Columbia Area

The Town of Greer has a nice, but small downtown with a few excellent restaurants and specialty shops. They have an active chamber of commerce, and it seems a dedicated core of citzens who work hard to make continual improvements in the community. Downtown is old and quaint, though many of the buildings are being restored and turned into trendy boutiques, businesses and restaurants. The city has recently built some new facilities, and there is a fabulous new park adjacent to the new City Hall. It's truly wonderful, as it's like living in a city, but with the country five minutes away.

I came here last summer to see Bob Dylan and Willie Nelson play at the Heritage Park Amphitheatre, and I have nothing but good things to say about the city. Kind people, good Mexican food, and not too much traffic.

Anderson is located in the heart of the rolling foothills of upstate South Carolina, twenty minutes from Clemson University in the golden corners where Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina come together.  Named for General Robert Anderson, a Revolutionary War hero who came south to survey land given to the colonists through negotiations with the Cherokees.  It was later incorporated as a city and attracted those who sought a climate ideal for farming. Corn, textiles, and eventually cotton greatly aided to the city's growth, but perhaps the most notable contribution to the expansion of Anderson is the innovation of local engineers by conducting electricity through wires all around the city, powered by a water mill on the Rocky River.  This event made Anderson the first U.S. city to have a continuous supply of electricity, thus earning it the nickname, "The Electric City."  Anderson is also heralded as "The City of Hospitality," but that name isn't merely explained by a brief retelling of history, so as much as it is understood as a long-time tradition best described as "the only way worth living." Anderson's communities have a small-town feel with a down-home attitude stocked full of that good 'ol country sarcasm, making it a place where people want to be involved in. The area, with one of the lowest costs of living in the United States, is a thriving industrial, commercial and tourist center, and is growing graciously in the cultural arts.  From pioneer log cabins to stately mansions, the neighborhoods are as versatile as the locals who combine the strengths of a shared heritage with a progressive vision, thus creating a unique civic spirit which has, in 2000, been recognized with national recognition as an "All-America City" by the National Civic League.  Consider Anderson for what it is: a beautiful haven for visitors and a source of pride for those who call it home.

Spartanburg is located in the foothills of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. The mild climate, with its four distinct seasons, provides fine weather for outdoor activities all year-round. The city of 40,000--which is part of a metropolitan area of 250,000--is conveniently situated at the junction of I-26 and I-85, making it easily accessible to both mountain and beach resorts.  Spartanburg's neighborhoods are as diverse as its population and culture, as there is everything from newer, family friendly suburban developments to communities surrounding golf courses to locations within Spartanburg's abundance of farmland; from giant, plantation-style homes to hip apartment communities, Spartanburg has it.  Named for the "Spartan" militia that fought during the Revolutionary War, the city helped to defeat the British in the Battle of Cowpens and, with the help of its railroads, went on to expand its commercial acumen, thus prompting many cultural advances. Being an educational center since its beginning, the city quickly constructed the Wofford and Converse colleges with plenty of nearby residences, a public library and an Opera House known throughout the South for its musical offerings. This, combined with the vast expansion of several rail lines passing through the city, the state's first municipal airport, several mineral springs resorts within the county, a busy agricultural center and the ever-present textile mills, Spartanburg became known as "the Hub of the Piedmont."  Today, it's the center of so much more--an arts revival, historic preservation, all deserving the title of being an active lifestyle city.  With many recent accomplishments through revival and renewal, Spartanburg has earned several accolades for its progressive initiatives.  It was ranked has having the second largest housing market in the nation by Business Week, was recently named one of the 31 founding cities of the Playful City USA initiative for its long-range goal accomplishments of parks and recreation, was awarded the State Treasurer's Award for Financial Excellence in 2008, and is the first and only city in the state of South Carolina to receive the designation as a Bicycle-Friendly Community by the Washington-based League of American Bicyclists.  Residents are proud and boastful of these notable achievements, which overall speak of the general happiness and high quality of life within Spartanburg.

