Top reasons to live in/around Cola area? (Columbia, Myrtle Beach: safe area, good schools)

[critter9988]

We are looking to move...someplace! Right now we live in Myrtle Beach. I can't help but feel this isn't the best place for my kids to go through their teenage years.
I'd love to hear some thoughts on different areas around Columbia.
Our only requirements are good schools, safe area and that we have a few acres of land.
Thanks and I look forward to reading your responses.

[waccamatt]

For me I like Columbia because of the beautiful neighborhoods, diversity of residents, convenience to activities in the area and proximity to other cities. I enjoy college sports and you can't beat SEC sports, I like a variety of ethnic cuisines, which is available, especially for a medium-sized city. The park system is also good and I enjoy museums and the zoo too. As far as schools there are a number of areas, both in-town and in the suburbs, which have very good schools.

[Brandon Hoffman]

Laid back friendly environment.
Variety of activities to do w/o feeling like you're in a huge city.

[jlboney]

You may want to take a look at Blythewood, which is in Northeast Columbia and will give you the opportunity to live on a few acres and have Richland Two schools. Also I hear great things about the Lexington Schools, and there are parts of Lexington where you would also be able to find a few acres.