c.1940 South Carolina Home Needing Rehab $55K

OHU50K Notes    $55,000

c.1940 South Carolina Home Needing Rehab. Set back off the street, this home is on over a half acre lot. Close to freeway access.

Realtor Comments

2 bd/1 ba house being sold as-is. Lot is 0.52 acres. Located in Irmo, 2 mins from I-26, 5 mins from Harbison Blvd. House needs extensive rehab – to include windows, roof, new HVAC, new electrical, flooring, new kitchen, new bathroom, etc. Signs of termite activity and high moisture in crawlspace.

• 2 beds
• 1 bath
• 960 sqft
• 0.52 acres lot
• Build date 1940

842 Kennerly Rd, Irmo, SC 29063     $55,000

• Contact Realtor: Property Owner (803) 849-2165
• Google Map
• Niche

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Pros and Cons of Living in Irmo, South Carolina

Pros

1. Exceptional Location & Natural Surroundings

• Just 12 miles northwest of Columbia, Irmo offers easy access to the capital’s cultural amenities and job opportunities while retaining a peaceful suburban feel

• Nestled between Lake Murray—a 50,000-acre manmade lake with extensive shoreline—and Harbison State Forest, Irmo provides abundant outdoor recreation like boating, hiking, biking, kayaking, and lakeside dining

• Saluda Shoals Park, within Irmo’s reach, features walking and biking trails, picnic areas, boating access, and wildlife observation opportunities

2. Strong Family Infrastructure

• Part of Lexington‑Richland School District 5, known for its quality education and dedicated teachers

• Niche gives Irmo high grades: overall A for a suburb, A for public schools, A for families, housing, and diversity—though lower marks for commute (C+) and crime (C+)

• Local stats show a 92% high school graduation rate and test scores 23% above the U.S. average

• Residents praise its family-friendly nature:

  “I’ve lived in Irmo for over 20 years … The schools are top‑rated, the neighborhoods are safe…”
  “Schools are good … Our kids love Irmo Community Park and Saluda Shoals.”

3. Community & Amenities

• Small-town atmosphere with a welcoming sense of community, regular events like the Okra Strut Festival, and local parks and libraries including two public libraries

• Plenty of shopping and dining options—both national chains (Costco, Sam’s Club, Home Goods, Columbiana Mall) and local favorites like Loveland Coffee and Bistro on The Boulevard

• Safe neighborhoods and highly rated healthcare and emergency services

4. Affordability & Income

• Median household income around $75,344, which is notably higher than the South Carolina average

• Home prices are fairly reasonable: median home value is approximately $145,100, slightly above the state average, while rent averages about $1,214/month

• A range of housing options exists—from older, affordable homes and high-end lakefront homes that can reach $1M+

Cons

1. Traffic Challenges

• Harbison Boulevard, I‑26, and Lake Murray Boulevard see heavy traffic during rush hours and weekends

• The infamous “Malfunction Junction” intersection on I‑26 can make commuting stressful and prone to accidents

• Local insights agree:

  “Rush hour traffic into Columbia is a thing … Fighting I‑26 traffic is a thing.”
  “Traffic on I‑26 … can be very rough [during peak hours].”

2. Railroad Delays & Noise

• Trains passing through town can trigger delays at crossings and generate noise, especially near rail lines

3. Limited Development & Higher Prices

• Irmo’s small area limits housing supply, which can tighten inventory and push prices upward

• The mandatory rental license for landlords introduces another layer of cost and administration: $250/year (plus penalties if late)

4. Weather & Bugs

• High humidity and summer heat (with temps up to 94°F and humidity in the 80s) make a/c and mosquito control a must during July–September

5. Crime Rates (Mixed Data)

• AreaVibes data shows crime is 24% lower than South Carolina average

• However, NeighborhoodScout reports a comparatively higher overall crime rate—1 in 28 chance of being a victim, and property crime is particularly elevated

6. Limited Entertainment & Diversity

• Some residents express a desire for more diverse culture and nightlife:

  “Lack of diversity … It can feel isolating at times.” 
  “The food scene here isn’t great … I do miss being close to … Vista/main st for a night out.”

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