Batesburg-Leesville is located in the Midlands of South Carolina with close proximity to Interstate 20. Situated half way between Columbia SC, the state capital, and Augusta, Georgia, residents can enjoy the lifestyle of a small town yet be within a few hours of the big cities. Golf, boating, fishing, recreational and camping areas provide hours of entertainment. Apartment living in the Batesburg-Leesville area is abundant and affordable. An excellent public school system, private schools as well as access to University campuses and Technical colleges make Batesburg-Leesville the perfect place to live.

In 1823, John McGehee of Cambridge built a log house for his bride-to-be on his 600 acre plantation. It is said Mrs. McGehee named their summer home "Green Wood," and later gave name to the small village that grew around it. Soon after, a railroad depot was christened and Greenwood was put on the map. With the railroad came the advent of cotton mills and an increase in textile manufacturing, and Greenwood authenticated its reputation as the cornerstone of industry in the surrounding southern regions. Today Greenwood is home to over eighty industries and continues to expand and thrive by both agricultural and industrial commerce. Identified as one of the fifty best small towns in America, Greenwood has gained a favorable reputation for its "warm hospitality and southern charm." With approximately 24,000 residents, Greenwood is 175 miles north of Charleston and 148 miles east of Atlanta, situated along the western border of South Carolina and nestled among the beauty of the Piedmont plateau.  This ideal location affords Greenwood with ideal natural surroundings, such as Lake Greenwood, a sparkling-clear lake  with over two-hundred miles of shoreline featuring plenty of camping, fishing, swimming and hiking.Greenwood's long, fascinating history, ideal climate, exquisite gardens, seven championship golf courses, state parks and strong community spirit make this charming town worth considering as a great place to raise a family, to build a business, to work, to retire.

Locating the perfect Orangeburg apartment home will not prove difficult. Orangeburg, South Carolina is a prime area for your next apartment space. Referred to as The Garden City, Orangeburg is the recipient of the 2005 National Civic League Award showcasing the civic merit of the populous to resolve community challenges effectively. Orangeburg apartment dwellers can rest confident they reside in a city that cares for its people.Orangeburg was settled in 1704 by George Sterling and named after William IV, Prince of Orange. The fertile soil and wealthy wildlife was an attractive feature of this vicinity luring many settlers because the river waterway was a prime outlet to the Charleston port. Vegetables and lumber products were the city's number one exports and helped establish a strong economy for its small farming community.Today, Orangeburg is home to Claflin University. In 2006, U.S News and World Report placed Claflin on their Top Ten list as the Best Value for student's pursuing an undergraduate degree. South Carolina State University is also a higher learning institution within the walls of Orangeburg. This campus is spotlighted for its state exclusive programs like the Nuclear Engineering Undergraduate Program and the Masters of Science in Transportation. Since this is a college city, make sure to settle into your Orangeburg quickly to avoid the college rush!Orangeburg hosts a residency of approximately 13,224 and sits only 37 miles away from Columbia. The city rests on the north fork of the Edisto River and citizens are privy to all the water attractions featured. Once you have chosen the right Orangeburg apartment for you, get into the city and see all it has to offer!

Mauldin is a small, culturally diverse city just south of Greenville and conveniently located between two major southern cities, Atlanta and Charlotte.  Part of the "Golden Strip", the corridor of booming business and industry that has attracted a variety of Fortune 1000 companies, Mauldin's standing in the business community is complemented by its excellent recreation programs and its fine arts and entertainment facilities. With 35 acres of parks, including walking trails, sports facilities, the only wheelchair softball field in the Southeast, and a network of dedicated bike lanes, it's easy to be active in Mauldin. For even bigger adventures, there's the spectacular Blue Ridge Moutains, offering hiking, horse-riding, mountain-biking, hunting and fishing. There are a number of beautiful neighborhoods in Mauldin, many with brand new developments, though most Mauldin neighborhoods are deeply rooted with years behind their southern traditions.  Known for its great education, outstanding recreation programs and facilities, and excellent public safety and public works services, Mauldin offers a high quality of life that values tradition, strong families, and an endearing sense of community.

