Is Columbia a very safe city (Irmo, Lexington: low income, rent, crime rate)

[cyclingdawg]

according to Columbia Crime Map - Showing Crime in Columbia, US - Crime Statistics - Crime Alerts - Crime Stops Here , columbia looks very safe but is it really?

[waccamatt]

Like any city it depends on where you live. I feel safe in most areas and there are few places I avoid.

[h&j]

A friend of mine lives in Lexington county and says it is over run with gangs, drugs and crooked law enforcement. Don't sound safe to me.

[jlboney]

Columbia is in Richland County, not Lexington. However, I know many people that live in Lexington and love it without complaining about any of the problems mentioned above. I live in Northeast Columbia and I love it. I guess it depends on the individual and thei opinion.

[Columbiadata]

Originally Posted by h&j

A friend of mine lives in Lexington county and says it is over run with gangs, drugs and crooked law enforcement. Don't sound safe to me.

The city in recent years has done a decent job of running the gangs out of town. Like the national reports are saying, suburbs and exurban areas across the nation are going through some hard times. Within the city of Columbia, if you stay out of the neighborhoods where there is low-income-on-low-income crime, you'll be as safe as anywhere else in America. Downtown and the Vista are especially safe statistically speaking, as opposed to the remaining impoverished pockets around town.

[hi2009]

When I came here a year ago, I asked same question and did not get a very good answer. Only a few depicted the true story. Its true that not everyone will have the same experience.

Here is what I think about safety in Columbia and you be the judge to make the call:

1. The city in general better than many other urban area of similar size and moderate economy (being state capital). You can't simply say that you are afraid to go out and some will rob you or there is gang violence everyday etc. Those aren't true.
2. However, there are areas or neighborhoods (if you are smart, you know what I am talking about) which you don't want to live. If you are buying home, then you can surely visit the area and have a feel for it. If you are renting home, then rent close to campus. it is generally better closer to campus where mostly students live.

3. The downtown(very small) or office areas are not safe at night. One girl was raped near blanding st area. Also, near five points, there are some goverment low income housing etc, avoid those for sure.
4. Avoid walking alone after office hours in quiet places. One of my friend was robbed near whaley st area (this place is right next to campus but on the other side of the rail track). East of assembly st on the campus side is good.

5. There is very good neighborhood in the north east (not entire north east, avoid decker blvd, farrow rd area) and in the west in Irmo area. These are good choices if you are buying home.

6. If you want to live right on town, then fort Jackson area, rosewood drive areas are good.
If you are student, definitely chat with student sites and find housing nearby.
Hope it helps.

Originally Posted by cyclingdawg

according to Columbia Crime Map - Showing Crime in Columbia, US - Crime Statistics - Crime Alerts - Crime Stops Here , columbia looks very safe but is it really?

[waccamatt]

The best advice I have for anyone moving to any area is to visit the neighborhood you want to move to on a Saturday night. That will tell you everything you need to know.

[davey123]

I am curious about the crime rate in the Columbia metro area. Since I've been here, it seems like there is a fairly high crime level in the metro area. I say fairly high to suggest that it just seems to be a lot higher than what I was expecting. So, my early impression is that the crime rate is higher than the national average, and also high for a city this size. Am I completely off-base here?

[CarolinaBredChicagoan]

Originally Posted by davey123

I am curious about the crime rate in the Columbia metro area. Since I've been here, it seems like there is a fairly high crime level in the metro area. I say fairly high to suggest that it just seems to be a lot higher than what I was expecting. So, my early impression is that the crime rate is higher than the national average, and also high for a city this size. Am I completely off-base here?

Unfortunately, the crime rates in far too many SC cities are higher than the national average. Like in most places, however, the bulk of the crime (or violent crime, anyway) occurs between people who know each other. Domestic crime. Gang/drug-related crime. Etc.

My impression of Columbia is not unlike my impression of every other place I've lived: If you're not personally involved in illegal activity, or closely associated with someone who is, and you don't make a habit of walking through the worst areas alone, late at night, your chances of running into trouble are low.