Is South Carolina Overcrowded? (Columbia, Charleston: sales, crime, find a job)

[At1WithNature]

Can one escape one of Earth's most populated regions (Chicago for example) and still find peace and comfort in South Carolina or is it being over-run with too many northerners? I only ask because I plan on moving to Mississippi of Alabama within 2 years but was wondering if South Carolina might be a better fit with more civilized people. I don't want to be stuck around nothing but gun toting, beer drinking, deer killing, big truck driving good ole boys with nothing else. If I'm around most people like that, not that big of a deal as we have gangsters here on the southside that I'd be willing to trade off for some good ole boys. However, I am really thinking that South Carolina might be a better bet.

My family was well to do during the Civil War era. We are from Charleston and then after the war we lost all our money and moved to chicago (The Southern Dollar was no longer worth anything). My family originally came over to Jamestown from England in the 1600's so I think I'm a misplaced soul living so far up north in the chilly/gloomy areas of the North.

My real questions are, is the weather that much different in South Carolina opposed to Mississippi? How are the people different? Are the southern belles/women different between respected states, how so? It may be hard to categorize an entire state but do your best based off of what you know. What are the main differences between Mississippi and South Carolina? I have a degree in elementary education by the way...

[Buckeye in SC]

Originally Posted by At1WithNature

Can one escape one of Earth's most populated regions (Chicago for example) and still find peace and comfort in South Carolina or is it being over-run with too many northerners? I only ask because I plan on moving to Mississippi of Alabama within 2 years but was wondering if South Carolina might be a better fit with more civilized people. I don't want to be stuck around nothing but gun toting, beer drinking, deer killing, big truck driving good ole boys with nothing else. If I'm around most people like that, not that big of a deal as we have gangsters here on the southside that I'd be willing to trade off for some good ole boys. However, I am really thinking that South Carolina might be a better bet.

My family was well to do during the Civil War era. We are from Charleston and then after the war we lost all our money and moved to chicago (The Southern Dollar was no longer worth anything). My family originally came over to Jamestown from England in the 1600's so I think I'm a misplaced soul living so far up north in the chilly/gloomy areas of the North.

My real questions are, is the weather that much different in South Carolina opposed to Mississippi? How are the people different? Are the southern belles/women different between respected states, how so? It may be hard to categorize an entire state but do your best based off of what you know. What are the main differences between Mississippi and South Carolina? I have a degree in elementary education by the way...

A couple of things, I've never lived (or been to Mississippi), but my supervisor lived there before moving here to Columbia, and hands down she likes Columbia & SC far better (by the way, she's originally from Illinois) despite it's shortcomings.

As for is SC overcrowded? Nope, in fact, it has a little bit of everything, if you like the 'big city' feel, you can live on the SC side of the Charlotte metro. If you like the mid-sized city feel, we have 3 of those - Columbia, Greenville-Spartanburg & Charleston, and if you like the smaller cities, some of those too, Rock Hill, Sumter, Florence & Aiken to name a few. Also, along w/Charleston, you have Hilton Head & Myrtle Beach as major tourist coastal cities. But you will also find that much of the state is very rural. For instance, between Columbia and Rock Hill (roughly 60 miles) there is almost nothing in the way of development. If I had to estimate, I'd say at least 80% of the state's land is outside of it's cities/metros and considered rural.

As for the weather, again having not lived in Mississippi, can't comment a lot on that, but I'd venture to guess based on geography, that for the most part, it's not terribly different. Keep in mind though, that in the NW part of SC for instance, it is mountainous, and tends to be cooler than the central and low-country areas of the state. No mountains in Mississippi that I know of.

You may have trouble right now finding a job in elementary education in most parts of the state as many districts are cutting jobs due to the economy and state budget cuts.

[rubber_factory]

Your questions are totally subjective... my opinions are as follows:

Originally Posted by At1WithNature

Can one escape one of Earth's most populated regions (Chicago for example) and still find peace and comfort in South Carolina

Yes, in parts.

or is it being over-run with too many northerners?

Yes, in parts.

I only ask because I plan on moving to Mississippi of Alabama within 2 years but was wondering if South Carolina might be a better fit with more civilized people.

Moving to a certain city, or a certain area makes sense. Moving to a certain state, not so much.

If I wanted advice about moving to Illinois, you wouldn't answer the questions the same way for Chicago and for Carbondale, would you?

I don't want to be stuck around nothing but gun toting, beer drinking, deer killing, big truck driving good ole boys with nothing else. If I'm around most people like that, not that big of a deal as we have gangsters here on the southside that I'd be willing to trade off for some good ole boys.

Your perspective seems odd.

What similarity are you drawing in your mind between southside Chicago gangsters and rural South Carolina rednecks?

You should probably visit first, at least, to peg your stereotypes more accurately.

