Future USC student (Columbia, St. Andrews, West Columbia: for sale, apartments, rental)

[statikfred]

I'm separating after serving six years in the military. I'll be attending USC starting in August and I'm wondering if anyone has a good suggestion for an apartment to rent in the local area. I'm hoping to get something decent for less than 700 a month. I've already looked at the Kress apartments and the other Capitol places, but they are pretty small for a lot per month. I'm also willing to drive up to 30 mins each way to USC for the right place. I live out of country for now so I'm unable to view anything in person until May, otherwise I'd already be searching everything in person. Thanks for any advice.

[waccamatt]

I would highly recommend finding a place where you don't have to drive to USC. Being in the middle of the city, parking is at a premium, though you can get a place in a garage. There are many places you can get for under $700 a month. Check out some of the quadraplexes and duplexes close to campus and you'll find bigger places than with Capital Places. The State paper, Craigslist and Free Times Newspaper always have a lot of places on their websites.

[Tommy1981]

Are you looking for a single bedroom place? I'd bet most of the places downtown are geared towards students that typically live in groups of 2.

My wife lived in a place called Quail Hollow in West Columbia, near Lexington Medical Center for several years while she went to USC. They have 1 and 2 BR places that were $600 - 700 a year or so ago. There are also several nice places around the Broad / Greystone area: Tamarind, Hamilton Mills, and Rivergate. All have 1 and 2 BR places and the pricing should be in your price range.

Both Areas would give you a commute to campus in the 10-20 min rage, depending on traffic. 378 is probably more traffic than Broad.

[Brandon Hoffman]

Originally Posted by waccamatt

I would highly recommend finding a place where you don't have to drive to USC. Being in the middle of the city, parking is at a premium, though you can get a place in a garage. There are many places you can get for under $700 a month. Check out some of the quadraplexes and duplexes close to campus and you'll find bigger places than with Capital Places. The State paper, Craigslist and Free Times Newspaper always have a lot of places on their websites.

I second Matt's opinion.
The actual links are:
The State | Homepage
craigslist classifieds: jobs, housing, personals, for sale, services, community, events, forums
Bob Capes Property Management

Don't know the free times website but you can probably google it. If you'll be here four years I'd suggest trying to get a 6 month rental while you learn the area in case you want to move. You may also consider buying at that point because often a mortgage can be cheaper than renting. It's also likely you'll break even when you sell if not make money.
Good luck and welcome to Columbia.

[waccamatt]

Here is the link to Free Times:

Free Times - Columbia's Free Alternative Weekly

[SouthernTide]

If you want to live really close to campus Cornell Arms has pretty decent rent if you don't mind a small space (all utilities included is a plus). If you want to live in a more residential area try Raintree Apartments on Fernandina Road in St. Andrews. They have very reasonable rent and management is very friendly. It is also a short (2 miles) to Harbison Blvd which has a mall, shops, and restaurants, only thing to watch here is leaving Columbia between 4:30 and 6:30 you will hit some traffic at malfunction junction. I would also consider USC's Family/Graduate Housing in Cliff Apartments and Carolina Gardens. They are both on the edge of USC's campus and have very reasonable rent (almost all under 700) with utilities included. The other great thing about them is that they will work with you very well on lease length based on how long you will be in school. I'm not sure of you're situation but there are playgrounds ect. on the premises as well. On campus housing is at a premium but I would contact the housing offices at USC if you are interested. 803-777-4283. Best of Luck!

[CarolinaSouth803]

And actually don't forget about the Garner's Ferry area either....I can't really remember anything on that side, but it's not that far from downtown either...