How's Columbia to live? (Spring Hill: apartments, rentals, crime)

[Julianna1959]

Hi all, I have an upcoming job interview in Columbia, and had some questions. I am a single lady, and will be making the move on my own. I'm not into bars and a lot of nightlife, and no kids, so schools are not a consideration. Specifically, I wanted to know hows the crime, general rental costs, and and overall how it was there in regards to safety and if a decent house or TH/duplex rental in a safe neighborhood could be found for less than 800/month?
Thanks for all the help!
Julianna

[nashvols]

Originally Posted by Julianna1959

Hi all, I have an upcoming job interview in Columbia, and had some questions. I am a single lady, and will be making the move on my own. I'm not into bars and a lot of nightlife, and no kids, so schools are not a consideration. Specifically, I wanted to know hows the crime, general rental costs, and and overall how it was there in regards to safety and if a decent house or TH/duplex rental in a safe neighborhood could be found for less than 800/month?
Thanks for all the help!
Julianna

Columbia has some crime problems, but I would hesitate to call it dangerous. My brother lived there for several years in a very middle/low middle class area (rental house). He didn't have any issues himself, but was aware of crime that occurred in the general area. I know there have been reports of the rise in gang activity in small towns/rural areas, but my general opinion is that mostly affects those who either associate with that kind of culture, or those who have friends/family that do. Still, you never know who your neighbors could be.

He lived in Chantay Acres, on the north side of town. I don't know what rents run there now, but generally speaking, it's a lot more rent-friendly than anywhere close to Nashville. I think $800/month is certainly within reason.

If safety is a big time concern, you might look into Spring Hill, which is about 10 miles to the north (15 or so minute drive on a divided 4 lane highway). Spring Hill, despite my complaints as an unplanned nightmare, is in fact a very safe town. Amenities-wise, they also have a lot more newer and nicer things (Columbia has been stagnant for decades). Doing a quick search for rentals, I can't quite find anything as low as $800 (I see $900+)...but there may be some options that aren't advertised on the major websites.

[Julianna1959]

ok, thanks, I'm suppose to drive from KY to Columbia on Friday for an interview, so will do a drive thru Spring Hill as well checking it out.
Julianna

[sfitz]

We've lived just North of Columbia for the last 4 years. My husband is a retired police officer and he's not uncomfortable with the crime in Columbia. If you stay out of the East end of town, it's fine. There are nice apartments off of Tom Hitch Road and there are some on Highway 31 South of Neopolis. Downtown Columbia square is very nice and now that Puckett's is here they have entertainment on the weekends.

[Julianna1959]

thanks, will check those out when I visit Friday

[sfitz]

Good luck