Best SC City? (Columbia, Charleston, North Charleston: real estate, apartment complexes, to rent) - South Carolina - City-Data Forum

IndyCarrie · 04-27-2007, 12:38 PM

I presently live in Indianapolis, but I am looking to move south in the next year. I am trying to get as much information about as many towns as possible because I have no constraints as to where I move. The world is my oyster!! I am in my 20's, not married, no kids, but I will be looking into continuing my college wherever I move.

I am interested in areas that have good job opportunities. I would be looking in the real estate/admin field initially because that is what I am doing in Indy, but that may change when I graduate, so I am more concerned about overall job options. I am looking for some sort of historic district. I would love to rent some sort of townhouse or loft in the downtown area wherever I end up.

So far, I have had the most interest in the Charleston/Summerville area. I would like to live somewhere close to a university and I am a foodie, so I would like an area that has a lot of great (non-chain) restaurants. I have always envisioned Savannah, GA as being a fantastic place to live, but the crime has me concerned. I don't really care about living close to the water and don't want to pay a premium to do so.

Does anyone have any good suggestions of areas like might fit what I am looking for? I love the convenience of the Walmarts, Targets, etc, but I don't know of a place that exists that gives you the great historic, small town field, with a close proximity to all of those modern conveniences.

Thanks!!

g-man430 · 04-27-2007, 12:43 PM

Greenville has University Center, Greenville Technical College, Bob Jones University, and Furman University. Clemson University, Tri-County Technical College, Anderson University, and others are located within 45 minutes from downtown Greenville.

Skyliner · 04-27-2007, 01:38 PM

Don't forget North Greenville University, Southern Wesleyan University, and at least a few of the many other national institutions with a campus presence in Greenville, including; Webster University, Strayer University, ITT Technical Institute, and ECPI College of Technology.

Greenville Technical College consistently ranks very high among technical colleges around the nation, and has a highly advanced nursing program that is tough to get into.

Akhenaton06 · 04-27-2007, 03:08 PM

From the three main qualifiers you gave (downtown historic district, close to a university, great locally-owned restaurants), it honestly sounds that Charleston would be the best fit for you, as practically the entire downtown area is a historic district with two major institutions of higher learning located there: the Medical University of South Carolina (on the northern end) and the College of Charleston (on the southern end). However, you will pay a premium for living downtown--in the nicer areas, that is. The city is known for its cuisine, so there are several great non-chain options for you to choose from. The economy is pretty good and has been ranked pretty favorably as of late; with the way that area is growing, you'll have no problems finding work in your particular field.

Good luck with your search.

IndyCarrie · 04-27-2007, 03:34 PM

Thank you for the great responses. Can you suggest some areas of Charleston that might be reasonably priced and/or areas to avoid? My main concern is that if I end up in one of the suburbs, then I am going to be experiencing the same sort of setting as Indianapolis. I want to live in an area that will be a departure from the same stuff that I can see around here and highlight the great qualities of the southern topography.

I own my own house here, but I would rent when I moved there and even a studio would be fine for me to start with. I was hoping to pay no more than about $900. Does that sound completely unreasonable for downtown? I was looking on Craigs List, but it is hard to get a feel for pricing when Charleston is so large and I don't know any of the outlying areas.

Akhenaton06 · 04-27-2007, 04:03 PM

I would imagine that some of your best bets would be areas close to the College of Charleston campus. You might have better luck asking about that here.

scjj · 04-28-2007, 06:52 AM

The areas in the historic district up to Calhoun Street. Best to not cross Calhoun Street, that's when it starts to get dicey. You might be hard pressed to find something for that amount though without a roommate, because you WILL pay a premium to live there.

Summerville's downtown area has a very historic and small town feel, yet you will still be close to the other amenities that you desire and the rent $$ will be more reasonable. Good luck!

IndyCarrie · 04-30-2007, 09:29 AM

Thanks!!

Can you tell me a bit about Summerville, James Island, Mt. Pleasant, West Ashley etc? Pricey? Safe? Close to the action?

anonymous · 04-30-2007, 12:39 PM

I was in a wedding in Charleston this weekend, and was discussing this type of thing with people. I'd almost forgotten how cool Charleston is. I was also reminded about what a huge hassle it is - traffic, cost of living, jobs, etc - because everyone wants to be there.

As far as "the action" is concerned (I'm 23, just out of college, btw) - Downtown is the best. James Island, Mt. Pleasant, Folly Beach and West Ashley all have their share. Summerville doesn't. Summerville is better for families, IMO.

I'd only be concerned about my safety in North Charleston, or some areas of downtown.

And, I wouldn't rule out Columbia or Greenville yet. They aren't as fun or historic as Charleston, but they have fun and affordable downtowns, with plenty of young people around. It will be easier to find a job, too. I lived in downtown Columbia and went to USC, and I'd recommend it. Greenville hasn't shown me much at all, but I've heard good things.

NCSC · 04-30-2007, 06:14 PM

I think Charleston, Columbia, and Greenville would all qualify for what you want, but they aren't really "small." I've lived in Columbia and it is a great town, but so are Greenville and Charleston. I know several people that have moved from downtown Charleston to Mt. Pleasant (after they got married). If you want to be close to the action, try to live in downtown. You can walk to almost everything. Had friends who found apt. on Broad above some shops and it was great (few years ago). I think generally, the best areas are south of Marion Square Park, but you really have to check it out. Mt. Pleasant is generally considered safe, but there are always exceptions. I'm not sure about rent in MP, but if I remember correctly, you can find apartment complexes there -- you won't find those in downtown.