Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Columbia SC Named One of America's Best Places to Live for Retirees!

U.S. News & World Report has named Columbia SC as one of America's Best Affordable Places to Retire!
Of course, I knew that already as a Columbia Realtor and life-long resident of Columbia.  Columbia IS a great place to live, especially for retirees.




The complete article (September 28, 2009):
America's Best Affordable Places to Retire
U.S. News & World Report worked with a data search company to seek out places with a low cost of living and reasonable housing prices that still offered access to the services and amenities that people should look for in an ideal retirement spot. Each city on the list has high-quality healthcare and elder-care facilities, as well as an abundance of educational and cultural events.


Topping the list of reasons that Columbia SC was chosen as a BEST PLACE TO LIVE FOR  RETIREMENT:  low median home prices AND low owner occupied property taxes (homeowners over age 65 get even lower tax bills).  The median home sale price in 2008 was about $148,000.  Average property taxes were listed around $1,000.  Homeowners over age 65 get a $50,000 reduction on assessed tax value to further lower property tax bills.



More reasons to choose Columbia SC for affordable retirement living: 
  • LOW overall cost of living
  • GREAT weather - lots of sunshine and mild winters (snow is rare)Friendly people and Southern hospitality
  • Excellent health care facilities
  • Lake Murray  - one of the BEST lakes in all of the South is popular for boating, fishing and fun
  • Easy access to city, regional and state parks and even a National Park close to Columbia
  • THREE rivers through Columbia - Congaree, Broad and Saluda for canoeing and kayaking
  • Numerous and diverse cultural activities: antebellum architecture in historic districts, excellent   musuems, outdoor concerts, University of South Carolina athletic events
  • Military retirees enjoy amenities and benefits provided by U.S. Army Fort Jackson and Dorn VA hospital
  • Nice places to shop including several malls and special shopping districts including Five Points and Congaree Vista
  • Stable economy and work force employers
  • There's more, but at least the above list is a start as to why you should choose Columbia SC for your place to call home for retirement!


More Columbia SC information:


When you're ready for more Columbia SC real estate information, contact Mel Coker:
Office: (803) 223-6214
Mobile: (803) 318-2007


Mel Coker


Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Search for Lake Murray homes for sale

Search for  Lake Murray or Columbia area Homes for Sale

I've updated my GreatColumbiaSChomes.com website to include NEW MLS search features.  Click below to see this website:
GreatColumbiaSCHomes.com
At this website, I have 4 different MLS search features available for your convenience.

Of course, the BEST way to get started with buying ANY Lake Murray or Columbia area home is to contact Mel Coker.  I live ON Lake Murray and I know Lake Murray.  Mel Coker should be YOUR Lake Murray Realtor.  Call Mel Coker at (803) 388-8011.

I've included one of my MLS search features below with a starting point of zip code 29036 (Chapin area).



Mel Coker
http://www.melcoker.com/
http://www.lakemurray-sc.com/

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Lake Murray FISHING Page

The Fishing is GREAT at Lake Murray!
CLICK for my NEW Lake Murray Fishing Web Page

Tournaments are hosted frequently on the lake, including the Forest Wood Cup at Lake Murray in August 2008. Lake Murray is known as one of the most productive lakes in the Southeast for largemouth bass and striped bass. Lake Murray state record fish include: white bass, white perch, white crappie, and white catfish.

What's on my Fishing at Lake Murray page: link to Buddy's fishing guide service, DNR fishing report, Lake Murray fish attractors, license information and link to buy online, Lake Murray weather link, order Lake Murray map or poster online and more.

Fishing at Lake Murray  |   Lake Murray website