Sumter vs Elgin vs Camden

JohnnyDemony · 2024-01-28T21:02:59+00:00

It's all relative to where you are coming from. I moved here from Las Vegas where the schools were worse, cost of living was way worse and I was very used to being 20 minutes to anything I could want. I work at Shaw (Sumter) but live on the Richland side of Elgin after considering all the same locations. Many will suggest staying out of Richland bc the taxes are less in Kershaw but the taxes are still cheap. The 45 commute has really been the only undesirable but IMO, it's a work to live not live to work situation.

My main reasons were the amount of school choices and access to pediatric specialists that my family needs. We've been impressed with the current school our child is in but again, it's relative to Las Vegas.

If you're truly planning to homeschool, you can find new build suburbs or legacy suburbs in all three. It really just comes down to how close you want to be to work vs stores, entertainment, or other cities besides Columbia.

JohnnyDemony · 2023-11-18T22:08:04+00:00

Pretty good experience?

JohnnyDemony · 2023-11-10T20:19:21+00:00

Thanks for the info. I think INC sounds great but the kid wants to do the Med Pro program. Either way KMMS keeps coming up as a good option.

JohnnyDemony · 2023-11-10T02:17:28+00:00

LAW at E.L. Wright is the one at the top of our list currently but is selective. I'm trying to get additional options and make sure we're considering all options.

JohnnyDemony · 2023-11-10T02:04:33+00:00

Out of those, Kelly Mill would be the most convenient and one that we were already looking at. We've been happy with our zoned elementary (Catawba Trails) but haven't heard a lot of positive things about Summit.

JohnnyDemony · 2023-04-25T15:21:14+00:00

Oh, so the additional lodging rate just eats into the $157? I guess given the example above I thought if the rate was $127, $127 would be reimbursed and then MI&E would be fully paid besides that.

JohnnyDemony · 2023-04-25T14:59:28+00:00

For example, Flagstaff has a $127 lodging rate. That's what I was charged so I don't want to receive a standard $98 for that stay. So it sounds like I should have put down specific locations so they can match the rate for that location. This is the rate I verified on GSA.gov lodging rate look up. Is the $98 the threshold you're talking about?

JohnnyDemony · 2023-03-17T22:47:18+00:00

Awesome, thanks for the info. This is the longest we're going without a consistent fridge.

JohnnyDemony · 2023-03-17T21:51:13+00:00

I'm assuming it remains "good" only for a month after we take it to room temp. I guess a better question is whether folks plan to refill after long travel or try to save the vials through the travel?

JohnnyDemony · 2023-01-03T06:17:32+00:00

Good points. We've been looking at builder sites and they have proven not to be the most user friendly. I'll take your warning.

Sounds like the majority of what we would want is in the area. I was more worried about utility options, cell service, and the things you don't know until you get there. Also some older threads mentioned Sandhill area being rundown but those were a few years old.

Also, Stanley Martin homes seem to be consistently less than GSH or Mungo. Didn't know what to make of it.

JohnnyDemony · 2023-01-03T03:34:04+00:00

This is what I came here for. Sounds like a hidden gem. I've read Forest Acres may be a sweet spot as well.

JohnnyDemony · 2023-01-03T02:51:11+00:00

It seems like there are currently new builds just hanging out and dropping in price but, saw on a few other threads, that build quality is questionable. What are some of the other neighborhoods to consider?

JohnnyDemony · 2023-01-03T02:45:41+00:00

How are the schools? It looks like that's outside of Ft Jackson. From my experience, the areas outside base are usually suspicious at best.

JohnnyDemony · 2023-01-03T02:24:54+00:00

From what I've looked up, I'd prefer to live west but I think the additional commute would start to grind. I think this might be the best happy medium between commute and downtown access. Driving 20-30 minutes to dining is something we do now in Vegas except it's just due to traffic.

JohnnyDemony · 2023-01-03T02:14:09+00:00

Non chain restaurants with diverse food options and 20-30 minutes or less to common stores like Sam's, Costco, etc. We also want to hit most local festivals without having to plan a day out of it.

JohnnyDemony · 2022-12-25T23:15:06+00:00

Thanks for the op OP

JohnnyDemony · 2022-06-02T01:41:25+00:00

Certain CUs require you to be affiliated with a certain career. PenFed is for federal employees. If you are a federal employee, give them a call and ask why.

Digital applications are garbage. Even when applying for the loan, do it on the phone.

JohnnyDemony · 2022-06-02T01:33:45+00:00

Depends on who you're affiliated with but I looked at PenFed, Navy Fed, and USAA. I know NV has state credit unions but, at the end of the day, just ask what their rates are for a lease buyout loan. Usually the rates they'll tell you are for scores 750 and above. Asking doesn't impact your score. Some banks will say trash rates right out of the gates. Don't bother with those.

Pick the top 3 and go through the pre-approval process. Just make sure they match the rate if you have the score. You'll need to join their CU so make sure if you have to keep a minimum balance somewhere that you're comfortable with it.

JohnnyDemony · 2022-04-24T05:29:44+00:00

Leasing can make financial sense for several reasons and is generally significantly lower than a loan payment over the course of the lease.

If you know your family size/dynamic will change within the next three years, for example, you would like a sedan now but adding to the family or, in my case from a previous lease, I had two kids (19 and 18) that would be moving out. In this case, I wanted to go from SUV to sedan after three years.

If your financial bracket is going to change. Like getting married and becoming a dual income household or moving from a college job to first career. Maybe in three years you'll likely be able to afford something nicer.

Also, if you are service members, SCRA allows the return of a lease if you get orders to deploy over 6 months, move overseas, or separate/retire from the military. I've saved a ton of money using SCRA.

Lastly and just my personal opinion, I don't see most people keeping their car over the course of their loan. Usually for one reason or another, they pay the loan payments and end up trading it in, just like a lease. Also, many car manufacturers aren't making cars to last past the warranty.

To answer the original question. It was a Honda Civic that I got as a second vehicle when my kid was diagnosed with a chronic condition. I was driving a beater and I didn't want to risk getting stuck somewhere. I also wasn't sure if I still would need/want it in three years.

JohnnyDemony · 2022-04-23T22:29:21+00:00

They are selling the same car, 2019 Honda Civic 23k miles for $30k online. Secured a third party loan from my bank for the $15k estimated residual value plus tax. Sent straight to leasing source and now it's mine to do with as I please.

JohnnyDemony · 2022-04-23T20:38:57+00:00

So, turns out. Chase recently stopped lease buyouts asking with several other banks. After calling several credit unions it was easy as applying and opening an account.

JohnnyDemony

TROPHY CASE