Neighborhoods in Columbia (Irmo, Forest Acres, Lexington: home, transfer, public school)

[WIFERN]

Hi all,
My husband's job is transferring us to Columbia. We lived there 5 yrs. ago when he was in the Army and stationed at Ft. Jackson. We loved the area but didn't really get to know the neighborhoods (we lived on post). Now that we're coming back could anyone help us with great neighborhoods to live in around the city? My husband will be working from the home so don't have to worry about a commute, though I may take some classes at the U. My children's ages are 14,12, and 8. So of course good schools is a must, and safety a close second. My husband loves to fish so maybe that would be a consideration?? Any info would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Wisconsin Wife

[anonymous]

I'd go with Forest Acres. It has good schools, reasonable housing prices, and I think it is the best location in Columbia. The area is big, though, it actually is its own municipality. Anywhere around Trenholm Rd, Beltline, and Forest Dr., will probably be a good area. Two Notch Road is not.

There are many options, though, Irmo, Lexington, anywhere around Lake Murray, Shandon (downtown), Northeast around Spring Valley, Wildewood, Blythewood. I wouldn't prefer to live in those areas, mainly because of how far away they are from downtown, the vista, five points, etc. But some of those areas are quite nice, and are probably worth a look as well.

[odyhn73]

My girlfriends dad lives in the pontiac area and it seems to be pretty quiet there the fire ants arent too bad and you dont see the nuisance ruffians walking the streets at night. We have been down there on vacation for a week at a time for the last 2 years an are now looking to move there from southern Maryland.

[SusannaK]

If you want a nice, rural family-focused area look into Blythewood (NE) or Chapin (NW). They have good schools. If you want to be closer to the city, I second the recommendation for Forest Acres.

[Nausikaa]

Lexington is family friendly, more affordable, and near Lake Murray - great for fishing.

[simplyaged]

Originally Posted by anonymous

I'd go with Forest Acres. It has good schools, reasonable housing prices, and I think it is the best location in Columbia. The area is big, though, it actually is its own municipality. Anywhere around Trenholm Rd, Beltline, and Forest Dr., will probably be a good area. Two Notch Road is not.

There are many options, though, Irmo, Lexington, anywhere around Lake Murray, Shandon (downtown), Northeast around Spring Valley, Wildewood, Blythewood. I wouldn't prefer to live in those areas, mainly because of how far away they are from downtown, the vista, five points, etc. But some of those areas are quite nice, and are probably worth a look as well.

I agree with anonymous. But may I suggest you search the web for information about Lake Murray and Lake Wateree. Both are great for fishing. Murray is in Lexington County and Wateree is in Kershaw County. There is quite a difference, property tax wise, between the two.

Forest Acres is a beautiful area. Lots of old money living there. I have relatives there. And Blythewood is growing rapidly. They just completed building a High School which has a lot to offer. We have been considering putting our child there when it is time. To be a public school, it ranks high with parents!

With the interstates, many options are open for you. Travel time to downtown Columbia is a breeze no matter which of these suggestions you choose.

Good Luck.

[Glitterific]

Forest Acres is a nice place. If you want to be convenient to post, also check out the Polo area. I have friends who stay there and it was like a different area.

Like the person mentioned above, Two Notch is not a good area. But if you drive down Two Notch Rd leaving Columbia towards Spring Valley, the area gets better and better. As a matter of fact there is a lovely area called the Village at Sandhill with the best shops in the city and it isn't even completed yet. It is like it's own little contemporary town.