Job in Aiken live in Columbia or Augusta (North Augusta, Lexington: car registration, insurance)

[jstorm1]

I will be working in Aiken starting in june. I don't want to live in Aiken because its too small. Augusta and Columbia are much bigger cities. Both cities are growing and about the same distance to Aiken. Where should I live i can't decide? Im leaning towards Augusta but I like Columbia too.

[Buckeye in SC]

Originally Posted by jstorm1

I will be working in Aiken starting in june. I don't want to live in Aiken because its too small. Augusta and Columbia are much bigger cities. Both cities are growing and about the same distance to Aiken. Where should I live i can't decide? Im leaning towards Augusta but I like Columbia too.

While I would recommend Columbia since it is where we chose to relocate too and have been pretty pleased thus far w/our decision, I'm not going to diss Augusta b/c I'm not real familiar w/it. However, I do know that Aiken is actually much closer (less than 20 miles) to Augusta as opposed to nearly 60 miles from Columbia. So not sure who told you they were about the same distance - even Lexington on the west side of the Cola metro would be a good 40-45 miles from Aiken. So, if you like Augusta, I'd probably recommend there just so you have a more reasonable commute.

[waccamatt]

Augusta is certainly much closer to Augusta, but Columbia is larger than Augusta. I would visit both cities and see what feel you get. I wouldn't totally dismiss Aiken, either. It's a nice town and you can always drive to Augusta or Columbia for other things to do.

[kat in aiken]

Several of the people I work with live on the Georgia side, around Augusta. They say it is more affordable to live there - housing prices, taxes, etc., are supposedly lower. I don't know for a fact, tho, as I live and work in Aiken.

[trudyg]

I think Aiken is the best of both worlds. It's between Augusta and Columbia and an easy drive to either place. Aiken is definately quieter but it also has less traffic, crime, and lower taxes.

[FHMullane]

Live in Aiken. Why get involved in a commute. If gas prices go back up you will be sorry you have that expense. You can go to Columbia and Augusta for whatever you think is in a big city. There are some potential tax issues as you would reside in GA but you would be paying SC income tax cause you work there. Also, check with other issues such as insurance and car registration and other advantages or disadvantages of living in either state.

[miranova]

I grew up in Aiken, now live in Augusta. I can't imagine driving from Columbia. I do know people who drive to Columbia for work, just because of lack of opportunities in the Augusta/Aiken area. Why not North Augusta which is in Aiken county in SC? It's right across the river from Augusta, two minutes from downtown, quick interstate access, way more affordable housing. I've lived in Aiken, North Augusta, and Augusta.

[orange_red]

I live and work in Aiken, and have been thinking about moving to Columbia and commuting. Despite the distance, my vote would be for Columbia over Augusta. Augusta is closer, but it is more conservative and less of a city. Columbia is growing, increasingly progressive, and has a nice downtown with lots to do of all kinds. Augusta is an Old-South city, with tenser-than-normal race relations and very conservative ideas. If you want city ambience and city amenities, Columbia would win hands down. But, the commute would be a good hour each way on the freeway.

[123onetwothree]

Thank you for the great advice concerning the diffences in both cities. Speaking as one who has lived in both cities for some time, . .You probably want a less stressful life. You may even enjoy opportunity, . .and the pursuit of happiness. Aiken is peaceful. Columbia has more opportunity.