Vincent Hanna

If you are going to live in Columbia itself, pick a neighborhood that feeds into AC Flora or Dreher High Schools (Shandon, Rosewood, Forest Acres, Woodhill area). Stay away from all the others in Richland County.

If you want to live in the 'burbs, go for the Lake Murray area with either Lexington on the southern side (feeding Lexington or River Bluff High Schools) or the "Dutch Fork" area on the northern side (feeding Chapin & Dutch Fork High Schools).

Good private schools but they are unnecessary unless you just want to splurge or prefer a parochial education.

Columbia has nice areas that quickly turn into bad areas so be careful. If you know where your job will be I can give you additional tips. Lived in and around the area 38 of my 39 years. Columbia is largely unremarkable but extremely livable. Plenty to do. 2 hours to the beach and mountains for day trips / vacations.