi's, Divino and a lot of other good Italian restaurants.

[JERSEYIAN]

I agree, Columbia is such a great place everything is better here. I really have to try Schiano's, Pop's and Za's for pizza, cause that is the only thing I miss.

[waccamatt]

Schiano's and Pop's are New York style pizza and Za's has more California style pizza. Labrasca's has good cheap pizza with the chianti bottles on the ceiling. Labrasca's also has a cheese salad with italian dressing to die for.

[TShev]

I grew up in Berlin, NJ in between Phila and Atlantic City. I actually went to school with Kelly Ripa from K-12. My claim to fame, lol

[NancyM]

I'm currently living in NJ and relocating to Columbia either end of Jan 08 or end of Feb. I cannot WAIT. Warmer weather, lower cost of living, nicer people, and prettier landscapes. I'm considering renting month to month at Oakwood so I have more time to look at the homes and different surrounding areas (lexington, irmo, lake murray etc) before purchasing. My budget is around 125k. I was down twice already looking at homes and visited Greenville as well.

anyone have info on whether appreciation of homes is greater in Columbia vs Greenville?
By the way, I'm in central NJ, Ocean County.

Also, I am thankful to hear there is NY pizza in Columbia! YES AMEN lol.

[waccamatt]

Nancy, home appreciation is probably pretty similar between Columbia and Greenville, though I don't have any figures. I did see a recent report showing Columbia as one of the top markets for weathering the current housing slump. I'll try to find the link.

[NancyM]

Thanks Waccamatt. I am so anxious to get down to SC I can hardly stand it. I am self employed and have 2 more projects to complete before I can leave. I'm hoping to be living there late February.

Anyone familiar with Cardinal Pines in Lexington? Can anyone tell me anything about them?