Columbia area vs Greenville area (Charleston, Florence: real estate market, construction, school)

[jstbetonme]

I am a REALTOR looking to move from Florida where are market is off over 50% from 06-07. I am considering the Greenville area or the Columbia area. I have visited both areas and can not make up my mind and would like to read some opinions. Thank you for your honest opinions.

jstbetonme

[Akhenaton06]

What are you looking for in a city? In terms of the real estate market, both cities have performed somewhat similarly historically.

[jstbetonme]

I am looking at summer humidity although Florida's tough. City growth, opinions on real estate companies, lexington vs blythville vs sand hills? kids activities (13 & 8). Anything that can help me make the better move. Where do people go on weekend type trips?
Thanks for your reply
jstbetonme

[waccamatt]

Columbia is 2 hours from the beach and 2 hours from the mountains. Activites here include Lake Murray, Congaree National Park, Saluda River Rapids, Riverbanks Zoo, State Museum, Edventure Children's Museum, Columbia Museum or Art, and other stuff for kids. Columbia is moderately fast growing with a metro population over 700,000.

[gsupstate]

Greenville is at the base of the "Blue Wall" (where the Appalachians start). The suburbs of Greenville spread up into the mountains, 30 minutes from downtown. Outdoor activities abound. Climbing, hiking, camping, exploring the multiple waterfalls, kayaking, mountain biking. Greenville has become the cycling center of the U.S. with the US Pro Cycling Championships ("Superbowl of cycling") held each Labor Day weekend. Golf is big, with several national companies headquarters here (Dunlop Sports, Slazenger, etc). Golf legend Gary Player, just moved himself, his family and his company to Greenville from West Palm Beach.
1 hour to Asheville, NC with all the quaint mountain towns in between (Flat Rock, Saluda, Hendersonville, Brevard, etc). 3 1/2 hours to Myrtle Beach. On the 85 corridor between Chralotte and Atlanta....1 hour 15 to Charlotte, 1 hour 45 to Atlanta. Excellent restaurant scene with over 100 restaurants lined along downtown Main Street and side streets. Chef Tyler Florence is from Greenville and working to open a restaurant here.
Shopping on the up and coming with Whole Foods, soon to open Apple Store, REI, etc.
Four true seasons. Humidity is only a factor during the three summer months. Even in summer months, due to the cooling affects of the mountains, evening temps drop to upper 70's. A hot evening is rare.
45 minutes to Lake Hartwell with numerous marinas. Excellent arts scene with the Governers School for Arts and Humanities located in West End. Peace Center, multiple art museums and construction is underway on a new children's museum, which when complete, will be the largest in the Southeast.

I checked into all SC cities before moving and chose Greenville. Wishing you the best on your decision.

[Surfrider26]

Not to mention the Greenville Drive baseball stadium in the middle of downtown. That was pretty neat and unexpected for me.

Oh yeah, and there were hot girls everywhere. Also unexpected.

[madbbqer]

Greenville, hands down.

Better weather, Better scenery, HOT women, cheaper land, easier access to Atlanta & Charlotte, more economic opportunities.

[Nausikaa]

Originally Posted by madbbqer

Greenville, hands down.

Better weather, Better scenery, HOT women, cheaper land, easier access to Atlanta & Charlotte, more economic opportunities.

Yes, you're right, the weather is MUCH different in Greenville, and quite cool at this time of the year. The scenery is fantastic, with gorgeous mountains all around the city. There is NO traffic. There are interstates to Charlotte and Atlanta - which makes it very unique. The women in Greenville are beautiful, and much better looking than any other southern woman. I believe living in Greenville would be like living in utopia! So go for it, live the good life.

[waccamatt]

Originally Posted by nausikaa

yes, You're Right, The Weather Is Much Different In Greenville, And Quite Cool At This Time Of The Year. The Scenery Is Fantastic, With Gorgeous Mountains All Around The City. There Is No Traffic. There Are Interstates To Charlotte And Atlanta - Which Makes It Very Unique. The Women In Greenville Are Beautiful, And Much Better Looking Than Any Other Southern Woman. I Believe Living In Greenville Would Be Like Living In Utopia! So Go For It, Live The Good Life.

:d:d

[sonofaque86]

Columbia is access to Charlotte and Atlanta as well. Charlotte is only about 75 miles away from Columbia up I-77. Atlanta is probably about 3 hours but we are halfway between the beach AND the mountains. Less than an a hour and a half from Charleston as well.