Shandon neighborhood (Columbia, Sumter: homes, theater, middle school)

[NMclau]

My husband is PCSing to Shaw in September, but we are looking to live in/near Columbia for various reasons. The Shandon neighborhood keeps popping up in discussions; it has gotten my attention. The main things that I notice about the area on these forums is that it has some old homes, is a nice neighborhood, and may be fairly diverse. I would love some more information on the area, as it sounds like it may be right up my alley.

My husband and I do not have kids and like living in quiet areas with decent access to shopping, restaurants, and theaters. We are home-bodies, not real partiers at all.

Again, I would love to hear more about Shandon. Also, please let me know about similar areas within 50 minute driving distance to Shaw (before you ask, we likely don't want to live in Sumter).

Thanks!

[waccamatt]

If you can afford Shandon it is an awesome, diverse neighborhood within walking distance of shopping, nightlife and restaurants. I have a number of photos of Shandon on my website, which is linked in my profile.

[Columbiadata]

Shandon is a neighborhood of bungalows and stately homes. It's a shady, walkable neighborhood between Devine Street and Rosewood Drive, both of which are significant commercial corridors. It is served by a strong school system with its elementary and middle school(s) feeding Dreher High School, a consistent producer of high SAT scores and students well prepared for college. The Rosewood neighborhood and Melrose Heights are more affordable alternative bungalow neighorhoods that are also served by Dreher.