Any help about areas would be great (Columbia, Welcome: for sale, real estate)

[andymy96]

So I've been living in Columbia for a few weeks (company relo in NE) and live in the NE. I'm originally from SE PA and I'm really liking the Columbia area. Everyone is extremely nice and the area seems so far great. I'm starting to do weekend trips looking for areas to live. Shopping aside I'm not a huge fan of the ne. I'm 30, single and looking for a good area to settle. I want to meet people in my age range...maybe even other singles..... The college scene is way too young for me. Am I too old for the Vista area? If I look towards the lake any areas you can suggest? Also I do like to go out so would I be bored near the Lake?

Oh and I hope this goes without saying...safety is another big issue...I want to be able to feel safe where I live.

Any thoughts or even other areas of suggestion would be a huge help. thanks

[waccamatt]

^ Welcome to Columbia, I hope you are finding everything you need so far. If I were in a similar situation I would look in the Five Points or Vista areas where you'll be close to restaurants, nightlife and shopping. As far as the clubs in Five Points, you are probably a little bit past that age, but there are also lots of great restaurants and shops in Five Points. The crowd in the Vista is mostly 30 and up so you would be on the young side, actually, for the Vista. I'm a little older than you and I enjoy both areas. There are apartments and condos close to both areas so that might be a good place to start.

In my opinion I think you would be bored out in the Lake Murray area. Are you looking to rent an apartment or buy? Either way, what price range would you be looking at and I'm sure we could make some recommendations.

[jlboney]

Obviously there are tons of nice areas near the lake, as well as in Northeast. What specifically are you looking for in a community and a home? Is there a specific price range you are attempting to stay in for renting or buying?

[andymy96]

To be honest...I can buy...but think I would be better off (possibly) to get into a shorter lease to make sure I like the area I live in. Hope this makes sense. I'm happy I had the opportunity to live in the NE and see the area but at the same time know it's not for me. I've been to the Vista several times especially the Publix. My only concern is safety at night... Price range for renting...like 1500. Mortgage of course more under like 250k because I know a condo or townhouse would be more appropriate... I really don't want to have to worry about maintenance...being single and all.

[andymy96]

By the way thank you for the welcome waccamatt. I am really enjoying Columbia and I've read other posts from a select few of other Northerners and I do apologized. You make of it what you put in and I have yet to have a bad experience but nor am I looking for it.

[waccamatt]

Originally Posted by andymy96

To be honest...I can buy...but think I would be better off (possibly) to get into a shorter lease to make sure I like the area I live in. Hope this makes sense. I'm happy I had the opportunity to live in the NE and see the area but at the same time know it's not for me. I've been to the Vista several times especially the Publix. My only concern is safety at night... Price range for renting...like 1500. Mortgage of course more under like 250k because I know a condo or townhouse would be more appropriate... I really don't want to have to worry about maintenance...being single and all.

I find the Vista to be safe at night, though you certainly want to stay in a well-lit area. Some apartment possibilities are Vista Lofts on Gervais Street, Vista Commons on Pulaski Street, Renaissance Plaza on Lady Street (I think they have some rentals) and as a wild card, take a look at Whaley's Mill and Granby Mill in Olympia. It isn't walking distance to the heart of the Vista, but they're some cool apartments. There are also apartments available at Canalside now.

[andymy96]

Lets say... I bought in the Vista instead of renting.Do you think it would be hard to sell? I guess I'm also on the fence of buying and renting. I'm thinking renting because than I'll know the area better but I hate throwing money away. The thing I like about where I currently living is the fact it's gated and coming home late at night really isn't a concern because I do travel a lot and fly out Charlotte (usually don't make it in until 2 am) These are my full issues.

By the way waccamatt you should be the official ambassador to Columbia. it truly is a neat area.

[mettler]

I agree with waccamatt.. I own a house in Shandon, tho I am in DC now, and I loved living there. It was awesome. It was like OB beach by San Diego - if you have ever been there. I always ran after work and would sit on my front steps and just watch all the people go by -out running/walking/biking. It is a great neighborhood. And, then you have everything at your disposal; from grocery stores to night life. I plan on being back there one day.
A tid-bit about having to sell. My real estate agent called me Friday at lunch in 2002 (when I bought the house) and told me a house was coming on the market and I needed to go look at it. I went that afternoon, made an offer, Saturday at noon it was mine. I had beat out 5 other offers and the house never had a 'for sale' sign in front of it. Also, it was the third time I had tried to get a house in the Shandon/Rosewook/Melrose Heights area, so I sort of knew what to do. My realtor rocked though. If you need a name let me know. She specializes in those areas.

[waccamatt]

Thanks 96, I appreciate that. As far as buying, I would rent for 6 months in an area of town that appeals to you before buying, especially since you're new to the city. If and when you do buy, keep in mind that the condo market is generally softer than the single family home market. If you're in the type of career that would require frequent moves or a possible sudden move, renting is really not a bad option or if you buy you'd be better off with a house in a popular neighborhood (ie Shandon).

[Brandon Hoffman]

I agree with Waccamatt about the Vista and also go ahead and rent for 6 months since you aren't sure about locations yet. Better to make sure.