Really need info on Columbia (PLEASE!!!) (West Columbia, Cayce: apartment complexes, rental, how much)

[leecee]

I hear it's a college town. What section of Columbia-- away from college town-- is a good section to raise a child?
I'm a college educated, single, African-American mom of a 8-year old boy and may be relocating for a job. I want to find a decent place where I can both put him a decent school and be able to go out and have a social/personal life. Any information anyone can give me about the different regions of Columbia I would greatly appreciate.

[anonymous]

Hello leecee, I've lived in Columbia for the past 5 years, and I have some ideas. I'm not sure if you want to rent/own, or how much you want to spend, or any other details - so here's what I would do:

I'd recommend somewhere in Forest Acres. It's close to downtown, it has good schools, and it's just far enough away from the university so college students won't be an issue. It's not far from the Congaree Vista, which is the area with all the bars & restaurants. Houses can be expensive, but it's a pretty large area - if you look around I think you can find something for between $150-200K (if you're looking to buy).

Another really good neighborhood that you won't hear much about is generally called 'southeast'. If you look at a map, it's the area between Garners Ferry, I-77, and S. Beltline Blvd. It's where the VA Hospital, Hammond School, and Woodland Park are. Not too far from downtown.

Cayce / West Columbia aren't too bad. They're more affordable than Forest Acres, so your schools probably won't be as good. But if you find the other areas to be too expensive, this could be another option.

Lexington & Irmo are options if you don't mind commuting. You can probably get more house for cheaper, and the schools are pretty good. However, if you're single and want a social life, I don't think these would be good options for that.

[leecee]

Thanks!
I think (if I get this job and the price is right) I will rent for a while till I get a feel of the place and learn my way around. Then I will buy.
This a start, Forest Acres and Southeast. I'll have to check these out.
Thanks, again.

[anonymous]

I think that's a good idea. I wouldn't want to go buy a house in a strange area, and there are plenty of places to rent in Columbia.

I don't think southeast Columbia will have much in the way of apartments, but you will have rental houses in the area. They generally cater to small families (like yours) and students at the medical school (which is adjacent to the VA Hosptial). Just make sure you don't go too far down Garners Ferry Road.

Forest Acres is technically a seperate town. Most of the middle and upper class people I know from Columbia live there. There are a few apartment complexes there, but no names come to mind. There are a lot of little neighborhoods with duplexes and townhouses to choose from.

Lots of people want to move out to Lexington & Irmo.. I suppose to get away from "the city", or to move out to Lake Murray. Yet I'm from a small town, and I adjusted to downtown Columbia in no time.