North Charleston and other areas - your opinion?? (Windsor: homes, established neighborhood)

[dfmoving]

I've seen online some cute-looking, newer 3 bed/2 bath homes in what appears to be safe, decent-looking neighborhoods in N. Charleston. However, I've only heard mediocre things about N. Charleston, but have never been there. What's the deal about N. Charleston? How would you describe it?

We're not sure if we can afford something in Mt. Pleasant, but would like to search other areas that might be comparable (but a little more affordable).

- 3 bed/2 bath
- $160-180K (at closing)
- good schools, suburbs
- built within last 10 years or older home that's more up-to-date
- 25 min or less drive from downtown

Thanks!

[Capt Rick Hiott]

I have lived in N Chas for almost all of my life. (Almost 50 years) Sure,,It has its bad areas,,but overall I think its pretty good.

What part of N.Chas are you looking at?

[dfmoving]

Well, we found a few places online. Have no clue what kind of area this is. Any opinions?

Charleston Park subdivision - Dorchester Rd and Trump Street
Whitehall subdivision - Dorchester Road into Whitehall
Indigo Palms subdivision - I-26 Exit 209. Ashley Phosphate Rd and Windsor Hill Blvd

Looking for safe, suburban area. Good schools. Places to walk within neighborhood to exercise. Thanks!

[JimmyCh]

James island or West Ashley near Bees Ferry rd. Definitely no good school unless your kids can get into Academic Magnet or Art academy or private schools...also, I-26 traffic in the morning will be painful. The neighborhoods you are looking at are pretty far away from downtown. Without traffic, I think, for me will take half an hour to get to downtown.

[1lisat]

Charleston Park, Indigo and Whitehall are all very nice subdivisions in the Dorchester II School District. Very conveniently located to the AFB, airport, highways and shopping. It's the lower end of N Charleston that tends to have more problems. You'll get more home for the money here rather than Mt. Pleasant.

[texsoninsc]

Like Capt. Rick, I have lived in North Charleston and have had no issues. North Charleston often gets more of a bad rap than it should...sure there are places you can get into trouble, but by and large the areas you are talking about are OK.

Whitehall is a well established neighborhood, most homes in there are over 10 years old, but nice. They have amenities (pool, tennis courts, playground, etc.) that you can use.

Charleston Park is new, last couple of years, but it's been awhile since I've gone through there. I think they had some walking trails. I also think the development may have slowed down due to the economy, but I don't recall. I don't know if they have any amenities.

I know nothing about Indigo Palms.

Don't leave the various subdivisions in Wescott Plantation out of your search. Wescott is on the North Charleston municipal golf course and has a pool and other amenities as well.

Also, Taylor Plantation would meet your requirements...they have nice walking trails, but I think their Homeowner's Dues are pretty high.

In all cases, the popular Dorchester District II schools are currently undergoing line changes. The new elementary lines can be seen on the website, the High School lines will be unveiled tonight at Fort Dorchester High.

**EDIT** the proposed High School lines can also be seen on the website now.