Have been researching Columbia rents and crime rates online but those don’t always give you a full picture. Any locals or those familiar with Columbia who could provide recommendations? Son will have a car but would prefer not more than a 15-20 minute commute.
Thanks,
Are you a current undergraduate?
Parent.
One son applied to USC for undergrad, another for PT doctoral program. Both would start fall 2016.
We are also pondering relocating there. My job allows me to work anywhere in the country near a suitable airport.
If your son applying undergrad will be a freshman, then he will live on campus his first year.
For a graduate student there are more options since some complexes won’t rent to undergrads (then some are tailored to them like the Hub on Main st, Garnet River walk in W. Columbia). There are plenty of fairly close by complexes for grad students - Forest Acres/Forest Drive (it didn’t all flood), area off Garners Ferry near the Target and med school, and downtown Vista. Obviously price will affect area. Senate Plaza is older building but nice and right beside USC and has parking. If child applying for PT is admitted early enough can get on the list for any openings.
As with many towns, it helps to be here in person since the personality of an area can change in a few blocks. Something listed as Rosewood or Shandon could be really nice or really sketchy. So it is hard to generalize and say to avoid any one area. As a parent, I’m not fond of the student housing options near stadium. On paper the Harbison/Irmo area fits your distance criteria, but traffic in and out of town is horrible at rush hour (by our standards).
Several new complexes are under construction that are aimed at students - will kind of depend on your older child as to whether living around lots of undergrads is ok or if ready to move on. Sorry if too vague. Feel free to PM with specific addresses and I can tell you more.
@scmom12 Thank you.