best neighborhood within Columbia? (Cayce, Forest Acres: apartment complexes, for rent, lofts)

[Kab30]

Hello everyone,
I am planing to move to Columbia, and before settling in one of the burbs, I would like to rent an apartment downtown, preferentially near the University; I'd like to experience life dowtown for a few months, while I get to know which suburb would fit me the best... I'm a young professional and I am looking for a nice neighborhood (i.e. safe and friendly).

I have already read a few threads on this forum and found valuable info already; however i could use more specific suggestions.

Thanks in advance and cheers!

PS: As far as apartments I am looking for all furnished units to rent.

[RybarSC]

If you are looking for apartment houses to rent, I would say Shandon would be your best bet. It's very convenient to the University, 5 Points, the Vista, etc.

Melrose Heights, University Hill and Rosewood also all have apartment houses for rent, and they are all fine neighborhoods.

If you are looking for apartment complexes, you may want to look into Aspyre at Assembly Station. It is still being built, but it should be finished by this summer, and is supposed to be very upscale. Other apartment complexes would be 1.) Vista Commons, 2.) several complexes right across the river in Cayce (Granby Crossing?) and 3.) Hampton Greene.

Good luck!

[Kab30]

Thanks for the quick reply... this will be a good start!

[waccamatt]

Some other places I might add are Vista Lofts and the Olympia and Granby Mill Apartments - lofts in converted cotton mills.

[Kab30]

thanks wacamatt but from i read on websites like apartmentratings.com some of the suggetsed apartment complexes like granby mills are very college student oriented... not what i am looking for; i am done being a student! :-) i am looking for a quiet place (quiet at night at least); i should have precised that.
the reason why i am looking for a place near the university is because i will be working for them so it would be great to be within walking distance; but i would rather have to drive a little than have to live in a dorm-like place if that's what being within walking distance of USC means :-)

any other suggestions are welcome! Thanks!

[waccamatt]

Originally Posted by Kab30

thanks wacamatt but from i read on websites like apartmentratings.com some of the suggetsed apartment complexes like granby mills are very college student oriented... not what i am looking for; i am done being a student! :-) i am looking for a quiet place (quiet at night at least); i should have precised that.
the reason why i am looking for a place near the university is because i will be working for them so it would be great to be within walking distance; but i would rather have to drive a little than have to live in a dorm-like place if that's what being within walking distance of USC means :-)

any other suggestions are welcome! Thanks!

There wouldn't be many, if any students at Vista Lofts and probably not many at Vista Commons either. While there may be a lot of students living at the Mills, they are far nicer than any dorm I ever lived in, lol.

[Brandon Hoffman]

Some owners are renting out units in Carolina Walk now. That would be worth looking into because you'd have less of a rowdy atmosphere around you. Most of them are furnished.

[Kab30]

thanks for the replies

[lifestyle318]

I would check an apartment community called 42 Magnolia in Forest Acres. It is an excellent part of town and only a short drive to USC- maybe 10 minutes max. It is a mature community in a great setting next to some restaurants, shopping, and stores. Check it out- you wont regret it.

Good luck in your search!