Ken L. reports in this review:
| Weather | | How much crime? | | What are the neighborhoods like? | | What are the people like? |
| Normally the summers are hot and muggy. Highs reach the upper 90's during the peak summer months of June, July, and August.Winters are usually mild, but can dip into the mid 20's which is not an every year accurance. | | The main areas for crime are not so much in the immediate downtown areas, but a few close by that surround it. Areas around parts of Two Notch Rd. are places I wouldn't recommend. | | From where Two Notch Rd. intersects with Hardin st. I wouldn't venture out in. But down towards the 5 pts. area on Hardin is ok. A few blocks right downtown between Assembly St. And Huger are also places you might not want to walk in. The areas with the least of problems in town are The Vista, and also 5 Pts. which is in the area of USC (University of S.C.)Most of the occurances in both of these downtown areas is mainly from people getting a little to inebriated and starting something. Overall though Those are good spots. | | For the most part, people are friendly and willing to help with directions or questions they might be asked. There are a lot of locals who live in parts of downtown, even though it is a college town. |
| Downtown Area | | Restaurants | | Schools | | Single life |
| It lacks of any high end stores, and really not many places that have a good selection. There are a couple malls in the outer areas that have the big National name stores in them. Richland mall is your best bet downtown(Forest Acres area), Columbiana Center Mall(Irmo),and Woodhill Mall(Garners Ferry Rd)are the three I would recomend. | | Zorbas, in the Irmo area (St. Andrews Rd.)has great Greek food. Pearlz Oyster and Raw Bar(Vista-DT). There are quite a few very good restaurants in the surrounding areas, Especially Irmo and Lexington. But as far as downtown, I recomend asking some of the locals. | | There are actually a few good schools in the surrounding areas, and downtown. But like I've said in other reviews of the different cities I've been to, and like anywhere i believe, It's all in how you apply yourself. There are a couple very good Private schools also. | | Unlike quite a few of the many cities I've been in and also lived, it seems like it's more of a chase to connect with someone. The bars for socializing and meeting someone are ok places, and of course that depends on the clientel and WHAT you are looking for. The restaurants that have a bar area i would recomend for the over 30 crowd. |
| Noise | | town comparison vs. | | Best hospital | | Tourist attractions |
| The noise is relatively normal downtown. The airport is situated well outside of town. Firetrucks, ambulance, and police sirens are mainly the loudest you'll hear. Along with the occasional car horns. | | Honestly, there are better cities to visit, and each are about 100 miles from Columbia. For being the Capital of S.C. I feel it lacks a lot of things. The Musuem and the Riverbanks zoo are definately worth going to. The River walk also is not bad. | | The three main Hospitals in the Columbia area I would say are Richland Memorial, Palmetto Health Babtist,and Lexington Medical Center. Others are Providence, Moncrief Army Hospital, and the VA Medical Center. | | The best places that Columbia has to offer is the S.C. State Museum,Columbia Museum of Art, Riverbanks Zoo, The River walk, Lake Murray, and the Saluda Shoals Nature Center on Bush River Rd. |
| General comments | | | | | | |
| Besides the Vista and 5 pts. there really isn't much to offer downtown. The Museum is definately a plus which is only a few blocks from the Vista. There are a couple parks that are ok also. Veterans Memorial of course. | | | | | | |
