questions about Columbia and USC (St. Andrews, West Columbia: house, neighborhoods, university)

[poohki]

My son is interested in attending USC, so my hubby and I are thinking about relocating. Can anyone point me in the direction of a great place to start looking for a house. We would love a neighborhood that is not too college oriented but at the same time, close to the university. Something quiet, with shopping and restaurants nearby. Any suggestions would be very helpful. Thanks..........

[waccamatt]

Do you have a price range in mind? Shandon and Melrose Heights are the first two neighborhoods I have in mind. Melrose would have prices in the $200,000 to $400,000 range and Shandon in the $250,000 to $600,000 range. There are other neighborhoods nearby on either side of those, price-wise.

[poohki]

Thanks for your response. We are thinking about something under 200K. We were hoping to get about 15-20 minutes from the University. Possibly a neighborhood with a little land? Thanks again..............

[anonymous]

I'd look in Forest Acres, Rosewood, Cayce, or West Columbia.

[Brandon Hoffman]

Your best bet then would probably be in the West Columbia area. You could find a larger yard and under 200k, yet still be within 15 minutes of USC. Plenty of choices without a detailed description of a home.

[waccamatt]

You could also probably find something in the St. Andrews area in that price range. I live in the Earlewood Park/Eau Claire vicinity and there are plenty of homes around here with 1/4 to 1/3 acre lots for under $200,000. In fact the house next to mine is selling for $139,900.

[Armisted]

Waccamatt how would you consider Earlewood/Eau Claire? I lived in Elmwood close to there and dealt with some theft. Do you like it? Any crime? I've notice home prices there are very reasonable. Is this due to the area being somewhat transitional?

[waccamatt]

Armisted, I've lived here for 6 1/2 years and I had a broken window earlier this year, but that's it. You could call the area a bit transitional, but I like it here. I feel safe in the neighborhood and I've got good neighbors.

[Armisted]

Have you seen a lot of improvement in your 6 1/2 years? I moved out of Elmwood about 6 years ago. Any young families moving into the area?

[waccamatt]

Originally Posted by Armisted

Have you seen a lot of improvement in your 6 1/2 years? I moved out of Elmwood about 6 years ago. Any young families moving into the area?

There are some families in the area, but this isn't really the area for that. There are a lot of singles and retired people here.