empty nesters in Blythewood (Columbia, Charleston: homes, neighborhoods, schools)

[gamecockmom]

My husband and I are considering a move to the Blythewood area. Our 2 youngest children are in college so schools are not a consideration except for possible relocation down the road. We like the Columbia area, since we have had 2 children at USC and have become gamecock fans. We have been looking in that area since he travels, and that area would give us access to the Charlotte airport better than living in the Lake Murray area. We recently visited Lake Carolina and Longcreek Plantation and liked both but are wondering about the demographics of both, and activities. We don't want to be in an area where the residents are primarily young families. Are there nice restaurants in the area without having to go into downtown Columbia? We are wondering what kinds of activies there are which can also be a means of meeting couples our ages. My husband is a golfer. We were wondering about the country clubs in the area. Do they have an active social calendar which would enable us to meet people, or are the any better places in the area which would be better than these two, but still close to the Columbia and Charlotte.

[josephj7677]

Originally Posted by gamecockmom

My husband and I are considering a move to the Blythewood area. Our 2 youngest children are in college so schools are not a consideration except for possible relocation down the road. We like the Columbia area, since we have had 2 children at USC and have become gamecock fans. We have been looking in that area since he travels, and that area would give us access to the Charlotte airport better than living in the Lake Murray area. We recently visited Lake Carolina and Longcreek Plantation and liked both but are wondering about the demographics of both, and activities. We don't want to be in an area where the residents are primarily young families. Are there nice restaurants in the area without having to go into downtown Columbia? We are wondering what kinds of activies there are which can also be a means of meeting couples our ages. My husband is a golfer. We were wondering about the country clubs in the area. Do they have an active social calendar which would enable us to meet people, or are the any better places in the area which would be better than these two, but still close to the Columbia and Charlotte.

Short answer is that you are looking in the right area. Lake Carolina and Longcreek Plantation are large neighborhoods and there will be kids but they are definately not starter homes where everyone will have young children.

There are several good public and private golf courses in the area (since I've had kids I haven't played in awhile and can't give an accurate recommendation).

As far as restaurants go, it depends on what you consider "nice". If you are used to large city, famous chef type places, then you'll have to go to Charleston, Atlanta or Charlotte. There are several good places in downtown Columbia and OK places in Blythewood.

[waccamatt]

Gamecockmom; you'll need to come into town for the best restaurants, but there are some good places out in the northeast part of town. Santorini Grill, Solstice and Al Amir are all places I can recommend in NE Columbia.