What part of Sumter is South Sumter? (Columbia, Myrtle Beach: for sale, apartments)

[DadsGirl817]

Hi everyone,
I am so sorry about the length of this post, but after reading several of the forums/posts on here concerning Sumter (The City) I am kind of confused and have quite a few questions that I hope someone can help me with. (Especially within this week) We are a white family with a child in high school and are looking to relocate to Sumter South Carolina due to a job offer/transfer on my husband's part. (Which he needs to have an answer for in less then 1 week) We know absolutely nothing about Sumter other then what I have read since yesterday on the internet and sometimes I find it hard to tell if people are talking about the actual town or the County called Sumter. (There is one of each right?) I read several posts and In one post, anonymous posted

Basically, if you're white, don't live in a black neighborhood. If you're black, don't move to Sumter. If you're another ethnicity, it's pot luck based on any number of factors. I hate to break it down like that, but Sumter is that sort of town - as is any town that's in the inland coastal plain.

and in another post anonymous posted

when I said Sumter is racially segregated, I mean that different races don't often live in the same neighborhoods.
For example, some of the neighborhoods are 80-90% white. South Sumter, on the other hand, is overwhelmingly black:
http://www.city-data.com/city/South-...-Carolina.html

In one post it says don't move to Sumter if you are black and in the other it says south Sumter is overwhelmingly black, so that is what is confusing me. How are we supposed to know which neighborhood or part of a neighborhood is black, white, or any other ethnicity if we don't know anyone, or anything from or about there? Like I said earlier, we are white and we live in Melbourne Florida at the moment. Just like every other town or city I know we also have our 80-90% white sections of this town and our 80-90% black sections of this town. Although we live in the predominantly white part, we still have black neighbors across the street, down the street, and mexicans living on both sides of us. We have no problems with this or them and never have, (As we are not prejudice) but I still don't want to move to a neighborhood where we are one of the only white families living there either. Nor do we want to live in a neighborhood riddled with crime, drugs, etc. (Who does?)

So on that note, I would like to ask Anonymous or anyone else, where exactly is South Sumter? Were you talking about the city or the County? Can you give me some exact street names, landmarks, etc. of places to avoid and/or places that are decent? And what newspapers are local around there that I can find some apartments or houses to rent, as well as jobs? (I am sure I will have to work as well) My husband has been offered a job in Sumter (On or off of E. Liberty St.) and we are wanting to know if that street is in the South Part of Sumter that you speak of. (Even if it is, that would just be where he worked and wouldn't have to be necessarily where we live unless it's nice there.) My husband is even thinking of going up and getting an apartment (within the next 2 weeks) just to check things out, but not only is that going to be financially straining on us, (Especially if it don't work out) but I don't even know where to begin to look for housing for him or us at this point. I want him and us (when we join him) to be in a safe place. We also have a child in High School and have seen some posts that say the high schools there are horrible and some that say the high schools there are great. I don't know that we could really afford to pay for private schooling at this time and would greatly appreciate more input on high schools in that area if anyone reading this actually sends their child/ren to them. I did notice someone said there is a Super Walmart in Sumter and a Lowes, with another Walmart and a home depot coming soon. Is that a nice area? Also, are there any surrounding cities that would not be that far of a drive for him, but would be better off for us to live in if Sumter is really as bad as I have been reading? I want to thank everyone in advance for your time and tell you how much I appreciate every bit of information I can get from anyone willing to give it. This whole situation is very scary for me as I think of how it might be extremely hard to make new friends after reading some of the posts where they say that people basically stick within their own groups of friends and families and you basically have to belong to some kind of church group, some kind of school group, or the AFB in order to get in with any of them. We really don't practice any kind of religion, I don't know anything about the schools, I have no family there and we don't have any affiliation with the AFB. And if there is anything else that I may have forgotten to ask that would be important, please feel free to add it in your reply. Thanks again, and again I apologize for the length of this post. I hope to hear from someone soon.

[sgfludd]

Don't worry - you will be fine. Um I'm not sure of exact streets though. The areas near downtown and closer to Shaw Air Force Base are the best areas. I'm Black - and I lived in Sumter for 2 years with no problems. When we retire - I want to move back. South Sumter does have a high black population, high unemployment, kids and teens with nothing to do but get into mischief - and sadly - the city govt doesn't seem to want to do anything about it. They are too busy regentrifying the historic downtown area. It seems they want to forget about the residents on the other side of the bridge.
You could live in Columbia - your husband would have a 45 minute to 1 hour commute each way depending on what area of Columbia you lived in. But Sumter is growing - lots of new industry is coming in. I don't know if you're going to be buying or renting - but the rule of thumb is if you see an apt thats less then $400 - it's not in a good area.
You an make friends without being in the AFB or religious - I was neither. They have a thriving arts community - and you'll make friends through your husbands job - Southerner's are notoriously friendly. Email or PM me if you have more specific questions.

