Northeast Columbia (Dentsville, Forest Acres: gated, apartment complex, work)

[Solich2]

How is the area around Dent Middle School? Is Dent Middle a good school? Also how is the area on Parklane Ave? I went to visit Greenbrier apartments but I wanted to get a good hold on the neighborhood. Are these areas where gang problems are common? I really like Columbia but I want to make sure that I am in an area that is safe.

[Solich2]

Does anybody have any information about this?

[waccamatt]

The area around Dent Middle is pretty good as are the apartments on Parklane. You are going to see a more transient population in apartment complexes, however, than you will see in areas with home ownership, but I haven't heard of any problems in that area.

[Noire]

Don't move to Gable Hill or Parklane apartments. Greenbrier apartments, last I knew were so-so. Go to apartmentratings.com and see if you find more info there.

[Solich2]

What makes parklane and gable hill bad?

[Solich2]

Also what would the best apartments be that are close to Dent Middle School, like within a 20 min drive.

[waccamatt]

Originally Posted by Solich2

Also what would the best apartments be that are close to Dent Middle School, like within a 20 min drive.

With traffic in Columbia not being too bad, that allows you access to half the city. I assumed you were going to have a child going to Dent, but it sounds more like you'll be working there. You have so many better options for areas to live in if you're willing to drive up to 20 minutes. What other amenities do you like in a neighborhood?

[Solich2]

I just graduated from college so really what I am looking for is a decent apartment but primarily I want a safe neighborhood. But I dont want to pay anymore than $700 or a little above that.

[waccamatt]

Solich, what else do you like to be close to? Theatre, dining out, sport, etc? There are plenty of apartments you can find in Columbia for under $700 a month.

[pagestyle]

The Northeast area around Decker Blvd is and has been going down hill for a long time. I grew up over there and attended Spring Valley and Northeast High schools. There are more gangs in that area now, and it would not be considered one of the safer areas of Columbia. Yes, my parents still live off Decker Blvd so I can say all of this with some knowledge base. Columbia Mall is a shining example. All of the businesses have moved to either Columbiana or Sand Hills. The apartments in that area are some of the lower priced in the Columbia area and they are abundant. If you go up Trenholm road toward Forest Acres they are a little more expensive and somewhat safer. 20 years ago the apartments in that area had problems, now they are more prevelant. There are a couple of gated communities that are more expensive but probably worth it if you really want to live in the Dentsville area.

These are not the things most people want to hear, but they are the reality.