Truth about Northeast Columbia (Irmo, Lexington: purchase, middle school, moving to)

[debbiem]

Can someone please tell me about Northeast Columbia or more specifically the area around Lake Carolina. My family is moving to the Columbia area in the next month and I'm finding it hard to get a straightforward answer from my realtor. We were originally looking in the Lexington/Irmo area but I recently found Lake Carolina. We have not yet visited in person but it looks like a beautiful area in what I have found online and in their literature. What I am hearing is that it is "different" from Irmo but nothing more specific. (It was hinted that the schools were not as good in the NE as in Irmo.) Can someone tell me how the schools in Richland 2 are different than those in Irmo. Both districts claim to be #1 in the state (not sure how there can be two #1's but anyway...) greatschools.org has great information on the Irmo schools but nothing on Lake Carolina elementary. I understand realtors are not allowed to disclose information that can sway you but I am really in need of some honest uncensored information. We plan a trip to the area in a few weeks to purchase a home. I have read past posts which have been helpful but any specific information that can be provided on Lake Carolina and the surrounding area would be greatly appreciated.

[lakersdylan8]

Yes that is true. The schools in the Irmo/Chapin area are much better. You may not like advice from a kid in middle school. But i left columbia to go to these schools.

If you are worried about gang's (yes even in the greater schools like irmo this happens) you can get your kid into the baccaulariate program.