[sgfludd]

Ironically - that's where I worked when I lived in Sumter.
The Item - South Carolina

[sgfludd]

Relocation packet and good info
Welcome to the Greater Sumter Chamber of Commerce

Sumter Tourism

Also - you could call a realtor there (even if you aren't planning to buy) and pump them for info. They could tell you specific streets - because I don't think South Sumter has a separate zip code. I've never seen any properties posted for sale or rent via online sources for that area of town. But going down to take a look beforehand is always a good idea. It's not a huge city - you could really take a good like in a day.

[anonymous]

Originally Posted by DadsGirl817

We know absolutely nothing about Sumter other then what I have read since yesterday on the internet and sometimes I find it hard to tell if people are talking about the actual town or the County called Sumter. (There is one of each right?)

Yes, the city of Sumter is the county seat of Sumter County. The city has about 45,000 people, county has about 105,000. I was referring to the city, but many of my opinions also apply to the county.

In one post it says don't move to Sumter if you are black and in the other it says south Sumter is overwhelmingly black, so that is what is confusing me.

In other words, if an educated, middle class black family from Anytown, USA moved to Sumter, they'd be faced with two choices: Move into the predominately black part of town and deal w/ the education and crime, or move into the predominately white part of town and deal with the fact that you might be one of the few black families there. Neither choice is ideal, and I would simply recommend that someone in that situation give this some thought.

How are we supposed to know which neighborhood or part of a neighborhood is black, white, or any other ethnicity if we don't know anyone, or anything from or about there? Like I said earlier, we are white and we live in Melbourne Florida at the moment. Just like every other town or city I know we also have our 80-90% white sections of this town and our 80-90% black sections of this town. Although we live in the predominantly white part, we still have black neighbors across the street, down the street, and mexicans living on both sides of us. We have no problems with this or them and never have, (As we are not prejudice) but I still don't want to move to a neighborhood where we are one of the only white families living there either. Nor do we want to live in a neighborhood riddled with crime, drugs, etc. (Who does?)

Stick with the west/northwest part of town. Around: Alice Dr, Wise Dr, Loring Mill Rd, Wilson Hall Rd, N. Guignard, Westmark Blvd, etc.
I understand your sentiments. Ideally, we'd all live in neighborhoods that were racially and ethnically diverse. However, if that is a top priority, then Sumter may not be for you.

So on that note, I would like to ask Anonymous or anyone else, where exactly is South Sumter? Were you talking about the city or the County? Can you give me some exact street names, landmarks, etc. of places to avoid and/or places that are decent?

South Sumter refers to less than half of the city of Sumter. It covers some of downtown, and extends south and a little bit east. If you're looking at a map, generally it is everything south of Liberty street. Manning Ave, Oakland, Lafayette, South Guignard are all streets in south Sumter. The area around Morris College, though not in south Sumter, also has some rough neighborhoods.

And what newspapers are local around there that I can find some apartments or houses to rent, as well as jobs? (I am sure I will have to work as well) My husband has been offered a job in Sumter (On or off of E. Liberty St.) and we are wanting to know if that street is in the South Part of Sumter that you speak of. (Even if it is, that would just be where he worked and wouldn't have to be necessarily where we live unless it's nice there.)

The Item is the local newspaper. I wouldn't worry at all about your husband working in south Sumter. Most of the people in my extended family work in or around downtown or south Sumter.

My husband is even thinking of going up and getting an apartment (within the next 2 weeks) just to check things out, but not only is that going to be financially straining on us, (Especially if it don't work out) but I don't even know where to begin to look for housing for him or us at this point. I want him and us (when we join him) to be in a safe place.

I think this is a good idea. I'd definitely rent first. Long term, who knows, Sumter might be a good place for you; land and houses are pretty cheap in that area.

We also have a child in High School and have seen some posts that say the high schools there are horrible and some that say the high schools there are great. I don't know that we could really afford to pay for private schooling at this time and would greatly appreciate more input on high schools in that area if anyone reading this actually sends their child/ren to them.

Wilson Hall is private and relatively cheap. It is a very tight-knit community, where teachers will commonly teach for 20 or more years. Alice Drive Elementary/Middle and Sumter High School are the best public schools in Sumter County. Those are the only schools I would send my kids to. The physical structures and facilities in Sumter's schools are fairly impressive - it is the teaching and administration that leaves something to be desired. There are just opinions of mine, your mileage may vary. Good luck with your move.

[DadsGirl817]

Originally Posted by sgfludd

Don't worry - you will be fine. Um I'm not sure of exact streets though. The areas near downtown and closer to Shaw Air Force Base are the best areas. I'm Black - and I lived in Sumter for 2 years with no problems. When we retire - I want to move back. South Sumter does have a high black population, high unemployment, kids and teens with nothing to do but get into mischief - and sadly - the city govt doesn't seem to want to do anything about it. They are too busy regentrifying the historic downtown area. It seems they want to forget about the residents on the other side of the bridge.
You could live in Columbia - your husband would have a 45 minute to 1 hour commute each way depending on what area of Columbia you lived in. But Sumter is growing - lots of new industry is coming in. I don't know if you're going to be buying or renting - but the rule of thumb is if you see an apt thats less then $400 - it's not in a good area.
You an make friends without being in the AFB or religious - I was neither. They have a thriving arts community - and you'll make friends through your husbands job - Southerner's are notoriously friendly. Email or PM me if you have more specific questions.

