Off campus apartments (Columbia, West Columbia, Cayce: leasing, lofts, condo)

[scyogi]

Need some advice great advice for off campus living...........

Our son is now preparing for his Fall 09 living arrangements for USC. (side note: he is a junior and will probably have 2 additional roommates.) We have looked online at apartments/houses/condo. Lots of choices. I would love some feed back from any former students OR parents who have already done this. Whats good/not good

His wish list:
House/Apartment/Condo
15 minute drive to campus or near a USC bus route
Clean (thank goodness some parenting stuck!)
Less than $400 per person ($1000-$1200 for a 3 bedrooms with 1-2 baths)
Closer to campus is a plus because he does like to walk/bike everywhere

My (mom's)wish list:
Apartment or Condo with no yard to maintain
Walk/bike to campus (he does have a car)
Between $850-$1000
Good mgmt. company
Safe/Clean
Anything with 9 month leases???

So our list are not to different. I think he feels like he would like a house--we have seen a few on Blossom street. I worry about stuff like who mows the grass?? Do people actually rent homes to 20-22 year olds?? New territory for me...I am sure I will have more questions as we begin this process. Thanks everyone in advance!

[waccamatt]

There are some duplexes/quadruplexes in the neighborhoods surrounding USC. Most rental companies would probably require a parent to be on a lease, but not necessarily. Check the State's website, Free Times, Craigslist and some of the leasing companies that have a lot of rentals in that area (The Wolfe Co. and Furman Fulmer Co. come to mind). There are also complexes like Park Circle, Wilshire House, Cornell Arms, Senate Plaza, The Lofts at USC and The Rapids that are relatively close to USC. You'll easily find some places in your price range. Good luck.

[mettler]

I agree with waccamatt. Also, if you are close enough to campus/Columbia to come drive through the neighborhood(s) and look for 'for rent' signs. A lot of times you will have to act quickly. The house I rent is only advertised with a sign in the yard. There are many neighborhoods around USC that are full of students. The neighborhoods of Shandon, Shandon on the other side of Harden, Rosewood, Old Shandon, Millwood, off of Elmwood

[Captain Worley]

The West Columbia/Cayce side of the river is frequently overlooked and thus there are some bargains to be had there.

[cuebald]

It's a better bicycle ride to USC than a lot of places in Columbia, too.

If you live fairly close to the river you might be able to do without a car.