Where to settle in Columbia? (Newberry, Lexington: apartments, renting, neighborhoods)

[Mike_and_T]

My wife and I are planning to move to midland South Carolina next year. We're currently trying to figure out what neighborhoods we should be considering.

We're very conservative, church-attending, young (40) empty-nesters. My wife spends her time volunteering at church and taking care of me and our future grandkids (I'm her toughest assignment, but her biggest fan). I work as a freelance software engineer with clients across the country. From our research, we would likely be considered upper-middle class based on our annual household income.

We're planning on renting for the first year while we discover where we want to land permanently (which is likely on property in Kershaw county). We're looking for quiet communities of people who value the same things we value. (I hear that's nearly ALL of South Carolina) We're most interested in shedding the liberal rot from the Left coast and joining the good people of the South. (Sorry if that sounded ... angry. It's vented frustration at the out-of-control liberal freight train we have in Oregon)

Any ideas? A Realtor told us Northeast Columbia, but I'm not completely sure and I want to see what you all thought. I prefer the advice of many councilors and would like to hear your opinions.

BTW: I know this question has been asked before (countless times), but selecting the right neighborhood is critical to making a cross-country move successful. Unfortunately, my wife and I don't have the benefit of living in the area for years.

Thanks so much for your help!

[Columbiadata]

I'd say start by checking out the nice new apartments (several complexes) off of I-20 between Columbia and Camden, since you think you might end up in Kershaw County. Richland County, of which the state capital of Columbia is the county seat, is by pretty much all measures the most liberal county in the state. Kershaw County or Lexington County would love to have you. A lot of us Columbians like it a little left of center, some of us even more than a little.

[waccamatt]

Originally Posted by Columbiadata

I'd say start by checking out the nice new apartments (several complexes) off of I-20 between Columbia and Camden, since you think you might end up in Kershaw County. Richland County, of which the state capital of Columbia is the county seat, is by pretty much all measures the most liberal county in the state. Kershaw County or Lexington County would love to have you. A lot of us Columbians like it a little left of center, some of us even more than a little.

I agree with Data - Lexington or Kershaw Counties would probably be a better fit for you. Many of us in Richland County are left of center.

[jlboney]

I live in Northest Columbia and like it here, but really you won't know how how you feel about a place until you spend some time here or at least visit. Lexington is very nice and Kershaw is nice as well. Blythewood is another nice community you may want to do some research on as well.

[LexingtonDad]

If work was not a factor and I still wanted to be in easy range of Columbia I would look real hard at Camden or Newberry. Both are great towns with plenty to offer.

[Mike_and_T]

Thanks so much for your advice. I think we've got it narrowed down now.

Never really spending more than a week in an area the size of greater Columbia can make it difficult to find a community.

Thanks so much for being our boots on the ground.