Anyone living in Columbia area from California? (Charleston, Oakland: transplants, how much)

[yanea]

Thinking of relocating to Columbia area. I am originally from San Francisco Bay Area. Was wondering if there were any transplants from my neck of the woods, or any other major cities in California. What are your opinions? Love it hate it?

[herethereandeverywhere]

I'm not from Ca., however, I lived in the San Diego area for 3 yrs. I've been to Columbia a few times and it appears to be a pretty nice city. Most people are friendly, theres a slow pace and it seems to be an up and coming place. It's really not possible to compare it to Ca. but I would say Columbia has a few things going for it including the college town aspect (that is, if you like that), the mostly good weather, and the proximity to the beach/ lovely Charleston.

Good luck!

[Wildflower-222]

Originally Posted by herethereandeverywhere

I'm not from Ca., however, I lived in the San Diego area for 3 yrs. I've been to Columbia a few times and it appears to be a pretty nice city. Most people are friendly, theres a slow pace and it seems to be an up and coming place. It's really not possible to compare it to Ca. but I would say Columbia has a few things going for it including the college town aspect (that is, if you like that), the mostly good weather, and the proximity to the beach/ lovely Charleston.

Good luck!

I lived in Southern California for two years a few years ago. I would agree with the above post - there is really no comparison to the San Fransisco area which is a large cosmopolitan area with a more progressive slant. Columbia is a midsize Southern town which, nice as it is, just does not have the entertainment, shopping, dining or tourist attractions, etc etc that an area as large as SF has.

However, if you are looking for a slower pace of life in the South, and have an open mind for change, Columbia would be a reasonable choice as it is more diverse than other Southern cities its size (being the home to a military base and university.) Several large companies are also based in Columbia bringing people from all over the US here. Most transplants are happy with their choice to move here from more expensive areas of the country. You'll just laugh when people talk about their "long" commute, and you'll be positively overwhelmed at how much house you can buy here compared to SF!

But, sigh, no Del Taco in South Carolina. (:

[waccamatt]

I will reiterate what was stated about the housing - you will be giddy with excitement when you can see what kind of home you can afford.

[mamaingaro]

My family and I relocated to Columbia 7 months ago from Winters. Prior to that we lived in the bay area, (San Leandro, Oakland). There are many things I miss about the bay. The variety of food and people as well as the places we used to frequent.

The southern way of life is totally different than CA. It takes patience and an open mind. Moving across country is not for everyone but if you are looking for a slower pace of life and a lower cost of living this is it. We love southern food and the sweet tea is to die for. The landscape is beautiful- rolling hills and lots of trees, though not a lot of plateaus. The beach is about 1hr 45min from Columbia. In addition, we have found many things to do for a family on a budget especially with kids. I believe Columbia is a very kid friendly place.

Your view of Columbia will be shaped by your motivation to move. We have family here so we've chosen to sink ourselves whole heartedly into South Carolina and this way of life. So far we enjoy it and my husband feels less stress to get ahead here..