I want to live in a simple, small southern town. Advice? (Columbia: apartment, to rent)

[valx18]

Howdy. I'm 18 years old and currently live in CT. I've always wanted to live down South simply because I love the culture and weather. All I want is a simple life, and to accompany that I would love to live in a small, simple town. A peaceful (but fun) town with small businesses where everyone knows everyone else. I love swimming so being somewhat close to water would definitely be a plus, however it wouldn't make or break any decisions. Other major interests of mine are: fairs, rodeos, going for walks, riding horses and atv's, and meeting new people. This spring/summer me and a friend of mine are going to spend a month driving through the South just to explore. Any suggestions on places/ things we should check out? And lastly, how much does it cost a month to rent an apartment? It doesn't need to be anything fancy. Thanks so much!!

[Columbiadata]

I grew up laughing when someone referred to a town of 10,000 as small, since my home town had 700 people when I lived there. Back then, though, my town functioned as a complete unit with a utilized downtown and churches and the schools all within the confines of the little municipality. Now the school is on the outskirts of town and the downtown is struggling to get back some life since the post office, library and Dollar General, etc., are on the bypass. The closest thing to a small town in the South Carolina Midlands that hasn't lost its sense of place that is well under 10,000 would be Saluda. Camden has about 6,000 and is also in the Midlands and has a decently vibrant downtown still intact. Like Saluda and Camden, Newberry has 10,000 and is self-contained without the strong influence of big-city suburbia mucking it up.

[Chico020]

From what your describing as a small town, I recommend looking at Hartsville, Cheraw, and Johnsonville in the Pee Dee area. Murrells Inlet, Socastee, Aynor, Pawley's Island, and Conway near Myrtle Beach. Also think some other towns in South Carolina that fits your description would be the towns Columbiadata said and Greenwood, Laurens, Aiken, and Bluffton.

[augusto29556]

Kingstree, Andrews, Lake City, Scranton, Effingham, Olanta, and Marion are simple small southern towns that I would like to recommend. They all are located in the Pee Dee region which is very close to the Grand Strand region (Myrtle Beach & Georgetown), the lowcountry (Charleston, Daniel Island, and Mt. Pleasant),and the Midland region (Columbia, Sumter, and Bishopville).

[Made_it_To_the_Metroplex]

I'd recommend Seneca or Clemson in the Upstate; Aiken in the Midlands and Georgetown in the Low Country. Each is small and "Southern" enough and near good outdoor recreation, but sophisticated enough to not make you feel like you're "slumming". Good luck!

[Skyliner]

I recommend checking these towns out:

• Honea Path
• Belton
• Williamston
• Liberty
• Pickens
• Walhalla

Since you are interested in rodeo, definitely check out the Circle M Ranch near Pelzer and the T. Ed Garrison Arena near Clemson.

The Circle M Ranch - Pelzer, SC

T. Ed Garrison Arena : Public Service : Clemson University : South Carolina

[gps29070]

Batesburg-Leesvile. The only problem with small rural towns in SC is employment opportunities. Even in good economies, be prepared to drive to get a job. They have some rodoes near here, including a facility they built in nearby Gilbert a few years ago. Plenty of swimming at nearby Lake Murray.

[The Cid]

Particularly stay away from Belton, Honea Path and Williamston. I know them very well.
Unfortunately any town in SC with a population under about 10,000 is not likely to have very many businesses, restaurants or activities-unless in right up against a major city or Clemson University.
The smaller the town, the more closed the community is to outsiders. If you did not grow up here or at least go to high school here, you are an outsider.

[Lone Star Rooster]

I second the recommendation of Seneca/Clemson/Pendleton. Still small-town enough to where people know you by name, but definitely not backwards or behind the times.

You have 3 good-size lakes nearby (Hartwell, Keowee, and Jocassee), halfway decent restaurants and nightlife thanks to Clemson University (though you might still have to drive 30 minutes to Greenville for a nice night out), and a good rodeo facility at the T. Ed Garrison Arena. All this, plus beautiful mountain scenery nearby. And if the mood should strike you to get away for the weekend to the big city, it's less than 2 hours to Atlanta or Charlotte.

Dang...you have me wanting to get out of Houston and get back to God's Country in the Upstate of SC!