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I was born and raised in Sumter and moved away to Atlanta at 19 when I transferred colleges.
I've since lived in Atlanta 3 times, a 5 year stint in Chicago, and actually a 2ish year stint in Columbia from 2008-2010.
Last year in 2022 I moved to Columbia when a parent suddenly became ill.
I didn't ever envision myself being back in SC honestly. I'm having a pretty difficult time adjusting (understatement). Of course it is mostly due to caregiving responsibilities. Part of it is due to missing being in a bigger city, which I do love living in larger cities.
This isn't meant to be a complaint thread. This is my home state. As I try to move past the longing and loss from the life I left behind, I guess I'd just like some ideas on things to do and/or ways to settle in here because I just may be here for a while now.
Would love to hear from those that maybe moved from a bigger place and also had to adjust to being here. Yes; I'm from a realllly small town, but I've been away from there for a long time now (I'm almost 45). Columbia is of course bigger than Sumter so I'm sure there are things I'm not aware of that are fun that the city has to offer.
I was born and raised in Sumter and moved away to Atlanta at 19 when I transferred colleges.
I've since lived in Atlanta 3 times, a 5 year stint in Chicago, and actually a 2ish year stint in Columbia from 2008-2010.
Last year in 2022 I moved to Columbia when a parent suddenly became ill.
I didn't ever envision myself being back in SC honestly. I'm having a pretty difficult time adjusting (understatement). Of course it is mostly due to caregiving responsibilities. Part of it is due to missing being in a bigger city, which I do love living in larger cities.
This isn't meant to be a complaint thread. This is my home state. As I try to move past the longing and loss from the life I left behind, I guess I'd just like some ideas on things to do and/or ways to settle in here because I just may be here for a while now.
Would love to hear from those that maybe moved from a bigger place and also had to adjust to being here. Yes; I'm from a realllly small town, but I've been away from there for a long time now (I'm almost 45). Columbia is of course bigger than Sumter so I'm sure there are things I'm not aware of that are fun that the city has to offer.
So I am a native Columbian and in your age demographic. Personally, I have a love/hate relationship with my hometown. Its home, so of course I love the memories and nostalgia associated with that. There are things to do.. BUT as I have gotten older the City SEEMS to trend to a younger demographic but not in a Raleigh-Durham kind of way which is not as bad. In fact, many people that knew that lived in the City during my college years have left and never looked back. If you like the outdoors, cycling, the foodie scene, college football, periodic concerts/fine arts it has enough of that to keep you occupied, but still many folks that I know end up venturing up to Charlotte or down to Charleston for more variety of entertainment that is relatively close by.
I have found that once you crest into your 40s there you have to develop your own network/circle of friends and associates and they becomes your "tribe" that you use as a vehicle to have a better experiences. It seems that many folks just operate out of their homes socially and periodically go out to events or meet ups downtown after work and other parts of the City for entertainment. This is just me and I dont live in Columbia anymore but frequent there because I do have family there still. Its not Atlanta or Chicago but it has just enough to keep you occupied as long as you are not wanting to go out and find something new to do locally every weekend type of person....CAE is also a functional airport if you want to get away periodically as your time allows...use social media for events/activities that may be of interest..... there is always something going on .... Good Luck
I have lived in many places and they are tradeoffs. I loved Chicago. Hated the Winter and cost of living. Columbia is smaller but great weather and a low cost of living. If you cannot find what you want in Columbia, you do not need it.
So I am a native Columbian and in your age demographic. Personally, I have a love/hate relationship with my hometown. Its home, so of course I love the memories and nostalgia associated with that. There are things to do.. BUT as I have gotten older the City SEEMS to trend to a younger demographic but not in a Raleigh-Durham kind of way which is not as bad. In fact, many people that knew that lived in the City during my college years have left and never looked back. If you like the outdoors, cycling, the foodie scene, college football, periodic concerts/fine arts it has enough of that to keep you occupied, but still many folks that I know end up venturing up to Charlotte or down to Charleston for more variety of entertainment that is relatively close by.
I have found that once you crest into your 40s there you have to develop your own network/circle of friends and associates and they becomes your "tribe" that you use as a vehicle to have a better experiences. It seems that many folks just operate out of their homes socially and periodically go out to events or meet ups downtown after work and other parts of the City for entertainment. This is just me and I dont live in Columbia anymore but frequent there because I do have family there still. Its not Atlanta or Chicago but it has just enough to keep you occupied as long as you are not wanting to go out and find something new to do locally every weekend type of person....CAE is also a functional airport if you want to get away periodically as your time allows...use social media for events/activities that may be of interest..... there is always something going on .... Good Luck
Thank you for your thoughts and suggestions; I appreciate it.
If you cannot find what you want in Columbia, you do not need it.
Ok.
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