Thank you so much for all your help. I may be PM'ing or emailing you after my Hubby reads this today. Thanks again.

[DadsGirl817]

ANONYMOUS,
Thank you so much for all your answers. I was hoping you would see and read my post after reading so many of yours. You seem so informative and I can't tell you how much your answers are helping us to make some decisions. I actually wanted to PM you but didn't know if it was appropriate, allowed, or your desire being I had just joined yesterday. If you have anything to add or want to PM or Email me... Feel free! Thank you so much again!

[JenfromSC]

Sumter is where I grew up so I know a lot about it. I went to Sumter High and Wilson Hall. Wilson Hall is better for the small classroom attention, but I hated the cliques. It depends on what you are looking at for housing. There are some nice homes in the Wilson Hall area. There are some nice apartments around town, you just have to look around.
Sumter is a small town. There are 2 places to shop, the mall (less than 5 minutes from end to end) and Wal-Mart. There are some cute small shops.
It's been 2 years since I have been in Sumter.(Married a guy from Shaw and now in Colorado Springs--hatin' it! Just the opposite -- no humidity!) It can get a little boring at times. But with the gas prices, at least you don't spend a tank trying to get across town!!!
I am a white female of average size. Was pretty precautious when heading out by myself. Crime and downright meanness is known in Sumter.--But is getting that way anywhere.
Being a small southern town there was still some racial issues. But that went both ways. The only thing I hated was that you were supposed to dress and look a certain way. And like the song says "you die famous in a small town".
But I would honestly rather be there than were I am. Don't move here. At least you have seasons there.
Jobs are not super easy to find. It depends on what you do. I found decent jobs as a teen. I did work in a medical office there but the pay is not great. I found better offers in Columbia, so I commuted.
Stay out of Eastover (about 15 minutes from Sumter, off to the left if you are heading from Sumter to Columbia) I worked at community healthcenter there. I have never seen so many STD's and learned public relations really quickly there. They had a notorious chop shop and personally witnessed drug drops there. A lot of racial tension there. Met a few nice people there but they were few and far between.
I'm sure your teens would love visiting the beach. I spent a lot of times in the summer at Myrtle Beach. It can be steaming in the summer, but the awesome sunrises over the beach are worth it.

[pcs265]

I'm a state licensed contractor here in Sumter; my entity we specialize in residential property. To answer your first theory, I believe it was... Sumter is east of SC. After reviewing what you wrote, your concerns, I decided to clear up some facts... Pretty much to some it up: any town is what you make out of it. It's all about the spirit in the town. As you stated where you’re currently transitioning from the ratios on racial living is pretty much the same. You can get rubbed truthfully in either part, no matter what part... but even to clear that statement up; Sumter is not the best place to reside- but again... what state is!!! The economy is very unpredictable in whatever state you choose to reside. I know you stated that you or your husband is so very religious; all I can say with that… you just have to believe God in wherever you go.

If you decide to relocate here, the best good areas to think about, depending on the job position your husband it accepting, you have: Twin Lakes Sub Division which would be by Sumter High School. The High School is 45% okay… pretty much, what schools aren't okay other private institutions. Down from Twin Lakes you have some more subs to your left side, medium income based, and a little more expensive sub division further down on the same side to your right of Twin Lakes. All that area is off McCray’s Mill Rd., East of West Liberty Street, about 4 miles turns into Pinewood Rd., you would then make a right on McCray’s. I would give the advice on apartments.. but the price you pay on a very decent apartment about $575 - $700, (economy once again plays apart). There in (Florida), that’s probably cheap for apartment… but here, a hole new ball game.

You would be better off investing into a home; you will have equity invested into that home at least. As long as you credit not so bad, your beacon score is about 575, better than you have a great chance. Sumter… numbers do play a great big part... not trying to scare you- just being honest. If you care to know more than just submit an email and I will respond. I know of two Private Realtors I can connect you with if you want to go that direction. I'm just here to assist you. Let me know what you want to do.

[SHELLY425]

So Ironic That I Find Your Post When I Google, "small Southern Town Predomintely White". I Have Lived In Sumter All My Adult Life. My Daughter Is Now 12yo. I Daily Tell My Husband And Daughter That Its Time To Move From Here. I Live In The Downtown Area In A $300,000 House And Two Weeks Ago A Cop I Knew Chased A Crack Head Thief Thru My Front Yard At Midnight. The Sirens Are Constant, The Crime Is Rampant, The City Is Decreasing In Number And The Few People That Are Here Are Either Extremely Poor Or Getting Rich Off The Extremely Poor. The Two Major Employers Are The A.f.b. And The Hospital. Every Other Major Employer Employs Unskilled, Uneducated People. The Towns Only Walmart Is Filthy. The Truth Is The Sumter Government Is Not Interested In Cleaning Up And Improving The Town. Don't Get Me Started About The Pathetic School System! Plan On Private School For Your Kids!