Columbia, SC Reviews


50 Reviews



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Columbia, South Carolina is the capital city of the state and is known for its rich history, vibrant arts and culture scene, and affordable cost of living. It is home to the University of South Carolina and has a population of over 131,000 residents. With its southern charm and unique blend of urban and rural areas, Columbia attracts a diverse population and has become a popular place to live. Let's take a look at what real users have to say about living in Columbia.

1. According to 's review, "I've lived in Columbia for over 10 years and I love it. The city has a great mix of small-town charm and big-city amenities. The cost of living is very reasonable and there are plenty of job opportunities." This review highlights the affordability and opportunities that Columbia offers to its residents.

2. shares their experience living in Columbia, stating, "I moved here from a larger city and I was pleasantly surprised by how friendly and welcoming the people are. The community here is very close-knit and it's easy to make friends." This shows that Columbia has a strong sense of community and its residents are known for their southern hospitality.

3. "Columbia has something for everyone. There are great schools, beautiful parks, and diverse restaurants. I've lived here my whole life and I wouldn't want to be anywhere else," says . This review highlights the family-friendly nature of the city and its variety of offerings for all ages.

4. However, not all reviews are positive. shares their dissatisfaction with living in Columbia, stating, "Traffic is terrible, the crime rate is high, and the weather can be extreme. I've had several negative experiences and I'm looking to move out of the city soon." This serves as a reminder that every city has its drawbacks and it's important to do thorough research before deciding to relocate.

In summary, Columbia, South Carolina has received mostly positive reviews from its residents. Its affordability, sense of community, and diverse offerings make it an attractive place to live. However, as with any city, there are also some negative aspects to consider. It's important for individuals to weigh the pros and cons and decide if Columbia is the right fit for them.

 based on 50 Reviews
Get to know Columbia with the latest comments and reviews from people who live in or have visited Columbia

Base cost of living - 7/25/2007
A a whole Columbia and SC seems like a relatively low cost of living location. But once you factor in the taxes here, and primarily the personal property tax on cars, motorcycles, boats, rec vehicle, then this place can get rather expensive. But is you are more concerned about housing, then this could be a nice place to live, as housing is relatively Read More

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Crime Rate in Columbia - 7/8/2007
The crime in Columbia is ever-growing. It seems like every neighborhood is effected by murders on a weekly basis. Gang activity is out of control, and the number of police to handle this is sadly too low. Shootings have occurred at an alarming rate in ALL Read More

Easy Place to Live - 6/12/2007
Three interstates converge in this capital city making commutes easy for getting to one of the three rivers, symphony, concerts, USC sports, two live theaters, several excellent museums and numerous other activities. July and August are Read More

Moving to Colubmia, SC - 6/2/2007
I may have the opportunity to relocate to the Columbia area for a job at USC. I'd appreciate feedback on where best to live in the area. I'm interested in the best schools, low crime, and sense of community. I'm moving from a slightly higher-cost area, so housing prices won't be an issue. I'm most concerned about the schools, as everything I've read suggests that South Carolina schools are not, on average, very good.


Thanks in advance for any help you can provide.


You may e-mail me directly with any comments at Read More

Moving to Colubmia, SC - 6/2/2007
I may have the opportunity to relocate to the Columbia area for a job at USC. I'd appreciate feedback on where best to live in the area. I'm interested in the best schools, low crime, and sense of community. I'm moving from a slightly higher-cost area, so housing prices won't be an issue. I'm most concerned about the schools, as everything I've read suggests that South Carolina schools are not, on average, very good.


Thanks in advance for any help you can provide.


You may e-mail me directly with any comments at Read More

Lol - 4/10/2007
Columbia an unexpected treasure? HA.I am on my way out. The climate is the only good thing going for this city. Except for a few congregated areas of mediocre clubs and shops you will be bored senseless, especially if you are young. Our crime rate is ridiculous,especially the murders which are multiple and daily, for a city with the population we have. I don't even want to get started on driving! You will dread every moment you have to leave your house, b/c people in columbia are NOTORIOUS for not knowing how to drive. I don't even know that the demographics are correct, there are hardly ANY white neighborhoods in this area so if you are looking for one you will be sorely dissapointed. If you are looking to move here it is in your best interest to look Read More

Correction to Previous Posting - 3/29/2007
I am writing to correct a previous posting suggesting that Colubmia has a problem with "gang" activity within her city limits. My family and I have lived in the city limits of Columbia for 15 of the past 17 years. Columbia's downtown and surrounding neighborhoods are clean, beautiful, and safe. Outside the city limits, there has been and continues to be an occurrence of violence among the 17-25 year-old population that reportedly is associated with gangs. The Richland "County" Sheriff's Dept. is taking a proactive approach to dealing with this. The city of Columbia is in the midst of a renaissance (just visit the city to see for yourself), and unfortunately with escalating property values, the problems that are sometimes associated with lower socio-economic conditions are being driven out into the suburbs. But regardless of the location, I would not describe the Columbia area as having a "gang" Read More

Columbia proves to be unexpected treasure - 3/29/2007
Columbia — what a delightful city! My husband and I moved here recently from Ohio, and our standard of living and quality of life have exceeded our expectations.

From the posh and polish of the Village at Sandhill, the charm of the Old Mill in Lexington, the quirky and quaint Vista and Five Points, each day is marked with pleasant surprises and friendly people.

The Department of Motor Vehicles has the most efficient set-up I’ve ever encountered, and the employees were unfailingly polite.

Unexpected treasures abound: seafood, flowers blooming, palm trees, ponds, rivers and lakes, a bustling and top-notch university, new construction — all combine to paint a picture of a thriving city and one that I am proud to call my “home.” You have the magic, Columbia!
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Economy - 2/1/2007
Looking for median income for Read More

I love Columbia! I have lived all - 1/16/2007
around the world literally, and Columbia, SC is the best place of all. It's small yet big. Close to the mountains, and the beach. People talk about the crime, but I don't really see it. I mean, I guess there is one section of town that is dangerous, but you get that almost in any metro, area. Overall, you couldn't ask for a better quality of life. Oh, yeah and lake Murray, is very clean and big. A great place to spend the day in the Read More

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