Summerville, Columbia, Aiken....???? (Charleston, North Charleston, Greenville: real estate market, house, theater)

[grose58]

Hello everyone...

I'm looking for any/all input on possibly relocating to the SC area... from the Northern VA/DC area. Originally from upstate NY, but living here in the DC area most of my life, we are contemplating making a life-changing decision to leave within the year....for many reasons.

We are leaning towards the Summerville area (have done tons of research there...plus my brother is moving down there) and would really LOVE to be somewhat close to the beaches. Cost of living is a huge factor for us. Schools are very important (middle/high school). Have never been to Charleston, but still want access to city life (theaters, music, etc.) Bottom line: Quality of life. We need a slower pace, getting away from the "rat race"....Have loved living here in this area...but time for a change.
I've heard a lot about Columbia and Aiken as well. The more I research, the more confusing it gets!

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated!
THANKS, in advance.

[beachme]

I don't know anything about Aiken but if it is between Summerville and Columbia I would go with Summerville. My parents live in Columbia and I have nothing nice to say about the area. Summerville is a great town close to Charleston and the beach. Homes are affordable and everything you need is close by. Plus you already have family here. GO FOR IT!

[scyogi]

hmmmmm......I have lived in both. Summerville when I was in elementary-6th grade, so I have nothing but rose colored glasses view of Summerville. It is very cute, love how close it is to the beach. My parents would take us every weekend or we would go boating. Class fields trips to all the cool historical plantations. (see...all the fun stuff!) I lived in Aiken for 10 years as a adult raising our kids--loved, loved, loved it!. Cute town, good schools (Area 1 schools are really good), a very active down town area--great small business, good places to eat/drink, a very decent library, good parks with the bonus of HItchcock woods. Property taxes are low, car taxes annoyed me every year, driving 45 MPH everywhere will get on you nerves, lack of decent shopping...I always went to Atlanta for shopping. Property values really hold steady in Aiken..I would even say they are high for what you get. Aiken puts you close to AUgusta, Atlanta, Greenville, Columbia, and Charlotte. You can leave Aiken and either be at the beach, a major city, or the mountains in less than 3 hours. Our oldest child is in college at USC-Columbia and does enjoy downtown Columbia. It is cute and has some fun spots. Lexington schools are supposed to be really good. Good luck and WELCOME TO THE SOUTH!!! You are going to love it!

[NS_Highlander]

I would go with Summerville. A nice downtown like Aiken, but closer to the water and the Gem of Charleston. I think the Charleston area is nicer than Columbia, but that is my opinion. Also Summerville is warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer than Columbia, if that is important to you.

[waccamatt]

Columbia is much larger and has much more to offer than Summerville or Aiken. It all depends on what you are looking for and where you can find a suitable job, which would be my number one priority. Summerville is close to Charleston and closer to the beach than Columbia, but you'd have all the amenities of the city closer at hand here than you would the amenities of Charleston in Summerville. As far as schools are concerned, there are good schools in a number of sections of the Columbia area. The weather in Summerville is only slightly warmer in winter than Columbia and I seriously doubt it would be cooler in Summer. Summerville doesn't have a National Weather Service Office, but in comparing the Charleston Aiirport (not far from Summerville) with the Columbia Airport, here are the comparisons of average temperatures:

January Columbia avg high 55, avg low 34 Summerville avg high 59 avg low 37
July Columbia avg high 92 avg low 72 Summerville avg high 91 avg low 73

Again, I would see where you find the best job once you narrow it down to a few cities.

[grose58]

Thanks to everyone who has responded so far! I really appreciate all the feedback.....just have to weigh/narrow everything down and work out a lot on this end first too. Still welcoming any other input.....

[gsupstate]

Aiken is cute, but Summerville is your best bet. Great cost of living. Charleston is great and you'll be close. Growing area, so your investment in a home is pretty solid.

[Akhenaton06]

^Not according to most recent data. Home values continue to plunge in the Charleston area: Charleston-North Charleston, SC MSA Home Values, Map Real Estate Market Year over Year Home Price Appreciation - Zillow

Columbia experienced more appreciation in home value in 4Q08, particularly in Richland County:
Columbia, SC MSA Home Values, Map Real Estate Market Year over Year Home Price Appreciation - Zillow

And here's Aiken:
Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC MSA Home Values, Map Real Estate Market Year over Year Home Price Appreciation - Zillow

Nice to have hard and fast data when making such an important decision.

[TreehouseNC]

I just came back from Summerville (spent 4 days there), then we drove over to Aiken for a day. Well, we have lived all over the place and I hated the congestion in Summerville. Yes, alot of reasonable homes to choose from and alot to do, but when our kids were in HS way back in the day, we left a district of hundreds of schools for a district of just two high schools and it makes a big difference in the quality of life in general. Aike was so mild, pretty, refreshing and so pleasing to drive around. We drove through school zones when school was letting out and it was a breeze. Downtown was so nice with the sidewalk cafes and shops.

Aiken had very resonable homes as well, but just less to choose from because it's a little smaller. We hope to be moving real soon and are leaning towards Aiken...........

[scyogi]

I saw your earlier post about Aiken and literally sat on my hands. I feel like I am always gushing over that city. I will say it again.....I miss that town. It is a very sweet little spot. Housing is affordable, nice....actually LOVELY downtown. Hopeland Garden Summer series is nice. I love and truly miss Hitchock woods every morning. Go back for a long weekend, stay at the Carriage House Inn downtown and I promise you won't leave without hiring an realestate agent. Oh...and Lobsterfeast is the weekend. Always fun!