Transferring to USC (Forest Acres, Hampton: apartment, home, live in)

[cbakerlmt]

I live in one of the richest neighborhoods in Dallas and won't even jog at night. I watch "Without a Trace." No thank you. Daytime jogger for sure; esp. when the sun comes up. If anyone knows a great apartment locater source that would help me fine tune what exactly I am looking for, that would be great.
How far is Lake Murray from USC? Brandon, do you have any specifics in mind?
What area is better; East or West?
Where do most "older" students tend to like better in the area? Keep your ear out for me...hugs

[waccamatt]

Lake Murray is about 15 miles from USC, which would equate to about a half hour commute during rush hour - not insurmountable, but a factor. Keep in mind, also, that there are not jogging trails, etc. around Lake Murray as the lake is almost fully developed with residences. There are parks at each end of the Lake Murray Dam, however, and Saluda Shoals Park is not far away. As far as jogging, walking, etc. by the water, though, I'd have to recommend living near the rivers and using the Greenway, but that is just my opinion, for what it's worth.

Here is a map of the Greenway and some pictures of the Riverfront Park portion.

[cbakerlmt]

Well the pictures definitely help out..looks serene I read reviews about Columbia Lakes and how beautiful the apartments are. How far are they? The upkeep on them look great. Some people are saying that living too close to USC is loud and people tend to steal your stuff...yikes..is this true?

[waccamatt]

Originally Posted by cbakerlmt

Well the pictures definitely help out..looks serene I read reviews about Columbia Lakes and how beautiful the apartments are. How far are they? The upkeep on them look great. Some people are saying that living too close to USC is loud and people tend to steal your stuff...yikes..is this true?

I think they were referring probably to areas like Greene Street that are immediately adjacent to campus. There are plenty of nice neighborhoods surrounding the University where you don't have problems like that. Lake Murray is the big lake (500+ miles of shoreline) in the Columbia area, but there are many smaller lakes, too. Most of the lakes are surrounded by residences, however, and I thought your goal was to want trails, etc. for walking, biking and running, which is why I suggested living near one of the rivers. Lake Murray does have some condo's and apartments on the lake and some of the other small lakes do, too. I know Windsor Lake Apartments in Northeast Columbia is on a lake and is convenient to the interstates. It is about 10 miles from USC.

[cbakerlmt]

Oh no I'm totally with you. The Riverwalk is something I will definitely look into for sure. I was just keeping my options open, so when I get there I can be better prepared. I was just reading about Columbia Lakes Apartments, but can't find it on the map so I wasn't sure exactly where they were. 10 minutes isn't bad at all. My commute now is 25 minutes and I'm use to traffic so thats ok. I am just looking at all my options; usually if there is a lake close by there is a trail too. Thanks for your help.

[waccamatt]

What is the address for Columbia Lakes Apts; I'm thinking they could possibly be Columbiana Lakes Apts.

[cbakerlmt]

You are right, my mistake. Yeah, Columbiana Lakes and the two Windsor Lakes apartments all look good. I feel better now that you have helped me with pictures and ideas. I will be in contact with an apartment locater when I get closer to having to move. Thanks so much for your help. I really need to come tour at some point.
Where would be a good place to stay for a weekend in Columbia so I can tour the Riverwalk, school, and surrounding areas? A hotel downtown? Is there a nice one people seem to enjoy staying at with spa amenities?

[CarolinaSouth803]

Well living at Columbiana Lakes would mean you are living on the Northwest area of the Columbia area....If i remember correctly that complex is right down the street [almost a mile] from Columbiana Center [a mall] in the Harbison Blvd area [shopping area with 2 movie theaters and numerous restaurants]. And actually it's a small lake in the area off of Woodcross drive [next to a Hampton Inn]...that has a trail around it that you could walk around...i've done that numerous times.

The Windsor Lake area is nice too...

As far as staying somewhere convient to the Riverwalk...the closest [within walking distance] would be the Comfort Inn and Suites on the corner of Huger and Taylor streets. The river walk is not even a half of mile from there and it's not too far from the school. But the Courtyard by Marriott would be the closest to USC. Both of these hotels are close to I-126 that would get you to the NW area quickly....and not a hard drive to I-277 that can get you going toward the NE area [where Windsor Lakes is].

I know Logan's Raye is downtown in the vista...and i'm pretty sure with the new Sheraton opening later this year/early next year there will be a spa included in there. Other spa's in the area [not downtown] would be Hope's Day Spa, Nirvana, Tonic and etc....

I hope that helps out....

[waccamatt]

Originally Posted by cbakerlmt

You are right, my mistake. Yeah, Columbiana Lakes and the two Windsor Lakes apartments all look good. I feel better now that you have helped me with pictures and ideas. I will be in contact with an apartment locater when I get closer to having to move. Thanks so much for your help. I really need to come tour at some point.
Where would be a good place to stay for a weekend in Columbia so I can tour the Riverwalk, school, and surrounding areas? A hotel downtown? Is there a nice one people seem to enjoy staying at with spa amenities?

I'd definitely stay in The Vista at either the Hilton or the Hampton Inn. There are several spas in The Vista area and the Hilton may have one of their own, too. You're only about 6 blocks from the river there and there's a lot of shopping, restaurants and bars.

[cbakerlmt]

Sounds great. All of that information was helpful. Thanks so much. I will definitely make some calls and get some things set up. I feel like I have a heads up now..yay. I received my Columbia guide in the mail too, so I will be flipping through it as well. Thanks again. Looking forward to my journey.