My family was well to do during the Civil War era. We are from Charleston and then after the war we lost all our money and moved to chicago (The Southern Dollar was no longer worth anything). My family originally came over to Jamestown from England in the 1600's so I think I'm a misplaced soul living so far up north in the chilly/gloomy areas of the North.

Just logistically speaking, what you're saying is very unlikely. You probably are referring to one certain line that your family is most proud of, rather than viewing all your ancestors as equally "Family."

For example, you say "your family originally came over to Jamestown...."

How many living relatives do you think you had in 1600? A hundred or more? Did they all come from Jamestown or are you cherrypicking?

My real questions are, is the weather that much different in South Carolina opposed to Mississippi?

Both are hot, Mississippi is probably a tiny bit warmer. The land and topography are very different due to the Mississippi delta.

How are the people different?

Mississippi is probably the only state more "old south" than South Carolina. It has no urban areas to speak of, so the "good ol' boy" mentality is more pervasive. There are a higher percentage of blacks in Mississippi, and Mississippi is poorer.

Are the southern belles/women different between respected states, how so?

Not really. I know a lot of 20-something girls from both states. I'd say the Mississippi girls buy into the "Old South" concept more than SC girls do. Mississippi girls are known for caking on makeup, and dressing to the nines.. not that SC girls don't, it is just that MS girls are unparalleled in this sense.

It may be hard to categorize an entire state but do your best based off of what you know. What are the main differences between Mississippi and South Carolina? I have a degree in elementary education by the way...

Keep in mind that you're describing arbitrary political boundaries when you refer to "states." You will see more changes moving from the flatlands to the hills, than from Mississippi to South Carolina.

[At1WithNature]

I brought up my family history because I know the North isn't for me and it makes sense to me given that 100's of years ago most of my family lived in Virginia and South Carolina before the war of Northern Aggresion.

What parts of South Carolina are still preserved aka not over-run by Northerners? I don't want to move next to the same types of people that I am trying to escape.

Obviously, I would avoid the Delta region of Mississippi. I have looked into the Clarksdale, Hattiesburg, and Oxford areas. Ocean Springs as well. To be honest, I don't know much about South Carolina other than what I've seen on tv from such shows as "Flip this House." I've had friends who went to college there, played baseball, etc. but I still don't know much about it compared to Mississippi for example. That's why I came here looking for subjective responses.

My perspective may seem odd, but all I was trying to say is I'll happily swap living near gangsters on chicago's southside for living next to good ole boys who like to get drunk and shoot innocent animals. You should know about Chicago and gang banging. That explains itself. What I meant by "good ole boys" is relatively uneducated white males who enjoy their guns, trucks, republicans, and alcohol. I don't vote so I could care less if they're republican or democrat. I don't support corrupt systems willingly. I just used republican to help describe the "good ole boy" mentality that is, no doubt, prevelant not only in Mississippi but the South as a whole. That's why I was looking at university towns in Mississippi such as Oxford and Hattiesburg.

However, as you explained, South Carolina is more urban and I figured that I might be able to find less of a rural experience living in South Carolina without having to move to a town that has a University in it.

I love the heat and humidity so I am game for that. One thing Mississippi has going for it is its' incredible state parks. I'm not a fan of mountains but how are the parks/natural landscapes of south carolina (the parts away from the mountains)? As anyone can tell by my name, I love nature.

[rubber_factory]

Originally Posted by At1WithNature

I brought up my family history because I know the North isn't for me and it makes sense to me given that 100's of years ago most of my family lived in Virginia and South Carolina before the war of Northern Aggresion.

I understand, my ancestors made the same migration from the tidewater region to various parts of SC. When I did the research, I was shocked to find how consistently each little clan moved around in about a 50-square mile radius of SC for about 200 years.

What parts of South Carolina are still preserved aka not over-run by Northerners? I don't want to move next to the same types of people that I am trying to escape.

Well.. we will start with where is overrun -
every square inch of the coast, from Hilton Head Island to Cherry Grove Beach. Also some areas around the Charlotte metro.

That's pretty much it.

Obviously, I would avoid the Delta region of Mississippi.

Consider the "I-95 corridor" to be South Carolina's version of the delta.

I have looked into the Clarksdale, Hattiesburg, and Oxford areas. Ocean Springs as well. To be honest, I don't know much about South Carolina other than what I've seen on tv from such shows as "Flip this House." I've had friends who went to college there, played baseball, etc. but I still don't know much about it compared to Mississippi for example. That's why I came here looking for subjective responses.

My perspective may seem odd, but all I was trying to say is I'll happily swap living near gangsters on chicago's southside for living next to good ole boys who like to get drunk and shoot innocent animals. You should know about Chicago and gang banging. That explains itself. What I meant by "good ole boys" is relatively uneducated white males who enjoy their guns, trucks, republicans, and alcohol. I don't vote so I could care less if they're republican or democrat. I don't support corrupt systems willingly. I just used republican to help describe the "good ole boy" mentality that is, no doubt, prevelant not only in Mississippi but the South as a whole.

