possibly relocating...Lake Carolina? (Columbia, Irmo: high crime, homes, safest area)

[nene70]

Hi! My husband may possibly take a job in columbia and we have heard great things about Lake Carolina. Obviously, I have researched Columbia and see that it ranks really high for crimes and is not rated as a great "place to raise a family". We do have children and I am concerned about high crime. Is there much crime in and around Lake Carolina? We have not explored the areas out beyond there. Thanks in advance for information!

[Intergalactic]

Crime in South Carolina is largely domestic or poor-on-poor, and unless you live in the bad neighborhoods--which Lake Carolina most assuredly is not--you will have no problems.

[waccamatt]

Intergalactic is correct - a large percentage of the crime in SC is domestic, you wouldn't have any worries in Lake Carolina.

[chiboy7]

Exactly. The nicer neighborhoods are very safe.

[jlboney]

I will not say there is no possibility that you will not encounter problems, that's an impossible promise to make. I live around the corner from Lake Carolina and have many friends that live in Lake Carolina. The seem to love it there, and I have no issues where I stay. If you have a chance, you guys should come to Columbia and take a look around to see what you think of it in person.

[Charlestondata]

Besides Lake Carolina or anywhere else in the burbs, all the in-town neighborhoods that are zoned from either Dreher or A.C. Flora high schools have beautiful old homes of all sizes in safe neighborhoods. As stated before, the crime takes place in the poor neighborhoods and it's poor on poor crime, including domestic violence. Even with crime that goes on, Columbia recently was not on the list of the fifteen most dangerous metros in the nation, and some quite popular cities were.

[nene70]

I appreciate all of your replies! Hopefully, my husband will hear something soon...we are looking forward to the possible change and it makes me feel better to hear the "safety factor" is good! Any other tidbits of information (ie. schools with good reputations), family recreation, etc. would be greatly appreciated! Of course, we are doing our own research as well.

[Resident S.]

Lake Carolina is a very safe area, with a lot of families with children. Sidewalks are everywhere, and kids can walk from most neighborhoods to Lake Carolina Elementary, and to the Middle School. There also is a Town Center with little shops, like a Doctor, Eyecare, Dog Groomer, Beauty Shops, Barber Shop, Coffee Shop, Law Offices, Ice Cream Shop, etc. Swimming pools, tennis courts, and the YMCA is for a lot of residents in walking distance. I really enjoy living in LC!

[lisake]

It is my understanding that the Centennial neighborhood in Lake Calorina was recently rezoned and those children will not be attending Lake Carolina Elementary. Many parents in the Centennial neighborhood are very unhappy about the change. You should look into both elementary schools, and you might want to skip Centennial and look in the other LC neighborhoods.

For family recreation, I can't say enough good things about the Riverbanks Zoo and EdVenture Children's Museum. Family memberships are a great bargain.

[erinp]

What neighborhoods near Columbia are the nice-safest areas to raise a family? We are wanting to relocate from Orlando, FL. which has gotten terrible with crime to something calmer, safer and good for my 7yr old son. I was told Lake Carolina, Irmo, lexington? What is some resident opinions?