Charleston or Columbia, which is better? (Myrtle Beach, Clemson: high crime, theatre, school)

[Columbiadata]

Also, as far as shopping is concerned, an article in this week's Free Times in Columbia says research shows that "shop local" advertizing campaigns work, and there has been a big push on that front in Columbia over the past couple of years. Columbia offers some some really fine local shopping, as does Charleston.

[Skyliner]

Originally Posted by innovator82

I think any newcomer with an open mind could be happy with the dining, shopping, arts, recreation, quality of life, etc. offered in any of our big three cities.

I agree. The "big 3" (Charleston, Columbia, Greenville) provide equivalent amenities, with a few exceptions of course. If any of the exceptions (which make each city unique) are major factors to a prospective transplant, then you have three distinct options to select from—each containing enough of the essential amenities to satisfy most people living happily in any of them.

[GSP101]

Originally Posted by Skyliner

I agree. The "big 3" (Charleston, Columbia, Greenville) provide equivalent amenities, with a few exceptions of course. If any of the exceptions (which make each city unique) are major factors to a prospective transplant, then you have three distinct options to select from—each containing enough of the essential amenities to satisfy most people living happily in any of them.

Agree 100%. All three areas of SC provide more than enough amenities to satisfy most people. I could live in any of the three metros and be happy.

[Al G]

Originally Posted by ranger17

that was one of the "selling points" for us when we relocated to SC; besides the lake, etc that played a larger role we liked the idea that roughly a 2 hr drive took us to the mts in one direction and the ocean in another. And as we like to do those in daytrips, having a 4hr round trip of drivetime is better then 6-7.
Add in 2 hrs to Charlotte, 1.25 to Augusta, etc and at least for this transplant being "central" is a plus and not a negative

That's what my brother in-law said to me years ago. 2 hours from the mountains and 2 hours from the beach. However if you want to stay home in Columbia, there's nothing to do. Hench; he moved to Charleston a few yeras later.

[GCreek1997]

Dang it.

I tuned in to watch and enjoy a great cage fight between Columbia and Charleston. Why the heck did Greenville just have to jump in between 'em? Greenville needs to learn to mind it's own business haha!

[Columbiadata]

Originally Posted by Al G

That's what my brother in-law said to me years ago. 2 hours from the mountains and 2 hours from the beach. However if you want to stay home in Columbia, there's nothing to do. Hench; he moved to Charleston a few yeras later.

Every time I ever hear anyone talk about why they prefer Charleston, they talk about the beach in their next breath. I can take staring at a bland horizon on the ocean for only so long, and I'm allergic to sunscreen.

There's always a ton to do in Columbia, from nature to the arts (visual and performing), to college sports, to any number of seminars and group activities. Making the choice of what to do and thus missing out on something else you would like to do is the big challenge in Columbia, and this scenario has gotten to be the case weekend after weekend, as well as many a week night.

Columbia’s art community gives Charleston a run for its money | Features | Charleston City Paper

[ranger17]

Originally Posted by Columbiadata

Every time I ever hear anyone talk about why they prefer Charleston, they talk about the beach in their next breath. I can take staring at a bland horizon on the ocean for only so long, and I'm allergic to sunscreen.

There's always a ton to do in Columbia, from nature to the arts (visual and performing), to college sports, to any number of seminars and group activities. Making the choice of what to do and thus missing out on something else you would like to do is the big challenge in Columbia, and this scenario has gotten to be the case weekend after weekend, as well as many a week night.

Columbia’s art community gives Charleston a run for its money | Features | Charleston City Paper

and again add in the zoo/gardens, lake, rivers, parks, etc.... heck we enjoy a day in Charleston but doesnt mean we wanted to live there, just personal choice i guess. Of course funny how new posters jump on the bandwagon picking something over Cola lol

[southbel]

Originally Posted by Columbiadata

Every time I ever hear anyone talk about why they prefer Charleston, they talk about the beach in their next breath. I can take staring at a bland horizon on the ocean for only so long, and I'm allergic to sunscreen.

There's always a ton to do in Columbia, from nature to the arts (visual and performing), to college sports, to any number of seminars and group activities. Making the choice of what to do and thus missing out on something else you would like to do is the big challenge in Columbia, and this scenario has gotten to be the case weekend after weekend, as well as many a week night.

Columbia’s art community gives Charleston a run for its money | Features | Charleston City Paper

But I also think they mean the ambience that a coastal city brings to the equation. Mt Pleasant, where I live, has long ago lost it's sense of being a Lowcountry village near the ocean. However, if you go to areas south of Charleston, like around Wadmalaw Island, you still get that vibe. Really hard to describe what that is but I think most people know the coastal feeling when they see it but can't necessarily tell you what goes into making a place feel that way.

[gvillesc]

Originally Posted by southbel

Really hard to describe what that is but I think most people know the coastal feeling when they see it but can't necessarily tell you what goes into making a place feel that way.

...like stifling humidity?

[southbel]

Originally Posted by gvillesc

...like stifling humidity?

I grew up in South Georgia, the humidity here is an improvement!