I said "Your perspective is odd," that was not helpful of me. What I should've said is that your perspective seems influenced by the mainstream media's perception of what rural SC would be like, if they ever actually came here to see.

I would recommend the search function to dig up old threads, I can't really adequately discuss this topic without derailing the thread.

As an example, just about anyone here would look at you as if you had a third eye if you vilified "shooting innocent animals." That is an extremely urban perspective to have, whether you are liberal or conservative.

There is at least one regular poster here who is from SC, lives in Chicago, he may be more apt to giving you good comparisons between the two areas.

That's why I was looking at university towns in Mississippi such as Oxford and Hattiesburg.

However, as you explained, South Carolina is more urban and I figured that I might be able to find less of a rural experience living in South Carolina without having to move to a town that has a University in it.

Oxford is pretty rural, and dominated by UM. It has its liberal/academic side to it, but to me it is like one giant fraternity/sorority. Never been to H-Burg.

I am inclined to recommend a town like Greenville or Columbia. Southern and urban, decent economies/cost of living.. they can be clique-ish, though.

I love the heat and humidity so I am game for that. One thing Mississippi has going for it is its' incredible state parks. I'm not a fan of mountains but how are the parks/natural landscapes of south carolina (the parts away from the mountains)? As anyone can tell by my name, I love nature.

As far as wilderness land is concerned, in SC it is generally either mountains or swamps. Most of the deciduous forests are gone, replaced by pine timberland. Actually, very similar to Mississippi. Mississippi has some giant parks and protected lands, though, you are correct.

[Intergalactic]

Having moved from Chicago down here to Columbia, and having similar story (Confederate family forced north due to economics) I can say that I have never had any problems with anything. Nobody cares about you or your personal business, being a transplanted Northerner means nothing one way or the other, and you should only worry about externalities like finding a job and a roof over your head in an area that climatically and geographically fits your needs and desires.

[myrc60]

Originally Posted by Intergalactic

Having moved from Chicago down here to Columbia, and having similar story (Confederate family forced north due to economics) I can say that I have never had any problems with anything. Nobody cares about you or your personal business, being a transplanted Northerner means nothing one way or the other, and you should only worry about externalities like finding a job and a roof over your head in an area that climatically and geographically fits your needs and desires.

Feels like this is turning into the former-Chicagoan thread! I'd agree with what Intergalactic says. You haven't given us any idea though if you will be looking for work or schools or anything like that. I lived in Chicago for 25 years and I can tell you that you will find a simplier life down here. No matter what our crime stats seems to say you will be safer down here but don't lose sight of the fact that crime will happen regardless of where you may go.

[At1WithNature]

You guys are really helpful. It is much appreciated. Right now I work in the loop (Randolph and LaSalle) at the Thompson Center. I work for the Government. However, I do have a strong background in sales and then a degree in elementary education. So, I could look for work in any of those 3 fields. I wouldn't mind being a salesman. I was pretty good at it. I'm a 25 year old, white male, looking to be around like minded people. Or at least people with similar ethics/value structure. That would be people who value education, respect their neighbor, and have a decent outlook on life. Here in the south part of chicago, you have a lot of bitter people who have given up on life and just look at what they don't have and the negative side of life all of the time. I understand that you will get that anywhere but this part of chicago seems to have a lot of those folks running around. I think it has to do with income and the environment in which they grew up in. So, yes, I would be looking for work in any of those 3 fields. They are government (desk job), teaching, or sales.

[CarolinaWoman]

Be sure and find a job before you relocate ... SC Unemployment is third in the nation right now at 11.4% (Michigan @ 12.6% Oregon @ 12.1%) ... it's bad.

[Geechie North]

Originally Posted by rubber_factory

As far as wilderness land is concerned, in SC it is generally either mountains or swamps. Most of the deciduous forests are gone, replaced by pine timberland. Actually, very similar to Mississippi. Mississippi has some giant parks and protected lands, though, you are correct.

SC's Lowcountry (roughly the Eastern 1/3) has not had "deciduous forest" for at least 10,000 years, or so.

At its pristine (pre-settlement), it contained maritime forest/marshlands near the coast, and open, park-like, Longleaf Pine forests in the Western edge. Check out the Francis Marion Nat'l Forest, and its interface with the sea, along the Santee river.

The Sandhill area (the old seashore) running from Cheraw through Aiken had mostly scrub-pine and tupelo swamps, of which the Congaree is an excellent example.

Above that is the Piedmont, which is where one runs into the first true deciduous forest, although shortleaf pine is also common there.
Sumter Nat'l Forest preserves this eco-system.

SC's only true mountain lands are in far W. Greenville Co., or along the Chattooga Ridge area in the extreme NW.