Help with questions about Columbia (transplants, home, university)

[dl1025]

I have been thinking about putting in for a job in Columbia at my work. I currently live in Illinois.

My questions are a little different than most on here. I am 30 years old and recently divorced. Is Columbia a good place for someone single in their late 20's, early 30's? Are their a lot of people in that demographic in the area? I would come in not knowing anyone. Wouldn't really be too concerned about making a love connection, just finding fun people to hang out with.

Anybody that had a similar situation that can shed some light?

I realize their is the University in town, but I don't really relate much to people under 24 anymore....

[mettler]

I can give you a simple way to find out..as cheese-ball as it is. Go to one of the dating sites (match.com etc) or if you are on myspace or something like that, and do a search for single men or woman that fit your preference, and then do the same search for your zip code. Columbia's downtown zip (one of them) is 29205. You can compare results and get an idea. Though, not scientific it will still give you an idea.

MySpace.com - Columbia, SC - 103 - Male - COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA - www.myspace.com/columbia_sc

[andymy96]

I just recently moved here (30, single, woman) and I found a lot of people in the same boat as myself. Same as you, I'm not looking for the love of my life I'm just looking for people to hang out with and have my own life. It has been a little tricky (I'm not going to lie) but at the same time I think I would have the same chances meeting people here as I would anywhere else. I mean meeting people at any age after college isn't exactly the easiest. If you do end up making it down here please feel free to email me. I'll bring you out for a drink...I'll become the unofficial welcoming party for people w/o friends...LOL But yes I have met several people within my demographic mostly from the north and do believe this has been the right move for me.

[waccamatt]

The average age in Columbia (city itself) is like 29 so there should be a good supply of people your age.

[dl1025]

I might take you up on that Andymy96, I probably wouldn't be there for a while.

Anyone else who moved here from somewhere else without a family willing to weigh in on your experiences?

[mettler]

It is important to remember that the nightlife in Columbia really doesn't start until after midnight. If you go out too early all the bars will be empty and you'll think everything is boring.

[waccamatt]

Originally Posted by mettler

It is important to remember that the nightlife in Columbia really doesn't start until after midnight. If you go out too early all the bars will be empty and you'll think everything is boring.

Yes and they also stay open late.

[mettler]

many times have I walked home while the sun was rising..

[dl1025]

I have also read on some of these forums that a lot of people in SC do not like northern transplants. Would it be hard to make friends?
From my experience traveling, I really like the southern culture but want to make sure I don't go somewhere if I am not wanted.

I would probably try to live in the downtown area but for work would be traveling all over the metro and outlying small towns.

[waccamatt]

Originally Posted by dl1025

I have also read on some of these forums that a lot of people in SC do not like northern transplants. Would it be hard to make friends?
From my experience traveling, I really like the southern culture but want to make sure I don't go somewhere if I am not wanted.

I would probably try to live in the downtown area but for work would be traveling all over the metro and outlying small towns.

As a northern transplant myself I can tell you that is generally much ado about nothing. Rural areas would tend to be less accepting of transplants, but it's mostly a non-issue in urban areas.