Moving to Columbus MS from the NorthWest (Hattiesburg, Tupelo: real estate, apartments)

[kirstencox]

My husband just got orders to Columbus AFB in Mississippi. We both have never moved out side the northwest, but are excited to try this new experience. We would like to buy a house, but we don't know the area and it's going to be kind of a culture shock. So the question is... Should we wait to buy a house or just go for it?

We really like some of the houses, but aren't sure if we would feel comfortable in the neighborhoods.

And also
- I have always lived in non-high crime areas. Does Columbus have any crime problems because I haven't seen anything about that either?
- When looking at housing, what is the number problem we should look for?

[jsherman9901]

Originally Posted by kirstencox

My husband just got orders to Columbus AFB in Mississippi. We both have never moved out side the northwest, but are excited to try this new experience. We would like to buy a house, but we don't know the area and it's going to be kind of a culture shock. So the question is... Should we wait to buy a house or just go for it?

We really like some of the houses, but aren't sure if we would feel comfortable in the neighborhoods.

And also
- I have always lived in non-high crime areas. Does Columbus have any crime problems because I haven't seen anything about that either?
- When looking at housing, what is the number problem we should look for?

You will find that real estate here is priced a lot more reasonably than anywhere in the Northwest. You can easily find a nice house for $150-200k. Most people who work at the base live in the Caledonia area which is convenient to the base and has pretty good schools. Caledonia encompasses quite a large area, so it would depend on whether you want to live in a subdivision or go rural. Rental houses are scarce and expensive, although there are some apartments and townhomes available in Columbus. There is also base housing, but I'm not sure how long the wait is, as they are just beginning a major renovation.

There is some crime & drugs in the area, but I believe Columbus is below the national average (you can check the stats on the main city data website).

I can't tell you what the major problem with housing might be, but I have heard of shoddy construction (especially roofs), termites, and drainage problems where they have built houses in what used to be cotton fields.

[TippyAT]

You're in for a small awakening on how advanced the NW is... I myself just moved to Hattiesburg from the Portland, OR/ Vanouver, WA metro area.

Its a whole other world down here... but so far i don't have any concerns that would deter me from making the decision to move again... even Gustav!

I would think Hurricanes and related issues may be the biggest worry.

For the concerns about housing and schools... i can't really help you there. Sorry.

[NomadicSky]

You might want to wait before you buy a house and choose to settle there. You might not like the culture, then again you might.

Columbus is a nice place to me, but I grew up twenty miles away from it.

Personally I like Tupelo better. It has a public smoking ban, I'm not sure if Columbus does.

[jsherman9901]

Originally Posted by NomadicSky

Personally I like Tupelo better. It has a public smoking ban, I'm not sure if Columbus does.

I also like Tupelo better, but not because of the smoking ban, which I think is stupid and unconstitutional. Businesses (restaurants, bars, etc.) should be allowed to permit smoking on their own private property if they wish, and let the free market work.

That being said, Tupelo offers much, much more than Columbus but it sure is a long commute.