I moved to Columbia from Pasadena, and for the most part its definitely cheaper here (though, as others have said that also often means lower salaries, but not sure of your circumstances). One thing I would note is that at I pay a good bit more in taxes here then I did in LA. I am losing an extra ~$100 a paycheck comparatively.

Harpers Forest Apartment is probably the most 3/5 apartment complex I’ve lived in.

Management isn’t too bothersome, but also doesn’t really do much. They will send you a notice to evict if your even a day late on rent though. Maintenance is subpar and will has not handled requests very well, but I haven’t had an actual emergency yet either.

My main complaint would definitely be lack of sound isolation. I can hear people outside with my windows closed and the footsteps of neighbors above me with zero issue.