columbia, sc (Irmo, Lexington, York: theater, best schools, college)

[nc2007]

Can anyone tell me about Columbia, SC? Is it a liberal city? Is there lots to do there?

Thanks,

[Northsouth]

Liberal? Probably not to your standards. After all, it is the South. I don't know a whole lot about the social scene but I'm sure there are plenty of things to do since it is the capitol. I can speak of the weather and schools since my mother lived there for a while. The schools are the best in the state and the weather is hot and humid in the summer and not much to say about winter except that it does get cold but not too cold. If you are looking for 4 distinct seasons, then you will find it here. Hope that helps some...maybe you will get replies from some Columbians.

[GoPadge]

It's more liberal than a lot of South Carolina, it is the Capitol of the state, so state government is an influence on the city. Also the Univeristy of South Carolina is in Columbia, and it is at its heart a Liberal Arts college, though they do have several technical degrees. While there are things to do such as, ballet, arts, theater, museums and music, it will never compete with major metropolitian cities like New York for shear numbers or variety.

I always enjoyed living in Columbia and would not mind returning someday.

[anonymous]

To clear a few things up..
Columbia does not have the best schools in the state. District 2 is good, but not the best. District 1 is below average. Heathwood Hall & Hammond are excellent private schools, though.

It tends to be more conservative in the suburbs and in Lexington/Irmo/etc., and the downtown is more liberal. As a whole, it's more liberal than the rest of South Carolina, but by national standards I guess you'd say it's just moderate.

There are good restaurants and bars, a lake, a river, a zoo, Gamecock sports (especially football), affordable golf, and then some of the other things mentioned in the previous posts. It's not the most fun place, but it's above average. It's also affordable, both in the city and out.

[jamrasc]

Lots of parks, especially along the river. Nice paved walking and biking paths. The good thing about Columbia is you are pretty much within an hour of every other area of the state.