More on Sumter please (Columbia, Charleston: low income, real estate, crime)

[LdyJ]

I've read just about everything posted about Sumter - it ain't pretty! Nonetheless, I thought I'd ask if anyone was familiar with the Lakewood area (Lakewood Links Golf Course neighborhood). We're retired; lived in Las Vegas for 46 years, love to golf, and really like both the course and neighborhood. BUT I thought Lakewood was on the south side of Sumter and from what I've read, if your going to live in Sumter, stay away from the south side. Now I've got more than just my fear of whether I can survive the humidity to consider. Please, is there nothing positive yo say about this area?
Thanks
LdyJ

[anonymous]

Originally Posted by LdyJ

Nonetheless, I thought I'd ask if anyone was familiar with the Lakewood area (Lakewood Links Golf Course neighborhood). We're retired; lived in Las Vegas for 46 years, love to golf, and really like both the course and neighborhood. BUT I thought Lakewood was on the south side of Sumter and from what I've read, if your going to live in Sumter, stay away from the south side.

Lakewood is a good neighborhood. It has a bit of a rural feel - it isn't really "in town," although they've constructed a good bit of retail in that area in the past 5-10 years.

"South Sumter" would've literally been the south side of Sumter maybe about 50 years ago. Now it is just a section of town, which ends before Lakewood starts.

My perception has always been that Lakewood was good for people who are very outdoorsy - hunting, fishing, golfing, in particular. It isn't too far from the lake, it's close to hunting lands (for some people). You're right next to the course at Lakewood, Pocalla CC is nearby, and Royal Oaks and Wyboo aren't too far. Public golf is one of Sumter's strong points.

Now I've got more than just my fear of whether I can survive the humidity to consider. Please, is there nothing positive yo say about this area?
Thanks
LdyJ

Sumter can be a great place to live, but it certainly depends on what you like.

[LdyJ]

Thanks for the info, Anonymous. We really like Sumter and actually found a house we're interested in at Lakewood. We play golf, so the courses in that area, as well as Santee, are a real bonus. As for the humidity, as I understand it, it's only "really bad" in July and August. As one person said, adjust, or stay indoors!
As an update, Pocalla, CC is closed - looks like there is some type of development in the works there. And there are plans for a super WalMart about 2 miles from Lakewood (towards Sumter). So that area is growing.
Thanks, again.
LdyJ

[amedeiros]

I moved to Sumter three years ago from Boston, and although there are cultural differences, have stayed because the real estate opportunities are undeniable. The way I look at it is if you want city life you can always drive to Columbia, Charleston and the beaches. But from an economical standpoint, you can't beat it ...nationwide!

[LdyJ]

Amedeiros, that's what I think, too! Thanks, all, for your input - thankfully I'm not pushed to make a decision - BUT, I did find this house. . . . .LOL!
LdyJ

[CarolinaBredChicagoan]

I grew up in Sumter. It's not a bad place. Getting a little prepackaged and it seems like there's a new chain restaurant popping up all the time, but the comments about the real estate are SO true. I live in Chicago now, but am looking at buying up some property down there.

[airforce backer]

I guess after reading all the neagtives on sumter ill imput my views from my standpoint

Lakewood links I love to golf there. I almost bought a home there but it was a bit out of my price range


the problem with that area early on was they never included Shaw airforce base in its population or income. So the Census had results of low income crime bad place to live. No business's would build here. I got stationed at shaw in 2004 and there wasnt much. But growth has exploded over the last few years. SO much now that Im stationed in Kore and have decided to come back to shaw. We bought a very large home for about half of what i would have paid elsewhere in places I used to live.

The census now consider's shaw apart of its population hence all the new business, rest. hotels and what not. Plus with the 3rd army moving in over the next few years I hope to see good things.

Plus my son will be in wilson hall anyhow . But its private school no matter where i live in this world

I hope u enjoy ur stay

[Rophlmao]

"Plus my son will be in wilson hall anyhow . But its private school no matter where i live in this world"

You are a wise parent.