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Lots of Lexingtonians think the word "city" is an abomination. They voted to keep their "Town of Lexington" name years ago. Many of them love to let you know they have no reason to come to downtown Columbia. Throw in the political differences and the perception many of them have that the Richland side of the river is black and their side is white, and there you have it - a split metro.
Yeah, and the reverse is true as well. Many Columbians and Richlanders frequently joke, "I don't cross the river." The east side of the Congaree is seen as educated and progressive and the west side is seen as redneck and backwards. A lot of that is in jest, but there are some actual beliefs behind the joke. One example would be how Richland County long ago ended Blue Laws, whereas Lexington County did so only recently (and begrudgingly). Columbiana Centre being half open and half closed at noon on Sunday was a physical embodiment of this. I have some major qualms with how Richland County is governed, but I nevertheless feel more at home here politically than I would in Lexington (eg, despite the corruption scandal surrounding the penny transit tax, I still support the cause and am glad it passed).
Yeah, and the reverse is true as well. Many Columbians and Richlanders frequently joke, "I don't cross the river." The east side of the Congaree is seen as educated and progressive and the west side is seen as redneck and backwards. A lot of that is in jest, but there are some actual beliefs behind the joke. One example would be how Richland County long ago ended Blue Laws, whereas Lexington County did so only recently (and begrudgingly). Columbiana Centre being half open and half closed at noon on Sunday was a physical embodiment of this. I have some major qualms with how Richland County is governed, but I nevertheless feel more at home here politically than I would in Lexington (eg, despite the corruption scandal surrounding the penny transit tax, I still support the cause and am glad it passed).
Right. Lexington does have lower taxes and probably "lower" corruption concerning gov financial matters, but I also feel more at home in the one of only two counties in the state whose republicans didn't vote for Trump. Low taxes can be overrated too although let's be honest id never want to pay what they pay up North.
Right. Lexington does have lower taxes and probably "lower" corruption concerning gov financial matters, but I also feel more at home in the one of only two counties in the state whose republicans didn't vote for Trump. Low taxes can be overrated too although let's be honest id never want to pay what they pay up North.
I don't know about "lower" corruption. Rep. Jake Knotts I believe had some issues along with former Sheriff Metts. I think both sides of the river have their share of Political Scandals. That said, I also believe there is an urban vs rural, racial, and poltical divide between the two areas as well. I know many folks that have fled NE Richland County because it was becoming "too diverse" and some African Americans that only venture into Lexington County to fly out of CAE or to go to Columbiana Center so there are some REAL divides in terms of opinions/beliefs in the Midlands. I think Lexington even scale back its contribution to the COMET Bus services which has resulted in very limited service in sections of the urbanized County.
Lots of Lexingtonians think the word "city" is an abomination. They voted to keep their "Town of Lexington" name years ago. Many of them love to let you know they have no reason to come to downtown Columbia. Throw in the political differences and the perception many of them have that the Richland side of the river is black and their side is white, and there you have it - a split metro.
There is a difference between the two counties no doubt and many of the leaders in Lexington still have that view but the bulk of Lexington's population are transplants and newcomers who don't necessarily buy into these perceptions and look at Lexington as a suburb, which it has become.
Certain perceptions are still very true because they are different places. Its like saying Alpharetta and Atlanta, anyone from Alpharetta distances themselves from Atlanta but are well aware they are a suburb and most work in Atlanta. Same thing applies for Lexington and Irmo vs Columbia.
I was watching a CNN segment during the GOP Primaries here and they were talking about the landscape of SC and how it will play a role in the election. They described Lexington County as consisting of the "affluent suburbs of Columbia along the shores of Lake Murray." Thats what Lexington County is more known for nowadays and has been for a long time. Its more conservative just like any other affluent southern suburbs, but I think that is the new point of "competition" between Richland and Lexington Counties. Richlanders and Columbians dont want to admit this I dont think.
There is a difference between the two counties no doubt and many of the leaders in Lexington still have that view but the bulk of Lexington's population are transplants and newcomers who don't necessarily buy into these perceptions and look at Lexington as a suburb, which it has become.
Certain perceptions are still very true because they are different places. Its like saying Alpharetta and Atlanta, anyone from Alpharetta distances themselves from Atlanta but are well aware they are a suburb and most work in Atlanta. Same thing applies for Lexington and Irmo vs Columbia.
I was watching a CNN segment during the GOP Primaries here and they were talking about the landscape of SC and how it will play a role in the election. They described Lexington County as consisting of the "affluent suburbs of Columbia along the shores of Lake Murray." Thats what Lexington County is more known for nowadays and has been for a long time. Its more conservative just like any other affluent southern suburbs, but I think that is the new point of "competition" between Richland and Lexington Counties. Richlanders and Columbians dont want to admit this I dont think.
Very true.. aren't the Braves moving to Gwinnett County? Suburbs, especially as they age, are being retrofitted to become more "urban" with town centers and what not.
There are even two Lexingtons... Lake...ington and Trailer...ington.. Both are Conservative and typically Republican...one hangs at the Country Club..the other the Strip Club thus may not interact with each other on a regular basis..except at the Polls
Yeah, and the reverse is true as well. Many Columbians and Richlanders frequently joke, "I don't cross the river."
True, but what reason would they have to, except to visit the zoo? Lexington County is plain suburbia and there's enough of it in Richland County itself.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Woodlands
Very true.. aren't the Braves moving to Gwinnett County? Suburbs, especially as they age, are being retrofitted to become more "urban" with town centers and what not.
Very true.. aren't the Braves moving to Gwinnett County? Suburbs, especially as they age, are being retrofitted to become more "urban" with town centers and what not.
There are even two Lexingtons... Lake...ington and Trailer...ington.. Both are Conservative and typically Republican...one hangs at the Country Club..the other the Strip Club thus may not interact with each other on a regular basis..except at the Polls
You're right, I-20 is pretty much the great divide in Lexington, everything south is the trailer-hood. It might as well be two totally different counties honestly. Maybe when Irmo was trying to create its own county a few years ago Lexington should have jumped on board with that lol
You're right, I-20 is pretty much the great divide in Lexington, everything south is the trailer-hood. It might as well be two totally different counties honestly. Maybe when Irmo was trying to create its own county a few years ago Lexington should have jumped on board with that lol
It may still happen....if Trump is denied the GOP nomination in Cleveland. The ripple effect could turn I 20 into the san andreas fault and viola
It may still happen....if Trump is denied the GOP nomination in Cleveland. The ripple effect could turn I 20 into the san andreas fault and viola
Lol as an Irmo native and where my parents still live, Id be completely okay if lower Lexington County decided to break off and form Swansea County or White Knoll County or something.
You're right, I-20 is pretty much the great divide in Lexington, everything south is the trailer-hood. It might as well be two totally different counties honestly. Maybe when Irmo was trying to create its own county a few years ago Lexington should have jumped on board with that lol
As someone who lived in a household and a neighborhood south of I-20 with An average household income much greater than the county average of almost $60k. I'd say your blanket statement is false. I come from directly south of I-20 and attended White Knoll Schools. I'm rather well educated and so are many people in the area that I live. Please keep your assumptions to yourself if they're not based on anything but a look from the outside in. I'd say below Old Barnwell would be a better line to draw, but even then many homes in the Red Bank area are being built from the 200k-300k range which is not exactly the trailer-hood. Just my redneck opinion from south of I-20 y'all....
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