Moving to SC and would love some advice/suggestions...

dunneg

Hi ladies!  We are getting ready to move to SC due to a new job opportunity and neither one of us have ever been there (aside from going for an interview).  We'll be in the Orangeburg area and I'm going to start doing a lot of research to learn more about it; however, I was hoping that some of you may have some suggestions as far as good places to live, eat, shop, etc.  For the time being, we'll probably do temporary housing for a year (maybe rent a condo/house/apartment) and then get a good feel for the area to decide if we want to buy or build and where.  I would appreciate any and all suggestions you have to offer to help us become better acclimated with the area and what there is to offer!  I will be coming down in September for just over a week to tour the area and meet with a realtor (suggestions with that would be appreciated as well) and then I'll be moving permanently in October (he'll already be there...actually, he's moving this week into temporary housing).

We love shopping and great eating (really nice places and those little "hole in the wall" places that offer the best kept secrets around)!  We also love doing a variety of activities and would love to hear what are the "must see/do" things while living there!

 Please let me know...thanks!

PunkyBooster

We just moved to Chas and really like it. I don't know anything about the rest of the state though, sorry!

 

CarolinaGirl83

I really don't know much about Orangeburg... but just to warn you, the first weekend in January every year (Jan. 8 & 9, 2010) the Grand American Racoon Hunt is in town at the Fair Grounds.  There are usually Racoon hunters, Racoon dogs, vendors, etc. everywhere!  I know this because we go and it can be pretty fun!  But, I guess it could get pretty overwhelming if you're not into *** hunting.

sctiger

I don't know a whole lot about Orangeburg, but we always drove through it on our way to Charleston when I was living in Aiken (my hometown).  There honestly isn't much to Orangeburg.  Charleston isn't terribly far, so you'll have that for shopping and eating.  Also, if you're planning on having kids, many people choose to send them to private school because the public schools there are awful and have a bad reputation.  I think the city also has a fairly high crime rate.  The cost of living is very low, so you'll be able to find very cheap housing.

PunkyBooster

CarolinaGirl83:

I really don't know much about Orangeburg... but just to warn you, the first weekend in January every year (Jan. 8 & 9, 2010) the Grand American Racoon Hunt is in town at the Fair Grounds.  There are usually Racoon hunters, Racoon dogs, vendors, etc. everywhere!  I know this because we go and it can be pretty fun!  But, I guess it could get pretty overwhelming if you're not into *** hunting.

Oh. Wow.

I am definitely NOT in new england anymore. Holy mackeral. 

CarolinaGirl83

Lol, Punky!!  It's pretty entertaining and you can imagine the people that are there... I have lol'd at people many times!!

mrc7sjsc

I am about to move from Alabama to Aiken, SC area. Do you have any advice for me while you're at it? I am going to find an apt. or rental home next weekend and hopefully move in over the weekend. What kind of area is Aiken? Are we better off living in Augusta or North Augusta? What kind of churches, outdoors, art and design opportunities are there there? Are there any areas to avoid? We were there briefly for an interview one Friday and now we'll be jumping in with both feet. Thanks for any and all help!