apartment help (Columbia, Cayce: apartments, rent, lofts)

[Matt548]

Hi, we have recently moved to Columbia SC and will be looking for a new apartment in the early spring. we've narrowed it down to a few places but would like any input from those who know more about the area then we do! The places we're most interested in are Cornell Arms, Pavillion Towers and Vista Commons (VC being the highest of our price range)

Any opinions as to whether or not these are good places? we are looking for something relatively quiet but close to the city, with good management and safe co-tennets

thanks for the help! (and Happy Thanksgiving!)

[waccamatt]

Cornell Arms - great location, but the building is old and needs renovation.

Pavilion - In the midst of a renovation now, but a nice complex. They aren't within walking distance of restaurants, clubs, etc.

Vista Commons - Fairly new, walkable to grocery stores, restaurants, clubs, retail, etc.

[Matt548]

do you know if Cornell Arms and Pavillion Towers are in good areas (safe from crime). also, we want to avoind a place (if possible) that is not full of college students. I would think Cornell Arms may be due to its location, but I haven't been able to find any reviews online about either place.

[waccamatt]

Originally Posted by Matt548

do you know if Cornell Arms and Pavillion Towers are in good areas (safe from crime). also, we want to avoind a place (if possible) that is not full of college students. I would think Cornell Arms may be due to its location, but I haven't been able to find any reviews online about either place.

All 3 are in good areas - there are over 50,000 college students in the Columbia area so you'll have a hard time avoiding them. Generally speaking, the more expensive the complex, the less likely there will be college students there. I know there are quite a few at Cornell and Pavilion, but not as many at Vista Commons. I'd also look at Vista Lofts on Gervais Street.

[Captain Worley]

The Pavillion has odd angles in the corners of some rooms. I'd have a look at it. Hallways are awfull narrow as well.

Might want to look at Granby Oaks on State Street in Cayce. A lot more mature crowd there.

[NewGrad2009]

Originally Posted by waccamatt

Cornell Arms - great location, but the building is old and needs renovation.

i will say this. i lived in cornell arms and it's horrible. the management is very unsupportive with tenants. none of them like her. not one person i asked liked her, and they all varied, from living there for years to living on different floors. i heard once that a pipe busted and she was slow in fixing it. flooded through several flows. no one was compensated and it was the building's fault.

the elevator broke once. (18 floors, i believe) and those who were handicapped or old were stuck in their rooms because they had no way of leaving. management didn't help them either.

now i have one friend who loves it but eh. he's not crazy about the place either. some pros about cornell arms is that all utilities are paid, and there's internet included. it's super fast as well :O rent goes up way too much though, so i must say, there are better options across the city, trust me. no point moving to cornell for location when there are like 5 other high rise apartments just a mile in any direction of it. look at Maxcy Gregg Park if you want high rise and close to Five Points. I heard that place is great.