Clemson (Greenville, Spartanburg, Anderson: apartment, crime, schools)

[5.0 Mustang]

I may be attending Clemson University next fall. Can someone tell me a little about the town and state in general? from reading a couple posts id say SC is pretty conservative, is this accurate? I would also like to know a little about the school. thanks
btw im from Minnesota.

[wsaiken]

Yes, SC is pretty conservative. I don't think you'll find many who'd argue with your assessment.

My dad worked in Minneapolis for a couple of years and loved it. The people with whom he worked were extremely generous. He lived in town and walked to work from his apartment through the skyways. Very cool.

You'd certainly find SC and Clemson different from what you've known, but if you're up for a mild culture shock, I see no reason why you wouldn't enjoy four years here. I want my kids to get away when it's there time for college, and I like your courage in setting your sights on a place fairly far from home.

Clemson's a large school with a fairly diverse population. And though Clemson is near the mountains, you'd probably find it balmy. Others can provide more detail about the school and town than can I.

Based on what I saw in MN when I visited my father, I think SC is more diverse than Minnesota. It's also poorer. Though you can largely avoid seeing what you don't want to see, I'd urge you to look around and get involved in public service. Consider it part of your education.

Good luck!

[5.0 Mustang]

thanks for the response. I live outside of the twin cities but have not set foot in Minneapolis more than once or twice. I am prepared for a little culture shock in SC. I am not, however, prepared to deal with another midwest winter!

[CaseyB]

Clemson is a great school. Close to the mountains and lakes. My daughter is a freshman there and she loves it. They had some snow last week but from what I understand the winters are generally pretty mild. Not tropical though, I don't know what you are looking for in terms of weather. The student body seems very friendly. Feel free to pm me if you need further info.

[5.0 Mustang]

Im just looking to get away from a 5 month winter. I can handle a little snow, just not a lot of cold. thanks for the reply.

[rpr483]

I teach in Clemson University. Incidentally, I have moved from Minneapolis about 5 years ago. Although, weather was not the main reason I moved from Minneapolis, I should admit I am enjoying the life in Clemson and its all-round year good weather. It is true that while SC is not progressive as other states, Clemson is not representative of rest of SC. Clemson is a University town with a well-rounded mixture of people from all over the country and the world (thanks to the student population). Clemson is about 15 minutes from Anderson (100,000 population or thereabouts) and 45 minutes south of Greenville-Spartanburg area (around 250,000 population) and 2 hours away from both large metropolitan areas of Atlanta and Charlotte.

Clemson is surrounded by beautiful lakes, and mountains are not far off either. If you are an outdoors person, there is enough to do. Just don't bring your snow mobile. You will be in for a disappointment.

Because of the University crowd the local school system is excellent. Clemson schools are considered to be one of the best in the State of South Carolina. As for crime is concerned, it is generally a very safe place to live. We did have a notoriously bad incident occur a year ago that got national attention, but it is extremely an isolated incident.

Relatively, the cost of living in Clemson is not bad at all compared to Minneapolis/St.Paul.

Clemson football is a craze in the upstate SC, and being in Clemson on a football saturday is a MUST. It is totally a party town when it is football season.

In short I find Clemson to be a great place to live , work and raise kids. If you need a more action, Greenville, Atlanta and Charlotte are not too far.

[p2y2r7o]

Originally Posted by wsaiken

You'd certainly find SC and Clemson different from what you've known, but if you're up for a mild culture shock, I see no reason why you wouldn't enjoy four years here.

Good luck!

Heh, I think it's funny when people say they're from somewhere like Minnesota or other states and others automatically assume they're from the big cities. Minneapolis isn't the only city in minnesota...there are many small towns as well, so it's possible that it wouldn't be a complete culture shock if you were coming from a smaller town.

[Allentown]

I really can't comment about the University itself, but it sounds like the teacher at the school who posted has a clear picture. As far as the town is concern. My wife and I are looking to relocate from New Jersey. We visited Clemson on two occasions and keep coming back. We are so impressed with the town, its layout and the people we are looking to relocate near there permanently. I know that football Saturday is a must especially in the Division I program. The weekend is a typical football weekend. Don't forget at a school that size many many sports and activities are always on campus.
I think you would be vewry impressed with the locale. It is true that surrounding the school are lakes and 30 minutes North you are in the mountains. It is worth a look.
Sincerely,
Dan

[paullySC]

Originally Posted by rpr483

I teach in Clemson University. Incidentally, I have moved from Minneapolis about 5 years ago. Although, weather was not the main reason I moved from Minneapolis, I should admit I am enjoying the life in Clemson and its all-round year good weather. It is true that while SC is not progressive as other states, Clemson is not representative of rest of SC. Clemson is a University town with a well-rounded mixture of people from all over the country and the world (thanks to the student population). Clemson is about 15 minutes from Anderson (100,000 population or thereabouts) and 45 minutes south of Greenville-Spartanburg area (around 250,000 population) and 2 hours away from both large metropolitan areas of Atlanta and Charlotte.

Clemson is surrounded by beautiful lakes, and mountains are not far off either. If you are an outdoors person, there is enough to do. Just don't bring your snow mobile. You will be in for a disappointment.

Because of the University crowd the local school system is excellent. Clemson schools are considered to be one of the best in the State of South Carolina. As for crime is concerned, it is generally a very safe place to live. We did have a notoriously bad incident occur a year ago that got national attention, but it is extremely an isolated incident.

Relatively, the cost of living in Clemson is not bad at all compared to Minneapolis/St.Paul.

Clemson football is a craze in the upstate SC, and being in Clemson on a football saturday is a MUST. It is totally a party town when it is football season.

In short I find Clemson to be a great place to live , work and raise kids. If you need a more action, Greenville, Atlanta and Charlotte are not too far.

Gooo Tigerssssss!!!!!!!

[5.0 Mustang]

Originally Posted by p2y2r7o

Heh, I think it's funny when people say they're from somewhere like Minnesota or other states and others automatically assume they're from the big cities. Minneapolis isn't the only city in minnesota...there are many small towns as well, so it's possible that it wouldn't be a complete culture shock if you were coming from a smaller town.

I live 10 minutes from the cities, close enough lol.

Clemson sounds pretty awesome. Hopefully they give me some merit aid or an oos tuition waiver, otherwise I can't really justify the higher tuition.