Relocation--Columbia Help!! (Greenville, Irmo, Forest Acres: transplants, house, neighborhoods)

[boston323]

We are a couple from Boston...
Thinking about moving to Columbia,SC.

Can anyone offer any suggestion?

Also we are hunting for a house in the area?

For us, the most imporant thing is "how friendly of the people"?

And is that Columbia has a large pp of illgal immigrate?
We would like to live in an area with people speak ENGLISH...
Cuz in some areas of the country, you dont think you still live in Amercia

Many thanks for any info!

[tony123]

Don't know much about Columbia. Have you considered Greenville? In my opinion, it's got more going for it than Columbia.

[anonymous]

boston323,
I lived in Columbia for 5 years, and grew up nearby. Just like anywhere, it has its ups and downs. I saw in another post that you live in Greensboro, NC. Columbia isn't nearly as nice a place to live as G'boro, but it has a lot more to do.

In response to tony123, I would compare Greenville, SC and Greensboro, NC as being very, very similar. Both (for various reasons) are better places to live than Columbia. However both are boring compared to Columbia, IMO.

Considering that it's a southern city, Columbia has a fairly large immigrant population. Mostly around the university (downtown) there are a fair amount of Asians and Europeans. I notice that you seem to have issues with Hispanics, though, so I'm betting you aren't talking about immigrants. You are talking about illegal immigrants. For what it's worth, I think Columbia and Greensboro are similar in that respect. Charlotte seems to be the local hub for illegal immigrants.

Coming from the northeast, I think you'll find the people to be very friendly. But it depends a lot on you, so there is no way to tell for certain. I'd be happy to offer any other suggestions, but I don't really understand what you are looking for.

[scjj]

You might want to reconsider moving to the South then. The South and the West have the highest concentration of hispanics in the country and only getting larger. There are very few places these days that you can go in the South without hearing Spanish being spoken somewhere, even in the affluent areas.

P.S. Your English skills could also use some improvement.

[boston323]

Originally Posted by scjj

You might want to reconsider moving to the South then. The South and the West have the highest concentration of hispanics in the country and only getting larger. There are very few places these days that you can go in the South without hearing Spanish being spoken somewhere, even in the affluent areas.

P.S. Your English skills could also use some improvement.

I arrived US since Jan 2006, only few months. Originally from Asia.
Yea, i Know my English skill isn't that great! Compare with someone who was born in this country!

At least, I am trying... I m from another land , and I don't have problem speak or willing imporve my English
But whats wrong with the Spanish illgals??

1st they are law breaker! 2nd they don't care about this country!


I have no problem with people come to here legally! So as myself, I've waited in line for 3 years.

If this is the problem in the SOUTH so called...Then the people really need a WAKE UP CALL.

hmm...

BTW, Thanks for your Encouragement！:-/

[scjj]

boston323, I applaud your effort to conform, I wish others would be so willing. Like you said, at least you are trying. Hope I didn't offend you. Welcome to our country and good luck on finding a home to settle in.

[friendnc]

boston323, I highly respect you for working so hard to become a good citizen. You're a great example of what all of us want in immigrants who want to come here, regardless of race or nationality. You would be more than welcomed here. Just keep in mind we don't mind at all that Hispanics come to our country. It's the illeagal way some come here that's troubling so many Americans. Good luck in your search!!!

[Akhenaton06]

Northeast Columbia seems to be where a lot of Northern transplants settle down and is arguably the fastest growing part of the Columbia area.

[bacoker]

You might consider the Northeast area where you will find good schools, great shopping, well-priced homes and lots of traffic. If you are looking for the typical Columbia family as your neighbor, you might consider the North Trenholm area where homes were built in the 1950's. Shopping is very good and there are many churches. The Irmo area of Lexington County is also an area of high growth. You will find good schools, a variety of neighborhoods in all price points, good, active churches and lots of traffic. Up closer to Lake Murray in Lexington County you will find tremendous growth but the cost of a home goes up as you get closer to the lake. The Shandon area near Five Points is graceful, older homes typical of the old South. Some are being purchased by newer families and some have been occupied by the same families since the 1930's and 1940's. It is beautiful in that area when the azaleas bloom in the spring. Columbia is served by a network of interstate highways 1-20, I-26, I-77 help you to get from one side of the city to the other. In recent years an area called the Vista has been developed near the Congaree River. Young families and college students are attracted to that area. You will find a wonderful art museum, museum of history, Little Theater productions, concerts , the Riverbanks zoo, and university sponsored activities. Best wishes to you!

[spartyon]

I have lived in the Columbia area for 6 years. If you are a young couple, I would recommend living in the Shandon, Rosewood, Forest Acres area. Columbia is a great city. The University of South Carolina is here and keeps people very busy with all the sports. You are in Charelston in an hour and a half and the mountains in two. The cost of living in every aspect is great here. I might be moving soon due to a job and I'm extremel sad about this potential move. I highly recommend Columbia. If you visit check out the vista and five points.