Lexington versus NE Columbia (West Columbia, Cayce: for sale, homes, neighborhoods)

[IA2SC]

My husband and I are relocating to the Columbia area and will be brand new empty-nesters. We have spent time house-hunting in both Lexington and NE Columbia. We are looking in the $300,000-$350,000 range. What advantages/disadvantages are there to either area, such as safety, schools, quality of life, convenience, etc? I would appreciate any advice. Are there any specific neighborhoods we should consider?

[waccamatt]

The schools in both areas are highly rated. NE Columbia is much more diverse and much more politically liberal than Lexington. I'd give a slight edge in shopping to NE Columbia and Lexington is closer to Lake Murray.

[Columbiadata]

Being empty-nesters, why suburbia when you could have your choice of many nice homes in Shandon or some other city neighborhood or for that price?

[waccamatt]

I agree with data; it would be a lot more fun to live in-town - we both do.

[IA2SC]

Shandon sounds intriguing. What are some fun things to do in town? How is the shopping? How safe is the area? Any other city neighborhoods to consider? I appreciate any feedback.

[waccamatt]

Shandon and the surrounding areas are safe - Melrose Heights, Wales Garden, Rosewood, Hollywood Hills, Heathwood, etc... Those areas are close to Five Points and the Devine Street corridor - shopping, restaurants, etc. It isn't far from the Vista/downtown either. Most of the museums, theatre, arts, etc. are in the downtown area.

[Woodlands]

Ah the age old question NE or Lexington...though depending on what section of "lexington" is being referenced. NW Richland/ Irmo/Lexington probably has more similiarities to the NE in terms of shopping, racial diverisity.. though traffic in NW Richland/Lexington may be a litte worse than in NE given the limited number of commuting routes. Lexington south of the Lake and around the Town of Lexington and down towards Red Bank may be a little less diverse more conservative, though commuting may be easier than both NW and NE given the lesser density and road connections to downtown Cola. Then you have Swansea and vicinity which is more rural. By contrast Cayce and West Columbia are more "urban" and have older established communities, more diverse maybe Town of Lexington area but less so than NW..with a quick commute across the river. All areas probably have homes in that price range.. .Not sure about the comparison among school districts... others may have more info on that

[tonyadgraves]

Once you get to town, drive around both areas. You will quickly be able to tell where you are more comfortable. The NE & Lexington have very different feels. I recommend Forest Hills in downtown Columbia. It is a beautiful historic neighborhood near local restaurants, arts and great shopping. If you need assistance, please click on my link to view all homes for sale.

www.columbiascrealestatesales.com

[davey123]

If you are interested in NE Columbia, I would recommend Lake Carolina. The members on this forum can correct me, but I think that Lake Carolina has been voted the best community in Columbia for the last 8, 9, or 10 years in a row.

Of the more suburban communities in Columbia it is, in my opinion, the absolute best one. You definitely should check it out if you visit.

[jlboney]

You would be able to find a very nice home in your price range on any side of Columbia or Lexington. It all really depends on what you are looking for in an area to live. Northeast has more shopping and good schools. Lexington has the lake and good schools. Downtown has more night life if that's what you are interested in. Blythewood will give you a little more of a country feel, but you will still be about ten minutes from shopping and dinning.