My husband is interested in a job in Sumter, SC. He wouldn't mind a 30 minute commute if you think a particular area outside of town is a better location. What is the area like? How far to the beach? I'd like more info before making a decision to move. Thanks for your help!

I worked in Sumpter for a day twenty years ago so my memory is a bit taxed. It is the county seat(of a county by the same name, I believe) of a mostly rural county roughly thirty minutes east of Columbia, the capital of South Carolina. A lot of cotton farms outside of town. Sumpter was a small town of maybe 15,000 then. It wasn't a run-down town but certainly wasn't some sort of New South sort of town. By now, the county almost certainly has some of Columbia's suburban sprawl. Sumpter is about two hours from Myrtle Beach.

It must have made quite an impression on you GeorgeW because it is Sumter, SC not Sumpter, SC.

Beth, what are y'alls ages? I highly suggest living in Columbia.

Forest Acres and Shandon, which are two of the nicest neighborhoods in Columbia (and older neighborhoods, tree lined sidewalks), are on the Sumter side of Columbia.

Yes, I can't believe I typed Sumpter twice. I hope it's not Alzheimer's.

Three times.....

I agree it is a very pass through type place.

Camden would be a great place to live. Big horse country.

We're late 40's . . . I didn't realize Sumter is only 30 minutes from Columbia. I prefer a new home, but will keep all options open. It seemed like the real estate was less expensive in the Sumter area as compared to Columbia.
We're planning a trip to Myrtle Beach in August so we'll take a day trip to Sumter/Columbia and check out the area.

I would live in this order (I graduated from USC and lived in Columbia for four years);

Columbia
Camden
Sumter.

There is a really long thread on this very subject. I'll try and find.

Here it is:

http://www.fodors.com/forums/pgMessa...n+Forest+Acres

And another;

http://www.fodors.com/forums/pgMessa...+neighborhoods