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We're moving to Columbia in a few months and I'm completely confused when it comes to suburbs...I hear a lot of how great Blythwood is, but there doesn't seem to be a whole lot there...we've vistited and aren't super thrilled with Irmo (nothing against it, just a little too built up), and Chapin is too far. We'll be communting to downtown (Assembly Street) and Lexington Medical Center, respectively, and I'm trying to figure out what we can get in our price range and what the pros and cons are of Lexington versus Blythwood/Lake Carolina/NE Columbia--for families, for traffic, for new commerce, etc.
We'll be moving again in about 4 years, so we're also trying to figure out which area seems to have the better resale values--so, probably looking for newer houses that aren't brand new.
We also have a budget that can't really go above 160k...
If anybody is willing to chime in on this stuff I'd greatly appreciate it!!
for what it's worth, i'd suggest the Lexington area as the commute can be reasonable and it does offer quite a bit for shopping and eating, etc (plus close to the Harbison mall when needed). I believe their school districts are rated well, those who have kids in school could answer that better (if it's needed for you).
My only thought on housing, is based on the premise that you already know you'll be moving in 4 years. While the home market may be turning around, i myself would be concerned a little about buying a home and hoping i could sell it a short period later. And i say short, as we've been down here almost 4 years and it seems like we just made the move from WI---time does fly by fast. Normally i suggest to anyone moving into a new location they should consider renting (home or apt) the first year anyway, to make sure they've chosen the right community/neighborhood. After that year you'd then have a better idea on how the housing is going and what your confidence at that point is for buying for the remainder of your time here. Of course in 4 years it may be a non issue, and it's just my .02
I would prefer living in town, but between the 2 options I would prefer NE Columbia because the population is more diverse and there are also plenty of shopping options and an easy commute downtown.
I live near Lake Carolina and commute to Lexington Medical Center, more or less. The drive's not bad if you're not doing it during the morning and evening rushes. It's just getting to interstate that's a hassle then. Downtown is about as far away, and about as long to get there.
The Blythewood general area is the fastest growing area. Were I looking to move to this area for the long term, then I would choose the Blythewood area.
Now considering where you will be working and your only planing on being here for 4 years, then I say Lexington would make more sense. Easier commute to Lex Med and downtown, good schools, plenty of homes (including new) to choose from.
Are the schools of interest to you and a how large a family?
You can't beat the schools in Lexington. We are in Lexington 1 school district and are really impressed with it. It WAY surpasses any of the districts in Texas where we moved from. We live just off the exit to Hwy 20 and the commute to downtown and the Medical Center is a breeze. So close to the highway, everything is quite accessible.
Considering you have a commute to LMC and Assembly Street, I'll throw in my suggestion for Lexington, also. The drive really isn't that bad and there are great communities and schools in Lexington (Lexington 1).
Curious, how long is the commmute from, say, Lake Carolina, to Lexington during rush hour?
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Thanks!
