Safest apartments/areas in West Ashley? (Charleston, St. Andrews: rentals, insurance, condos)

[newgirlintown]

I just recently moved to the area and am currently staying with friends. I'm looking into apartments in West Ashley, but was wondering if anyone could provide me with some information as to what areas of West Ashley are the safest. It's kind of difficult for me to be able to gauge what is a good area and what isn't, without knowing the area too well. Being a single girl, safety is my #1 priority - I want to live in a safe, quiet area. Any names of apartments or specific areas (street names, etc.) that you may be able to provide would be greatly appreciated!! Thank you so much!

[hapscat]

yea be careful . i used to give this guy a ride to work and he killed this young girl . middleton cove i believe. what afreakjob this guy was. shoulda put him out of his misery while i had the chance. try westchase down hwy 61. good luck and be careful out there

[DJShymansky]

I'd recommend Merrit at Hampton Pointe (on Sam Rittenberg, between Ashley 61 and Orelans Rd.) and any apartment you might be able to rent in Concord (45 Sycamore). Both are very nicely taken care of, have great amenities, and have the luxury of actually having a number of police officers living in them.

As a former Charleston City officer serving West Ashley, I can't promise that any area is 100% crime free or 100% safe, but I'd feel comfortable having my family in either one of the above complexes if that's any comfort.

[AskAngel]

Check out Apartment Finders InternationalApartment Finders International: Main Title Page The 3 apts. that stand out as far as peace of mind are: 1)Colonial Grand at Cypress Cove on Mary Adler Ave. and the gorgeous 2)Heron Reserve on Glenn McConnell Pkwy (this is near the wonderful St. Francis hospital). 3) Sabal Palms on Lochaven Dr. it's a gated community also near the hospital area.

[newgirlintown]

DJShymansky - thank you so much for your help! I tried to look up Merrit at Hampton Pointe, but all I could come up with was Colonial Village at Hampton Pointe. I didn't know if this was perhaps the one you were referring to, but maybe they had undergone a name change or change of management?

[newgirlintown]

AskAngel- your link says that it's only serving the Denver area, but thank you so much for your suggestions! I'll certainly look into those three!

[DJShymansky]

Hampton Pointe-1916 Sam Rittenberg Boulevard Charleston, SC 29407 843-556-2326 - Apartment Search Results

My fault. Here's the link. Also, Concord on 45 Sycamore might not be actually renting apartments as they've gone condo. However, many owners of those condos do still have them for rent. It is a very nice complex.

[AskAngel]

Hi-
That link did screw up-sorry. Put in 3w and then apartment finder dot u know and then another is apartment guide u know! Those might work. Also there are a couple of newer snazzy apts. you could also check out. One is ShawdowMoss Pointe off Bees Ferry Rd. (they are more like townhouses). And there are brand new ones that keep their prices private unless you call-but they are all that-it's called Haddon Hall off Hadden Hall Dr. (don't know if that's a type-o I typed it as it is advertised) but it's also off Bees Ferry Rd. (go R into Grand Oaks Plantation). By appt. their number is 843-556-9240 Also if you're looking for less expensive (but still nice) try checking out Colonial Villiage at Westchase or the gated Plantation Oaks. These are in the apartment finder or you could type each apartment name with the word Charleston and apartment in Google and try to get their direct website for each one to read more specifics or see better pictures of each one. Good Luck! Oh-and if you like dogs-and they are permitted-they ALWAYS give peace of mind for protection; not to mention they make great companions!
Check Craigslist for free doggies always needing TLC and new ownership.

[AskAngel]

oops-one more I completely forgot-it's in the middle range but nice is Ashley Crossing off Magwood. I think they have alarm systems in each apt. Now here's some good old fashioned woman-to-woman talk. It's a good idea, no matter where you rent-how safe it looks,etc. to get renter's insurance. It's not expensive at all. Also consider an apt. on the 2 or higher level-unless you opt to get a nice dog like an Aussie or German sheppard. Or a good mutt mix will also suprise you with protective skills (take him -and you want a male dog-on runs with you if you jog,etc). Really areas you might want to avoid would be Savannah Hwy (Hwy 17), areas near the Citadel Mall, and Orleans Rd. (and the Maryville area like Playground Rd and section off St. Andrews just before the Hess station and Playground Rd). It's hit or miss. There's actually a beautiful condo style gated community right behind the Hess Gas station across from the post office off Magnolia Rd. I'm not even sure if they are rentals-since more new places are opting to have people buy the units in an attempt to revamp the areas that are going downhill and need assistance. Aside from theft and drug abuse in the areas, the other types of crimes generally are specific or personal related. If you take the defensive attitude: carry a hidden jabber blade or mace (not that you'll ever have to use it-but if you do- spray directly in the eyes-then give a strong kick to the man area,then run for safety. use your elbows like daggers near the temporal and ear areas of the head. If it's a big muscled individual, look for veins that pop out-target the largest vein directly to the point of blood with a pocket knife, fingernail or teeth). Don't be afraid to look anyone straight in the eyes and say hello if spoken to-no smiles-and keep to yourself when using amenities,etc. Listen to your gut and scope out the residents first by observation. Know their routines (who walks their dogs, where, when-not stalking but just make a note of who and where). Who comes and goes around your immediate area of your apt. etc. You're the new kid so to speak, so your going to be getting checked out by many-so you need to be up on them as well. Ask the office who lives in the units around the one you will be considering because knowing names and generalized info like ex: Mark and Mary Murphee live across the hall with their 2 children and a dog (even if you've never met them,etc. will give you an advantage if you need to make it appear that you already know your neighbors by name). This establishes a protective barrier to someone that might approach you that doesn't live in your immediate unit,etc. and tries to strike a conversation asking questions. And finally, do a sex offender searches on the addresses of places you are considering. Ask the office about any incidents that have occurred or call the local police station for that area and ask them directly about the types of calls they get for a particular apt. complex. They know more than anyone what they respond to and where. This advice is of the most extreme, so don't take it too seriously, but be aware of your surroundings and expect the worst can happen anytime, anywhere-if you're prepared mentally, chances are it will be sensed and you won't be bothered. Live, Laugh, Learn. It's all Life!

[hapscat]

magnolia sycamore bad. maryvull right across the screet. high crime. stay away.