Seneca (Greenville, Anderson, North: sale, to rent, buying a house)

[Judy]

Hey all,

Just relocated from the North.
Am thinking of buying a manufactured home in Seneca, we looked at today;
Can anyone answer a few questions we have.

1. We both need jobs after we move , how is the job market there, like retail and clerical.

2. Notice the nuclear power plant is about 20 miles away from where we would be , ( little scared of this) would this be a problem and if not how about reselling down the road.

Any information on the area would be helpful
Thanks

[lilbear]

I hope you have money to live off of while you job hunt. This area is doing really bad economically. I live in Seneca too. Right now, since the holidays are over, not even little retail places are hiring. (And I work at one) Hours are being cut as low as 9 hrs per week. I know someone who manages at Big Lots and he felt so bad to have to cut everyone's hours in half.

upstatetoday.com is our local newspaper and has some job listings. If you don't mind some travel, you'll find a better selection of jobs toward Greenville. But that's hoping gas prices don't go back up to $4/gal.

There's less danger in the actual Seneca area that I know of from the Nuclear Plant than say if you lived in Salem. I can't really explain it well though.

If you have any medical experience or schooling, that'll do ya pretty well for this area. I'll mark this thread so if you have any other questions, I'll try to help you out.

[Judy]

Thanks for the quick reply

Well that makes me think I might not buy there now as I will need a job quickly, I think closer to Greenville would be a little safer as there are more jobs there.

We just have a very low market to buy in so its hard finding something decent.

I love the area here and hope to find something quickly

[thurx]

Originally Posted by Judy

Thanks for the quick reply

Well that makes me think I might not buy there now as I will need a job quickly, I think closer to Greenville would be a little safer as there are more jobs there.

We just have a very low market to buy in so its hard finding something decent.

I love the area here and hope to find something quickly

The prices of homes here is still dropping, so, if that continues, it won't cost you to rent! I mean, even if you hope to buy a manufactured home for around $40,000 and if you can get a comparable home for $36,000 in another year, then that difference will pay most of your rent during the year. I've moved a lot in my life, and what I think you will learn from living here a year about areas and home prices, plus what you will save on not having to fix up a home for a whole year (you know you will plow more money into one you own than one you rent) together with what you save on the sale price of the home you eventually buy, will all together pay your rent here for a year. True, you'll have to move twice. But you'll hopefully have your feet on solid financial ground by the time you risk your money on buying a house.

Just another point of view. Good luck!!

[maniacal120]

yeah,greenville would be a lot safer-move there...

[aholsey]

I'm from Seneca but now reside in Greenville. Job market is bad everywhere. Seneca may not have a lot of jobs but Greenville has businesses closing down left and right as well. It's rough all over. Just have to take the plunge if you're going to. Best wishes.

[lilbear]

Although, you did say you just relocated right?

Things definitely are rough everywhere, there's no doubt about that. But if you keep things simple, you can stretch it a long far. No matter how little you make. I'm from the north too and cost of living is still cheaper here. You may want to look into the Anderson area too. Although me personally, I'd go with Greenville.

[Mark Brian]

I would agree to rent at first so if you do not like the area, you can move much easier. And I would not worry about the Nuclear plant as much as living up there and gas getting high again and having a 45 minute drive one way to work. The oil companies will hike the prices up again as soon as they can.

Anderson is much smaller than Greenville. I live in Anderson and like it, my family lives in Greenville and they like it. Every area in the Upstate has its ups & downs, finding a job may be tough, depending on your background.

[OconeeMountains]

While the job market in Seneca may be tough these days, I agree with the others that this is the norm rather than the exception. In fact, I think the Oconee area is prettier and provides a better lifestyle than any other in the upstate as it has a slightly slower pace of life, is naturally beautiful, and is very family oriented. In any case, renting is always best when one isn't sure they are ready for the big plunge. It allows one to 'test out' an area to see if they really want to make the commitment - Blessings in your endeavor

[Judy]

Thanks all for your replys
Well I decided not to buy in Seneca for now.

Still looking though but decided to look for a place to live that is closer to Greenville.
That ride to Greenville would be a killer on gas and time.
I notice most of the jobs are in or close to Greenville.
We can take any job for now and find a better one later , just so we have money coming in.
But it sure is hard finding a decent manufactured home with a tight budget.

Well thanks again for all your help, you all did help me decide.