Located in the northeastern part of the state, Florence began as a railroad community almost 113 years ago and has evolved into a major city in what is known as the "Pee Dee" region taking the name from the Pee Dee River which flows through the bottomland forests, cypress swamps, and eventually into the coastal flats where antebellum rice plantations used to line the river. Much of the growth of Florence can be attributed to its strategic location at the intersection of two main thoroughfares, I-95 and I-20. This convenient position has made Florence a center for industry, medicine, education, retail, recreational and cultural opportunities. Transportation is a major advantage to those people coming and going to the Florence area. Direct rail service to two regional seaports in Charleston, SC and in Wilmington, NC is available, while the Florence Regional Airport provides daily commercial connections to major southeastern and international hub airports in Atlanta and Charlotte. Florence is known for two major hospital systems, McLeod Regional Hospital and The Carolinas Hospital. Both provide cutting edge health care services and have been great assets to the people of 8 counties by offering many other ancillary services. Florence draws regional audiences to its many entertainment and cultural opportunities. The Florence Little theatre showcases local talent with a professional touch, while The South Carolina Dance Theatre, the Florence Symphony Orchestra, and Masterworks Choir enriches the lives of many. Florence residents are proud of our local schools, Florence/Darlington Technical College, Coker College and Francis Marion University for their contribution to the arts as well as their academic programs. Families enjoy the activities and programs presented at the 10,000 seats Florence Civic Center including games of the Florence Phantoms, a team of the American Indoor Football League. Florence holds special enjoyment for those outdoor enthusiasts. Many parks, tennis courts, golf courses and the Pee Dee River provide something for everyone. The southern climate allows for year round participation in sports and other outdoor activities. Last, but certainly not least, if you are a race fan, you won't want to miss the nearby Darlington Raceway.Even with all the amenities Florence has to offer, the 125,000 residents enjoy the southern charm prominent in South Carolina plus a wonderful blend of the old and the new.

Forty eight miles from Charlotte, SC is the small city of Gaffney situated on 7 square miles with 13,000+ residents. Gaffney is a sleepy town with big plans. Currently they have one medical center (3 hospitals within 15 miles), one college (Limestone College and 4 more within 40 miles), 6 parks, an outlet mall and The Cherokee County History and Arts Museum. Visitors are greeted in town with a "giant peach" statue that clearly states the area's profitable crop and past claim to fame. There are some excellent values in single family homes and apartments in Gaffney due to the current national, economic recession. This lower than South Carolina state average real estate prices may change soon with the new nuclear DUKE POWER plant that is to be constructed near town. This should bring a mini economic boom to the area with all the support employment needed. The local community has already made plans for increased infrastructure and park development.

The Town of Blythewood is located in the northern part of Richland County--certainly one of the more affluent counties of South Carolina.  Named the second fastest growing community in the Midlands, Blythewood embraces its traditional, small-town atmosphere while incorporating the residential, industrial and commercial growth afforded by I-77 corridor--a well traveled highway connecting Columbia to Charlotte. Considered one of the best-kept secrets in South Carolina, Blythewood's slower, southern style is enhanced by its natural landscape, the town's respect for nature and local wild-life, and its love for golf.  With the newest schools in the district and location to the biggest cities in the southeast, Blythewood offers all the down-home feel with all the big city advantages.

