moving to Columbia area in 08 (West Columbia, Jackson: environment, commercial, schools)

[devilsdcb]

we are coming down on 2-16-08 to look around and need a sum one that will show us around and look at sum house's if they have time

[josephj7677]

Originally Posted by phillybound

there is not even any good vistas, flat as a pancake

It's a lake idiot, it's supposed to be flat. If it weren't, we'd call it a waterfall. Good luck finding "good vistas" in Philly. Maybe you prefer graffiti-covered concrete?

[deibu]

Originally Posted by NancyM

You could spend at least 30k more a yr just living in NJ over other states. I know CA and NY are bad, but NJ has gotten ridiculous. Stats show one needs to make at least 100k a yr here to live like lower middle class.

No doubt. I have friends that lived in NJ for a while and the property taxes were ridiculous. Not being able to pump your own gas is, of course, kinda crazy too!

But, on the other hand, we aren't without our problems here either. Crime is rampant... My car got stolen in 10 seconds when my ex left the keys in it in front of a gas station (yeah, I would have never done that - but that's the way they do it in small-town Pennsylvania!). They didn't do anything about it because 60 cars get stolen in the city limits of Columbia alone each month - not enough manpower to take care of it. Gangs are in schools - my friend who is an 8th grade schoolteacher has to be careful to decorate her classroom not to **** off the blood or the crips.

But, I guess I could say this - even the kids who would rob you blind here, many of them would be ashamed if their grandma knew about it.

I hope you like Southern food though! If not, definitely learn to like it!! Oh, and bring me down some decent deli meats on your way down...

[Jackie2008]

Hi everyone! I'm from PA (45 minutes north of Scranton) and I'm considering a move to the Columbia area this year or early next. I currently work as a news director for a group of radio stations, but, as many know, radio is becoming more and more unstable for a career. I'm looking to go the public relations, corporate communications route. Any good companies/areas anyone knows of in Columbia? I visited the Columbia/Charleston area last year for a few days and had a very pleasant experience. Things were so much more relaxed. As for short tempers, you should drive in a snowstorm with people on your bumper expecting you to go faster because of their impatience. Crime is defintely on the rise, in rural areas, ex., Pike County. It is getting harder each year to make a living in the area I'm from, unless you're in healthcare, a lawyer or know someone. The weather down south is a definite plus ( I wouldn't miss the snow or the snowmobilers that go through my front yard - putting up no trespassing signs do no good) I noticed a few people from the northeast on here - how were your transitions? I have never moved before in my life, so any pointers on moving would be great as well. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

[mustangtiff21]

Originally Posted by Jackie2008

Hi everyone! I'm from PA (45 minutes north of Scranton) and I'm considering a move to the Columbia area this year or early next. I currently work as a news director for a group of radio stations, but, as many know, radio is becoming more and more unstable for a career. I'm looking to go the public relations, corporate communications route. Any good companies/areas anyone knows of in Columbia? I visited the Columbia/Charleston area last year for a few days and had a very pleasant experience. Things were so much more relaxed. As for short tempers, you should drive in a snowstorm with people on your bumper expecting you to go faster because of their impatience. Crime is defintely on the rise, in rural areas, ex., Pike County. It is getting harder each year to make a living in the area I'm from, unless you're in healthcare, a lawyer or know someone. The weather down south is a definite plus ( I wouldn't miss the snow or the snowmobilers that go through my front yard - putting up no trespassing signs do no good) I noticed a few people from the northeast on here - how were your transitions? I have never moved before in my life, so any pointers on moving would be great as well. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Hi Jackie2008. I am originally from NEPA...from an area 45 minutes north of Scranton as well! I was wondering where you are from if you don't mind me asking. I have lived here in SC for almost 3 years now and love it. The economy is much better here as is the taxes, cost of living etc. The job situation is a world of difference too. My transition was good. It was a bit of (good) culture shock at first but I love it here now and wouldn't return to NEPA for anything. I'm 26 now and moved here on my own at only 23 years old. And hey, I dont miss the snow either...well except for the holidays. I miss snow on Christmas day and thats it! :-) If you have any other questions feel free to PM me. And I wish you the best down here...I think you will love it!

Tiffany

[Jackie2008]

Hi Tiffany,

I'm so glad someone wrote back to me and it turns out it is someone from NEPA. I live in the Uniondale area, near Elk Mountain. Where were you from in PA?

Yes, I'm beyond tired of the snow/ice that we have had this past year. I'm a summer person, so I think I would fit in much better in the south.

If you don't mind me asking, what do you do for a living? Do you know of any companies that I mentioned in my post or a job agency of some type that I could help in finding a job? I have a B.A. in Mass Communications with a Minor in History. I do love radio, but, from what I've been reading and hearing, I don't know how stable it would be to continue in that realm. I'm busy cleaning or should I say clearing out my house so I can move. I currently live in the house I grew up (only child and both parents are deceased). So, there is a lot of stuff, between mine and my parents. But, I feel it is time for a change. Actually, I should have made it years ago, but, the radio career came in to play over five years ago and I thought, "great, finally made it". I won't bore you with anything else right now. I'd appreciate any help you could give me. You can also find a post from me on the NEPA message board under the thread "If things are so bad in NEPA........ I felt I had to respond and say what I felt to be true: the area (or the state for that matter) isn't getting any better. A few companies come in drips and drabs, but nothing that you can make a good living at and save for retirement. I had someone tell me, "well, it may take 20 years before things really take off." Guess what? The area or me doesn't have 20 years to wait.

