I'm surprised that downtown Columbia and Cayce (just over the bridge from downtown) have been able to keep The Avenues neighborhood a local secret.  The homes were built in the 50's and are extremely well built.  Many of the neighbors have lived there for ages and refuse to sell.  A few Gamecock fans and investors have apparantly discovered this quaint neighborhood.  Why pay $399,900 for a condo when you can have a home that is twice the size but not twice the price...AND have no homeowners dues.  There's "restaurant row", automobile/tire biz, Krispy Kreme, Red Lobster, doctors offcies, accountants, grocery stores...everything you could ever want and have the lifestyle that reminds you of being on permanent vacation....slow paced, laid back, peaceful environment.