SC native ... will answer questions (Charleston, Greenville: relocation, real estate, home)

[wantwarmthandfriendly]

We're another family planning to move to Columbia, SC for a job from Western PA. My concern is the comments about the area regarding "stuck in the civil war era," "damn yankees,"...etc. The confederate flag issue, etc. Is there really a large general problem or issues with Northerners? If so which areas are more transient as to minimize the possibility of being austrisized? I've heard to stay out of Lexington but yet it looks like a great place with great schools. What about the Chapin area?

[kat2k]

Originally Posted by wantwarmthandfriendly

We're another family planning to move to Columbia, SC for a job from Western PA. My concern is the comments about the area regarding "stuck in the civil war era," "damn yankees,"...etc. The confederate flag issue, etc. Is there really a large general problem or issues with Northerners? If so which areas are more transient as to minimize the possibility of being austrisized? I've heard to stay out of Lexington but yet it looks like a great place with great schools. What about the Chapin area?

Hi wantwarmthandfriendly

The problem, in my opinion, is a little overhyped ... but from my experiences with the 'big 3' cities in South Carolina, Columbia seems to have the most natives/southern accents. If you are friendly and try to adapt to the Southern way of life, not say stuff like 'this is how we did this or that up North', ect, there shouldn't be a problem.

Chapin is a small town about 25-30 miles outside of Columbia. I have only passed through the area, back in the early 2000s, but it's pretty rural - sorry I don't know more to tell you.

Have you looked in to Irmo? It's a small town just outside of Columbia. It's pretty southern, but most of the people I encountered were very nice and welcoming, close to Lake Murray. Try looking it up on City-Data and see what you think.

[kat2k]

Originally Posted by DadofTwo

so what are some thoughts on the following ....irmo, camden, any where along n. columbia , cayce, eastover....we hoping to relocate to columbia area after our house sells here in orlando....i have already accepted a teaching job. Thanks for the inof

Read what I told the above poster about Irmo, it's nice. Here's their website: http://www.townofirmosc.com

Camden is nice, but a good ways from Columbia. I know it's Over 30 miles, around 35 I think. It's a small, historical town...the people seem hard working and friendly. Lots of horse-related things. Good luck!

[kat2k]

Originally Posted by bunchakids

kat2k==We are a family of 9, 7 kids, one in college and the rest in h.s., jr. high, and grade/preschool. So I'm looking for a nice town that has good schools and nice people! My kids like to be involved in activities, as well as my husband and myself, who enjoy sports. We were looking at Anderson, which looks like a nice town, not too big or too small. My husband is transferring from Pepsi, and he could go to Anderson or Spartanburg area. Any thoughts on nice neighborhoods? I really don't want the cookie-cutter houses anymore, so new construction is out. Would really like to get a decent house that we could fix up with a decent sized lot (1/2 acre-2 acres).
I like that side of the state because I love the mountains. Don't need to be in them, but would love a view!

Thanks alot for your help! It's nice of you to do this! We're coming from PA.

Anderson is a nice town. I'm not sure with neighborhoods, as I've never lived there but there are quite a few small, rural towns outside of Anderson with homes [fixer-uppers] and land. Are you wanting to be in a neighborhood, or just a rural area? There are tons of rural towns and places outside of Anderson where you could find what you're looking for. It's more of a blue collar area, but there are things to do. The people are nice that I've met there [just really been in a few stores, that's all], the schools appear to be decent.

Spartanburg is OK. Not my favorite in the state, but still, OK. Nice mountain views [better than Anderson], the people are nice, but there are bad areas [well all cities have these, I guess]. The city population has dropped over the past few years I see, but it could be shifting to the suburbs. Schools seem to be OK..

If you went for the Spartanburg thing, I suggest Greer, SC. Great mountain views, a wonderful growing community, and good schools. It's between Spartanburg and Greenville [little closer to Greenville], so you would have great access to both cities for different things. It's about 25 minutes from downtown Spartanburg? and around 20 to downtown Greenville. Lots of people are moving to Greer, there are a few older, more established subdivisions. There are areas north and east of Greer where you could find a more rural/country setting.

