Been thinking about moving to South Carolina, more specifically Columbia... I have been looking for a home here in Connecticut but to no success. If I find something I like then I get overbid. The prices here in Connecticut as sooo inflated that it is scarey to imagine how much the prices will drop here when they do. Been looking into SC as I would think that the prices have a lighter tendency to drop as much as they would here, as the pricing there is already lower there don't appear to be as many large companies that attract to the area as in Connecticut. I could be wrong. I'm here to learn...

Reasons: I want to move to the south where life in general is less expensive than in the NorthEast. I don't mind the slower pace, my significant other wants to further pursue her education at USC in the medical field, specifically Pharmacology, and the company I work for has an office there, I would basically just be looking for an opening there...

Can anyone from that area tell me a little more about it? I've done some homework on it so far by location some statistics on the demographics of the area, mean age (33), temperatures etc.... The area so far looks mint. Not to mention is is a small drive away from Florida, where we have some family and I love the attractions in Florida.

I like the amount of space around and Lake Murray looks like a great place to enjoy the outdoors.

- I've never been to the area and would not mind purchasing a home there (at least a deposit) if I find something that I like. What areas are recommended and to be avoided?

I am including a screen shot of a bunch of home(s) and condo(s) that I have pulled off Realtor.com to get a feel for what is available in Columbia. I see a large number of new construction and already established home for sale more so toward the upper right corner. It isn't too far from Fort Jackson Military Reserve. I wouldn't imagine that this would scare people away...

Any insight is greatly appreciated. BTW, #2 on the map is the location where I would like to pursue a home, there is one there but not sure yet if it is available. Let me know if ya'll can't read the info on the map.

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Come on down! I don't know much about Columbia, but I employ several people from Columbia and its suburbs/nearby towns. I'll run your map past them at work on Tuesday and post what they think. You'll only be an hour and a half from here and there is no limit to things to do here, esp. if you like the ocean/sailing/etc.. Lake Marion and Lake Moultrie are great recreation areas - don't know about Murray, but I'll ask. The weather is similar to here - 40s for about 2-3weeks in January with a few days with a low below freezing; mid 40's-60's Feb; high 50's - low 70's March; 60 - high 70's April; high 70's - mid 80's May; 80's - low 90's June; 90's July through early Sept; 80's October, 70's Nov. and first week of December then drops to the end of the year. It's not bad.

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