SC native ... will answer questions (Columbia, Charleston: best city, Home Depot, find a job)

[The2ofUs]

I currently live in Virginia Beach, Virginia but will be moving south to start work at a hospital in Augusta, GA after graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). I have a 13 year old daughter and have been told that Augusta schools are not the best. Augusta, GA neighborhoods have not received high praise either. It has been suggested that I look in the Aiken, SC area for housing (apartment to start with then a house later--once I learn the area). I have a few questions...

* Do people normally commute from Aiken, SC to Augusta, GA?
* Is traffic bad/congested from Aiken to August?
* How long is the drive from Aiken to Augusta?
* Where are the better neighborhoods and schools (districts) in Aiken?
* Can you identify some of the better apartment/townhouse/condo complexes
in the Aiken area?
* What is there to do in Aiken, SC? My daughter and I like to hike, bike, nature,
water, mountains, shopping, movies, museums, etc. I guess we like a little bit of
everything really but want a good/safe neighborhood to live in most of all.

With the cost of gas steadily increasing, I'm wondering if it may be best to find a safe neighborhood in Georgia (not necessarily in Augusta) and just commute that way; but I'm not familiar with either city/state (SC or GA) yet.

School ends in May and I will take my state boards (nursing licensure) in June so I hope to start work shortly thereafter (July 1, 2008). Time is running short since I am spending most of my time preparing for exams. Any information that can be provided by people living in Aiken, SC or Augusta, GA area will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance !!!

[LindaIL]

Originally Posted by LindaIL

Hi, We're planning on purchasing a few acres of land within the next year, for retirement in about 10 yrs., in either SC foothills or NC foothills. In your opinion, which state would be a better place to retire to, as far as taxes, economy, low-crime, good healthcare, climate. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated!!!

Does anyone know if kat2k is still responding to her orig. post? Haven't had a response in about 5 days. Is her orig. post too old?

[madchris]

Thank goodness. Hey all. Please help. My husband and I just got orders to Fort Jackson. Since this is his last tour of duty, we are buying a home near the base. Preferrably in the South East part of the city. Can someone tell me more about the schools from k-12th? Yes, I have kids in that range :-) I did some researching on the net and I have spoken to my realtor about it but I am not satisfied just yet. My husband saw some info on a Ridgeland High School on the net. What do you all think? (referring to the natives)
Please help. We are traveling from Hawaii. It would be sad to move from a beautiful place and a wonderful tour of duty to something less than that. Even if we do, I would like to be ready. Please don't get me wrong, South Carolina is beautiful from what I see on the net and I can't wait to eat at your fish joints.

[trinkit]

Originally Posted by The2ofUs

I currently live in Virginia Beach, Virginia but will be moving south to start work at a hospital in Augusta, GA after graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). I have a 13 year old daughter and have been told that Augusta schools are not the best. Augusta, GA neighborhoods have not received high praise either. It has been suggested that I look in the Aiken, SC area for housing (apartment to start with then a house later--once I learn the area). I have a few questions...

* Do people normally commute from Aiken, SC to Augusta, GA?
* Is traffic bad/congested from Aiken to August?
* How long is the drive from Aiken to Augusta?
* Where are the better neighborhoods and schools (districts) in Aiken?
* Can you identify some of the better apartment/townhouse/condo complexes
in the Aiken area?
* What is there to do in Aiken, SC? My daughter and I like to hike, bike, nature,
water, mountains, shopping, movies, museums, etc. I guess we like a little bit of
everything really but want a good/safe neighborhood to live in most of all.

With the cost of gas steadily increasing, I'm wondering if it may be best to find a safe neighborhood in Georgia (not necessarily in Augusta) and just commute that way; but I'm not familiar with either city/state (SC or GA) yet.

School ends in May and I will take my state boards (nursing licensure) in June so I hope to start work shortly thereafter (July 1, 2008). Time is running short since I am spending most of my time preparing for exams. Any information that can be provided by people living in Aiken, SC or Augusta, GA area will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance !!!

I am in the process of relocating to Aiken from MI -- I work at the SRS site -- and I can answer SOME of your questions.