Sitting only 30 minutes from Greenville and reaching only 24 minutes from Spartanburg, Duncan, South Carolina is a prime location for your next apartment home. Duncan apartment dwellers share this tiny town with approximately 3,000 others who simply adore new neighbors join their ranks!This cozy haven is part of Spartanburg County and sits in the northwest region of the state. If you are certain that a slower way of life is your best fit, a Duncan apartment home is waiting with your name assigned!Duncan apartment dwellers are privy to gorgeous waterways, recreational parks and many art and cultural outlets. Once you have snuggled into your new Duncan apartment home, you will be able to enjoy low crime rates, limited traffic and good-hearted neighbors who will greatly add to your quality of life!

Nuzzled in the northeast portion of the state is the cozy southern town of Darlington, South Carolina. This wonderful slice of South Carolina comfort is the seat of Darlington County and wraps it arms around an estimated 7,000 populous. Darlington apartment dwellers reside in a city full of good-hearted folk with friendly faces and warm smiles.Considered the leader of American tobacco farming, Darlington is the central contributor to the tobacco industry. Recognized for its Darlington Oak and Spanish moss, Darlington backdrops serve up some of the most peaceful scenery this side of the Mason Dixon.The first Euro inhabitants of the area were the Welsh, Scotch-Irish and English farmers who arrived in the middle of the 1700s. Their primary crop was cotton that made the city a much sought after vicinity. Following their arrival was the influx of French Huguenots and other English and Scotch-Irish decedents who claimed areas around the Lynches Creek River and Jeffries Creek.Since its inception, Darlington has gone through great transformations. One of the most innovative additions to the city for Darlington apartment residents is the speedway that hosts the annual NASCAR Southern 500 race. Darlington apartment dwellers with love for NASCAR are sure to see this international celebration yearly if they are smart enough to secure tickets.This wonderful small town is crawling with cozy Darlington apartment homes! Make sure to comb through all the Darlington apartment communities until you have stumbled upon the Darlington apartment space with your name written across the door! It's definitely waiting on you!

Halfway between Charlotte and Myrtle Beach, is Hartsville, a town of 7,500 residents. The city says that by residing in Hartsville, you'll come to know "The Art of Good Living." Nice apartments on beautiful, tree lined streets would be an ideal place to call home.Hartsville is known for its temperate climate and abundant natural beauty. If you like taking nature walks, find an apartment near 35-acre Kalmia Gardens. The popular botanical garden is located on the grounds of Coker College. Coker College is a private school founded in 1908 which has 1200 students. Apartments near Coker will be more plentiful that in other parts of Hartsville. Find your next apartment in Hartsville, South Carolina - still a "hidden treasure" in the South.

Centrally located between Atlanta and Charlotte, Pickens is right on the Interstate-85 "Boom Belt", an area known for its booming economic activity due to the major highways and metropolitan areas nearby.  The City of Pickens boasts over 4000 residents who enjoy the many benefits of a friendly small town and the beauty of the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.  Its rich history continues to be preserved and is still very much present today.  The area is named for the Revolutionary War hero General Andrew Pickens, and to this day Pickens is proud to have a high population of retired military, including the most Medal of Honor recipients per capita in the nation. Outdoor recreation abounds in Pickens.  Hiking trails, with access to Foothills Trail and the Appalachian Trail, cool mountain lakes, waterfalls, scenic vistas, trails for horse back riding, camping and boating are just a few of the many opportunities available. Pickens County sports two State Parks and one County Park, each with a variety of outdoor activities.  In addition, historic and cultural sites are easily accessible. An award winning art and history museum, The Pickens County Museum, sits conveniently in downtown Pickens.  Pickens is a great alternative to the hurried metropolitan areas nearby, and makes for a highly desirable city given its affordability and natural beauty with foothills and mountains in abundance, lots of rivers, creeks, and streams just about everywhere.

Williamston is a very small town with an older, deep rooted population. It is a wealthier, rural area of Greenville, and is often mistakenly called a suburb, although there is nothing local or urban about it. No shopping, no encouragement for youthful endeavors, and lots of wealth. Desirable for some, but there are definitely more fun/affordable places around Greenville.