As a retired NCO and Columbia County resident - I can empathize with your dilemma.

When we transfered to Fort Gordon, the same unanimous opinions drove us to choose Evans as our home. We would have been happy in Martinez or Grovetown, but the home we bought in Evans was simply a perfect fit. Schools where our number one reason for picking Columbia County over Richmond County.

Demographic information from the US Census bureau can be found at this link:

http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/13000.html

The Columbia County and Richmond County Board of Education websites are:

http://www.ccboe.net
http://www.rcboe.org

You can do a comparison of each county's schools here:

http://www.greatschools.net/

Statistically, Columbia County has led the area in property and resale values, although for the first time since 2006, July sales in Richmond County exceeded 2008's numbers.

There are Magnet schools in Richmond County which greatly exceed mandated standards. The chore is finding a home in those school districts that meets all your needs.

Although you state December is your transfer date, I would recommend closing on a property in November in order to take advantage of the $8,000 First Time Homebuyer tax credit - unless you've owned property in the last two years. I have much more information on the tax credit if you visit my site and go the "blog" section.

As a full time Realtor and fellow veteran - I look forward to helping you with your relocation to Augusta. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.

Navy Chief, Navy Pride
Joe Loomer (USN Ret.)
Associate Leadership Council, Growth Chair
Keller Williams Realty Augusta Partners
jloomer@kw.com
706-627-2650