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My family is looking to move to a town outside Columbia from SW Florida.We have two young kids - one will be starting kindergarten in the fall. We are trying to narrow down which towns would be the right fit for us to further explore - we are looking for a safe town, very conservative values. Looking to spend 550-700k. We like the idea of being close to Lake Murray but have heard some good things about towns in opposite direction like Elgin and Blythewood. Appreciate any input, thanks!
Hello. If you're going to live in the Columbia area, you want to be close to Lake Murray. Lexington, and the Irmo-Chapin area should probaly fit the bill. The soil and trees are better around the Irmo-Chapin side of the lake. It's more clay then sand, so there are way less gnats and bugs. Lexington close to the dam has the same lay out soil wise. The farther West you go from the dam, the more sand and pest. These areas, also offer the best schools.
We love Lexington! Moved to the area from the DC area, almost 3 years ago. We were renting near Irmo but bought a house in Lexington last year. I think you’ll be okay on price point and we feel safe. If you look at Lexington, look in River Bluff or Lexington High School areas. We’ve heard mixed things about the Red Bank area (White Knoll HS). Also it is a bit further from the lake and downtown Columbia, if you ever want to venture those ways.
I can’t speak for Northeast Blythewood or Elgin) but Irmo has some nice areas too. Chapin is a growing area but we have friends that live there and seem to like it!
If you come visit (highly recommend if you can before moving), I can certainly give you suggestions of places to eat!
I second the River Bluff or Lexington High zones. Lexington has grown a ton the last 20 years and has everything a family could want. Great schools, low taxes and crime, and believe it or not a local government that listens to the citizens. I can't say anything bad about the other areas you mention, I just know what our experiences have been.
If I were asked I would strongly suggest you try for Midway or Providence elementary, Meadow Glen or Lakeside middle, and River Bluff high school. If you are thinking private schools Northside Academy is fantastic. With your price points you will find a ton of options and this area offers just about everything a family could want.
And no matter where in the area you move you will find the friendliest people you have ever met. Good luck.
We love Lexington! Moved to the area from the DC area, almost 3 years ago. We were renting near Irmo but bought a house in Lexington last year. I think you’ll be okay on price point and we feel safe. If you look at Lexington, look in River Bluff or Lexington High School areas. We’ve heard mixed things about the Red Bank area (White Knoll HS). Also it is a bit further from the lake and downtown Columbia, if you ever want to venture those ways.
I can’t speak for Northeast Blythewood or Elgin) but Irmo has some nice areas too. Chapin is a growing area but we have friends that live there and seem to like it!
If you come visit (highly recommend if you can before moving), I can certainly give you suggestions of places to eat!
Appreciate the feedback and breakdown oof the different areas so much! We will be visiting in 2 weeks and would love restaurant recommendations!
So appreciate the breakdown of school districts. I am very apprehensive about starting my oldest in a public kindergarten due to everything that has been going on within the schools lately. I actually did come across Northside academy in my reasearch - so I am glad to hear it is good. I am torn between public and private schools.
Hello. If you're going to live in the Columbia area, you want to be close to Lake Murray. Lexington, and the Irmo-Chapin area should probaly fit the bill. The soil and trees are better around the Irmo-Chapin side of the lake. It's more clay then sand, so there are way less gnats and bugs. Lexington close to the dam has the same lay out soil wise. The farther West you go from the dam, the more sand and pest. These areas, also offer the best schools.
This insight about the soil and bugs is very interesting and appreciated!
I second the River Bluff or Lexington High zones. Lexington has grown a ton the last 20 years and has everything a family could want. Great schools, low taxes and crime, and believe it or not a local government that listens to the citizens. I can't say anything bad about the other areas you mention, I just know what our experiences have been.
If I were asked I would strongly suggest you try for Midway or Providence elementary, Meadow Glen or Lakeside middle, and River Bluff high school. If you are thinking private schools Northside Academy is fantastic. With your price points you will find a ton of options and this area offers just about everything a family could want.
And no matter where in the area you move you will find the friendliest people you have ever met. Good luck.
So appreciate the breakdown of school districts. I am very apprehensive about starting my oldest in a public kindergarten due to everything that has been going on within the schools lately. I actually did come across Northside academy in my reasearch - so I am glad to hear it is good. I am torn between public and private schools.
We are looking to create a life that provides a wholesome environment in such a chaotic world
Appreciate the feedback and breakdown oof the different areas so much! We will be visiting in 2 weeks and would love restaurant recommendations!
Glad you’re able to come visit!! Here are some of our favorites:
-Clara and Ray’s in Lexington (best local pizza we’ve found so far; great service)
-Flight Deck in Lexington (great atmosphere - so much military memorabilia you can sit and stare for hours! Food is decent but desserts are amazing).
-Higher Ground Char House in Chapin (great burgers)
Also not my favorite, but decent and there’s MANY locations - a local chain called Lizard’s Thicket, if you like southern cooking (my husband grew up in the south so loves a lot of those types of foods).
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