Again, Tiffany, thanks for writing back. I'd appreciate you telling me your journey to S.C.

Jackie 2008

[mustangtiff21]

Originally Posted by Jackie2008

Hi Tiffany,

I'm so glad someone wrote back to me and it turns out it is someone from NEPA. I live in the Uniondale area, near Elk Mountain. Where were you from in PA?

Yes, I'm beyond tired of the snow/ice that we have had this past year. I'm a summer person, so I think I would fit in much better in the south.

If you don't mind me asking, what do you do for a living? Do you know of any companies that I mentioned in my post or a job agency of some type that I could help in finding a job? I have a B.A. in Mass Communications with a Minor in History. I do love radio, but, from what I've been reading and hearing, I don't know how stable it would be to continue in that realm. I'm busy cleaning or should I say clearing out my house so I can move. I currently live in the house I grew up (only child and both parents are deceased). So, there is a lot of stuff, between mine and my parents. But, I feel it is time for a change. Actually, I should have made it years ago, but, the radio career came in to play over five years ago and I thought, "great, finally made it". I won't bore you with anything else right now. I'd appreciate any help you could give me. You can also find a post from me on the NEPA message board under the thread "If things are so bad in NEPA........ I felt I had to respond and say what I felt to be true: the area (or the state for that matter) isn't getting any better. A few companies come in drips and drabs, but nothing that you can make a good living at and save for retirement. I had someone tell me, "well, it may take 20 years before things really take off." Guess what? The area or me doesn't have 20 years to wait.

Again, Tiffany, thanks for writing back. I'd appreciate you telling me your journey to S.C.

Jackie 2008

Hi Jackie! I am originally from Great Bend, born and raised! Wow, how crazy someone else from "back home". I went to Blue Ridge HS. I miss home at times, but when I think hard about it...I only miss my family. Yes, I frequent that form as well and I think I have replied my opinion why so many are leaving NEPA as well. As for your job I am going to give you a few links to the radio stations here incase you haven't seen them. I will ask around for you as well. My husband was born and raised here in SC so he may know of some good places. I personally am a fraud investigator for a government contractor. As for having your degree...just having a four year degree down here you can get far! I'm not finished with mine yet and I can't complain about my job or what I make either. It would be impossible to have this job back home and even with a degree make what I am. My own parents arealso in the process of moving here. My dad is living with my husband and I and Mom and Grandma are on their way.

Also, have you looked at state jobs? Here is the link for that: www.jobs.sc.gov

And some of the radio stations too:Columbia, South Carolina SC - Radio Stations, Radio Jobs
In the above link, there is a Job link next to each one I believe.

Here is the jobs section of that web site. It also gives the link for the job bank, which may have some listings you would be interested in:
South Carolina SC Jobs Directory

Also try Columbia Region job search and jobs posting. Find a high quality employee. Find the perfect job.
This link is for a job website in Columbia as well.

As for taking 20 years for something to happen, I don't blame you an cunce for your feelings on that! I was the same way myself. I just had to get up and go on my own and am glad I did. I watched my dad who worked for International Paper (Anitec) in Binghamton NY get laid off and I promise you, it took him 3 years to find a job. He ended up going to be a cook in a resturant to make ends meet for him and mom. And this is a man who was a Chemist and a supervisior. I will never forget how many people told him he was "over qualified" for a job. He just wanted to work to pay the bills and they wouldnt give him the time of day. Like you said, just not any good paying jobs that are there anymore that you can save for a retirement with. After he got laid off this third time here in August he said no more and came to live here with us after he got a job here with the State.

I hope that some of the links above will help you out in some way. And dont be afraid to message me on here or your more than welcome to email me at jcampbell8@sc.rr.com if you need anything else!

Tiffany

[DianaS]

Hey,
I am DianaS. Columbia is a great city. There is a lot going on. The housing market is fabulous. You won't believe what you get for the price. However, there are so many people moving here from other places that the prices of houses have doubled in 10 years, and now we are beginning to see $500,000 condos, which was completely nonexistent and out of the question just 3 years ago. So if you are coming, you may want to make that decision before years end. I am not from the south. There are some extreme differences. How people relate to each other is very different. People have definite opinions, but they don't really share them. They mask them behind smiles, and compliments they don't really mean. That is why the south has the reputation of being hospitable. It's not hospitality; its pretentious. It is hard to know where you stand. You find out when no one calls or contacts you. However, there are some straight up people who are genuinely nice, and there are a lot of opportunities in your area of expertise. The companies need people, so they don't care where you are from if you can do the job. That is another thing you will find. People should be light years ahead of where they are. That can be to your advantage, because you will move up quicker. There are some wonderful schools, but you have to be selective. Richland district 2 and Lexington district 5 are the best in the columbia area. There is a huge cultural community. You will be surrounded by history. There are lots of events, and famous acts that come through the area as far as entertainment goes. It is very quiet for the most part. There is crime in every city, and Columbia is definitely a city, eventhough it has a small town feel. You can drive for 30 miles and still be in the Columbia area. Overall, I would give Columbia a rating of 8.5 on of scale of 10 with 10 being the highest. Good Luck DianaS

[Jackie2008]

Hi Tiffany,

just wanted to let you know I sent you an email with "Jackie 2008" in the subject line. And thanks DianaS for writing. I appreciate it.

[Airflores]

Hi Tiffany, I too sent you an email...thanks