Equestrian Prospects (Columbia, Charleston, Aiken: leasing, homes, quality of life)

[Oh2Me]

Hi SC CD,

I hope everyone is staying safe and well during this time. While under lockdown, I’ve been thinking a lot about my next steps. I can move anywhere in the US as long as it’s within a 30 mile radius of an airport.

My priorities are:

• an affordable area (home for less than $200,000)
•walkable city with trails, or large parks nearby
•beautiful, historic touches and a community feel
•good food (fresh, organic) to do lots of cooking (my 2nd passion
•Non-extreme cold weather

And a huge desire is finding a place to ride and board a horse. At I’ve been taking lessons for years and leasing, but I’m 34 years old this year and feel like it’s time to have my own horse soon. I’d love to find a dressage barn, but wouldn’t be opposed to an eventing, or hunter/jumper facility.

I’ve looked at Aiken and Charleston, but I’m not sure if either are a good option for everything I’m looking for. I have a pretty active social life and don’t want to be too isolated, but I also don’t want to be so deep in a city it’s difficult to get out and ride. I’ve lived in extremely beautiful places (Bay Area, Southern CA, PNW) and don’t want to continue to get caught in high cost of living areas that make horseback barely affordable. I’m also worried about culture shock going from large city life to a more laid back area, but I also feel ready for a more low key, peaceful environment.

Any suggestions?

[m1a1mg]

That's really tough. I thought Aiken until I got to the last paragraph. Aiken isn't backwards, but it certainly isn't even remotely comparable to the other places you been.


I absolutely don't want this to get political, but given your previous homes, you may be in for a culture shock.

[BrandonCoombes]

Could also try Camden.

[Oh2Me]

Thank you both for the suggestions I’m open to different perspectives and understand no where is going to be the same but hope for somewhere I can still have a good quality of life. I find people colder and more introverted in the PNW despite the large transplant population. I would rather live somewhere more open and friendly, even if they don’t share my political beliefs. I’m an independent and fairly middle of the road with slightly more left leanings

[Johnathon Hills]

Originally Posted by Oh2Me

I’m an independent and fairly middle of the road with slightly more left leanings

Based on this comment, plus your housing budget, need to be close to an airport and horse facilities, SC may not be for you. Why not Kentucky?

[m1a1mg]

Originally Posted by BrandonCoombes

Could also try Camden.

That is a good suggestion. Gives you access to Columbia, but all the horse stuff that Camden offers.

[Oh2Me]

Originally Posted by Johnathon Hills

Based on this comment, plus your housing budget, need to be close to an airport and horse facilities, SC may not be for you. Why not Kentucky?

Funny you bring this up, I was actually born in KY. I prefer SC and having the coast nearby. Probably from living in coastal states my whole life. That and the winters in KY are a lot more; I want somewhere with easy weather for year round riding