Info on some neighborhoods PLEASE!!! (Columbia, Hollywood: houses, safe area, primary school)

[heartuvfire]

Hi everyone...I really really really am in need of whatever info big or small you have on any of these neighborhoods.I have a 7yo as well which is why i really need all input here.I have been browsing forums on here which by the way I have enjoyed but havent found too much info on these neighborhoods.I have been going through realator sites endlessly looking for houses in the 50,000-80,000 range and have seen quite a few listed in these neighborhoods/sub-divisions that i will list in a sec.Can anyone please help me a little and give your complete honest opions about them.We are coming to Columbia for the Thanksgiving holiday and plan to stay a few days extra to try and check some neighborhoods out but i know it wont be enough time to get a good solid idea especially since im sure my mother-inlaw will have us all over the place with her .I just want to really maximize my time down there.Ok sorry for this being so long but here is the list.1-Crane Forest 2.College Park 3.Forest Heights 4.Forestwood Estates 5.Hollywood Hills 6.Lincolnshire 7.Starlite I know this is a long list but what seems to be up with the 29203 area? Is this a good area. One last questiong I promise,is there a big difference between Richland district 1 versus district 2? Thank you all for being so patient

[Brandon Hoffman]

It will be tough to find something in your price range that is move in ready and in a safe area but it is possible. Avoid Hollywood Hills for sure.

[heartuvfire]

Hi Brandon....Thank you for replying.Like I said I really appreciate any info.Its ok if we find a house that isnt perfect or move in ready.Dont get me wrong I would love to find one but I know thats expecting a bit much. We actually wouldnt mind finding a house that needs some work just as long as its in a safe area.Another question Brandon,are there any neighborhoods you can reccomend in that price range or even up to like the mid 90s range?

[Brandon Hoffman]

There is a big difference between a 90k home and an 80k home here. 90k will get you a much better home than anything you see below 80k.

[CarolinaSouth803]

Originally Posted by heartuvfire

Hi everyone...I really really really am in need of whatever info big or small you have on any of these neighborhoods.I have a 7yo as well which is why i really need all input here.I have been browsing forums on here which by the way I have enjoyed but havent found too much info on these neighborhoods.I have been going through realator sites endlessly looking for houses in the 50,000-80,000 range and have seen quite a few listed in these neighborhoods/sub-divisions that i will list in a sec.Can anyone please help me a little and give your complete honest opions about them.We are coming to Columbia for the Thanksgiving holiday and plan to stay a few days extra to try and check some neighborhoods out but i know it wont be enough time to get a good solid idea especially since im sure my mother-inlaw will have us all over the place with her .I just want to really maximize my time down there.Ok sorry for this being so long but here is the list.1-Crane Forest 2.College Park 3.Forest Heights 4.Forestwood Estates 5.Hollywood Hills 6.Lincolnshire 7.Starlite I know this is a long list but what seems to be up with the 29203 area? Is this a good area. One last questiong I promise,is there a big difference between Richland district 1 versus district 2? Thank you all for being so patient

To be honest with you.....Richland 1 overall vs Richland 2 overall is like apples compared to oranges. It's basically city schools versus county schools....it's not secret in the area that out of all the districts, Richland 1 is the one that lags behind unfortunately. But with the remodeling or rebuilding of all the schools in both districts, you won't find them run down anymore.

The neighborhood's that i put in bold print above are the ones i'd say stay weary of. When i was younger the whole area from Montecello Rd, Fairfield Rd and North Main Rd were all bad. I will admit that it isn't as bad as it use to be, but it's still a little rough. But from what i've noticed in those areas...it's more of a "Don't mess with me and i won't mess with you" type of vibe. But i do know that Crane Forest and Forest Heights are right next to each other. Hollywood Hills and Lincolnshire aren't too far from each other either....but B.H. was right...don't mess with Hollywood Hills....and i would add Starlite or anything on Highway 48....

If I had to choose from the area's that you listed interest in above...i would go more toward the "Forestwood Estates" area. I think that area is zoned for Richland 2 [Joesph Keels Elementary isn't a bad primary school....i went there and turned out good..as did most of my cousins, my brothers and friends]. I think this is an area near a Home Depot and IHop off of Two Notch.....if it isn't....i don't know where it is....lol...

If i can think of some other areas, then i'll let you know...if u think of any other area's...let us know....

[heartuvfire]

Hello Carolina.......I first really want to thank you for your input and advice on my post. My head seems to be spinning a little less now.We actually will have 6 days (excluding Thanksgiving and the day after) to try and get as many houses/neighborhoods to peak at so im glad you gave me a heads up on the above mentioned neighborhoods,thank you again for that.Im getting so excited!!!! Thank you also for the info on the schools.That will also play a big part in our decision.If you can think of anything else please please keep me posted and again thank you.

Melissa