Moving to Columbia in 2008. (Camden: real estate, employment, neighborhoods)

[John & Gina]

We are currently stationed in New Mexico and I'm retiring in March 08 from USAF. Gina and I are making plans to move to Columbia, SC. We are in our mid 40's, no kids and will be looking to purchase real estate in the area. Gina would like to live in a small town, with shops within walking distance.

We have never lived in SC, but will be looking forward to making some good friends. At the current time, neither one of us has gained employment in the local area, but I would assume there are many jobs available.

From everyone's posting here, Columbia sounds like a beautiful place to live with the mountains and beaches within 2 hrs driving distance.

Thanks,
J & G

[JERSEYIAN]

Lots of great subdivisions within the city of Columbia. I recommend you pay a visit and see what you like. That is what we did and we saw several different parts of the city that we really liked.

[waccamatt]

For a small town with shops within walking distance you may want to look into Camden or one of the neighborhoods in Columbia. Columbia is a city of neighborhoods, each with its own flair, so you don't necessarily feel like you're in the city. I always suggest finding a job first and then deciding where to live. I see no reason to commute further than necessary and having a point of reference to work around is helpful.

[Brandon Hoffman]

What do you consider walking distance and what price range do you want?