[nypat]

Can't wait to move from Long Island. My husband loves the area. I researched the area and I am sure I will be comfortable, also there are no crime free areas. You find them everywhere you go. Also, I am a new mom moving in the middle of May to Fort Mill. My husband has already relocated and started his job. I was wondering if there are any mommy and me groups that I could join with my l year old son. I have no family in the area and it would be nice to have friends for me and my son.
Any information would be helpful. Thanks, can't wait to get settled.

[kat2k]

Originally Posted by nypat

Can't wait to move from Long Island. My husband loves the area. I researched the area and I am sure I will be comfortable, also there are no crime free areas. You find them everywhere you go. Also, I am a new mom moving in the middle of May to Fort Mill. My husband has already relocated and started his job. I was wondering if there are any mommy and me groups that I could join with my l year old son. I have no family in the area and it would be nice to have friends for me and my son.
Any information would be helpful. Thanks, can't wait to get settled.

Hi,

I am not aware of any 'mommy and me' groups in Fort Mill, and searches revealed nothing online. I'm sure there are plenty of groups like you mentioned in nearby Charlotte, it's not that far.

If you attend church/are religious, there are plenty of churches in the area where you could meet other young parents with young children that may have activities or programs. Hope this helps.

[wantwarmthandfriendly]

Originally Posted by kat2k

Hi wantwarmthandfriendly

The problem, in my opinion, is a little overhyped ... but from my experiences with the 'big 3' cities in South Carolina, Columbia seems to have the most natives/southern accents. If you are friendly and try to adapt to the Southern way of life, not say stuff like 'this is how we did this or that up North', ect, there shouldn't be a problem.

Chapin is a small town about 25-30 miles outside of Columbia. I have only passed through the area, back in the early 2000s, but it's pretty rural - sorry I don't know more to tell you.

Have you looked in to Irmo? It's a small town just outside of Columbia. It's pretty southern, but most of the people I encountered were very nice and welcoming, close to Lake Murray. Try looking it up on City-Data and see what you think.

Thank you. I will look it up.

[mystree]

We're another family planning to move to Columbia, SC for a job from Western PA. My concern is the comments about the area regarding "stuck in the civil war era," "damn yankees,"...etc. The confederate flag issue, etc. Is there really a large general problem or issues with Northerners? If so which areas are more transient as to minimize the possibility of being austrisized? I've heard to stay out of Lexington but yet it looks like a great place with great schools. What about the Chapin area?

I'm from nw pa and live just outside of Lexington,you may occassionaly run into a yankee comment but mostly in a joking manner.Lexington is nice and I don't think that will be a problem.

[melody1]

Hello,

We are relocating from Ohio to the Charleston area, and would like recommendations on desirable areas to live. We are in our late 30's and would like to be relatively close to the beaches, shopping, activities, etc...Some of the areas that we've been checking out are Summerville, Mount Pleasant, and James Island.

What can you tell me about these areas? Are there any other areas you would recommend for us to consider? We want to buy - or possibly build a home. Any info you could provide would be truly appreciated.

Thanks!

[sunshinedreamer]

Hi,
This is my first time posting to this site. I found it a few months ago and it looks great. Everyone is so helpful and informative. We are planning to visit South and North Carolina this July (I know it will be hot). We are hoping to move from Lake Oswego, Oregon (Portland metro area) in two to three years or sooner. My husband and I are both originally from sunnier climates and have never gotten used to the cold and rainy "rain season" that lasts 9+ months here. It is very beautiful in the summer, but we would like a place that is warmer. I've visited North Carolina as a child and don't know much about the different areas in the Carolinas except for what I have read in various places.

We have two twin girls that are 5 and starting kindergarten this September. Good schools and education are important. I know for sure that we want some place in the foothills maybe Anderson or Greenville areas because the mountains seem too remote and possibly cold and the low country might be too humid (mold problems) and buggy. Also, I love the rolling hills type of countryside with lakes nearby for their beauty and recreational amenities. I am not looking necessarily for a big city. Portland is much larger than the type of community that I am looking for. Although, I am not ready for a really small town either. We would like someplace that has charm (not just a bunch of strip malls), good schools, good medical facilities, pretty/ scenic location, good economy, low crime, upbeat community with community events like farmers markets, festivals, etc. We are in the real estate / apartment business and would most likely buy and manage some small apartments wherever we move. I know that I am describing a utopia like place, but is there anywhere that sounds like what I am describing? The good news is that we aren't restricted by a job relocation, but this also opens up the state and we need to refine our search.
Thank you all for your help.