Hey, Cola. Jess here. 👋 It’s no surprise that Columbia is a great place to live. There are plenty of people who grew up here + have lived here for most of their lives (like Editor Lauren), and then there are also lots of people living here like myself, who moved here from out of state. I’m originally from Florida and moved here after college, so I’ve been here for a while now.

Today, we want to talk to the Columbia newbies – what brought you to the Midlands? Was it to be closer to family, the price of housing, or something totally different? We want to hear from you + highlight all of the awesome things that make our city such a great place to live.

#Answered

“Rated as the top ten cities to retire to. Came here in August from Anchorage Alaska.” – Charlotte M.

“We moved in August from Akron, Ohio for several reasons. The natural beauty, the climate, the warmth of the people drew us here many times over the years for vacations. We fell in love with SC! Last semester my two kids transferred to USC to complete their education.” – Fernanda F.

“My now wife Amy. I had been transferred to Columbia early 2018 for work and met her because she was cutting my hair. We became friends and then more. I moved to Charlotte a few months later, but couldn’t deny the love I felt for Amy. I moved back in February 2019 and Amy and I just got married October 2020 in Savannah, GA. Columbia is a special place indeed.” – Sam R.

“After living in New York most of my life, I moved to Florida after a disastrous breakup. Being over 60 and Jewish - and having my mom there made it easy to choose it as my new home. However, the heat and humidity got to me and I realized I'd have to go elsewhere. I have friends in this area, up by Lake Wateree, so I figured my new home would be nearby.

Once I got a job in Columbia though, it made more sense for me to live IN Columbia. And so I bought a condo here and have been living happily ever after ;-)

I love how Columbia has made me slow down some, be a nicer person (that Southern hospitality thing is real, y'all!) and my paycheck goes much further here too.

If you had told this NYC gal 30 years ago that I'd love living in the heart of South Carolina,I'd have thought you were crazy. But I do." – Leeza B.

“I am originally from Cleveland, Ohio and when I graduated from grad school, I accepted a job at UofSC. I moved to Columbia not knowing anyone or anything about this city, but what keeps me here is that it is the perfect size and is ever-changing. There's always a fun event going on or a new restaurant opening to try out. Plus, southern hospitality is a real thing. The people I've met here is what has made Cola home!” – Alyssa C.

“I was born in Los Angeles, but I grew up in South Carolina--in a small town called Cope in Orangeburg County. I graduated from Clemson and taught down there for 8 years before moving to to teach in a small town near DC for 15 years. I came back to Columbia to teach and work with a grant for 11 more years. Now I work at EdVenture, and I live in the Vista--two blocks away from my job! I love Columbia for the weather, the people, the food, and the fun activities that are sure to return when we get to the other side of the stinkin' pandemic. Columbia is vibrant, and I am glad to be here.” – Robin H.

“Retirement. Originally from Buffalo NY...need I say more? People are very friendly. Found a very nice church home. No family here - that is the hardest part!” – Karen K.

“My career in academic librarianship brought me to Columbia in October, 2020 and I could not be more excited to explore the Soda City once COVID is more under control. In addition to the job offer, the cost of living, central location, and climate lured me here. It seems like a great city based on a lot of the social media I’ve seen.” – Kellie B.

“Just moved here from Charlotte, NC. I moved here to retire on Lake Murray” – Steve W.

“A new chapter in life. My life partner is from Columbia and he brought me down.” – Susan P.

“USC! Go Cocks!! I moved from Cincinnati, OH. I was originally here for the pharmacy school, but ended up changing my mind and went for environmental science instead. I loved it in Cola, so I got a job with an environmental consulting firm after graduating and have been here for 5 years now.” – Ansley L.

“No snow, proximity to mountains & ocean, plenty of work.” – Lynetta M.

“Fort Jackson. The army stationed our family at Jackson and when I exited the service we stayed here. That was in 2000.” – Lance R.

“Career and the desire for a new start where I knew no one and not one thing about SC.” – Mackenzie H.

“I went to UofSC in the 1980-90s, moved away for 35 years then returned to be around old friends, the weather, and the cost of living. I moved from Wisconsin where houses like mine in Earlewood would cost at least $50,000 more and wouldn’t be on decent property with great neighbors and an awesome neighborhood vibe, not to mention not well-kept and fixed up. There’s pride of community here.” – Donna T.

“Graduate school at USC” – Elisa L.

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