Thinking about Clemson, vs. Raleigh (Charleston, Greenville: real estate, apartments, renting)

[johninva]

I'm looking at grad schools and have been accepted to both NC State and Clemson. Clemson has offered me more money, so the girlfriend and I are going to check out the area this weekend.

NC State was my first choice, as it had the exact program I wanted and Raleigh seems to have plenty to do when I'm not in class. I live about an hour from Raleigh now.

What's the housing situation like in Clemson? We're not looking to move into a party-complex. But from my internet searches, that's the majority of what I've found. We'd like something quiet and within walking distance to campus. Is that going to be impossible?

We live in a small town now, so I think that Clemson will actually be a small step up, considering it's got restuarants and shops that cater to the university crowd. Plus it's close to Greenville and Atlanta, not to mention the weekend trips to Charleston and Savannah.

Can anyone offer any suggestions of what to see this weekend that will give us a good idea of what the town is like? Has anyone spent two years in grad school at Clemson and regretted every minute of it? Are there great apartments to be found that weren't built yesterday with frat parties in mind? Is Clemson a walking town? I'd like to walk from my apartment to class, and stop for coffee along the way. Are there historic neighborhoods to explore?

Thanks for reading this, and thanks for your help!

[marker126]

I've been living in Clemson for 6 years now, and I've lived in 5 different places off campus, and have been happy with each one of them.

There is a TON of housing in Clemson, and you won't have a problem finding places that weren't "built yesterday". If you want to live within walking distance, but don't want the noise of people partying, I wouldn't recommend the apartments directly downtown on Earle Street, or Foy Creek, a lot of the bar crowds walk down that Earle street every night.

Check out North Clemson Avenue and the connecting streets for a house that's within walking distance. Actually, I lived in Calhoun Courts 1 (110 N Clemson Ave) for a year and really liked it. Close to everything, and you even get your own a "garage" on the first level of the apartment. I don't remember the neighbors partying much either.

I'd stop by Carolina Real estate , I've had good experience renting through them.

[johninva]

Thanks for the reply.

I did a search for Calhoun Courts and came up with some University Housing. Is that the same place? I don't think we want to live on campus. My girlfriend would be living with me, but she won't be attending the school.

Thanks for the website link. That looks promising. Right now I'm living in an almost 100-year-old building with lots of character (in an historical neighborhood, but with cracks in the walls and bad heat). But I enjoy it and hope I can find something similar in Clemson.

[IBrakeforTailgaters]

Yeah, Calhoun Courts is on campus.

I think you'll find what you're looking for. Downtown Clemson is just across the street from campus. There were a bit of nice little restaurants and shopping on the main streets. I went to Clemson for a few years but transferred out for my own reasons. I did enjoy the school, but you have to really enjoy small town living. I don't think a lot of people mind it, but I was trying to get away from that...however, Clemson's a good school and most everyone enjoys the experience!