Orangeburg living? (Columbia, Charleston, Greenville: neighborhoods, schools, universities)

[go tribe!]

I am mulling over the decision to accept a teaching position in Orangeburg, SC, and need some advice on the area. What is Orangeburg like? What is housing like? Are there good surrounding areas to live/rent in Orangeburg? Any general comments or advice in general is welcomed! I am coming from Ohio.
Thanks

[Nausikaa]

It wouldn't be my favorite place to live or work.

[mpaquette]

Originally Posted by Nausikaa

It wouldn't be my favorite place to live or work.

I'll second that and add that it doesn't seem like a very good place to live.

wltx.com | Police: Man Arrested For Shooting Trooper
wltx.com | Two Shootings, Too Many for Orangeburg Residents

[Akhenaton06]

Since I have firsthand experience living there (it is my original hometown afterall), let me bring a bit of balance to the discussion here.

Orangeburg is an area of about 30,000 people with two historically Black universities which, by and large, drive the city. Recreational opportunities abound in and around the city. However, it suffers from too few retail options (most people drive to Columbia for this, sometimes Charleston) and while everyone tends to get along, it is a bit racially polarized. Crime, while above average, tends to be localized to a few areas. Housing is pretty cheap and there are some pretty nice areas in which to live.

[Tommy1981]

Teachers are in need all over the state. I'd bet you could find a similar position at another school in a more desirable area.

[go tribe!]

I have looked into many other districts throughout SC, but many are reluctant to return phone calls and emails. I know Orangeburg may not be paradise, but I am young and need a start. Where else in SC do you suggest I look?

Also, the previous post mentioned there are nice areas to live -- where are they if I might ask?

Thanks so much for your info!

[Tommy1981]

The major cities in SC include Greenville, Columbia, Charleston, Myrtle Beach and Florence. There are tons of smaller towns that would be in and around these "metro" areas. I would consider any of these places more desireable than Orangeburg (I don't know too much about Orangeburg, but I know these places are very desirable).

With a little information about your preferences we can give you some more speicifc recommendations. Are you looking for a job in a larger school or smaller school? The largest city in SC is Columbia at around 140k. I'd imagine from your user name you're from Cleveland, or at least a fan. Our largest cities wouldn't be as large as Cleveland. You think you'd prefer to be in one of our larger cities or in a more rural area?

[go tribe!]

I would prefer a smaller school setting, but a big school does not discourage me. I live in Columbus, OH but student taught in a relatively large but close-knit suburban school. I want an area that has a lot of opportunity (which I understand is NOT Orangeburg) because I would like my girlfriend to have the opportunity to pursue here career as well (library science degree). In that sense, it sounds like a big city is best. But I don't know...so many big decisions to make.

Orangeburg offers a sign-on bonus and to pay for relocation expenses which is very appealing considering the amount of student debt I have accrued, and because it is the first school that has shown interest, I am eager to take it for fear of not receiving other offers. However, I also do not want to be stuck in a miserable system that I cannot wait to get away from.

[Akhenaton06]

In terms of neighborhoods, the one I like the most in Orangeburg isn't really a neighborhood, but rather a general area. It's on Broughton Street headed away from downtown, between Henley Street and Columbia Road. The areas in and around that general stretch are pretty nice.

[Tommy1981]

Originally Posted by go tribe!

I would prefer a smaller school setting, but a big school does not discourage me. I live in Columbus, OH but student taught in a relatively large but close-knit suburban school. I want an area that has a lot of opportunity (which I understand is NOT Orangeburg) because I would like my girlfriend to have the opportunity to pursue here career as well (library science degree). In that sense, it sounds like a big city is best. But I don't know...so many big decisions to make.

Orangeburg offers a sign-on bonus and to pay for relocation expenses which is very appealing considering the amount of student debt I have accrued, and because it is the first school that has shown interest, I am eager to take it for fear of not receiving other offers. However, I also do not want to be stuck in a miserable system that I cannot wait to get away from.

I guess Orangeburg is a little more desperate to get good teachers, so that may be why they're paying for your relocation. I think the opportunites for your girlfriend would be very limited in a place like Orangeburg. I'd recommend looking for something in or around one of the larger cities: Greenville/Spartanburg, Columbia, or Charleston. All of these metro areas have nearby "towns" that are quickly becoming more like suburbs of these larger cities. For example, Chapin High is a school near Columbia, but its only got 1,100 students. Chapin is one of the further out suburbs, but alot of folks in Chapin commute to Columbia every day.

You can compare school to school with their report card:
School Report Cards - South Carolina Department of Education

Keep in mind the improvement rating is based on a very ambitious goal to get SC schools up to mid-range nationwide in a fairly short period of time. Many of them had good improvement raitings for the first few years, but the aggressive plan is hard for even the best of schools to keep up with, so they'll have an Excellent overall ranking but a below average improvement raiting. Probably still a great school.