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I know people who work at the University that live in the Shandon area and some that live in Northeast Columbia. You can really find a nice community to live in anywhere in Columbia or Lexington, it all depends on what you are looking for. In order to live close to the University, Southeast Columbia or down town would put you the closest proximity, but if you don't mind a commute then you could easily live in any of the outskirts of town.
Are you looking for anything in particular or just curious?
At this point I'm just researching. I noticed a job at the VA in Columbia, so I was curious. We are considering many places. Now that the stock market has changed we are expanding our options due to the need to work longer than we expected (husband in particular). We are considering the midwest, but Columbia caught my eye. Not sure if Columbia would be too conservative for us. I also looked at the private schools, and I was wondering which one has the best reputation. There are two that start with the letter, "H". Anyway, I have questions (lots). Thanks
That neighborhood around the VA Hospital and Hammond School is a good, affordable neighborhood, but I'm not sure about the public schools. They have a good range of houses there. Closer to USC, there's Rosewood, Shandon, and several other little adjoined neighborhoods, as well as a "University neighborhood" that's mixed in with the campus. You also have Forest Acres as another good choice. I'm sure there are more Im not thinking of.
If you worked at USC, I don't see why you'd move to Lexington, though. It would make sense to me if you lived on Lake Murray. Is there something special there that you like?
I just keep on reading about Lexington so I was wondering about it. We like established neighborhoods with a decent sized yard. Some of the older neighborhoods in most towns have tiny yards. I think my ideal neighborhood is an established suburban neighborhood that has easy access to downtown. No brand new developments or cookie cutter sterile neighborhoods.
I just keep on reading about Lexington so I was wondering about it. We like established neighborhoods with a decent sized yard. Some of the older neighborhoods in most towns have tiny yards. I think my ideal neighborhood is an established suburban neighborhood that has easy access to downtown. No brand new developments or cookie cutter sterile neighborhoods.
Somebody will probably step out of the woodwork and berate me for saying this, but when I think "brand new developments or cookie cutter sterile neighborhoods", I think Lexington. (I know it has its old parts, I just associate Lexington with sprawl)
You can find what you're looking for without going far away. Just about 4 or 5 years ago, I rented a 1930's 3br craftsman house on about half an acre in Shandon, with huge oak trees out front. Rented for $1,000 a month, and a 5 minute drive to campus.
Most of the people who work at USC (that I know) live in Shandon, Melrose Heights Hollywood Hills and University Hill - all wonderful neighborhoods. I'm not sure about those who work at the VA Hospital. I have a link to photos of a number of neighborhoods on my website, which is linked in my profile.
I live about a mile from the VA in Columbia. From the VA back towards Columbia is zoned for Dreher High School which is one of the best in the district.
The neighborhoods around the VA and USC are quiet and a lotof people are on the streets all hours of the day and night walking, jogging, and riding bikes. If you live west of Beltline you can conceivably go wherever you need to on a bicycle. I used to when I lived off Kilbourne and Rosewood - never cranked my car more than twice a week.
Columbia politically is a stiff-necked, provincial little backwater that votes consistently republican even when it is in no one's best interests (except for the Mayor), but there is also a large group of people, especially around USC, who are a little easier to deal with if, say, you voted for Obama and want to actually admit it and talk about it.
What else are you looking for in a city and what is your tolerance for commuting pain?
I live about a mile from the VA in Columbia. From the VA back towards Columbia is zoned for Dreher High School which is one of the best in the district.
The neighborhoods around the VA and USC are quiet and a lotof people are on the streets all hours of the day and night walking, jogging, and riding bikes. If you live west of Beltline you can conceivably go wherever you need to on a bicycle. I used to when I lived off Kilbourne and Rosewood - never cranked my car more than twice a week.
Columbia politically is a stiff-necked, provincial little backwater that votes consistently republican even when it is in no one's best interests (except for the Mayor), but there is also a large group of people, especially around USC, who are a little easier to deal with if, say, you voted for Obama and want to actually admit it and talk about it.
What else are you looking for in a city and what is your tolerance for commuting pain?
Well, we voted for Obama, and I feel more comfortable around others who like him. Time will tell, and I may end up being disappointed with him, but right now I love him. Anyway, we tend to feel most comfortable amongst moderate liberals, not necessarily tree huggers and not Evangelicals. I thought that Columbia being a college town would be like Athens, GA. I'm still trying to learn about the area. Thanks
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