SperlingViews - Sumter, South_carolina

We are a transplanted military family who always intended on retiring in Florida when we retired from the Air Force. We enjoy the small town feeling of Sumter and have been here since 1998. There are many civic activities that are available at no cost to citizens. People who say there is nothing to do aren't really looking. I anticipate the lights at Swan Lake coming on any day which is always a highlight of my drive home during the holidays. This is a town that loves their military, and after living in towns who don't, it is a refreshing change.[read more...]

My husband and I have been stationed here for over 6 years now and? we love it. We enjoy the outdoors so there's always something to do around the area. It's the only town we've been stationed at where we actually feel "at home" and a part of the community, unlike other towns where you feel like an outsider. We love the location of Sumter and the fact that it is in the middle of the state which makes traveling a breeze. If you don't like traffic, then Sumter is where you need to be! I love the home-town feel of the community. There is always tons of events going on around town, from festivals, to performing arts, to theatre, and recreation. We love it here in Sumter and are proud to call it our home. [read more...]

Sumter is a poorly run city with a shrinking population and rampant poverty, drug abuse, domestic violence, police corruption, repressive religious zealotry(think Utah), and absolutely no quality shopping, dining, or entertainment. Without good paying jobs and nothing on the horizon, the future is likely to continue to be bleak.Not a suburb of Columbia, but a satellite town an hour to the east, it's proximity to Columbia is more harmful than positive. Many young people from Sumter move to Columbia for job opportunities and a better quality of life. And otherwise sane church going folk think it's normal to have to drive an hour or more to Columbia or Florence to shop or dine. Want regular items such as fresh artisan bread or bagels, organic meat or steel cut oats, it's off to Columbia or Florence. Having missing out on the interstate system has also had an incalculable negative impact on the region. This town needs a massive makeover, but gays, among others, aren't welcome. Too bad.[read more...]

The area is pretty but the culture is stuck in the pre-civil war era. [read more...]

i am living in a house with alot of things going on just looking for something[read more...]

I grew up in Sumter. Had a wonderful time there. I was a member of the first full 4 year class to graduate from then the largest high school in SC. But, the times have changed. And seemingly, not for the best. I cannot recall a time in Sumter where crime (violent and non-violent) is at the level it is now. Used to be a time where my wife and I would have liked to have called Sumter home. But, I'm afraid that those days have passed by. I went home to visit a few months ago after being gone for nearly 10, 11 years. Not much has changed, really. While there are many, many nice areas of town, the people - on the whole - are still nice, and the weather tolerable... the crime, low pay and lack of more "professional" jobs makes me sad to have to say that, I'm afraid I could not call Sumter home, again.[read more...]

Sumter is too small for an educated single woman[read more...]

This town is awaful!!![read more...]

If you are looking for a Southern Baptist, Republican, hunting and fishing community...this is the place for you. If you are looking for liberal outlooks, concerts, plays, decent shopping, variety in entertainment and a welcoming commmunity... keep looking.[read more...]