Charleston is the hot spot for SC, not Columbia. And trust me, Hurricanes aren't that a big of a deal as long as you're not living right on the ocean front. They give plenty of warning so that you can prepare and leave the area, if necessary. I also know that for licensing, you simply go to the DMV and trade your OH DL (good for 90 days as a new resident) for a SC DL after passing the eye exam - no testing required. Good luck in your decision making and eventual relocation plans.