Thinking of moving to town of Lancaster, SC (Kershaw, Heath Springs: renting, crime)

[mg243]

Hello all!

I am a single male in my early 30s, currently residing in Charlotte, but am just renting. I have my sights set on purchasing a small starter home, hopefully within the next year or so. I don't have a high income and am looking for a house that is not a complete ****hole for preferably under 100k. I've been doing some searches for homes in many different areas, and the town of Lancaster appears to have some decent looking places within my price range.

I don't have any kids so schools are not an issue for me. Really the only thing I have to worry about is crime/safety and whatnot. I've seen some people on here mention crime as an issue in Lancaster. Is it really that bad? I've looked at the crime stats on here and they do seem a little high, but it does appear to be trending downwards over the last 15 years or so. Would love to hear some input on this from people familiar with the area.

I don't plan on living here forever by any means, I just want a place I can can call my own that I can build some equity in for a few years and then maybe move on to greener pastures.

Thanks for any input/advice

[Joe the Photog]

I don't have crime stats handy at the moment, but from what I see living here, crime is worse in some areas closer to the city of Lancaster, certainly the area around the old mill and also areas around where Meeting Street connects with Hwy. 9. I feel safe in most of Lancaster. The outlying areas of Antioch, Buford, Heath Springs and Kershaw are very safe, but if you're working in Charlotte, that may be a bit of a drive everyday.

If you have specific areas in mind, maybe I can help more

[mg243]

Originally Posted by Joe the Photog

I don't have crime stats handy at the moment, but from what I see living here, crime is worse in some areas closer to the city of Lancaster, certainly the area around the old mill and also areas around where Meeting Street connects with Hwy. 9. I feel safe in most of Lancaster. The outlying areas of Antioch, Buford, Heath Springs and Kershaw are very safe, but if you're working in Charlotte, that may be a bit of a drive everyday.

If you have specific areas in mind, maybe I can help more

Thank you so much for the info Joe!

I'm not really familiar with the old mill area, is that where the Springs Industries was off Grace Ave? If so, it sounds like you're saying maybe try to avoid the west side of town? Should I stay away from downtown area as well?

I don't really have any specific areas in mind right now, it will somewhat depend on what is on the market whenever I'm ready to move. I currently work part time from home, and part time in the Ballantyne area, not far across the state line near 521, and it would likely just be a 3-4 day/week commute if I decided to move there. I think the Buford and Antioch areas would be doable for me, but Heath Springs and Kershaw look to be a little bit further out than I would prefer.

[Jswerve]

My wife is a Realtor and has placed people in similar situations in that area with no issue. Feel free to send me a PM and I can connect you!

[Transplant from up North]

Also keep in mind that there is a massive development going in 2 miles north of Lancaster on 521 with homes looking to be in the $400K's. This will help revitalize the downtown area and push prices higher...and that is a good thing.