charleston info please (North Charleston, Greenville, Mount Pleasant: homes, best schools, taxes)

[jon]

My wife and I are looking to relocate to South Carolina from Tampa Fl. She has been offered a position in Charleston. We originally were looking more toward Greenville, but a position has not come open and Charleston has been offered. Could someone give some information on Charleston? We have two small children ages 4 and 9. What are the more desireable areas around Charleston.? Thank You, Jon

[scjj]

Depends on what your needs are and what you can afford. There are several areas to choose from. There is Mount Pleasant where you won't get a lot for your money, the homes there are expensive and the yards are small, taxes are high. The schools there on the other hand are good. There is James Island that a lot of people are attracted to, but personally after living here and hearing some things in the news about James Island I would not live there myself. Then you have North Charleston where you DO NOT want to live unless it is on the outskirts closer to Summerville or Goose Creek. Summerville and Goose Creek you will find more affordable homes. Summerville is the fastest growing county right now and it is also known for having some of the best schools in the state. There is also the West Ashley area that is okay in the newer areas where they are building new developments, but it gets kinda shady the closer you get to Charleston.