So, It's a a mid-size city city with about 106K people. Household incomes average around $129,173 in Columbia. You can expect to pay around $1,998 for rent here. Average temperature is around 57--F, so the weather is moderate. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
44 upvotes
3 Replies
jaxon_life
Moved here from Austin about 12 years ago. it's not perfect but it works for me. Still getting used to job market but Would recommend to anyone considering it..
6 upvotes
Grayson Nguyen
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 32, moved here 2 years ago from Charlotte. I've lived in West and Riverside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Can feel isolated
3. The safety situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- West: Great for young professionals. tough vibes, walkable.
- Riverside: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Charlotte, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $60K-$150K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
5 upvotes
Declan E.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem hit or miss.
I've been here 12 years and I love the pace of life here. The thing nobody mentions is healthcare. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the job market is legit. And if you're into mountain biking, this place is better than expected.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Old Town side vs the East side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
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