Should I move to Columbia? Safe? (Irmo: apartment complexes, home, neighborhoods)

[armada25]

Hello, all!
I am seriously considering moving to Columbia to get my PhD at USC. I am a single woman, young, no children, and am basically wondering about the safety aspect. I currently live in northwestern PA and had an apartment in a bad neighborhood for long enough that I don't want one again. What would be a desirable, yet affordable neighborhood, and how's the social life? Also, how's the income/cost of living ratio? Here in Erie, we don't make much, but nothing (except gas, for silly reasons) costs very much. We can live OK on about 30k (well, I can). Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
-tired of the snow

[Columbiadata]

The price of a an apartment in a bad neighborhood in PA should be about equal to the price of an apartment in a good neighborhood here.

[Buckeye in SC]

We moved from NE Ohio 2 years ago, so I'm somewhat familiar w/Erie, and totally understand you being tired of snow as you guys always seemed to get the worst of it being right in the thick of the lake-effect snow belt!

I think you will find prices to be pretty comparable here to NW PA, you can get a decent 2 BR apartment in most areas of the metro for $600-$800. Most areas near campus are relatively safe, the area I'd avoid is north Columbia. If you're willing to live away from campus, you'll find a lot of decent apartment complexes in NE Columbia, and out around Irmo/NW Columbia, but you should be able to find something decent close to campus for sure.

As for gas, we typically have some of the lowest gas prices in the country as our state gas tax I think is 2nd lowest.

If you google cost of living comparisons, there are sites that let you compare metro areas and tell you what you need to make where you're moving to sustain the same standard of living. I used it when looking to move here, and comparing Akron to Columbia, the difference was like 1 or 2% higher here, so virtually no difference. The only things I've noticed to be a bit higher are groceries and health care, but nothing drastic or anything.

Hope that helps.

[lauren76]

Hi,
I'm in a very similar position as you are; single female in early thirties, young professional, and about to move to Columbia. I was there two weeks ago and did 3 days of intensive apartment searching in SE Columbia. I found Shandon, Five Points, Melrose Heights, and Rosewood to be very nice, interesting, safe, and affordable neighborhoods. I am coming from Boston where the cost of living is pretty high and I found a great 1 br apartment in SE Cola for a low price. I found that most 1-2 br apartments in these areas ranged from $550 to $900 a month. Five Points is the closest to campus but also the most student oriented. Shandon/Rosewood seems to be mostly home owners with some apartments mixed in. Lots of charm and character there.
I don't know much about the social scene yet, but I spent some time in the Vista area which has many good restaurants/bars and looks like it has recently been redone.

I have hope that Columbia will be a great place to live, despite the heat. And I'm with you - so glad I don't have to dig my car out of the snow any more!