Hamilton Mill (Columbia: apartments, lofts, school)

[pinkjets]

I'm relocating to SC from WI to begin grad school at USC and was just recently in the Columbia area to apartment search. I put in an application at Hamilton Mill because I really liked the apartment I saw but when I got back to WI and went to find more info on Hamilton Mill, apartment ratings.com had a very poor review of the complex. I'm wondering if anyone can tell me about Hamilton Mill. According to the reviews on the site it is not a safe place, cars have been stolen, there is mold and flooding in the apartments and sometimes the HVAC doesn't work. Can someone please help me find out if this is accurate before I make a mistake?

[waccamatt]

I'm not familiar with that complex, do you know the address?

[mettler]

In my opinion, I wouldn't live that far out if you are going to Grad School. I'd definitely look closer to the school. I would even consider student housing for a semester until you get to know the area better. Of course, this depends on what kind of activities you like to do outside of school. USC has so much going on in the fall with football etc that it is fun when you are closer to campus or at least the 5-points area and can feasibly walk to the areas. One thing to consider is whether or not you want to have to drive to school. Parking at USC can be difficult.

[pinkjets]

The address is 100 Bryton Trace, Columbia SC 29210

I only had one day to search for apartments and this appeared to be the best apartment as well as the best price. I didn't know what apartments were in walking distance to the school.

[mettler]

you can check on craigslist.org for apts. they usually have the address. You can put the address in google or something to get a map of where it is. There are numerous apts right between Gervais St and Blossom towards the River, which would be a great location.

[waccamatt]

Cornell Arms is an older building that is right across from the USC Horseshoe and rents include utilities, too. The location can't be beat.

[pinkjets]

I just read some reviews about Cornell Arms and that doesn't seem to be much better. Property management seems to be just as poor from what I read. I don't mind driving to school. I'll be in the music building which has a parking lot right behind it and I was told parking wouldn't be a problem. I just want to be in a safe apartment without water problems. Apparently at Hamilton Mill there was a carjacking at gunpoint not all that long ago.

[waccamatt]

I don't know much about Hamilton Mill. There are so many apartment options...the newly converted Olympia Mill and Granby Mill Lofts look cool, Senate Plaza is close to campus, as far as Cornell Arms, I've seen the reviews, but I have a friend that lives there and loves it, Wilshire House, Vista Lofts and Vista Commons are also all close to the School of Music.

[mettler]

whoever told you parking wouldn't be a problem lied..flat out lied. Live closer to campus...your school/columbia experience will be so much better.

[waccamatt]

Originally Posted by mettler

whoever told you parking wouldn't be a problem lied..flat out lied. Live closer to campus...your school/columbia experience will be so much better.

That is excellent advice. I couldn't imagine a college experience without being close to the university and there are plenty of nice places a hop, skip and a jump from campus.