How is zip code 29412 (Charleston, Folly Beach: apartments, house insurance, condos)

[jessemh431]

I'm considering moving to Charleston from LA. I don't know much about any areas in the South East, so I need advice. I would like a place with safety as my highest concern. Also, are there any cities with good beaches in the area?

Or how about Kiawah Island.

[DJShymansky]

29412 is James Island. It's the area of the lowcountry between downtown Charleston and Folly Beach (which is on the ocean). Most parts of James Island are 10 minutes or less to Folly Beach.

[SCBeaches]

James Island is very nice and diverse...there are many family-oriented subdivisions and neighborhoods as well as apartments and condos for singles, professionals, and young married couples. There are good and excellent schools, all forms of recreation for children and adults, movie theaters, shopping, lots of restaurants, and very close to Folly Beach in one direction and downtown Charleston in another direction.

As for Kiawah Island, it is a luxurious, gated island community which caters to the wealthy and priveleged - most homes start at 1 million $. It is also very far from the heart of Charleston. But, if you can afford living there, you really don't have to leave Kiawah for much as they have their own beaches, restaurants, shopping, etc.

[jessemh431]

while looking at the area on Google Earth, it seems like the area is very marshy and swampy. Is that true? If so, are there many bugs in the area due to the swamps?

[DJShymansky]

James Island, and a good deal of the Charleston area, does have a great deal of marsh/wetland and tidal creeks. Those environments and the usual humidity do allow for a good deal of insects in the area. However, that being said, not all homes in James Island and the surrounding areas are on wetland lots, tidal creeks, etc.

[salgoud]

Originally Posted by jessemh431

I'm considering moving to Charleston from LA. I don't know much about any areas in the South East, so I need advice. I would like a place with safety as my highest concern. Also, are there any cities with good beaches in the area?

Or how about Kiawah Island.

I live on James Isand now. In my opinion James Island is the best place to live in Charleston. Sadly I will be moving from Charleston back to my home town to retire. I have already bought me a new home there but will continue to live in Charleston also for the for seeable future.
I have live on James Island for 17 years and the area I live in is quite safe. Only one incident and that was 16 years ago.

The beach is less than 10 minutes from my house and I go there often. I ride my bike to Folly Beach and sometimes ride on the beach itself. If you love the ocean you can't beat Folly Beach.

[moneill]

Are there subdivisions on James Island that have amenities such as swimming pools?

Is it a kid friendly area?

We are wondering if we would be better off living in a more suburban like setting for our son.

Are house insurance rates high?

We have until the end of this school year so I have a few months to obsess. My husband will be commuting to Charleston from Atlanta for the next 8 months and is in a job that should allow him to get a good picture of deelopment in Charleston but I still like to poke around here to see what folks have to say.

[DJShymansky]

Neighborhood swimming pools, yes. Bayview Farms, and Eaglewood Retreat springing to mind. I'm certain there are others, as well as a number of homes on James Island that have their own in-ground pools. Home insurance and flood insurance are higher in many parts of James Island given it's proximity to the coast and the number of low-lying areas. However the actual cost varies by house and location, so it would really take getting a number of quotes from a few reputable local insurance companies to iron-out exactly what the cost for a specific house would be. I do know a few that would be happy to provide approximations.

James Island is certainly family friendly. It's a fantastic and safe part of the lowcountry.