The commute from the south side of Aiken to downtown Augusta is about an hour, depending on where you're going in Augusta. There are many of my co-workers who live in Augusta, because the commute from Augusta to SRS is about the same as from Aiken to SRS.

My understanding is that the south side of Aiken is the better side (more stores, better schools, etc.). I've driven thru the north side and it's kind of rundown (IMO). Downtown Aiken is chock full of historic homes -- probably in the multi-million dollar range.

If you want to be closer to Augusta, but still in SC, you might want to look into North Augusta. You'll be closer to the big box stores, etc. Aiken has 2 Wal-Marts, Target and some smaller stores. I haven't really met up with too many inconveniences here. I plan to go to the community playhouse periodically. My younger co-workers tell me that there's not much to do here for teenagers -- but others might disagree with that and point out some things to do. Hitchcock Woods would satisfy your desire to bike and hike.

Some of the "natives" can probably give more information than I have -- I'm just giving info on what I've found in the 6 months that I've been here.

[Major Minor]

Question for SC Native:

During my research in another area I came across a reference to the Redshirts of Wade Hampton. Hampton, a former Confederate General announced he was running for Governor against the oppressive carpetbagger reconstruction Republican government. Evidently the great popularilty of the General and huge throngs of supporters clad in red convinced the federal government to allow open elections. Hampton easily won.

Now my question. I have in my possession a copy of a painting showing mounted, armed Red shirted raiders capturing the Columbia railroad station and waving a flag with the date August 27, 1867. At he bottom is the slogan "We will storm the gates of Hell"

I remember a relative in Rock Hill SC many years ago telling me that Hampton's Redshirts captured Columbia and ran the sleeping Federal troops there into the Ashley River.

Is this fact? Does the painting depict something that actually occurred. I can't find any reference to armed conflict between the Redshirts and Federal troops online.

[JFRRACING]

hi,my Wife And I Are Moving To Sc This Summer. We Are Currently Looking At Realestate In Sumter And Surrounding Area. I Checked Out The Sumter Web Site And It Does Seem Like A Fairly Nice Place. We Are Living In Upstate Ny Right Now. We Just Want To Get Away From The Snow And Sub Zero Temps. I See There Are Alot Of Properties For Sale In That Area And Surround Towns. We Plan On Coming Down In A Month Or So To Look At Some Properties. I Just Wanted To Find Out From Someone That Is Fimilar With That State. You Seem To To Be Very. Your Imput Would Be Very Helpfull. Thanks Kenny

[azbec]

Hi, I'm visting Myrtle Beach in May (I know it's Bike Week), but I was wondering if you could help me. I booked a hotel in the 200 Block of Ocean Drive. I will be traveling with twl little ones. Is this a safe place of part to be in? i know it's the downtown area and where I'm from the downtowm area is not a place to be. Thanks

[baylovers]

No doubt that it will be busy down there but I don't think it will be the worst section to be in. If you are going during the Harley Bike week (May 9-18) the Murrells Inlet/Garden City area are is the focus point. The Atlantic Beach Bikefest is the 22-25 and is centered more in Atlantic Beach, however the bikers seem to spread out everywhere. The Ocean Blvd strip will probably be a little crazier during this weekend.

Other than increased traffic along the major thoroughfares you shouldn't have any big problems. The Horry County & MB Police do a good job keeping everyone in check and I would imagine that your family & the bikers will be interested in different venues.

[JFRRACING]

Hi, My Wife And I Are Moving To Sc This Summer. We Are Currently Looking At Realestate In Sumter And Surrounding Area. I Checked Out The Sumter Web Site And It Does Seem Like A Fairly Nice Place. We Are Living In Upstate Ny Right Now. We Just Want To Get Away From The Snow And Sub Zero Temps. I See There Are Alot Of Properties For Sale In That Area And Surround Towns. We Plan On Coming Down In A Month Or So To Look At Some Properties. I Just Wanted To Find Out From Someone That Is Fimilar With That State. You Seem To To Be Very. Your Imput Would Be Very Helpfull. Thanks Kenny

[jbxie]

Got a speeding ticket last week when I wasing driving on the highway 85 around Greenville, SC area. Does anyone know a good attorny to help with the ticket? Thanks a lot