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Hello all!
My husband just accepted a job at USC and we will be moving to Columbia from Atlanta in Jan 09. We were looking at Vsion condos in the downtown area in hopes of still living the "city" lifestyle. Any thoughts about condos in the area? These condos are in the pre-construction phase which makes us both a little nervous. Is this a good idea or should we buy a house instead?
I would love to live in Vsion Condos, but there are a number of condo developments going up in downtown Columbia. Before making a decision I would also look at Canalside (on the river), Adesso (immediately next to campus) and the other developments Capital Places (developers of Vsion) has on Main Street. Also ask Capital Places about their new development in the old Columbia main fire station in the Vista and check on the new Five Points South development in Five Points. There are also some new condominiums going up on Pulaski Street in the Vista. I live on the edge of downtown and I've contemplated selling my house and moving into a condo. If I did, any of the above developments would interest me. Do you have a price range in mind and do you have any children?
Seeing as how Main Street is only 2 blocks and Vsion only a 3 block walk to the Vista, I wouldn't take them out of consideration. If he will be working at USC, then Vsion is a short walk to both USC and the Vista so it might work for them. Canalside is in the Vista, but is just as long a walk to the heart of the Vista as the other locations.
Allow me correct myself. I'd look for something in the heart of the Vista. Main Street may be great in 10 or 20 years but right now it is pretty sketchy.
dewfur30 - I shopped all around and chose Vsion when looking for downtown Condo. I live in the Barringer Apartment Building - which Capitol Places developed until Vsion is completed. Although Main Street is not where it needs to be yet (but feel it is more like 3 years away than 10 to 20), this location is closer than most residential properties to the Vista and is really a short walk. I chose Vsion because of the amentities. Addesso has some nice amenties at a much higher price. Canalside is kind of out of the way for me - can't walk to anything and it wood built which I am not a big fan of. JMO
Vsion's location is on Lady Street, along the border of the downtown historic district which contains many of the city's oldest homes and churches. So of course it isn't located in a "24-hour" nightlife district because that's not what that part of downtown is supposed to be. I tend to think of it as the "Old South" part of downtown. When the Garden District (broken link) and the Bull Street development (http://www.dpz.com/project.aspx?Project_Number=507&Project_Name=Bull+ Street - broken link) get underway, you'll see a bit more activity on that side of downtown, but honestly, I like that area the way it is. It gives more of a laid back, "slow down and enjoy your surroundings" kind of vibe.
I appreciate all of the responses to my inquiry. We have definitely looked into some of the other condos, but were not as excited as with Vsion. The amenities package, as well as the urban design really appeals to us.
Unfortunately, the more I thought about buying a condo, the less sense it makes from an investment standpoint. With all of the other condo complexes going up, it seems like it might be really difficult to resell in the future. We are young (mid 20s) and are thinking of having children in 5 years, but wanted to still live the city lifestyle now.
We're also looking for homes in the Shandon area. Devine Street looks like a cute place with alot to do. I'm really excited about the Earthfare, yoga studios, etc. Any advice? Price range is in the 200-250.
You can't go wrong with Shandon; homes consistently appreciate there and there are many places within walking distance. If you can't find a home in Shandon in your price range, try Melrose Heights, which is the next neighborhood north of Shandon (Woodrow, Maple, Fairview, Carlisle north of Millwood Ave).
I appreciate all of the responses to my inquiry. We have definitely looked into some of the other condos, but were not as excited as with Vsion. The amenities package, as well as the urban design really appeals to us.
Unfortunately, the more I thought about buying a condo, the less sense it makes from an investment standpoint. With all of the other condo complexes going up, it seems like it might be really difficult to resell in the future. We are young (mid 20s) and are thinking of having children in 5 years, but wanted to still live the city lifestyle now.
We're also looking for homes in the Shandon area. Devine Street looks like a cute place with alot to do. I'm really excited about the Earthfare, yoga studios, etc. Any advice? Price range is in the 200-250.
Thanks!
Shandon is probably a safer investment standpoint than a condo. I can't tell you that that one condo is better than another condo but I'm comfortable telling historically the single family residence, aka stick built home, has appreciated better than condos. I would suggest taking a look at Canalside too.
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Thanks for the info
