Originally Posted by moparboy
Having moved to Columbia within the last several months, I'd like to weigh in on this thread.
I moved to here from Rochester, NY, which is a statistically larger metro area, has high crime stats within the city limits (especially violent crime), moderately low unemployment, a highly educated and skilled workforce, etc. On paper, Rochester ranked very high (I think in the top 10), as did Buffalo and some other northern cities. That town has become more education and health care based, albeit with a strong, but gradually shrinking, high tech manufacturing base. Very white collar these days (like Columbia).
Here's what I see in SC, in general, and Columbia, specifically. I see an area that was in a state of flux, if you will, perhaps trying to find itself after Jim Crow, the decline of various industries (mainly textiles), etc. The state has come out smelling like a rose, in my humble opinion. NC got the jump on other parts of the U.S. with the research triangle, years ago. Charlotte and other areas of NC are perking along, too. What I see in SC are several small metro areas, that are more manageable than what I'm used to, yet are experiencing growth I haven't seen in my lifetime. Moderate population and job growth, without being too "sprawl-ish". The character of the people and the area is still there, despite the transplants and retirees which have discovered what a great state SC is.
Columbia has a lot of transients, because of the base, the colleges, etc. That makes the local economy even more diverse. Seems to be job growth outside of the public sector, here, which is a good sign. There seems to be plenty of jobs around here, even though things have slowed a bit in the economy. With everything I've mentioned, I think this state is poised for more growth and an even better economy, for at least another generation.
The same cannot be said for my hometown, or, for that matter, some other regions of the U.S. Excessive taxation, regulations, etc., have caused some northern states to be in a steady downward spiral for the past 50+ years. Other similarly sized metro areas to those here, have had declines in population, which erodes the tax base, and drives successful folks out to places such as SC.
These survey stats can be somewhat deceiving, as it's obvious they don't tell the full story. I know folks who would love to live here, but can't for various reasons/obligations. Other transplants I've run into say some of these cities (Aiken/Columbia/Greenwood/Greenville, etc.) are some of the best kept secrets in the South.
As opposed to other cities, the cost of living here is pretty low. Property/school tax rates are low, comparatively, to other places. Utilities are reasonable. The list goes on, so far as cost of living is concerned.
Quality of life here is outstanding, for those who make the effort to enjoy what Columbia has to offer. My only concern is the city should make itself more pedestrian/bicycle friendly, with more trails and paths for active folks. Seems to be a lot of active people, here. The nightlife is top notch, for a small metro area. This indicates a diverse, albeit somewhat increasingly affluent workforce. The universities and colleges around here ad to this, without a doubt.
In a nutshell, I've fallen in love with SC, and Columbia, specifically. Might migrate towards Upstate, in the future, but I like the Forest Acres/Spring Valley part of Columbia. There are some nice parts of the city, too.
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02-10-2008, 05:28 PM
Camden Vs. Columbia?
I personally love it here. I'm a "yankee" and yes, I love the south and proud to be here. Don't get me wrong, I will always remember my roots but there is so much more here than where I am from that it is really hard to find soemthing negative about Cola. I guess my only gripe...some don't use turn signals and people LOVE to rubberneck near clemson road in the mornings. Oh and who in the heck ever thought of the wonderful idea to have the prisoners out collecting trash on the side of I-20 near Clemson road during the morning rush hour. 
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