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Hello all! I live in Buffalo,NY but the department in my company is relocating to West Columbia in September. Unfortunately I am going through a divorce right now so my husband will not be coming with me. I have a 15 year old son and he will be going with me. Basically I just need to figure out where to live that is a safe low-crime area that is also affordable. Luckily my company is paying for my relocation. Can I find something affordable and nice for around $700 a month? A 1 bedroom is fine since I figure my son only has 2 more years of high school and will then move on to college. I can rough it and give him the bedroom until then. Some of you may be wondering why I would elect to move my son who is going to be a h.s. junior in the Fall, and it is not because I am completely oblivious to how this is going to affect him, but it is due to domestic violence reasons.
Any info on different school districts and areas to live is greatly appreciated, as well as an overall view of Columbia and South Carolina in general. Who knows, maybe my son will end up being a Gamecock...
If you are in West Columbia for work, I would focus on areas west of I-26 towards and on into Lexington or also along Bush River Rd. north of malfunction junction (I-20/I-26 interchange.) Lexington SD 1 & Richland-Lexington 5 are typically rated well for SC school districts. You should easily be able to find a 1 or 2 BR apartment in the $700 range in those areas.
Sorry to hear about all the drama you've had at home, hopefully Columbia will give you a fresh new start! You are coming at the right time of year, September-December, the weather is better those months than any other time IMO; you may get a little of the intense summer heat in the early part of September, but nothing like we have in July & August.
The town of Lexington would probably be your best bet. Schools are good, cost of living is low, and it's convenient to where your job will be. Not 100% sure if you'll be able to find a newer apartment within your price range, though.
South Carolina will definitely be different from where you're coming from, but I think you'll like it. The summertime weather may very well be your biggest adjustment, it'll still be pretty hot when you arrive in September and you'll likely need to run the A/C into October. Columbia has very good shopping and dining, and the University lends a presence in the arts and sports. As a USC alum (you'll soon learn that "USC" is, in fact, not that other school out in Los Angeles), I hope he does decide to stay close to his new home and become a Gamecock!
when looking for apts, check out some of the sites online to get reviews. Any picture can look good, but they dnot always tell the entire story. My sister recently moved down and into her first apt in the Lexington area. Nice location, but terrible management and many problems so she had to find another spot just 2 months later. Which she has and is much happier (still in Lexington). Guess point being--cost isnt everything; there can be good safe values and there will be others that are cheaper but you will see why the minute you pull in. But i do think Lexington would be a good starting point to look at.
We relocated from WI 3+ years ago, and can honestly say you will find winter here is like fall in the north... and rare is the snow. And being in this region allows for many things close by to see and do, plus the ocean and mountains are just 2 hours away. So welcome!
on a personal note, I have to say, as one who grew up in a violent abusive home for most of my youth, i can applaud what you are doing. Most of the times one parent remains with their spouse regardless of how bad it is for them and their children. So props to you for making yourself and your son the priority here!
Best of luck on the move.
You should be able to find a 1 or 2br apartment in the Lexington or Irmo area around your budget. Both areas are safe, have good schools, and will be an easy commute to West Columbia for work.
Two of my friends (both MD's and married to each other) live in Irmo and their two daughters (2 years apart) go to Irmo High. My friends say Irmo High is an excellent school and they are very happy with their daughters being there.
Check out rental houses too. Especially out on the western side of Lexington, towards Gilbert/redbank. The rental house market here is huge right now. You might get a better rate from someone who can't sell their house. Definitely stay on the western side of I-26, up as far as Irmo is good advice.
Call My friend Billy Cantey with Cantey and Company, they are a property rental compnay and can find you a nice place in your budget and in a decent school district
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