Moving to Greenwood area from NY please HELP (Columbia, Greenville: sales, new home)

[sandysweetplus3]

My husband will be working in Greenwood and I have been searching for information on schools. My son is 16 and is interested in military, specifically marines. I also have a 5 year old daughter, so info on elementary and high schools would be great. My mother in law is also relocating with us. She is looking for affordable, low cost senior housing. Any information would be appreciated!!

[ckeegan]

I'm sure you'll get some great input from different people on here, but I've always been a big fan of the following website: GreatSchools - Public and Private School Ratings, Reviews and Parent Community

You can see ratings, and read reviews from parents. Just a tool that I thought I would share.

[anniegirl59]

you may not be interested at all, (or able, due to job) but if you have ever considered homeschooling, now is the time to do a little research! I'm also moving to that area from california, and began homeschooling my kids (3rd grade) a year ago. (I have two college kids that did public school k-12) Homeschooling has been the best thing ever! Complete freedom to do whatever we wish. We can read all day in our pjs if we want, or drive to a museum, or just spend day hiking. Much easier than dealing with school, meetings, pickup, dropoff, homework, conferences. It frees you up as far as where to shop for a new home, as well. Just a thought....

[sandysweetplus3]

anniegirl- homeschooling is not for me,best of luck.
Tinabean- Thank you so much for all of your advice!! I will look into the schools you mentioned. Good Luck selling your house!!
Great Schools has been very helpful.
Anymore information willbe helpful!!

[ScubaDave]

A few shockers to be ready for when you move from states other than some of the other southern states (like GA)...blue laws, the heat, and the education system.

Pros:
People are generally kind and inviting. Pretty conservative here (can be pro or con).

Low cost of living.

Close proximity to Greenville (hippest city around here), Charlotte, Athens, and Columbia

Negatives:

The education system here is sorely lacking. If you are concerned about your child's education, SC is NOT for you. My parents were from here but I am a transplant from Denver and was about 5-6 years more advanced educationally than the equivalent grade.

Blue Laws - has to be one of the most rediculous set of laws still in play here - no alcohol sales on Sunday (not a big deal) but only special privaleged businesses can open before 1:30pm on Sunday (Grocery, drug stores, gas stations). Car breaks down, need to repair something at home - forget it.

The heat - winters are very mild...summers not so much. Steamy and sticky. I've known some people who enjoy the sauna-like temps but normal people prefer it a little milder.