Lots of Questions on Sumter (Myrtle Beach, Hampton: sales, renting, movers)

[danheit]

Well, a few updates. Looks like the move to Sumter is soon to be a definate, as well as the fact that once I get the go ahead, I will have about a day to find a place to live and move in. That should be fun! Other thing that is going to stick me is that I need (don't have to, but pretty well need to) live within 3 miles of the city limits. With that, I think I am a bit limited in my places to reside. My wife and I have actually decided that she will stay here in Myrtle Beach for 4 months or so while I get things squared away up here, and let the girls enjoy the summer at the beach and finish out school. I am pretty well going to be a hermit for those few months as I am going to try to live as close to free as possible and take that time to really find out where we want to live, find a nice house, and purchase/move in. For the time being, I may be looking to move into one of the really cheap/ghetto/dangerous places around town. Gonna be a bit of a culture shock coming from where I live in a golf and country club to "da hood", but I welcome the new endeavour. Any tips or advice? Also, really want to find that little hole in the wall place to eat that everyone knows about but doesn't tell the outsiders. We have them all over here, so I look forward to finding them there. I am a huge hotdog snob, so I will be looking for that really good chili dog. Not the big fat gas station looking ones, but the little pink ones that they serve in bait and tackle shops, or at places that only sell burgers and hot dogs. You know, the ones that are fried in oil and covered in the secret recipe sweet chili, onions and mustard. Yeah, I know I make myself sound like I weigh a little over 300lbs, but I promise I am kinda healthy sometimes!

[Ceezer]

For the hot dogs, try Murray's Donuts on Bultman.

Hmm, within 3 miles of city limits, eh? I wonder what, exactly, the city limits are. Surely you should be able to find something decent and affordable to live in. You said no apartments, right? You're wanting a house? Rental (at least for now, anyway)?

You might try checking the area that's between Alice & Bultman and Wesmark & Wise. We looked at a few houses in that area and I remember seeing some rentals. That's a pretty middle-class neighborhood, if I recall, so not run down and not loaded down with a bunch of high-class HOA expectations.

A few other areas you might want to check out would be out Wedgefield Rd and out McCray's Mill Rd, right off Pinewood/120. These should still be within, or close to, city limits and are also pretty middle-of-the-road.

If I thought about it I could probably come up with some other suggestions, but those are the first 3 that come to mind.

[airforce backer]

Originally Posted by painterdude

where is the Williamsburgh area? Is it right near the base? I'll be checking stuff out the first week of April. Sounds like you didn't like it in the area. Too far from home? Different kind of folks, or just not your cup of tea.

Yep near the base, 7 miles from my driveway to the shop, 3 min from all the rest. and downtown
its not so much sumter as it is shaw

i just hate this base im just waiting on orders to come down Im retraining into a new career field and hope to go overseas

[DravenX]

Why would you come here? I just got here in September of 08 and I already want to leave. There is nothing around here. Nothing I would want to go besides Wal-Mart. The Mall is really small. I didn't like Hampton, VA either but I like it better than Sumter. My wife says people are nicer here but I'm an ass so I fit right in with the people up in VA.

[Swedge]

Nothing to do here, Hmm you must be one of those folks that like to party or shop. As for us older folks and outdoors-men their is plenty to do. 25,000 acres in Manchester State forest, hiking, mountain biking, hunting, fishing, canoing and kayaking in Sparkelberry swamp. The cost of living is DIRT cheap too. I have an 1860' sq ft brick home on 3 acres with a 1500 SQ ft detached garage with frog that i am paying what folks in the Hampton area are paying for an efficiency apartment!! yeah our mall sucks, thats why i have the internet, i order what i want and have it deliverd to my door tax free. As for Wallmart i ovoid that place as well. as for Shaw was stationed there since 1987, retired in 2007 with a couple of tours to Korea in between so i KNOW SHAW its not a bad base, and its useally the younger kids say it is due to the lack of nightlife around the area, and that i can agree with, but it doesnt bother me anymore, I outgrew the need to party years ago. *L* yeah its got other issues like a lack of planning and growth issues.

[Ceezer]

Swedge, do you fish out at Manchester? I used to mountain bike out there a few years ago and remember one small lake/large pond by the Ranger's cabin. Is that the only one? Is it any good? Would I need to renew my State Park pass if I'm just fishing, or would a fishing license suffice? The fishing out at Lake Ashwood is pretty stagnant and I'm looking for new places I can take my daughter, as we fish from the banks. I've seen lots of places around Sumter/Dalzell but haven't found out if any of them are public (I've tried knocking on doors but never get an answer).

[painterdude]

Just a quick note. My wife and I just spent 4 days in sumter...and bought a house in Meadowcroft. Nothing to do? Probably for a younger family that's used to bigger towns and suburbia. I grew up on Long Island...the original suburb and rejected it. Moved to a small town in upstate N.Y. and loved it except for the weather. We're looking forward to our move. In Sumter if you look into someone's eyes they smile and might say hello. If you do that in small town florida, they stare at you and look down. Small cities are not for everyone, but hopefully this one is for us. My wife will be at Sumter High and I'll be starting a painting business. Good tradesmen are hard to find. I've never had a problem being busy if I wanted to. After 8 years of some work and lots of golf..I'm ready to go back and work some more. btw, played Beech Creek yesterday...nice layout. 76, beginners luck, I think not. pd

[Ceezer]

Congrats on the house!

I don't find Sumter particularly 'friendly', but I grew up in a very friendly region and am comparing it to that. I suppose if you're used to an area that's worse off, then sure, Sumter could seem friendly. I'm not saying that it's *not* friendly, but I get more averted attention than returned smiles. Maybe it's just me...

[painterdude]

Thanks Ceezer...yea, we enjoyed our trip up. Like i said, I'm an outgoing guy at heart and try to be friendly with everyone. 'course if you cross me, my NYC upbringing comes out. Tried some restaurants and have to say that Angel's was outstanding. I'll report back after we move in a few months. pd

[airforce backer]

Originally Posted by Swedge

Nothing to do here, Hmm you must be one of those folks that like to party or shop. As for us older folks and outdoors-men their is plenty to do. 25,000 acres in Manchester State forest, hiking, mountain biking, hunting, fishing, canoing and kayaking in Sparkelberry swamp. The cost of living is DIRT cheap too. I have an 1860' sq ft brick home on 3 acres with a 1500 SQ ft detached garage with frog that i am paying what folks in the Hampton area are paying for an efficiency apartment!! yeah our mall sucks, thats why i have the internet, i order what i want and have it deliverd to my door tax free. As for Wallmart i ovoid that place as well. as for Shaw was stationed there since 1987, retired in 2007 with a couple of tours to Korea in between so i KNOW SHAW its not a bad base, and its useally the younger kids say it is due to the lack of nightlife around the area, and that i can agree with, but it doesnt bother me anymore, I outgrew the need to party years ago. *L* yeah its got other issues like a lack of planning and growth issues.

god 20 yrs here Bless your heart.