Sumter (2009, camp, live)

[CarolinaBredChicagoan]

Originally Posted by anonymous

Sure, of course there are major differences between Detroit and Sumter. But in light of those very obvious differences, there are similarities - crime, the economy, de facto segregation, poor public education, low income/poverty, etc..

You pointed to the "sheer level of decay" as the primary difference between Detroit and Sumter. To me, it goes without saying that Detroit's problems are of a far greater magnitude than Sumter's.

You're right that it is arguable whether Sumter is on the upswing or not. I would argue that it is not, but I haven't been paying close attention in the past 5 or so years. Shaw AFB is like our version of the Big 3 automakers. If Shaw goes, Sumter's economy goes with it.

Very true. Shaw is the lifeline.

Still, I moved away from Sumter about 8 years ago, but still visit often. Most of my family still lives there. They seem to think the place is getting better all the time. There's been some additional investment in the downtown area. There has been some effort to attract industry. They're trying. They really are.

Furthermore, I would argue that the similarities you mention between Detroit and Sumter (crime, the economy, de facto segregation, poor public education, low income/poverty) could be repeated about many, many towns and cities in the South, including Columbia and SC's crown jewel, Charleston. There are sections of both that are every bit as bad as parts of Sumter. The difference is that they have the luxury of balancing those rough spots with high-income areas that balance it out. In addition, I'd argue that Sumter's public schools are MUCH better than, say, Charleston's. I'm a product of those schools, and received a thoroughly solid education in them.

[anonymous]

Originally Posted by CarolinaBredChicagoan

Still, I moved away from Sumter about 8 years ago, but still visit often. Most of my family still lives there. They seem to think the place is getting better all the time. There's been some additional investment in the downtown area. There has been some effort to attract industry. They're trying. They really are.

I'm the same way; I moved from Sumter 6 years ago, and nearly all my family lives there as well. Since I've left, I lived in Columbia, which was "up and coming." Then I lived in Greensboro, which was "about to explode." Now I'm in Wilmington, which is "On the verge of serious growth."

What I'm saying is, I am skeptical that Sumter will hit a growth spurt anytime soon.

Furthermore, I would argue that the similarities you mention between Detroit and Sumter (crime, the economy, de facto segregation, poor public education, low income/poverty) could be repeated about many, many towns and cities in the South, including Columbia and SC's crown jewel, Charleston. There are sections of both that are every bit as bad as parts of Sumter. The difference is that they have the luxury of balancing those rough spots with high-income areas that balance it out. In addition, I'd argue that Sumter's public schools are MUCH better than, say, Charleston's. I'm a product of those schools, and received a thoroughly solid education in them.

Good point. Many southern cities have these problems. The Detroit-Sumter similarity, to me, is about the ratio of the high-income to low-income, and also how isolated the two are from each other. I've always heard that Detroit was extremely segregated (economically and racially), and statistically, Sumter is as well. My impression is that Charleston and Columbia, with lively downtowns and large universities, are much further along than Sumter is.

[CarolinaBredChicagoan]

Oh, believe me. I'm not comparing Sumter to Chas or Cola. They are much cooler towns. I'm just pointing out that all of those towns suffer from similar plights.

Also, I'm not expecting a spurt in Sumter's status or population. I'm just saying the direction may be gently upward rather than downward.

[rickynlevy]

I grew up in Sumter and now my family still lives there. Sumter has nice areas, but just stay away from downtown. I think crime is too high for the size town it is.

[rtv]

Just stay in the White areas or the rural country. I live there and it isn't bad if you are in the USAF or a retiree.

[JFRRACING]

how are the outskirts like shannontown, alcolu and mayesville ? i'm looking at realestate in and around these areas.

[sumter native]

sumter is very very much run by the good ole boy system, its almost impossible to open a small business, We started doing rodeos and helped the school get the FFA going we did a ton of work for the 4H we had the real deal rodeos and it was very professionally ran, but one of the good ole boys here in the local government didnt like the competition so we were constantly bombarrded with visits from the planning commission and the business license office and the codes departmet...
The schools need some serious cleeaning out. The superintendent of the schools is a real ass...dont believe it have a problem with a kid in school and you`ll see...
the sherriffs departmernt will do absolutey NOTHING if ya have a problem with someone burning your barn down or threatening to kill you and your kids(all documented over 4 years of putting up with this guy who by the way was a convicted felon and violated parole and many many restraining orders)I got a stack of papers with times and dates if ya interested
His attorney was ken and ofcourse ken brother is a family court judge..Go figure...
There are a lot better places to live than here..
if ya lookin for a nice place to raise a family sumter aint it..
As for revitalizing downtown its just another waste of tax payer money and a way the powers that be are using it to get there buddies that own property in the area a ton of money,because they get grants to rebuild the ghetto part of town on property they bought or acquired thru some devious action..
DONT MOVE TO SUMTER there aint nothin here but an airforce base..
Unemployment is constantly going up and jobs are rare as hens teeth

[Woodlands]

Interesting.. you always hear that Florence's and North Charleston's crime rates are among the worst for cities of their size. Having spent time in Florence I would have thought Sumter's would have been higher.. and it may be now given the recent events that have happened this year. According to this link Spartanburg is also up there...in terms of comparable size cities.

[mikeglover]

Originally Posted by dogcrazy

Hi ive read a few posts that said Sumter was very bad with crime.How bad are we talking about?Someone please respond.We are going to look at a home down there in a few weeks.

sumter is not a bad place to live. im a 17 yr old male , and i love my hometown. but not to sugar coat any thing, there are current parts of sumter i wouldnt live in though.

[Ceezer]

I'm glad to hear you say that, Mike. It's not often you hear a 17 year old content with where they live, especially in smaller towns.

I came across Lee Brice's 'Sumter County Friday Night' the other day (I guess the song has been around for a while. I listen to underground Country, so I'm not up to date with all the current mainstream stuff...) and really enjoyed it. Much more so than the other songs I've heard coming out of/about Sumter.